Applications close 30 June 2017. - Apple and Pear ...apal.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AFG-Apr-May16-final-LR.pdf · Vacuum picker In the USA, the DBR Conveyor Concepts vacuum

For more information: www.apal.org.au/scholarships2017

Two $10,000 scholarships! • Open to people working in a nursery, orchard, packhouse or coolstore in the apple or pear industry.

• Two $10,000 scholarships available for 2017 to go towards completing a Diploma of Agribusiness with Marcus Oldham, Geelong, Victoria.

• Successful applicants will be passionate about the apple and pear industry and must intend to work in the industry upon completing the diploma.

• Applicants should have completed at least one year of employment in the industry following their secondary education.

Applications close 30 June 2017.

Apple & Pear New Horizons Scholarship

03www.apal.org.au AUSTRALIAN FRUITGROWER APRIL/MAY 2016

C O N T E N T S

APAL would like to thank our partners who provide us with funding and support.

Edition Booking and Editorial copy deadline Ad material deadline

Jun/Jul 2016 9 May 2016 13 May 2016

Aug/Sep 2016 11 July 2016 15 July 2016

Vol. 10 Issue No. 2 April/May 2016

Australian FruitgrowerAustralian Fruitgrower is published every twomonths and is partly funded by Horticulture

Innovation Australia Ltd using the apple and pearindustry levy funds from growers and matching

funds from the Australian Government

PublishersApple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and

provides services to Australia’s commercial appleand pear growers.

Suite G01, 128 Jolimont Road, East Melbourne VIC 3002

t: (03) 9329 3511 f: (03) 9329 3522w: www.apal.org.au

Managing EditorSophie Clayton

Communications Manager, APALe: [email protected]

Technical EditorAngus Crawford

e: [email protected]

Online ManagerRichelle Zealley


AdvertisingThe publishers accept no responsibility for the

contents of advertisements. All advertisements areaccepted in good faith and the liability of advertising

content is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Hyde Mediat: (03) 5659 5292


Graphic DesignVale Graphics


CopyrightAll material in Australian Fruitgrower is copyright.NO material can be reproduced in whole or inpart without the permission of the publisher.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracyof contents, APAL accepts no liability for

the information.

DisclaimerAustralian Fruitgrower’s content is intended forgeneral informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your particular purposes. In particular, APAL is not responsible for any

information which is supplied from external sources.You should obtain independent expert advice ifyou are considering relying on any informationpublished in Australian Fruitgrower. APAL is notresponsible for any loss, damage, cost or expenseincurred by you or any other person as a result ofany error, omission or misrepresentation in the

contents of Australian Fruitgrower.

ISSN 1447-5618

REGULAR FEATURES

Juicy bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

APAL CEO’s report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

APAL news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

State Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

R&D Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Quiz and crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

OUR COVER: Jasu (lt) and Isha (rt) with Jason Shields (centre),Orchard Manager at Plunketts Orchard, Victoria(read more on page 18).

EVENTS

2016 National Horticulture Convention . .8

MARKETING

APAL’s Pink Lady™ business . . . . . . . .14

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Nuffield Scholar report . . . . . . . . . . . .16

PROFILE

Picking platforms with Jason Shields .18

ORCHARD MANAGEMENT

Post-harvest nutrient management . . .21

Year-round quality management . . . .24

8

R&D

Nitrogen for red-blush pears . . . . . . .28

Qfly Area Wide Management . . . . . . .30

SPECIAL FEATURE

APFIP lifts orchard performance . . . . .32

18

32

AUSTRALIAN FRUITGROWER APRIL/MAY 2016 www.apal.org.au04

We’re rolling out the first apple and pear eventsat the 2016 National Horticulture Convention

(HortConv2016) in this edition with more to come.This year will feature more social events exclusivelyfor apple and pear industry delegates, a day ofIndustry Updating, a Pome Zone in the Trade Showarea where you can meet industry guests, a panelsession for orchardists and international pome expertsTienie du Preez and Nicola Dallabetta from SouthAfrica and Italy respectively. Plus there are discountsfor APAL members and an early bird discount isavailable up until 25 April – so get in early to register.

This issue, nutrition is high on the agenda withAgFirst’s Dean Rainham sharing a timely piece onpost-harvest nutrition and the Victorian government’sIan Goodwin updating us on research on nitrogenfor red-blushed pears.

APAL’s Garry Langford shares the history of the PinkLady™ brand development in Australia and globallyunder the management of APAL. This will be thefirst in a series of articles providing more informationon APAL’s brand management work.

Our profile piece is on Jason Shields, OrchardManager at Plunkett Orchards in Victoria, who isusing two platforms for picking, pruning and orchardmaintenance. Seeing them operating was a realhighlight and I encourage you to head on over to APAL’sYouTube channel to check out the video interview withJason where you can see the machine operating.

Your suggestions on future articles and topics forAustralian Fruitgrower to cover are always welcomeso please contact me anytime to drop me an idea!

Sophie Clayton

tinyurl.com/APALnews Submit your photos and ideas to [email protected]

Subscribe toindustryjuice

@applesnpearsAU /applesnpearsAU

FROM THE

EDITOR

/applesnpearsau

Vacuum pickerIn the USA, the DBRConveyor Conceptsvacuum systemapple harvester is reducing applebruising by ensuringthe apples have asoft ride to the bin.

This season we’ve seenWilliams Pears labelled as Packhams and generic‘green’ pears – not helpfulfor customers seeking consistency (picture atDavid Jones’s Food Court,Melbourne CBD).

A pear by any name?

Photo: Good Fruit Grower/Phil Brown Welding

APAL has prepared a backgrounder on apples andwax to provide accurate information on the topic forgrowers, retailers and consumers, seeapal.org.au/apples-wax/.

Apples and wax

F R O M T H E C E O


By John DollissonCEO, APAL

John Dollisson | t: (03) 9329 3511 | e: [email protected]

New ‘Bravo’apple to target export markets

Iwrite this report from WA after spending the last two daysreviewing the new apple from the Department of Agricultureand Food, WA (DAFWA) – its name has now been announced

as ‘Bravo’. It is a cross between Royal Gala and Cripps Red, andharvesting of it will begin shortly and it will hit select upmarketgreengrocer shelves in May, albeit in limited quantities. Of particular interest is the clear intent and focus on export for thevariety, in particular the Asian markets because of its dark colourand high sugar levels.

Hopefully this apple can be as successful as Pink Lady™, see thearticle in this edition by APAL’s Garry Langford, ‘The birth ofAPAL’s Pink Lady business’.

You will notice APAL are putting a lot of time and energy intoensuring the 2016 National Horticulture Convention will bethought provoking and educational, with ample opportunities to mix and socialise. I look forward to meeting as many of youas possible during the Convention and listening to your ideas on improving the industry.

We are working through a strategic process with Hort Innovationmarketing staff to develop an effective apple marketing campaign.The pear campaign will commence in late April/May initially promoting hail affected Packhams and then moving onto keymessages around ripening and health and nutrition that wereidentified from our strategic review of research as triggers toencourage consumption. APAL has also spent time talking to the major retailers and major suppliers to prepare category management plans for both apples and pears and building closerrelationship with the retailers.

