Meet Russell Fox, owner of inSense Pty Ltd Consultancy. A Technical Agronomist specialising in IPDM for stone and pome fruit, Russell’s career spans citrus and vegetable crops. A Dookie graduate with a Graduate Diploma from the University of Western Sydney, he focuses on biosecurity and pest management, particularly Queensland fruit fly. Russell is passionate about entomology and enjoys the dynamic challenges of orchard management.

Q&A with Russell

Tell us a bit about yourself, your education, and career.

I am a Technical Agronomist, specialising in IPDM in stone and pome fruit and cherries in northern Victoria southern Riverina. This productive area presented experience in citrus and vegetable crops. A change in focus has allowed me to concentrate on my own business with some consultancy and supplying niche products to the fruit industry Australia wide. This has given me a broad but considered perspective of fruit crops throughout Australia. In terms of education, I‘m a Dookie graduate and then acquired a Graduate Diploma from University of Western Sydney.

What does a typical day at the office look like for you?

The first phone call usually sets the tone for the day. Sometimes we are required to monitor a unique pest with a trap and lure, other times we help to manage a problem in a fruit crop.

How does your role relate to biosecurity and more specifically, fruit fly?

As I travel around different areas, I am conscious of biosecurity on each orchard, and how this is managed. With fruit fly, I have been actively involved with managing Queensland fruit fly since outbreaks posed a significant problem in the Tri-state PFA and declared endemic in Victoria.

What motivates you to continue doing the work you do?

​​I have a keen interest in entomology and pest management. An orchard is an ever-changing environment that presents new challenges every season. I consider myself as an instigator and educator.

What are you most proud of in the work you do?

Being involved in large-scale area wide management programs for a number of pests.