February 2023
QLD trip
Thanks to those growers who have indicated their interest in a study tour to Queensland. The trip will likely take place mid/late March (exact dates to be confirmed this week – keep an eye on your email). The itinerary is likely to include a visit to Variety Access to view new varieties being developed. New variety and rootstock breeding at the Bundaberg Research Station, commercial Mojo mandarin production, different production practices and a visit to a semi-commercial trial block.
If there are any specific areas of interests or topics you would like to see covered, or you would like to take part in the tour, please email contact@citrussa.com.au ASAP.
Growers urged to sign up to Fruit fly self-baiting program
New fruit fly outbreaks were declared in the region last week at Overland Corner and Murtho. There are now 25 fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland. PIRSA General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Nick Secomb said the latest two outbreaks were detected due to a report to the Fruit Fly Hotline and during a routine PIRSA backyard fruit hygiene check.
“While our treatments at identified hotspots are having an effect, we are concerned that we continue to find new outbreak triggers in new areas. This can however be attributed to an increased level of surveillance, including from community members," said Mr Secomb.
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee Jason Size urged commercial fruit growers to get involved with the self-baiting program.
"The Riverland community needs you to play your part in fruit fly eradication. If you are a grower in a red outbreak area, please sign up to the grower self-baiting program. It was disappointing to see in an article recently on fruit being left to drop and unmanaged. If we all don’t do our part, it will be harder for us to manage this in the long run," said Mr Size.
"For everyone, if fruit trees and unwanted fruit is unmanaged, fruit fly could become uncontrolled. With this, no one will be able to grow fruit or fruiting vegetables in their home garden without using lots of chemicals or expensive netting covers.
"I encourage growers who are feeling overwhelmed and not sure on where to start in dealing with fruit fly to reach out to a local Family and Business (FaB) mentor for free, confidential support and advice."
Growers can learn more at Family and business (FaB) mentors or call a Riverland FaB directly: Robyn Cain 0411 633 085; John Chase 0419 848 672; Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430.
For the most up to date outbreak advice and other information go to fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.
Flood support grants
There are several State and Federal Government Grants that which some citrus growers may be eligible to apply for following the flood. These grants include SA Government Financial Assistance, PIRSA River Murray Flood Support for Primary Producers and Federal Government Assistance.
PIRSA River Murray Flood Support
This grant supports South Australian River Murray primary producers accessing River Murray water for primary production to meet costs associated with flood impacts to irrigation infrastructure and electricity supply because of the 2022 River Murray Floods. The grant will assist with costs for relocating and re-establishing irrigation pumps and purchasing alternative power sources such as generators. Up to $25,000 in funding is available.
Details: 1800 931 314 or email PIRSA.GrantsEnquiries@sa.gov.au
SA Government Financial Assistance
Grants, relief packages and support are available to help people and businesses affected by the flooding. You can find out more information by visiting the Relief Centre at the Berri Senior Citizens Club (9/12 Crawford Terrace, Berri) between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday or calling the Information Line (7 days a week, 9am-5pm) on 1800 302 787
Disaster Recovery Allowance (Federal)
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) provides income support payments to employees, primary producers and sole traders who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the floods in South Australia. DRA provides fortnightly payments for up to 13 weeks up to the applicable rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on the person's circumstances. You have until 29 May 2023 to lodge a claim for DRA.
For eligibility information, visit the Services Australia website or contact the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 for claims for assistance.
AGNOVA/Citrus SA CGW trap update
AgNova reports it had positive feedback about the traps in the 2022 Citrus Gall Wasp season. The traps and Surround are being used in trials with Andrew Creek (NSW DPI) on the National Citrus Gall Wasp project. A marketing strategy has been developed to maximise market update this year and production of traps is underway for this season. Citrus SA and Agnova are about to engage an employee to ensure splat formulations and toxicants are researched so in spring 23 we can finally trial this work in orchards.
February production notes
It is important to assess the crop set and fruit size of each orchard to determine what crop production strategies to apply. Some timely reminders include:
Pruning/Hedging/skirting: Continue hand pruning and de-suckering of re growth. Hedge where required to control tree height and maximize sunlight penetration but be aware that hedging patches may leave areas susceptible to sunburn and later, frost damage.
Foliar nutrient spray and Fertigation: Potassium sprays to increase fruit size. Monitor each patch for crop load and size-adapt irrigation/fertigation strategy accordingly.
Pesticide sprays: Critical timing for brown citrus rust mite, citrus butterfly, mealy bug, red and cottony cushion scale, FRW, citrus leaf miner and two spotted mite.
Irrigation: Increase irrigation and continue monitoring soil moisture probes.
Weed Control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.
Fruit thinning: Hand thinning to help improve size is recommended. Assess crop load prior to thinning
Crop estimates: Frame counts and fruit size measurements in conjunction with packer.
Leaf samples: Take leaf samples for nutrient analysis.