We have some way to go in working as an industry from growerto packer to wholesaler to retailer to customer, and this has beenvery clearly demonstrated over the last month with the issue ofwaxing of apples and some pears. If retailers want to changethe way apples and some pears are presented they should do so based on clear, justified reasons; after consultation with theindustry and related parties including the machinery and waxingsuppliers; and with a primary view to the costs they are imposingon the industry. The last thing we as growers and packers needis increased costs of production, particularly if we end up havinga waxing process for export, and separate processes for the majorretailers, especially if this is imposed at short notice without sensible phase-in periods.

APAL will keep consulting with all parties to try achieve a longterm, consistent approach that is cost effective for the industryand, importantly, does not result in a fall in overall sales.

We as an industry need to work more closely together and builda closer relationship with our biggest customers so that everyoneis focusing on increasing consumption of healthy fruit, with improvedmargins for all parties effected. This is particularly importantafter the last 12 months of sales which have probably been thetoughest on margins for growers in years and leaving you little if any to reinvest in new varieties, new processes and practices.

We are aiming to put a focus on domestic marketing and workingas an industry at the Convention and I would appreciate yourinput and suggestions as to how we can all work together.

Wishing you all the best for the completion of the harvest andhopefully a break once the fruit is in the cool room. :afg

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A P A L N E W S

New WA apple – name and field day

This news has been eagerly awaited and follows extensivebrand development work by the variety owner theDepartment of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

(DAFWA), and Fruit West Co-operative Ltd (the licensee forAustralia) in conjunction with APAL.

ANABP 01 fruit is expected to be available in WA and NSW thisseason and is fundamental to building and driving demand fromconsumers. This will encourage the further planting of ANABP 01trees across Australia with the aim of moving into exports.

Growers interested in planting ANABP 01 trees may contact Fruit West Executive Officer Nardia Stacy on 08 9368 3869 [email protected] to order trees – but stocks are limited so get in soon. :afg

Details on the brand and marketing plans of the WA-bred ANABP 01 apple– nowannounced as ‘Bravo’ – will be provided toexisting and prospective growers at a varietyfield day this April.

Grants for energy audits

Two opportunities to get financial help to undertake an energy audit on yourorchard and/or packing shed are available to apple- and pear-growing businesses inNSW and Victoria.

Energy accounts for a large proportion of costs in apple- and pear-growing businesses.

Undertaking energy audits is the first stepto identify what can be done to improveenergy efficiency and cut energy costs.

In Victoria, Sustainability Victoria is offeringfunding assistance for an energy and/ormaterials audit. KMH Environmental, thecompany that undertook energy audits forapple growers in 2014 as part of APAL’sWatts in Your Business project, are offeringto support eligible Victorian businesses byassisting them, free of charge, to preparean application for the SustainabilityVictoria funding.

While in NSW, the Office of Environmentand Heritage and KMH Environmental are working together to offer 10 audits amonth from March to June at $5,000 each.

APAL Industry Services Manager AnnieFarrow says energy and materials are highcost centres within the orchard, packingshed and cool store.

“An apple and pear grower’s bottom linecould be improved by identifying how tomake behavioural changes and adoptingnewer technologies with a short paybackperiod,” says Annie.

“Only a site-specific detailed audit canidentify what will help an individual business meet their needs.”

For more information contact KMHEnvironmental on 02 9468 9300 or visittheir website at www.kmh.com.au. :afg

“ ”Undertaking energy audits

is the first step to identify

what can be done to

improve energy efficiency

and cut energy costs.


A P A L N E W S

NEWS SNIPPETS

@applesnpearsau

Export more, save moreHaving industry-based Plant Export AuthorisedOfficers has helped Tasmanian fruit growerHoward Hansen to export more than doublethe cherries he did last year and save morethan $100,000.

Exporters can have their own staff trained asAuthorised Officers, or employ third partieswho will undertake inspections for selectoverseas markets with agreed protocols,without needing to pay for a Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Source: minister.agriculture.gov.au

Residue limit updateApple and pear growers and exporters arereminded to know the maximum residuelimit (MRL) requirements of the countriesthey export to.

The March 2016 update of MRLs for applesand pears is available on the APAL websiteat apal.org.au/exporters-know-limits/.DPA limits remain the same – although theyare much lower for Europe than for Australia.

Tas gets hort fundsThe Federal and Tasmanian Governmentsand Tasmanian industry are providing$130,000 for the Tasmanian HorticultureMarket Growth Project to identify andexploit market opportunities for the fruitand vegetable sector.

Source: minister.agriculture.gov.au

Export directoryAPAL has published the Australian Appleand Pear Export Directory – a comprehensivelisting of producers in Australia who areexporting apples and pears. The directory isan essential resource for global customersinterested in importing Australian applesand pears.

It is available on the APAL website athttp://tinyurl.com/APALexporters.

T he visit was coordinated by the Victorian Government andAustrade Thailand who took the

delegation to Shepparton, Swan Hill,Robinvale and Mildura to meet withgrowers and visit orchards and packingfacilities across a number of commodities.

APAL provided a presentation, delivered at the Victorian Government’sHorticulture Centre of Excellence inTatura, which gave an overview of the national crop of apples and pearsand shared insights into the Australiandomestic market.

The Thai retailers were invited to useand adopt some of the key marketingideas in order to grow the apple andpear markets in their respective stores.

They were also provided with the latestversion of the Australian Apple andPear Export Directory.

Considerable promotional support hasbeen deployed to support pear samplingand tastings in the Thai market toincrease the appreciation and understanding of Australia’s pears.Feedback from the event has beenpositive and hopefully some moreexports of apples and pears will occuras a result.

Thanks to Owen Carter, PlunkettOrchards; Johnny Radevski, RadevskiCoolstores; Chris Georgopoulos, GV Independent Packers; and TimNethersole, Jeftomson Orchards fortheir help and participation. :afg

Apple and pearexports upIn February, a delegation of horticultural importersfrom Thailand visited Victorian pear growers to lookat this year’s crop and discuss opportunities to supplythe Thai market.

Thai importers at Plunkett Orchards, Ardmona. Photo: @TradeVictoria.

AUSTRALIAN SPEAKERS

2016 NATIONAL HORTICULT “It’s great to see some other industries starting to come on board with the Convention this year,” APAL CEO John Dollisson said. “The Convention is a perfect opportunity to meet and network with colleagues, peers, industry leaders and of course, the APAL Board and team.

"This year the Convention program is jam-packed with apple and pear specific sessions and combined industry events showcasing both local and international guest speakers. I look forward to seeing a range of apple and pear industry members there.”

APAL has again signed as a co-partner to host the 2016 National Horticulture Convention.

The Convention will be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, 23-25 June, and provides a great space for attendees to network with colleagues and develop an understanding of broader, horticulture-wide issues.

Attendees will have access to a great program focused on both the apple and pear industry as well as the wider horticulture industry; plus additional high profile local and international speakers, combined industry sessions, panel discussions, APAL specific and combined industry social events, a massive trade show – with our own Pome Zone and the Gala Dinner showcasing the Awards for Excellence.

