New research project to boost WA growing truffle industry

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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons User: Leevclarke (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Truffle#/media/File:Truffle_4.jpg)

Truffles are highly regarded as “gourmet mushrooms”; that is why Western Australia’s growing truffle industry will be in the spotlight this week, with the Truffle Kerfuffle running from 26 to 28 June in Manjimup.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons User: Leevclarke (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Truffle#/media/File:Truffle_4.jpg)
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons User: Leevclarke

WA’s Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston announced that aside from the community-driven event, the State Government is also co-funding research with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the Australian truffle industry and Australian National University.

According to the Minister’s statement, the information gathered from the research will be used to develop information on best practice management of pests, weeds and diseases that will contribute to increased productivity and profitability. As part of the research, regular monitoring will be undertaken at six truffle orchards in WA and, initially, two interstate to look at seasonality of key pests and the damage they cause.

“This is an exciting and emerging industry for Western Australia because truffles have really captured the imagination of chefs and consumers,” Mr Baston said.

Adertisement

“Improving knowledge on the nature and significance of pests and diseases through this project will be vital for the industry.”

The research work is being led by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia.

“Experienced entomology and truffle industry development staff from the department will work with industry to develop a database of growers and catalogue the pests, weeds and diseases that affect production,” the Minister said.