Chestnuts

Chestnuts Australia represents the biosecurity interests of chestnut producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:

  • biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
  • liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
  • funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives participating in national committees and
  • response efforts in an emergency.

Industry overview

Around 1,480 hectares are planted with 275,000 chestnut trees. It is estimated that with more trees being planted in New South Wales, production will increase to approximately 1,500 tonnes with a value of $12 million by 2022. The industry is primarily focused on the domestic market with approximately two per cent exported, mainly to Asian markets.

The main varieties grown are Red Spanish, Purton’s Pride and De Coppi Marone. Chestnuts flower during November and December and are harvested from March through to May and are grown primarily in Victoria and New South Wales.

Tree nut IBPBiosecurity Plan for the Tree Nut Industry

Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the almond industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.

The Biosecurity Plan for the Tree Nut Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email biosecurity@phau.com.au.

Nuts PostcardPostcard

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Exotic pests (not in Australia)

The following is a list of high priority exotic pests of chestnuts. These pests were identified during the development of the Biosecurity Plan for the Tree Nut Industry in consultation with industry, government and scientists. They have been assessed as high priority pests based on their potential to enter, establish, and spread in Australia (eg environmental factors, host range, vectors) and the cost to industry of control measures.

PHA has a range of fact sheets, contingency plans and diagnostic protocols relevant to these pests. Pest risk review documents are also available for some pests. Please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email biosecurity@phau.com.au for more information.

Endorsed National Diagnostic Protocols are available from the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network webpage.

Common name Scientific name EPPRD Category Fact sheet Contingency plan Diagnostic protocol
Chestnut blight Cryphonectria parasitica 2 FS DP
Spongy moths Lymantria dispar and Lymantria mathura FS FS FS CP DP
Oriental chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus FS
Sudden oak death Phytophthora ramorum 1 FS FS FS CP DP
Verticillium wilt Verticillium dahliae (exotic defoliating strains) 3 FS

Other pests

The following is a list of documents for other exotic and endemic pests of the chestnut industry. Please note that this is not a complete list of pests: rather it includes pests for which documents exist in the Pest Information Document Database.

The documents presented here are not tailored to the chestnut industry and are included for information only.

Common name Scientific name EPPRD Category Fact sheet Contingency plan Diagnostic protocol
Citrus longicorn beetle Anoplophora chinensis FS CP
Filbertworm Cydia latiferreana FS
Spongy moths Lymantria dispar and Lymantria mathura FS FS FS CP
Sudden oak death Phytophthora ramorum 1 FS FS FS CP
Texas root rot Phymatotrichopsis omnivora (syn Phymatotrichum omnivorum) 2 FS FS
Verticillium wilt Verticillium dahliae (exotic defoliating strains) 3 FS