Prior to his four years with Costco, Nathan started his retail career, like many young Australians, at the registers of his local Woolworths where he grew to become Assistant Business Manager, for the Meat Buying Team.

Nathan will provide insight into the Costco business model from a produce perspective and will focus on the unique selling propositions that have delivered great results for the apple and pear category.

Nathan BishopFresh Produce Buyer, Costco

Scott has extensive business and professional experience and is passionate about working with people to improve the value of their business. He aims to create a more certain future for his clients, their stakeholders and families.

Scott will present on building business value and succession planning for business, professional firms and farming enterprises. There will also be an opportunity to meet with Scott one-on-one to discuss personal succession planning concerns.

Scott PattersonPartner, Succession Plus, Queensland

The Variety Showcase is an opportunity to taste, see and discuss some of Australia’s best new and emerging apple and pear varieties.

This year we are adding another element – a Sensory Tasting Session. This will be run by Richard Cornish, an award-winning food writer, who will take participants on a descriptive journey, helping to build a vocabulary around the five senses when tasting apples and pears.

The Sensory Tasting Session will commence the Variety Showcase and attendees will record their own personal flavours and experiences associated with trying the fruit.

VARIETY SHOWCASE AND SENSORY TASTING SESSION

H O R T C O N V 2 0 1 6


TURE CONVENTION

Nicola has a strong interest in fruit crop research and extension services and has worked at FEM for over over 21 years. He is knowledgeable about day-to-day operations within an orchard, including layouts for new plantings, experimental designs, cultural practices and administrative tasks.

Nicola specialises in new techniques on manual pruning in intensive and super-intensive orchard systems. During his presentation he will cover labour efficient systems and the net systems in Italy that help with pest management.

Nicola will be in Australia as a visiting scientist thanks to the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.

Nicola DallabettaFoundation Edmund Mach (FEM) Technology Transfer Centre, Italy

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS

Tienie has worked in South Africa’s fruit production industry for 40 years in pome fruit, stone fruit and persimmon. His knowledge of the industry led him to develop a simple but accurate system for nutrition of fruit crops.

Tienie grew up in the apple growing region of Eastern Cape, South Africa, has been involved in various research projects; worked as an international agricultural consultant; and received awards for his contribution to the South African fruit industry. He will present on the importance of nutrition in the orchard, drawing on the South African experience where growers are managing poor variable soil types and nutrition for apple crops.

Tienie du PreezTienie du Preez Consulting, South Africa

Jon Entine is a leading expert on Genetically Modified Organisms and will present, during the combined sessions, about the use of GMO crops, including the science behind the non-browning Arctic® Apple.

Jon is the founder of the Genetic Literacy Project, an independent Washington, DC-based NGO that explores the intersection of DNA research and human and agricultural genetics. He is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Food and Agricultural Literacy at the University of California, Davis and the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.

Jon EntineFounder of the Genetic Literacy Project, United States

H O R T C O N V 2 0 1 6


6.00pm – 9.00pm APAL meet and greet Wednesday, 22 June

7.30am – 8.30am Breakfast address, John Dollisson8.30am - 9.00am Registration, Industry Updating9.00am - 3.30pm Industry Updating12.15pm - 2.15pm Variety Showcase and Sensory Tasting Session 3.30pm - 4.30pm APAL AGM4.30pm - 5.00pm Q&A myth-busting session with APAL Directors5.00pm - 7.00pm APAL social event7.00pm - 9.00pm Convention welcome reception

Thursday, 23 June

7.30am - 9.00am Breakfast address9.00am - 1.00pm Combined industry speaker session1.00pm - 5.00pm APAL Pome Zone in the Trade Show6.00pm - 9.00pm Masquerade ball

Friday, 24 June

7.00am - 8.00am Breakfast address8.00am - 10.00am APAL speaker sessions Risky business: Solutions for risk mitigation and future proofing your business10.30am - 12.30pm APAL speaker sessions To retail and beyond: Innovative ways to work with retailers2.00pm - 5.00pm Panel session Disrupt your orchard: Tackling change head on18:45pm - 11.30pm Gala Dinner and Awards for Excellence

Saturday, 25 June

Follow updates on Twitter via #HortConv2016www.hortconv.com.au

APPLE AND PEAR PROGRAM

H O R T C O N V 2 0 1 6

10 AUSTRALIAN FRUITGROWER APRIL/MAY 2016 www.apal.org.au

This year our Speed Updating session is taking on a new look!

Instead of just incorporating all the fabulous research occurring in the Australian apple and pear industry, we are opening the floor to research and innovative things occurring both locally and internationally. Industry Updating is open to everyone who registers for the Convention.

Apple and pear delegates will be treated to some extra special social events and a dedicated meeting area, the Pome Zone, within the Trade Show!

These activities offer more opportunity for our industry to meet and greet in a relaxed environment among like-minded industry members.

The Pome Zone will feature value added products and innovations and will be an opportunity to meet with and hear from researchers, industry professionals and more.

INDUSTRY UPDATING

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

The Awards for Excellence will again be announced at the NatioThe Awards for Excellence will again be announced at the National nal Horticulture Convention Gala Dinner on Saturday, 25 June. Horticulture Convention Gala Dinner on Saturday, 25 June.

The awards recognise the success and outstanding achievements The awards recognise the success and outstanding achievements of the apple, pear and horticulture industry’s most successful of the apple, pear and horticulture industry’s most successful growers, researchers, people and businesses working across the growers, researchers, people and businesses working across the supply chain.supply chain.

The apple and pear specific awards include:The apple and pear specific awards include:

Grower of the Year

Innovative Marketing Award

Exporter of the Year Award

Rising Start Award

The combined horticulture industry awards include:The combined horticulture industry awards include: Women in Horticulture AwardWomen in Horticulture Award Researcher of the Year Award Researcher of the Year Award

Awards will only be granted if outstanding candidates are identified. Awards will only be granted if outstanding candidates are identified. For selection criteria and more information please visit the APAL For selection criteria and more information please visit the APAL website www.apal.org.au/2016-awards. website www.apal.org.au/2016-awards.

Nominations close 11 May, 2016.Nominations close 11 May, 2016.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND THE POME ZONE


UPCOMINGEVENTS

More event info:apal.org.au/events

Margarey Orchard FestivalCoromandel Valley, SA16-17 April

ANABP 01 Field DayManjimup, WA18 Apr 2016

Pick a Pink Lady weekend™Adelaide Hills, SA30 Apr – 1 May 2016

Gladysdale Apple and WineFestival 2016Gladysdale, VIC1 May 2016

Tallong Apple Day FestivalTallong, NSW1 May 2016

Kellybrook Cider FestivalWonga Park, VIC30 Apr – 1 May 2016

Orange Apple FestOrange, NSW6-8 May 2016

2016 Cider Industry ConferenceBatlow, NSW20 May 2016

2016 Batlow CiderFest StreetFestivalBatlow, NSW21 May 2016

Fresh Produce Forum ChinaChengdu, China31 May – 2 Jun 2016

2016 National HorticultureConventionGold Coast, Qld23-25 Jun 2016

APAL Board meetingGold Coast, Qld24 Jun 2016

We want to know about yourlocal events for fruit growers!Please submit your events [email protected] to get listedhere and on APAL’s website.

