November 2023
New PIRSA process for fruit fly notifications for affected growers
In response to requests at the grower meetings held in August this year, PIRSA is exploring a new notification system for growers to be directly contacted to be advised of a singular fly detection on their commercial property. Currently notifications are not going to all growers on this basis. PIRSA is seeking a registration of interest from Riverland growers as it develops this new system. To register interest in being notified of new single fly confirmations, growers can email PIRSA.Fruitfly@sa.gov.au with their:
• Full name and or business name.
• Property address/addresses.
• Mobile number and
• ‘YES, register my interest for a grower detection notification’.
New terminology for fruit fly outbreaks
There will be new terminology used regarding fruit fly outbreaks, in line with the National Fruit Fly Management Protocol terminology used within Market Access Operational Procedures. Some of these include: Outbreak area is now a Corrective Action Zone (CAZ), and a Suspension Area is now an Export Assurance Zone (EAZ). There are many modifications, and it would be worthwhile growers making themselves familiar with the new terminology. Citrus SA has uploaded a table to its website for more information.
Request for Proposal: Competitive citrus orchard systems
Hort Innovation is the not-for-profit, grower-owned research and development corporation for Australia’s $16 billion horticulture industry. It invests more than $120M per year in research and development, marketing and trade activities to build a prosperous and sustainable future for growers.
Hort Innovation is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced and capable delivery partner for the project: Competitive citrus orchard systems (CT23006).
The objectives of the services being sought are to:
• Support a transition to improved growing systems which are highly efficient in space water and labour.
• Provide pathways for improved efficiency orchards for:
o Existing planting (what can you do with a traditional system?)
o New plantings
• Design systems to maximise packout percentage and production efficiency
• Clarify the potential role of plant growth regulators for competitive citrus orchard systems.
Hort Innovation has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) document that provides background information, outlines the scope of services, the procurement process and the information required from interested parties.
The RFP may be downloaded from www.tenders.net (you will need to be a member of tenders.net to access this information).
The closing date for responses is November 23, 2023 3:00 PM (AEDT).
AGM and Info Day summary
Citrus SA held its annual general meeting and grower information day on Friday, October 13 at the Barmera Events Centre. If you missed it, take a listen to our podcast, The Citrus Segment which gives you a comprehensive rundown of the day and the guest speakers.
In summary:
*The day kicked off with the AGM – Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke shared what the committee has been working on over the past 12 months and where SA citrus grower’s levies have been directed. Fruit fly eradication was the number one priority for the committee this year. Citrus SA contributed $50,000 for the expansion of the Sterile Insect Technology facility at Port Augusta, enabling it to produce 40 million sterile flies a week. Citrus SA lobbied for the CA30 to be accepted into WA to be able to send fruit to WA without fumigation and other treatment. The Royal Adelaide Show was another big activity with great success. Other activities included the publication of the European Earwig brochure, lobbying on water issues and much more.
*Noel McPherson a citrus and wine grape grower from Waikerie, travelled to the US earlier this year to look at the impact of HoungLongBing or Citrus Greening has had on the industry in Florida.
*Theunis Smit, General Manager, Carbon Friendly, covered how citrus growers could benefit from carbon farming.
* Jay Holata, chief executive of Athena IR Tech gave some background on the company and its product, a new device which uses infra-red technology to help measure water use in the orchard.
*The fight against fruit fly continues in South Australia. Summerfruit SA executive manager Tim Grieger said SA is winning the fight against the pest and he provided an update on where things were at in the spring campaign.
Size Distribution Trial (AI Technology)
Venus citrus has been working closely with the Sumitomo Corporation and has taken part in a patented Artificial Intelligence (AI) fruit sizing trial. This has been performed monthly on certain varieties over designated patches on properties throughout the Riverland.
The trial incorporates the use of a Fruit Identifying Sensor Camera mounted on a 4-wheeler motorbike (RTV or any farm vehicle which can drive between the tree rows).
Venus’s grower liaison officer Fabio Spiniello says the trial has involved driving up allocated rows in patches to retrieve data in to aid in identifying fruit sizes and growth patterns. The technology can scan fruit from 30mm in diameter and above with more than 90 per cent accuracy. This patented technology can differentiate between green leaf and green fruit.
The co-ordinates of the patches are GPS plotted and the camera is triggered automatically when entering the predefined patch. Data is uploaded automatically and immediately placed on a platform if there is mobile service (or later when back in range).
“With this data analysis we can determine fruit growth patterns and predicted size at harvest,” Mr Spiniello said.
“This enables us to make decisions early to enhance growth by either thinning or possibly increase fertilizer programs.
We can then market fruit to certain destinations with predetermined knowledge of fruit specifications.”
The technology can also be applied to many other commodities.
“Obviously, there is a cost involved in this application, but we have found it cost efficient and extremely accurate,” he said.
For more information about the product and procedures, please contact Fabio Spiniello at fabio@venuscitrus.com.au or Surajit Borkakoty at surajit.borkakoty@sumitomocorp.com 0427 393 673.
November production tips
Hedging and pruning: Hand pruning or machine hedging
Foliar nutrient spray and fertigation: Calcium spray at one per cent calcium nitrate at pea size may help reduce albedo. Potassium Nitrate sprays at 2-3 kilograms per 100/L applied after fruit set and during summer will have a beneficial effect on sizing.
Pesticide sprays: Critical timing to control LBAM, Mealy Bug, thrips, katydid, scales, aphids, Spined Citrus Bug and citrus gall wasp. Aim to apply controls before calyx closure.
Earwigs: Monitor your trees for decline and consult your agronomist or chemical reseller for more information.
Fruit sizing and thinning sprays: Apply 2,4-D at recommended rates as directed. Early applications in November might have some thinning effect (positive on heavy crops). Applications late November or early December will have a sizing effect. Corasil or Tops at recommended rates.
Irrigation: Continue monitoring during warmer months.
Weed control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.
*Always consult your agronomist, grower liaison officer or chemical reseller for individual advice.