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6-8 August, 2025
RACV Royal Pines Resort
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Program

Banana Congress 2025 will see the return of Congress favourites including the Banana Ball and Awards of Honour and our much-loved Women’s Luncheon will also be back and better than ever. Building on the success of previous years, the Science Symposium will be held the day prior to Congress. This is a huge drawcard for researchers, as well as science-minded growers and industry stakeholders. While we’re bringing back the favourites, rest assured Congress 2025 will also offer new experiences, a fresh layout and tackle some key industry issues.

Pip Courtney

The Congress program is subject to change. 

VENUE: ROYAL POINCIANA ROOM
0730-0900
REGISTRATION
0800-0845
TEA/COFFEE NETWORKING
SESSION 1


Welcome and introduction
Rosie Godwin, Research and Development Manager, Australian Banana Growers’ Council &
Tegan Cavallaro, Senior Development Horticulturist, Department of Primary Industries


TBC talk title
Altus Viljoen, Professor in Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University
THEME: The Gene Scene
Development of resources to accelerate the genetic improvement of banana and support long-term industry resilience
Robert Henry, Professor Of Innovation In Agriculture, University Of Queensland &
Emily Rames, Research Scientist, QLD Department Of Primary Industries


Identifying Resistance Genes in Wild Banana
Elizabeth Aitken, Professor in Plant Pathology, University of Queensland


QCAV-4: a Cavendish banana with Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 resistance – now approved for commercial cultivation in Australia
Anthony James, Senior Research Fellow, Queensland University of Technology


Towards a consumer-acceptable Goldfinger banana via gene editing
Jacinta Watkins, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland University of Technology


Combined Q&A
MORNING TEA
1015-1045
SESSION 2
THEME: Variety Show
New varieties for Australian banana growers
Jeff Daniells, Principal Horticulturist, QLD Department Of Primary Industries


Uncovering the hidden genetic diversity of Mus a acuminata ssp. banksii in Northern Queensland, Australia
Steven Janssens, Senior Researcher, Meise Botanic Garden


Combined Q&A
THEME: Protect and detect
The enduring benefits of excluding plant diseases
Andre Drenth, Program Leader Crop Protection, University of Queensland


Strengthening Australian banana biosecurity through validated diagnostics for exotic fungal and bacterial diseases
Lilia Carvalhais, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Queensland


Improvement of Panama disease diagnostics with high-throughput sequencing
Edward Gilding, Senior Molecular Biologist, Department Of Primary Industries


Combined Q&A


Small RNA sequencing as a high throughput screening tool for banana viruses
Kathy Crew, Principal Plant Pathologist, QLD Department of Primary Industries


Diversity of banana wilt associated phytoplasmas and their diagnostics
Mignon De Jager, Phd Student, QAAFI Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation


Combined Q&A


Wrap-up of morning and instructions about lunch
LUNCH
1235-1325
SESSION 3
THEME: Mites, flights and challenges that keep you up at night
Facing challenges to achieve a quality future
Ingrid Jenkins, Senior Horticulturist, Department of Primary Industries


A review of the interactions between birds and bats and bananas and the implications for the Australian banana industry
Stewart Lindsay, Team Leader of Banana Production Systems, QLD Department of Primary Industries


Friends or Foes? Survival of the Mite Predator Stethorus fenestralis After Exposure to Banana Fungicides
Daniel Farrell, Entomologist, QLD Department of Primary Industries


A deep dive into the SBFS complex
Kathy Grice, Principal Experimentalist, Department of Primary Industries


Combined Q&A
AFTERNOON TEA
1455-1525
SESSION 4
THEME: Ground truths
Revealing the Risks of Fusarium Wilt Subtropical Race 4
Janet Roberts, Phd Student, QAAFI Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation


Have You Got Soil Health Covered? The Role of Ground Cover in Banana Farm Soils
Hazel Gaza, Senior Soil Ecologist, Department Of Primary Industries


Phosphorus in banana plant tissue under different levels of soil P
Alex Lindsay, Senior Research Agronomist, Department of Primary Industries


