The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working with Community Gardens Australia (WA) to better understand factors affecting participation in surveillance for plant pests and diseases.
Keen gardeners are being asked to take part in a survey about their knowledge and practices when it comes to garden pests.
DPIRD senior development officer Rosalie McCauley said backyard surveillance could help with early detection of exotic pests or diseases, giving DPIRD a better chance of eradicating or limiting further spread.
“Gardeners are really engaged and observant about the organisms in their backyard, including when they spot something unusual,” Dr McCauley said.
“Tools such as the department’s MyPestGuide® Reporter app can help people identify pests by submitting a report of organisms, such as insects, diseases or weeds, observed in their garden.”
Dr McCauley said the survey would provide insight into what influences people’s participation in surveillance.
“We can then tailor our future engagement activities to improve people’s skills, knowledge and management of garden pests and diseases,” Dr McCauley said.
Community Garden Australia WA Coordinator Chris Smyth encouraged gardeners to take part in the survey, which closes on Monday 19 February 2024.
“Community gardeners care about their gardens and their communities, so they are good recruits to the cause,” Mr Smyth said.
For more information on the Community Gardens Project or to take part in the survey, go to the department website https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/importance-looking-pests-garden.
