R&D update: Free pest and disease diagnostics extended until 2030
30 January 2026
30 January 2026
Early detection is one of the most powerful tools for any production nursery. Identifying pests or diseases quickly can prevent widespread crop loss, reduce unplanned costs and protect your reputation.
Grow Help Australia’s free diagnostic support will continue until 2030, giving Australian production nurseries ongoing access to expert testing and practical advice. This initiative is proudly funded by the Nursery Levy, Hort Innovation and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Why this matters
Over the past five years, nearly 2,400 samples have been submitted by around 340 nurseries, helping growers pinpoint issues faster and protect plant health. The new five-year project will build on this success and introduce irrigation water testing for the first time - supporting early detection and improved biosecurity.
For your nursery, this means:
- accurate diagnosis for reduced crop losses
- more money for other areas in your nursery through reduced management costs
- healthier plants and time savings leading to increased productivity
- more confidence in your practices thanks to stronger biosecurity and hygiene systems
This results in more efficient, sustainable and profitable nurseries.
What is available for your nursery?
From January 2026, every production nursery at each site per calendar year, is entitled to:
- six free pest and disease diagnostic samples
- twelve additional samples at 50% discount
- two water tests to detect microorganisms such as phytophthora
- six samples of unused growing media to detect Phytophthora, Pythium and Phytopythium (if producing media).
Beyond diagnostics
In addition to the program entitlements, Grow Help Australia provides growers with:
- hands-on workshops
- regularly updated pest and disease resources
- factsheets
- integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) plans covering cultural practices, biological controls, and approved chemical treatments.
Next steps
Running from January 2026 to December 2030, this initiative ensures long-term access to diagnostics, training and resources. Earlier intervention and stronger biosecurity means you have more confidence, higher health plants and a stronger bottom line.
Grow Help Australia is the central point for diagnostics and support.
For more information :
- visit the Grow Help Australia website
- email growhelp@dpi.qld.gov.au
- call 07 3708 8377
You can find more resources via the Australian Plant Production Standard and Hort Innovation websites.
The ‘Resourcing and diagnostic support for the nursery industry’ (NY24006), funded by Hort Innovation using the nursery levy and matched by the Australian Government, is a horticulture initiative designed to support nurseries in strengthening biosecurity and sustainable production practices.