Combined Q&A


Wrap up and close including post event evaluation
Rosie Godwin & Tegan Cavallaro

RECONNECT + RECHARGE

VENUE: ABGC LOUNGE
ABGC Member Meet-Up

From 5pm – members invited to drop by the ABGC Lounge for a glass of bubbles on their way to Welcome Drinks.
Let us know if it’s your first Congress and we’ll introduce you to some friends!
VENUE: ABGC LOUNGE
VENUE: PODIUM LAWNS
ABGC Member Meet-Up
From 5pm – members invited to drop by the ABGC Lounge for a glass of bubbles on their way to Welcome Drinks. Let us know if it’s your first Congress and we’ll introduce you to some friends!
VENUE: ABGC LOUNGE
VENUE: PODIUM LAWNS
ABGC Member Meet-Up
From 5pm – members invited to drop by the ABGC Lounge for a glass of bubbles on their way to Welcome Drinks. Let us know if it’s your first Congress and we’ll introduce you to some friends!
VENUE: ABGC LOUNGE
VENUE: PODIUM LAWNS
ABGC Member Meet-Up
From 5pm – members invited to drop by the ABGC Lounge for a glass of bubbles on their way to Welcome Drinks. Let us know if it’s your first Congress and we’ll introduce you to some friends!
VENUE: PODIUM LAWNS
Sponsored by: Australian Produce Partners
0700
REGISTRATION
VENUE: CYPRESS 1 & 2
Sponsored by: Mackay’s Marketing
VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
0730
TEA AND COFFEE

RECONNECT

0830-1015
SESSION 1A: WELCOME (WE DON’T BITE!)

Snake Bite first aid and awareness with a milking demonstration 
Billy Collett, Australian Reptile Park, Bondi Vet

OFFICIAL OPENING

Introduction from Banana Congress MC
Pip Courtney, Landline host

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Leanne Erakovic, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Banana Growers’ Council
SESSION 1B: INTERNATIONAL INSIGHT

TR4 Global Update
Altus Viljoen, Professor in Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University
VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1015-1045
MORNING TEA

RECHARGE

VENUE: ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1045-1215
SESSION 2: MAKING YOUR MARK(ET)

Plant Breeders Rights from a growers perspective
Gavin Scurr, Managing Director, Pinata Farms


Innovation in horticulture: Can we reinvent banana?
Robert Henry, Professor Of Innovation In Agriculture, University of Queensland

TBC talk title
Naomi Abbott, Technical Officer, NQ Banana Research

PANEL discussion: What does it take to get a new variety onto the shelf and into homes?

Panel members:
Naomi Abbott, Technical Officer, NQ Banana Research
Altus Viljoen, Professor in Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University
Gavin Scurr, Managing Director, Pinata Farms
Robert Henry, Professor Of Innovation In Agriculture, University of Queensland
1215-1415
LUNCH
VENUE: RACV ROYAL PINES, VIDERE RESTAURANT
Banana Women’s Luncheon


Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer, Plant Health Australia
Sponsored by: Pakall Pty Ltd
VENUE: ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1415-1500
SESSION 3: RIPE IDEAS | Host: Andrew Francey

Partnering with Hort Innovation
Andrew Francey, General Manager, Industry Service & Delivery, Hort Innovation

Banana de-handing prototype
Dr Chris Lehnhert, Senior Lecturer, Australian Cobotics Centre

Future of aerial spraying
Matthew Harper, Chief Executive Officer, Aerial Application Association of Australia

1500-1530
SIXTY SECOND SCIENCE (POSTER PITCHES)

REGENERATE

VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1530-1610
AFTERNOON TEA & SCIENCE POSTER SESSION
VENUE: ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1610-1700
SESSION 4: SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

John Moor, Owner, Growmoor Biological
VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
Sponsored by: Costa

0700
REGISTRATION
VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
0730
TEA AND COFFEE OPEN
VENUE: CYPRESS 1 & 2

RECONNECT + REGENERATE

VENUE: ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
0830-1000
SESSION 5A: WHERE TO FOR WORKFORCE

Workforce: Challenges, risks and opportunities
Steve Burdette, Executive Officer, Approved Employers Australia
SESSION 5B: UNDERSTANDING THE BANANA CATEGORY TO DRIVE DEMAND
Sponsored by: Hort Innovation

Emma Day, Senior Marketing Manager, Hort Innovation

Andrew Burns, Supply Chain Engagement Manager, ABGC

Belinda Van Schaik, Head of Marketing, Hort Innovation
VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1000-1030
MORNING TEA

REGENERATE

VENUE: ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1030-1200
SESSION 6: FUTURE-FOCUSSED FARMING

Farming with reduced inputs
Peter Wren-Hilton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Platform 10 and Wharf42

PANEL: Solving the soil health puzzle
TBC Panel

Panellists
Simon Mattson, Educator/Consultant, Regen Ag

Assessment of an integrated risk tool to aid Panama disease management
Tony Pattison, Senior-principal Nematologist, Department of Primary Industries
VENUE: EXHIBITION HALL – ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1200-1330
LUNCH

REGENERATE

VENUE: ROYAL BENOWA BALLROOM
1330-1520
SESSION 7: ON TRACK FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

Carbon – what’s coming & how to prepare
Noel Ainsworth, Principal Horticulturist, Department of Primary Industries

