International pepper breeder shares know-how with Aussie growers

During his visit, Mr Just toured Qld assessing various capsicum trials in the Bundaberg and Bowen area.

In June he hosted a Seminis information session discussing management for Bacterial Spot and other capsicum viruses.

The event featured a field walk followed by a presentation on new and emerging genetics with resistance to common diseases such as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Capsicum Chlorosis Virus (CaCV).

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Monsanto Vegetable Seeds general manager, Ben Hoodless, said it was always great having Mr Just back in Australia to share with growers his expertise on disease management, genetics and breeding priorities.

“In particular, Bacterial Spot has been a real issue for capsicum growers this year, and I think Brian’s visit has been a great opportunity for growers to have a deeper conversation on disease management and resistance,” Mr Hoodless said. 

Mr  Just currently breeds capsicums for the Australian, Western United States and Mexican open-field markets as well as Mexican green-house markets.

He said within the next 10 years Australian capsicum growers can expect greater advancement in disease resistances in new varieties which will be extremely beneficial.

“Growers in the Qld region will start to see an improvement in yield, fruit uniformity and plant type,” Mr Just said. 

“We are already seeing some material come through the pipeline offering high resistance to all known 11 Bacterial Spot races, and TSWV. 

“We’re also seeing some promising independent results with nematode population control coming through our varieties.” 

The education session held at Tondara Produce in Gumlu, Qld had a high grower attendance.

Virologist, Denis Pursley also discussed tomato and capsicum diseases at the event.

Growers in attendance benefitted from a frequently asked questions session that discussed disease myths.