Department biosecurity officer, Glen Coupar, said it was essential that pests and diseases were controlled in orchards and vineyards, and that sound management practices were implemented to ensure high quality fruit was produced.

Mr Coupar said landholders were required under State Government legislation to ensure that orchards and vineyards were adequately managed to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

"When the department receives reports of poorly managed orchards and vineyards, staff contact the landholders directly to discuss the situation," he said.

"It is vital that ongoing maintenance, which may include removing fruit on the ground, removing dead trees or vines, carrying out adequate weed control, chemical spraying to eradicate or manage a problem, and pruning and removal of dead and diseased limbs is regularly carried out."

Mr Coupar said in order to maintain healthy trees or vines, it was also important that irrigation and fertiliser applications are applied as required.

* Factsheets, Farmnotes and other information on managing fruit trees and vines is also available from the website at www.agric.wa.gov.au