TBC talk title
Jane Siebum, Chief Executive Officer, Freshcare

TBC talk title
Richard Shannon, Executive Officer, NFF Horticulture Council

TBC talk title
Jana Pittman, Commonwealth Champion – Athletics
Sponsored by: Arcella Bananas Home of Tropicana Ltd
1520-1530
Closing address

Paul Inderbitzin, Congress Chair, Australian Banana Growers’ Council

RECONNECT + REGENERATE

Sponsored by: Visy

Science Poster Panel

Paper # Presenter Abstract Submission Title Presenting at Science
Poster Panel
1
Elizabeth Aitken
Identifying Sources of Resistance to Fusarium Wilt
2
Delwar Akbar
Banana action plan: How to minimise food waste?
3
Molly Blake
Understanding inter-row ground cover in the Wet Tropics Banana farming region
4
Shannon Byrnes
Banana Yield Mapping
5
Lilia Carvalhais
Novel assay to detect Ralstonia solanacearum causing Moko disease in banana
6
Tegan Cavallaro
Extension – The value of putting grower collaboration at the heart of project design and delivery.
7
Ingrid Jenkins
Bunch pest management, investigating practices to maximise efficacy and stewardship of registered chemistries
8
John Thomas
A lateral flow immunoassay for the in-field detection of banana bunchy top virus
9
Kathy Crew
BBTV-infected plants are infectious earlier than previously thought!
10
Andre Drenth
Keeping bananas healthy
11
David East
Chemical control of yellow Sigatoka
12
Paul Edwards
Cavendish Banana production management using plant growth regulators
13
Daniel Farrell
Insect sanctuaries for Beneficial Predators and Parasites in Bananas
14
Daniel Farrell
Using Beneficial Mites to Control Banana Spider Mites
15
Kathy Grice
Is deleafing critical in the management of yellow Sigatoka?
16
Alex Lindsay
The banana nutrient rates trial project
17
Andrew Macnish
Banana supply chain monitoring and simulation identifies critical control points
18
Thu Ha Ngo
Diagnosis of Panama TR4 in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for NATA accreditation
19
Vu Nguyen
EFS – suppression of TR4 is now possible
20
Cecilia O’Dwyer
Development and validation of diagnostic assays for detection of phytoplasmas infecting banana
21
Tony Pattison
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help with Panama disease decision making
22
Richard Piper
Entomopathogens for banana bunch pest control.
23
Emily Rames
Diverse banana germplasm to support industry development
24
Janet Roberts
Pathology and Ecology of Fusarium Wilt Subtropical Race 4
25
Katelyn Robertson
Are we approaching Goldfinger’s golden era?
26
Visnja Steele
Virus diagnostics support movement of clean planting material

Science Poster Panel

Paper # Presenter Abstract Submission Title Presenting at Science
Poster Panel
1
Elizabeth Aitken
Identifying Sources of Resistance to Fusarium Wilt
2
Delwar Akbar
Banana action plan: How to minimise food waste?
3
Molly Blake
Understanding inter-row ground cover in the Wet Tropics Banana farming region
4
Shannon Byrnes
Banana Yield Mapping
5
Lilia Carvalhais
Novel assay to detect Ralstonia solanacearum causing Moko disease in banana
6
Tegan Cavallaro
Extension – The value of putting grower collaboration at the heart of project design and delivery.
7
Ingrid Jenkins
Bunch pest management, investigating practices to maximise efficacy and stewardship of registered chemistries
8
John Thomas
A lateral flow immunoassay for the in-field detection of banana bunchy top virus
9
Kathy Crew
BBTV-infected plants are infectious earlier than previously thought!
10
Andre Drenth
Keeping bananas healthy
11
David East
Chemical control of yellow Sigatoka
12
Paul Edwards
Cavendish Banana production management using plant growth regulators
13
Daniel Farrell
Insect sanctuaries for Beneficial Predators and Parasites in Bananas
14
Daniel Farrell
Using Beneficial Mites to Control Banana Spider Mites
15
Kathy Grice
Is deleafing critical in the management of yellow Sigatoka?
16
Alex Lindsay
The banana nutrient rates trial project
17
Andrew Macnish
Banana supply chain monitoring and simulation identifies critical control points
18
Thu Ha Ngo
Diagnosis of Panama TR4 in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for NATA accreditation
19
Vu Nguyen
EFS – suppression of TR4 is now possible
20
Cecilia O’Dwyer
Development and validation of diagnostic assays for detection of phytoplasmas infecting banana
21
Tony Pattison
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help with Panama disease decision making
22
Richard Piper
Entomopathogens for banana bunch pest control.
23
Emily Rames
Diverse banana germplasm to support industry development
24
Janet Roberts
Pathology and Ecology of Fusarium Wilt Subtropical Race 4
25
Katelyn Robertson
Are we approaching Goldfinger’s golden era?
26
Visnja Steele
Virus diagnostics support movement of clean planting material