E V E N T S

I hope that common senseprevails.

Guy GaetaCommunication Officer NSW Farmers Association


S T A T E R O U N D U P

NSW growers are supplying good quality apples despite trying hot weather and standby for the results of the HorticulturalAward review.

New South Wales

As I write this we hope thecool change expected will seethe end to the unseasonablyhigh temperatures we havebeen experiencing. With norainfall and high temperatures,it continues to amaze mehow robust apples can be asthey have come through ingood condition.

I find it hard to understandwhy I see Grannies and PinkLady™ apples within storesthat are worth double theprice of a Gala, yet they cutbrown. Where is the commonsense in putting low quality

apples in the market, this canadversely affect overall supplyand demand? Let us wake upto ourselves and start doing theright thing by the consumer.

The Fair Work Commission iscurrently completing theirfour year review of theHorticultural Award. As Iunderstand it, all of the Statesand Industry RepresentativeBodies have made submissionson this matter.

The main hiccup is that theyare proposing all casuals bepaid an overtime allowance.

State Associations

WESTERN AUSTRALIAPomewest

(08) 9368 3869www.pomewest.net.au

NEW SOUTH WALESNSW Farmers Association

(02) 8251 1700www.nswfarmers.org.au

QUEENSLANDGrowcom

(07) 3620 3844www.growcom.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIAApple & Pear Growers

Association of South Australia(08) 8389 8300www.apgasa.com

TASMANIAFruit Growers Tasmania Inc

(03) 6231 1944www.fruitgrowerstas.com.au

VICTORIAFruit Growers Victoria Ltd

(03) 5825 3700www.fgv.com.au

www.apal.org.au/about-apal/our-partners

u

CONTACT MICHAEL CUNIAL | m: 0415 663 413 | e: [email protected]

Drape Net...do I have a deal for you!

Order your Drape Net by the end of May with a 50% deposit and you will receive a 5% discount on your total amount paid on delivery. This brings the average price per Ha on a 3.5 meter wide row using 7 meter wide net to around $10,000 ex gst.

On a good day with uniform trees 7 people can put out 5 Ha of Drape Net and it’s quicker to take off.

Drape Net is a real alternative to structured net costing fractions of the price and often out performing it. We pride ourselves on the right product for the right price, customer service, training, product development and 12 years of experience.

Look out for grower meetings in your area or get in contact.

There is a 2016 quote form and some good videos on our website.

Due to a slightly stronger Aussie dollar and lower oil prices Drape Net has held last year’s price and is offering a “Early Bird” special.

www.drapenet.com.au

Editor’s note: Aussie Apples was also promoted at theSydney Royal EasterShow in NSW in Marchwith Hort Innovation.


S T A T E R O U N D U P

Apple picking season hasstarted in Victoria. Growersin northern Victoria are busypicking Galas and they arehappy with fruit quality andyields. Granny Smiths andCorella pears are ready forpicking. Galas in southernVictoria look good and theyare ready to be picked as well.

Orchards are being monitored

regularly to accurately predict

optimum harvest maturities.

The Future Orchards® events

in the Goulburn Valley and

Mornington Peninsula were

well attended. Growers had an

opportunity to see interesting

presentations on fertigation

Victoria and mechanisation in fruitproduction and FGVL brieflyupdated growers on theprogress of field trials. Thankyou to Mark and JackiePaganoni for the interestingtour of Atlanta Orchards.

During January, growers experienced increased activityof codling moth in theGoulburn Valley and WoollyAphid in the south. A numberof growers have reported thatsome percentage of applefruit in the cool room showsthe symptoms of internalbrowning and also noticedpoor colouring of fruit in someblocks. FGVL has investigated

these problems and has provided recommendationsthrough the weekly newsletter,Corefacts.

Victorian growers are keepingQueensland fruit fly undercontrol with trapping andregular baiting and coversprays where required. FGVLadvises growers to maintaingood hygiene of their orchardsand remove all fallen andunharvested fruit.

Petar BursacIndustry DevelopmentManagerFruit Growers Victoria Ltd.(FGVL)

Harvesting of apples and pears is inprogress or completed in Victoria as theyfind ways to tackle their pest problems.

Western Australia

The ANABP 01 field day willbe held in Manjimup on 18April 2016, where the detailsof the brand and marketstrategies will be presented togrowers and potential growersalong with orchard visits priorto pick.

A grower meeting forPomewest members will be

Local Gala and Granny Smith apples are hitting the market and pears are in full swing too as WA growers waitfor word on Qfly eradication and theANABP 01 field day.

It is a pleasure to report thatQueensland Fruit Fly (Qfly)has been eradicated fromthe riverside suburb of AlfredCove in WA. Resulting froman extensive program of surveillance, inspection andbaiting activities throughouta 12-week period, no furtherQfly were detected since theinitial detections on 18 and23 November 2015. Thisallows re-instatement ofArea Freedom for Qfly.

Industry acknowledges thiswas only possible, due to the timely and comprehensiveplanning and response byDepartment of Agricultureand Food WA (DAFWA), the support of the City of

Melville, and the willing participation of the community.

The local residents in AlfredCove were patient and supportive of repeated propertyinspections and baiting activities, and complied withthe restrictions on fruit disposaland movement.

During the eradication programmore than 12,500 on-propertyvisits were recorded across 910individual properties, and therewere 668 calls made to theDAFWA Pest and DiseaseInformation Service hotline.

ANABP 01 now has a name –‘Bravo’ – which is very excitingnews. More details will be provided as they come to hand.

set for 17 May in Manjimupfeaturing climate changespeakers and Pomewest project updates.

Nardia StacyExecutive Officer Pomewest

u

DAFWA’s Don Telfer (right) and Alfred Cove resident Joy Moloneylook over grapes as part of WA’s coordinated response to get ridof Qfly (Photo: DAFWA).


M A R K E T I N G

One of the core areas of APAL’s business operations is the management of the global PinkLady™ brand, yet few APAL members are familiar with the work undertaken in this area.In the first in a series of articles about APAL’s Pink Lady business and Intellectual Propertymanagement, APAL’s Garry Langford takes us back to where it all began and the currentstate of play.

APAL’s global Pink Lady business is built on the apple cultivarCripps Pink bred by John Cripps at the Department ofAgriculture in Western Australia (DAFWA) and the Pink

Lady flowing heart trade mark that was also developed by DAFWA.

Trade marks for an appleIn the 1970s when Cripps Pink was being developed, the conceptof using a trade mark to protect an apple product was a significantinnovation in our industry and today has become the standardglobal approach for new apple products.

In 1998 DAFWA assigned the global Pink Lady trade mark toAPAL’s predecessor, the Australian Apple and Pear GrowersAssociation (AAPGA).

Currently the Pink Lady trade mark is registered in various formsin Australia and in more than 80 territories worldwide. It is usedon the fruit produced from Cripps Pink trees and two mutationsof Cripps Pink called Rosy Glow and Lady in Red that meet certain quality specifications.

