April 2023
Freshcare audit costs
Citrus SA has received quotes from three organisations for the cost of auditing for the new commodity specific Freshcare audit system. To date, Sci Qual provided us with the best quote for this service. As always, we encourage all growers to seek their own independent advice. If you choose, you can contact Jody at Sci Qual on 07 5499 3377 or email jody.grunberger@sciqual.com.au
If you would like further details on the quotes received, please contact us via email at contact@citrussa.com.au
Fruit fly community meetings
Riverland residents and growers are invited to meet with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and peak grower industry bodies in March for an update on the Riverland fruit fly response and to ask questions, raise queries or share their thoughts. Community meetings will be held in five fruit fly outbreak areas across the region: Loxton, Berri, Renmark, Waikerie and Swan Reach. There are more than 30 fruit fly outbreaks across the Riverland and thousands of people including many businesses are affected. PIRSA and peak grower industry bodies are keen to hear from the community to better understand and where possible, address concerns and queries, as well as explore any ideas or thoughts on working together to achieve eradication The panel of speakers will include representatives from the PIRSA Fruit Fly Response program, Riverland Fruit Fly committee and industry bodies to answer questions, with lived experiences shared from local individual growers and home gardeners.
RIVERLAND FRUIT FLY COMMUNITY MEETINGS
29 March:
Loxton - 2-3.30pm
Loxton Hotel, 45 East Terrace, Loxton
Berri - 6.30-8pm
Berri Senior Citizens Club, 9/12 Crawford Terrace
30 March: Renmark – 1-2.30pm
Renmark Hotel, Murray Ave, Renmark
Waikerie - 6.30-8pm
Waikerie Hotel, 2 McCoy St, Waikerie
31 March:
Swan Reach – 10-11.30am
Swan Reach Hotel, Hasse Hill Rd, Swan Reach
No bookings required, everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about fruit fly visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010
Fruit fly control – comprehensive workshop summary
Did you miss the fruit fly control workshops held in the Riverland last August? They featured Andrew Creek from NSW DPI and fruit fly entomologist Andrew Jessop. It covered biology of the fruit fly, where Qfly go in the winter, fruit monitoring, baits and traps, approved pesticides, a Qfly control activity calendar, what happened in the Riverina and Queensland and best management spraying practices. Citrus SA executive officer has compiled a full summary of the day which is now available on our website.
April production tips
Copper sprays: Aim to begin your copper application at the start of April to help minimise any fungal diseases. Spray by variety order starting with early navels and mandarins, Mid-season navels, Cara Cara’s, Bloods and mandarins and then late season navels and mandarins.
Stop Drop 2,4D application: Start applications from mid-April but make sure that its applied at least two weeks minimum after your last copper application.
Autumn GA: Consult your agronomist about rates and your packer regarding your harvest strategy. Delaying or lengthening your harvest window coming into a year with so many uncertainties could prove to be beneficial.
Quality control: Continue removing sunburnt fruit, removing now while visible with help aid with your pack out.
Did you see this?
Citrus and winegrape grower Mintu Brar is a name well-known in the Riverland Punjabi community, but did you know he’s also a youtube superstar? Find out more in this article by ABC Riverland rural reporter Eliza Berlage.
Shipping costs have eased to pre pandemic levels according to an article published by Fresh Plaza. It reports the latest ocean freight short-term refer rates data have reduced from a high of almost USD$16,000 to around USD$2300. Read the full article
How heavy was the biggest lemon you’ve grown? An Israeli farmer holds the Guinness World record for his piece of fruit. The massive lemon was recorded as weighing more than five kilograms. Take a look here.
The Citrus Segment - Chair Chat
Wondering what happens behind the scenes at Citrus SA? After each committee meeting, join chair Mark Doecke and Kerrie Robertson as they discuss a few of the issues, progress and activity of the committee over the past month.