May 2024
Beyond the Curve event – TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
PIRSA is holding a ‘Beyond the Curve’ fruit fly event for growers and industry, to talk about what happens next for Riverland growers. As we move into winter, PIRSA will be providing a forward focus on improving the position for the region. This event is not for general community but focused on helping growers with updated information.
What will be covered:
How we have created greater impact from our collective efforts.
Preliminary data indicates there was no peak in March 2024, as indicated by previous data trends.
Exploring the data suggesting that fruit fly outbreaks/activity may begin to decrease.
Event details
Time: 5pm start, with a short presentation and discussion followed by an informal BBQ
Date and venue: Wednesday 1 May, Barmera Riverland Field Day Function Centre
Speakers: PIRSA Fruit Fly Response Program team - Con Poulos (Incident Controller) and Jason Size (Senior Community Engagement)
Queries
Peter Rattray, Riverland Fruit Fly Coordinator: Peter.Rattray@sa.gov.au
Jason Size, Community Engagement: Jason.Size@sa.gov.au
Fruit fly trapping around loading bays
Citrus SA strongly advises all growers to install traps around their loading bays. Ideally, these traps should attract and eliminate both female and male flies. For instance, MAT cups exclusively target and eliminate male flies. Conduct some research to select the most suitable trap for your needs or contact Peter Rattray at Peter.Rattray@sa.gov.au to determine if you are eligible for free traps.
This precaution is crucial, as the movement of empty bins between properties during harvest poses a genuine threat and serves as a potential mechanism for fruit fly dispersal. It's essential to consider not only the contents of the bin but also the previous location of the truck and any areas beneath the bin.
Save the date – Grower family event with Cosi, Friday, August 23
Popular television and radio host, Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello will be the guest speaker at a special grower/family event to be held at the Barmera Golf Club on Friday, August 23.
Cosi is a proud, born and bred South Australian who heads up South Aussie with Cosi. He also has Riverland connections with his grandfather owning a fruit block on Costello Road at Barmera many years ago. Cosi will share a bit about his life, his passion for SA and his Cows for Cambodia charity.
The event is open to all citrus growers and their families and will conclude with a barbecue and refreshments.
More information will be available closer to the event. For more details or to RSVP, please email Kerrie at contact@citrussa.com.au
Immature fruit on market
Are you tasting your fruit before picking? There have been reports of immature fruit on the market. This negatively affects all growers as research shows it takes six weeks for consumers to buy again.
This is not just the responsibility of packing sheds. Growers should be also considering whether the fruit being picked is something you would eat yourselves or recommend to others. Immature fruit entering the market early affects everyone.
Join the Citrus SA committee
Would you like to be more involved in your industry? There are positions available on the Citrus SA committee. The committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, alternating between Waikerie, Barmera and Loxton. If you would like more details, please contact the chair, Mark Doecke on 0408499287.
News in brief
Global production update
Wondering where citrus production levels and prices are at around the globe. Check out this extensive article from Fresh Plaza.
PIFS fund report available
The latest Citrus Grower’s Fund report has been approved and is available on the PIRSA website
May production tips
Pruning and Hedging: De-suckering of regrowth. Maintain skirts if registered for KCT.
Foliar spray: Copper spray application if not already completed. Stop drop spray on required variety’s two weeks after copper application. Apply GA spray at colour break for delaying harvest and extended shelf life. It is important to make decisions based on crop set for each patch.
Snail baiting: Ensure orchards have snail control measures in place. Check loading areas and bait also.
Irrigation: Continue monitoring soil moisture probes. Regular flushing required - consider a chlorination flush.
Weed Control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.
*All advice is general in nature and growers should refer to packing sheds and consultants for individual advice.