Global master licenseesBy the time DAFWA had assigned the Pink Lady trade marks toAAPGA, it had already put in place a number of licences withentities around the world to produce and sell Cripps Pink trees.In the main, the DAFWA licensees became AAPGA’s masterlicensees to manage and license the trade marks in their respective territories.

AAPGA as an organisation had very limited resources in the late1990s so the master licensee approach became the cornerstone

of the AAPGA business model. Master licensees were taskedwith licensing and building the trade in Pink Lady apples andalso with promoting the Pink Lady brand. Whilst licenses providedfor royalty returns to AAPGA the royalties were largely ploughedback into the business.

International Pink Lady AllianceIn 2001, the master licensees formed the International Pink Lady Alliance (IPLA) and the following year AAPGA becameAPAL. APAL, as the trade mark owner, provided IPLA with the opportunity to advise on issues related to the quality standardsand packaging requirements.

IPLA is still operating as an alliance of APAL’s licensees that includePink Lady producers, packers and marketers. IPLA has assistedAPAL to develop the global quality standard for the use of thePink Lady trade marks and a global standard for packaging,including fruit stickers.

Royalty collection and investmentBy 2005 the concept of licenced exporters supplying Pink Ladyapples only to licenced importers was being implemented. Thisprocess standardised royalty collections so that they were mainlycollected at the import destination, enabling investment in thedestination market.

By Garry Langford

Pink Lady™ businessThe birth of APAL’s

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How does APAL’s global Pink Lady brandmanagement benefit Australian growers?• Provides Australian growers of Pink Lady appleswith an opportunity to export branded Pink Ladyapples internationally.

• Allows APAL to independently invest in projects forAustralian growers.

• Has built up APAL’s expertise in brand managementglobally that is being applied to brand developmentfor new pome fruit products for Australian growers.

www.apal.org.au AUSTRALIAN FRUITGROWER APRIL/MAY 2016 15

M A R K E T I N G

APAL’s successful management of the Pink Lady brand has seenPink Lady apples become the number one premium apple brandin the world. Through the way APAL has managed the Pink Ladybrand internationally, a royalty stream has been developed. Royaltiesare invested in a number of ways including marketing activities,brand protection, licensing and quality control. The surplus from these royalties is returned to APAL and the surplus is nowaround $1 million per annum. APAL is now investing a portionof this into new programs for the benefit of Australian growers.

Licensing review and expansionA complete review of licences and their requirements was startedin early 2011, this process has been ongoing and is now largelycomplete with several long term licences being renewed in thepast year under new terms and conditions.

The result from the very clear focus that APAL has put on activelymanaging the global business has been a significant increase inincome for APAL, but with commensurate increases in investmentin new market development and additional resources.

To develop new markets, APAL and its European licensee Star Fruits have established a joint venture company Pink LadyDevelopment Limited. Pink Lady Development Ltd is fundedfrom a small portion of the royalties collected from Pink Ladyapples imported into the United Kingdom and the EuropeanUnion along with royalties collected on Pink Lady apples in newmarkets. The focus for Pink Lady Development Limited has beenSouth East Asia, China, Brazil and the Middle East centred onthe United Arab Emirates.

A branch office of Pink Lady Development Ltd has been established in Malaysia with Ryan Au employed there full time.Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have been the initial marketsthat have been developed and we are now looking to expand to Indonesia and Hong Kong in the next phase.

Development in China has been focused on developing the brandbased on imported Pink Lady apples and this began in 2010. In2015 APAL entered into its first licence in China on locally producedCripps Pink apples. A further licence has been entered into thisyear with a volume of around 200 tonnes to be marketed in keyTier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

2016 and beyondThe focus over the next two years for the Pink Lady business willbe in the following areas:

• Continuing new market development program.

• Developing and implementing a global branding strategyincorporating local marketing initiatives.

• Standardising packaging.

• Building a new website that will be a global hub for the brand.

• Increasing social media activities.

• Licensing the brand in Australia.

The people power behind Pink Lady The brand has been developed and sustained by a passionateand committed global network of people that have brought theoriginal vision to fruition. :afg

The Pink Lady stand at 2016 Fruit Logistica – showcasing Pink Lady apples.

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Garry Langford, Intellectual Property Manager | t: (03) 6266 4344 | e: [email protected]


P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T

Nuffield Scholar and NSW apple grower Fiona Hall went on an exhilarating internationalstudy tour with plenty of ideas to share and a key message – if you want to grow yourbusiness, leave your backyard.

Sponsored by APAL and Hort Innovation, Fiona is researchinginnovation in the apple industry to identify ways to closethe gap between producer and retailer profits. To develop

her knowledge she spent six weeks with other Australian andinternational Nuffield Scholars travelling to Singapore, India, Qatar,Turkey, France and the United States of America.

Fiona said it’s “totally exhausting and absolutely exhilarating. Ihave learnt and experienced so much more in those six weeksthan in the past 10 years. I’m very grateful to participate in thisprogram and it’s a credit to Nuffield to deliver such an intenseand worthy agenda.”

The group visited both developed and developing countries withaccess to different resources. Fiona noticed that the standards ineach country varied greatly but the issues in agriculture were verycommon and included a range of topics such as food safety andsecurity; labour availability and ethics; succession planning; largecorporation farming versus small family farms; and much more.

Inspired by leadersThe Nuffield Scholars met in Canberra where they attendedQuestion Time and a dinner at Parliament House. “Members of Parliament from each of the Australian Scholars’ electorateswere invited to attend the dinner and I met with John Cobb,the member for Orange,” said Fiona.

Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Barnaby Joyce andDeputy Prime Minister at the time, Warren Truss, also joined thegroup and spoke to inspire the 2015 Scholars.

Jet-setting to Singapore The scholars travelled to Singapore where Fiona greatly benefittedfrom a presentation by John Barker, First Agriculture Holdings –an investment consulting company for food and agribusiness inSingapore, Australia, China and India.

“It seems the biggest constraint when looking to develop land is water, but the issue is that farmers are becoming scarcer thanwater,” said Fiona. “They’re underselling and underestimatingthe value of their IP, but know-how and experience are the mostvaluable assets on a farm.”

She adds that with investment companies increasingly purchasingland, less farmers will feel the need to own it, and instead beemployed to manage investor-owned farms.

From Singapore to IndiaIn the Punjab area of India the group saw child labour used inbusinesses certified by the Global Good Agricultural Practices(GAP) standard, and they learnt about the excessive use of pesticides polluting the water table.

A big challenge in India is the route to market, with road infrastructure making it almost impossible for farmers and traders.Not to mention lack of cold storage facilities, which greatly reducesthe life and quality of their produce.

“India has huge potential but it will take massive investment,training and resources to enable the country to be recognised as a safe agricultural exporter,” said Fiona. u

Around the worldas a Nuffield Scholar


P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T

Qatar – the richest country in the world Food security is a major concern in Qatar and large investmentsare being made in agriculture to secure the future of the countrybecause 98 per cent of their food is imported.

