The Full Bottle

Episode 35: Bug Wars

Taking on citrus pests in Far North Queensland  Ever wondered what it really takes to keep Australia’s citrus safe from some of the world’s most stubborn little pests? In Episode 35 of The Full Bottle, horticulturalist Emily Pattison squeezes out the details around her quest to outsmart Oriental spider mites and mealybug in Queensland’s lime and lemon country.  Find out how Emily is using predatory mites and Cryptolaemus beetles to help growers cut back on chemical sprays — and why getting the timing right is absolutely crucial. She also shares her trials with sulphur sprays, the unexpected results, and what still needs to happen before these techniques go mainstream.  Whether you work in citrus, are curious about life on the farm, or just love hearing how science is transforming agriculture — this episode is full of fresh insights and inspiration.  Like, subscribe, and leave a review to keep up with every episode.  Learn more at www.citrusaustralia.com.au [https://www.citrusaustralia.com.au/]

Episode 34: Tree Tracker

Tracking trees and growing insights!  In this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel sit down with Paul Stephens, Advanced Citrus Traceability Project Officer at Citrus Australia, to explore how mapping citrus plantings is transforming the industry. Paul explains the "block-building" program, which captures and collates data on citrus orchards, nurseries, storage facilities, and more.  With thousands of hectares already mapped — and many more to go — this data is proving vital for industry advocacy, biosecurity planning, and boosting productivity. Tune in to learn how the citrus sector is using information to shape a more informed and resilient future.  🍊 Like, subscribe, and leave a review to keep up with every episode.  🌐 Learn more at www.citrusaustralia.com.au [https://www.citrusaustralia.com.au/]  #CitrusAustralia #TheFullBottle  #HortInnovation

Episode 33: Crop Codes

In this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel are joined by Sharon Chapman, CEO and Founder of ABC Software. Born and raised in New Zealand’s fruit bowl, Hawkes Bay, Sharon is here to share her story in business and IT – and show how her company is helping horticulture businesses of all shapes and sizes integrate technology.   🍊 Like, subscribe, and leave a review to get the most out of every episode!  🌐 Learn more at citrusaustralia.com.au [https://www.citrusaustralia.com.au/]  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast to squeeze the most out of every episode!  #CitrusAustralia #TheFullBottle #CitrusAustralia #ABCSoftware #GrowingTech #TechHorticulture #AustraliaNewZealand

Episode 32: Pest Control

In this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel dive into the highlights of the 2025 Australian Citrus Congress, joined by special guest Dr. Meena Thakur — entomologist with NSW DPIRD and Congress panellist.  Dr Thakur shares the latest in citrus pest research, from effective gall wasp management to strategies for preventing Huanglongbing (HLB disease, also known as citrus greening disease). Discover what industry and government are doing together to keep Australia’s citrus orchards safe from serious pest incursions.  🍊 Like, subscribe, and leave a review to get the most out of every episode!  🌐 Learn more at citrusaustralia.com.au [https://www.citrusaustralia.com.au/]  #CitrusAustralia #TheFullBottle #PestControl #Huanglongbing #CitrusGreening #GallWasp #CitrusIndustry #Entomology #Podcast

Episode 31: Innovations

In this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel sit down with Hort Innovation’s Industry Communications Manager Sharon Watt to discuss the important work she undertakes on behalf of the leading research and development giant. With a background in journalism and agriculture, Sharon has extensive regional and rural experience including senior news and editorial roles with leading Australian newspapers. She has also helped navigate the complexities of Australia-China trade with top research and development corporations.   For more information on Hort Innovation, visit www.horticulture.com.au [https://www.horticulture.com.au/].  Squeeze the most out of each episode by liking, subscribing and reviewing, or visit our website at citrusaustralia.com.au.