“The Qatar government is investing heavily to develop their limitedresources – particularly their ability to supply large quantities ofclean sea water using reverse osmosis. A two-spread economyexists there with an imported workforce living in communes,land is cheap and farmers can easily apply for cheap loans todevelop farms,” Fiona explained.

“We visited Hassad foods, a company established to tackle foodsecurity concerns. In the past three years they have expandedinto commercial production and own land in Pakistan, India andAustralia where they produce predominantly beef and wheat.

“Hassad will go wherever they can grow food but are finding itpolitically challenging to invest in some counties. They’re lookingfor a 4-6 per cent return on investment and have a strong interestin high value horticulture crops in Australia.”

Turkey – a country of natural resources Almost 83 per cent of the land in Turkey offers arable, excellentsoils and plentiful water sources.

“The main issues in Turkey are shrinking farm sizes and lack ofexpertise in the country. This was expressed quite strongly at theAustralian High Commission in Istanbul regarding the demand forforeign farming consultants in Eastern European countries,” Fiona said.

Next stop, France Farmers in France rely heavily on the European Common AgriculturalPolicy and the country is extremely diversified in their productionwith the French public very influential on agricultural practicessuch as the use of GMOs.

In France there are many wealthy farmers but land is expensiveto buy. The co-operative system seems to work for marketingpurposes and energy is a limited and expensive resource.

Last stop, the USAThe group travelled to Washington DC where they met with theAmerican Farm Bureau; the United States Department of Agriculture;and the Washington State Delaware Secretary of Agriculture.

Fiona was briefed on their Constitution and the policy makingprocess; the Farm Bill; water allocation; crop insurance underwritten by the government; controlling wildlife; dealing withnon-governmental organisations; the Trans-Pacific Partnership;and the nine million illegal immigrants providing the labourrequired for horticulture.

“It was interesting to understand the different decisions that areState and Federal based and how that relates to agricultural policydecisions in the USA,” said Fiona.

Fiona also visited Washington State growers Starr Ranch,McDougall & sons and the Washington Apple Commission; Gold Digger Apples; and Northwest Cherries.

“The time I spent in Washington gave me a snapshot of theindustry and ideas of how to move forward with my Nuffieldproject. I would like to pursue Gold Digger Apples as a casestudy looking at a grower co-operative perspective. They arelarger than any Australian fruit business – but not too large, by American standards,” she added.

“I also intend to look at a corporation in New Zealand and anItalian co-operative in South Tyrol.”

Where to from here?“I learnt so much about the challenges of each country we visitedand gained a deeper understanding of the industries my peers hadcome from – identifying future opportunities in other sectors Ihadn’t thought about earlier,” said Fiona.

“While our alumni year is an 18 month commitment, Nuffielditself is a lifetime. Innovation in our own operation rarely comesfrom ideas in your own industry or your own country, so in thefirst instance I would suggest to anyone looking to grow or simply do what they do better, to leave their own backyard.”

About the Nuffield Scholarship programFiona is the recipient of a fully funded Nuffield scholarshipoffered through APAL and Hort Innovation. She is required tocomplete a research project that adds value to the apple andpear industry in Australia. :afg

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Fiona Hall assists the locals during grape harvestin Thekkady, India, on her Nuffield Scholarship

global tour.

P R O F I L E

Plunkett Orchards in Victoria is a large apple and peargrower, based in the Goulburn Valley. They producearound 12,000 bins of apples every year including Pink

Lady™, Granny Smith, Gala and Fuji as well as around 2,000bins of Packham pears.

Of the approximately 130 hectares in the ground, around 50-55hectares have been planted in the last five years. They typicallyremove and replant around 10 per cent every year, ensuring theorchard is constantly rejuvenated, allowing for new varieties andpractices to more readily be adopted.

Making the orchard fitOrchard Manager Jason Shields has been working at PlunkettOrchards for around 15 years and has been updating the orchardblocks and managing them so they can accommodate platforms.

One of the key requirements for using machinery in an orchardblock is making sure that the tree density, orchard layout andcanopy management allow the machinery to fit and for workersto be able to do their work more effectively and efficiently. But,according to Jason, it’s not that hard to get you orchard ready –at least for the platforms they are using.


With two platforms in operation and another two on order, Plunkett Orchards arereaping the benefits of mechanisation on their orchards. APAL met with OrchardManager Jason Shields to see the platforms in operation and learn more about them.

Jason ShieldswithBy Sophie Clayton

Picking platforms

Picking platform in operation at Plunkett Orchards with two pickers. After picking the apples they are placed on an arm conveyor belt.

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P R O F I L E

“You just have to have a canopy that’s not wider than your arm,”says Jason. “It can’t be a big deep canopy because if you can’tstand on the platform and reach into the centre of the tree youcan’t reach all the fruit.

“Basically it has to be a semi-narrow high density orchard with acanopy that can’t be more than 50-60cm wide. We try to keepour canopy within half metre either side of the tree so the canopyis still about 1m dense throughout the orchard, which also preventsthe platform from hitting the trees.

“Most of our blocks are now 3.5 by 1m or something aroundthat, but the machine could fit down to as narrow as 2.5m rows– you would just need a narrower canopy again.”

Jason estimates that already up to 90 per cent of their appleblocks meet this criteria – meaning they can use the platformsalmost everywhere. He explains that he thinks most canopiescan be easily pruned and trained to fit the machinery providedthe orchard block has been planted with a relatively narrowspacing resulting in a high density orchard.

“Pretty much anyone who has planted an orchard in the last tenyears, unless they have gone wide spacing, should have canopiesthat suit these types of platforms,” says Jason. “It doesn’t haveto be a very big job to make the machinery fit – as long as it’s ahigh density orchard.

“All of our older bocks, which are 11 or 12 years old – it will fit through them, we just have to bring the height of the treesdown a little bit because otherwise the trees are just a little bittoo high for the platforms to reach into.

“But if you’ve got an orchard with row spacing 4.5 to 5 metreswide and big trees that are 2m apart it’s clearly not going to work.”


The platformsThis year is the second year that the two platforms – importedfrom Frumaco in Italy – have been used for harvesting at PlunkettOrchards. Andrew Plunkett, owner of Plunkett Orchards, purchasedthe platforms after seeing them at FruitLogistica.

They were ordered ‘as is’ but Plunketts did have to do a fewmodifications once they arrived to accommodate their row spaces.They have been so effective and efficient at improving a rangeof orchard practices, Andrew has already placed an order foranother two that are expected to arrive in August. And thistime, they will be built to Andrew’s specifications.

From pruning to pickingPlunkett’s original intention was to use the platforms for pruning,thinning and tree training. If they worked for harvesting it wouldbe a bonus.

“The platforms make smaller jobs more efficient, such as puttingclips on the trees to train them,” says Jason. “Anywhere we useplatforms instead of a cherry picker and a person on the groundthey save us. The more fruit and the more consistent the trees,the bigger the saving.

“We moved away from ladders for safety reasons but thesethings are performing better than ladders and cherry pickers.”

They calculated that just using the platforms for these tree management tasks would be sufficient to justify the investmentin their purchase, but they quickly started using the platformsfor harvesting and haven’t looked back since.

“We were using hydro-ladders or cherry pickers to pick all ourtops – but we’ve now moved to 80 per cent picking with theplatform on the tops rather than hydro-ladders,” says Jason.

All arms feed picked apples onto the main conveyor belt. The conveyor belt gently places the apples in the bin.

P R O F I L E


u “And we don’t need the massive volume of cherry pickers likewe did before – we used to have 18 cherry pickers – now we’redown to four.”

Moreover, the platforms are reliably maintaining fruit qualitywhen used for harvesting.

“There’s never any time that a piece of fruit touches anotherpiece of fruit until it gets into the bin, it’s not like a bag whereyou put one piece of fruit on top of another – so the platformshelp to avoid bruising,” explains Jason.

In operationThe orchard block of Granny Smith apples where the machinewas operating at the time of APAL’s visit was at fifth leaf stage(five years old) with row spacing of 3.5m and tree spacing of0.75m, equating to a density of around 3,800 trees per hectare.While still a relatively young block, Jason estimates it is producingaround 50 tonnes/ha, with the expectation that will lift to around90t/ha when it is more mature.

There weren’t too many apples on the trees to harvest – withmore on the tops than the bottoms – and the platform and thetwo pickers on it were making easy work of it.

“It can appear that in the younger orchard blocks, where thereis not much fruit in the tree tops, that the platform is not thatefficient,” says Jason. ”But actually, because the pickers are notgoing up and down the ladders for one or two pieces of fruit –then it makes the platforms much, much more efficient comparedto a ladder.”

Up to ten people can work with each platform – two either sideon the top platforms (four), two either side on the lower platforms(four) and another two walking either side of the platform onthe ground. At Plunketts they generally work the platforms withfour people on the machine and two on the ground, totallingsix. But when there’s a lot of fruit in the middle section and nota lot of fruit at the top they put another two people on to coverthat area to keep the work even for everybody.

Two platforms were in use in the block during APAL’s visit andboth were required to be operating to keep a single ganger,who collects the full bins, fully occupied.

“One limiting factor of these platforms is that the more peopleyou put on there the faster they can pick a bin load of fruit,”explains Jason. “They can pick a bin in ten minutes, but it takestwo to three minutes to swap a bin and you have to stop everytime a bin fills up.

“So if you’ve got ten people sitting around waiting for two minutes that adds up to 20 minutes of downtime when there’sno picking getting done. But if you were to add up the timerequired for a picker to walk backwards and forwards to a binand empty a bag every time, then it’s probably more non-pickingtime than with the platforms. But, if they could just constantlypick and there was no bin changing, then they could really turnout some bins.”

The platforms are self-steering as they run up the row, and areguided by a small arm at the base of the machine that correctsthe direction when it touches a trunk by gradually creeping themachine back into the right position. All that the people on themachine have to do is adjust the speed of the machine to makesure there is enough time to pick all the fruit.

Jason adds that you do need a good operator who can judge ifyou’re going too fast or not fast enough especially when thereare four to six people working on it, to ensure they all have timeto do their work.

As for the pickers, they all seem very happy to use the machine.

“There’s no-one that has ever been on the platform who’s notbeen happy with it,” says Jason. “If you take them off and givethem back a bag – then they’re not happy. They can also work a lot longer and more consistently without the sore backs andthe pains – so I haven’t found anybody who’s complained aboutbeing on the platform yet.”

Jason’s adviceJason recommends that you shouldn’t plan your orchard aroundthe equipment that you currently have. Instead he recommendsplanning your orchard around the equipment and outcomes youwant – and that there’s no time like the present to start makinga change.

“You have to draw a line in the sand and say it’s time to changeand I need to start changing the equipment to suit the orchard I want,” says Jason.

What great advice – thanks Jason! And thanks to the Plunkettsfor letting APAL visit to see this machine operating. :afg

Jason Shields, Orchard Manager,Plunkett Orchards.


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O R C H A R D M A N A G E M E N T

As we head toward the end of harvest, it’s time to think about your fertiliser plan to boostyour trees’ nutrition reserves in preparation for next season.

Post-harvest nutrition should be one of the key events onthe orchardist’s calendar. Once the fruit is off the tree it’stime to replenish the tree’s reserves.

The window between fruit removal and leaf fall is narrow but itis a critical period to get right. It’s a golden opportunity to top-upvital nutrients to maximum effect by working with what the treeis naturally doing; translocating nutrients and carbohydrates fromthe leaves back into the buds and woody tissue in preparationfor winter dormancy.

Early season growth potential is determined by the nutritionalconcentration and carbohydrate reserves that have been builtup in the buds at leaf fall. So once each variety is harvested youneed to implement your post-harvest nutrient plan.

Timing The best time to apply post-harvest nutrients is as soon as practically possible after each variety has been harvested. To maximise nutrient uptake the leaves need to be in good condition and fully functioning. Don’t wait until the last varietyhas been harvested before implementing your program sinceleaf condition on the early maturing varieties have already deteriorated significantly.

Root activity is also largest immediately post-harvest so maximisethis by methodically applying post-harvest fertiliser to each varietyas soon as possible following the last pick.

By Dean Rainham

Post-harvest nutrientmanagement

Which nutrients are most important post-harvest?We advocate a nice simple message with regard to nutrition andthat is:

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

Make sure you’re taking sufficient soil, leaf and fruit tests toknow what nutrients you need to address. The most likely onesyou can do something about post-harvest are nitrogen, boron,zinc and magnesium.

Nitrogen (N)Ensuring the floral buds have adequate nitrogen is vital to theirviability, which is their ability to set fruit. It also lowers biennialbearing tendencies. Autumn is the best time to apply nitrogento ensure adequate nitrogen is supplied to the floral bud. It has minimal effect on spring shoot growth but has the highestimpact on final fruit set compared to applying nitrogen in springor summer.

Foliar nitrogen applications are the most effective way to directlyraise nitrogen concentrations in the floral bud. Nitrogen is neededin large quantities, so a couple of foliar sprays are normally necessary. Urea applied post-harvest at 2-3 per cent solution (2-3kg/100L) 10-14 days apart is a good start.

On soils where soil nitrogen reserves are known to be low, asoil-applied solid nitrogen will also be needed. Try to target 40per cent of the total trees’ nitrogen requirements post-harvest.

Relative growth pattern of a fruit tree (Source: Tree Fruit Nutrition, Ed.Paterson, 1994, Fig 2). Note: graph has been adapted for the SouthernHemisphere.

“ ”Post-harvest nutrition is an important

strategy for orchardists to sustain

high yields of quality fruit.


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Leaf samples taken in February showing nitrogen levels lessthan 2.5 per cent, indicate nitrogen applied in autumn wouldbe beneficial.

Signs of low nitrogen status include:

• Poor fruit set.

• Small fruit size relative to crop load.

• Enhanced fruit colour development.

• Small, pale green foliage.

• Early onset of autumn foliage colour development and premature leaf drop.

Olea Nurseries Pty Ltd82 Mitchelldean Rd, Yanmah via Manjimup WA 6258T: 08 9772 1207 F: 08 9772 1333

Lady in Red AA/M26apple trees available

for 2016 planting

E: [email protected]

Boron (B)Boron is most effectively applied immediately post-harvest.Boron is needed for pollen tube formation and therefore fruitset. Good boron levels mean more seeds are set; the higher theseed numbers, the higher the calcium levels in the fruit.

Zinc (Zn)Zinc is an often misdiagnosed, under-rated or ignored trace element, yet a zinc-deficient orchard will be responsible for significant production losses if not addressed. Zinc is importantfor the formation and activity of chlorophyll and in the functioningof several enzymes and the growth hormone auxin.

Low levels of auxin, as a result of zinc deficiency, cause severestunting of leaves and shoots, commonly known as ‘little leafsyndrome’. It can also be responsible for blind buds. Symptoms canbe erratic whereby some branches show symptoms and others don’t.

Unlike boron, zinc does not have any direct effect on pollinationand fruit set, however, with low levels of zinc, bourse leavesnever become fully expanded resulting in less carbohydrates forblooms and developing fruit. Research has shown that a positiverelationship exists between bourse plus spur leaf area and calciumaccumulation in the fruit; the larger the bourse plus spur leaf area,the higher the fruit calcium levels.

Effect of autumn/spring sprays on boron content (ppm) of apple flowers(Source: Manning K and Wilson R (2009), Principles of Orchard Nutrition).

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Untreated Autumn Spring

E�ect of autumn/spring sprays on boron in apple �owers

Anther Ovary Style

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pm)

How the timing of nitrogenapplications effect growthand fruit set (Source: Hill-Cottingham DG, J. Hort. Sc.38. p242).

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Total no. of �owers

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E�ect of time of application of nitrogen on growth & fruit set

Minus N Spring N Summer N Autumn N

% Final fruit set

N (%

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Soil applications are ineffectual because zinc reacts with theorganic component and other minerals in the soil and is quicklyrendered unavailable to the tree. Therefore foliar sprays must beused. However, zinc sprays can russet the fruit and therefore greatcare is required if treating trees that still have fruit on them.

Post-harvest sprays are therefore the best opportunity to get zincinto the tree, allowing this trace element to be translocated backinto the tree and buds as the leaf senesces. Mid-dormancy wintersprays of higher rates of zinc sulphate can also be used but thesemust be applied well before any bud movement to avoid buddamage. Apply zinc before any oils go on.

Please note, that a zinc based fungicide program does notaddress an underlying zinc deficiency. The fungicide formulationmeans the zinc molecules are too large and won’t get absorbedinto the leaf. When the leaf test shows excessively high zinc levelsit’s usually sample contamination from the zinc based fungicide.Make sure you request a light acid wash when sending leafsamples to the lab which should remove any contaminants from the outside of the leaf.

Magnesium (Mg)Magnesium is the central molecule of chlorophyll, the greencolour of the leaf. Without it, photosynthesis cannot occur.Other equally important but less known roles of magnesiuminclude: energy transfer; cell wall formation; protein, starch andoil synthesis; and it assists with nutrient uptake from the soil tothe roots, especially phosphorus. Magnesium is very mobile inthe plant and so a deficiency is first seen in the older leaves.

Signs of zinc deficiency. Yellowing leaf colour – a sign of magnesium deficiency.

While a post-harvest magnesium foliar spray is an opportunity totop up the buds, magnesium is needed in much larger quantitiesthan trace elements like zinc and boron. Therefore, there mustbe follow up applications of both soil and foliar applications thefollowing season to address an inherently magnesium-deficientorchard over the long-term.

Summary Post-harvest to leaf drop period is a relatively narrow but important window to apply nutrients. The key nutrients to focuson are nitrogen, boron, zinc and magnesium. Foliar sprays arevery effective post-harvest as nutrients applied to the leaf will be translocated back into the tree and to the buds as the leavesnaturally senesce.

Post-harvest nutrition is an important strategy for orchardists tosustain high yields of quality fruit. It can lower biennial bearingrisk, maximise early season growth potential, improve fruit setand is the best time to apply some key nutrients. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Acknowledgement APAL’s Future Orchards® program is funded by HorticultureInnovation Australia Ltd using the apple and pear industry levyfunds from growers and funds from the Australian Government.AgFirst is a key Future Orchards partner. :afg

About the author:Dean Rainham, Horticultural Consultant, AgFirste: [email protected]


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The focus at the moment will be on harvesting the later varieties, mainly Cripps Pink, Cripps Red, and maybe Fujiand Granny Smith. With red and partially red varieties,

colour is important, so a lot of effort should go into lifting it.This is particularly so with Cripps Pink where those meeting thePink Lady™ specification have an orchard gate value of aroundtwo to two and a half times the value of those that do not.

The best long term solution to poor colour is to graft over orreplant with high colour strains. There are now good high colourstrains available for many of our established varieties. And with lotsof our orchards now planted intensively on dwarfing rootstocksit is relatively easy to change variety. If well planned and executed,the orchard is back in production within two or three years.

Appraise orchard performance block by blockIn order to make rational decisions on future crop husbandry it is necessary to have good data on present crop performance.Immediately after harvest is a good time to do this job.

Year-round qualitymanagement begins after harvest

By John Wilton

AgFirst’s John Wilton explains how growing high quality fruit needs a whole-of-year focusbecause the production year begins immediately after harvest and finishes with a successfulharvest next year.

I also consider viewing the orchard just ahead of harvest a necessary part of orchard performance appraisal, as is block by block analysis of yield and packout performance.

By now, early varieties have probably been packed so their harvest and outturn data is already there. Even though latervarieties have yet to be harvested there may be a benefit inanalysing earlier variety packout performance because it mayhighlight harvest management on quality issues that can beaddressed in the later varieties.

Take particular note of harvest maturity and handling problemssuch as bruising and stem punctures. These defects often accountfor a significant proportion of the crop and, with better maturitymonitoring as well as good harvest supervision, there can belarge improvements in Class 1 fruit recovery.

Our experience shows that handling damage is often associatedwith more mature fruit so keeping on top of fruit maturitymakes for easier harvest and improved packouts.

This intensive block was grafted to a double leader system two years ago – it is nowset up for a substantial third leaf crop.

The same block as pictured on the left after its firstpick – most of the crop was harvested in the first pickand will packout well with little handling damage.


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Cripps Pink is increasingly sensitive to bruising as fruit maturityadvances. Here we have a raft of other varieties as well thatbehave in this manner so we place high priority on advancingfruit colour development ahead of fruit maturity parameters sothat most, if not all of the crop can be harvested early in its harvestwindow when susceptibility to bruising and stem puncturing is low.

It is not unusual to see a 20 per cent lift in Class 1 fruit recoveryfrom fruit harvested at the beginning of the maturity windowcompared to fruit harvested later.

Lifting fruit colourApart from a bit of leaf plucking, late summer pruning andreflective mulch, there is not a great deal that can be done now to improve later season variety colour for this harvest.Application of growth regulators such as ReTain® to delay harvestand prevent premature fruit drop may be worth considering inlocations where a delay in maturity of 7 to 10 days may moveharvest into better weather conditions for colour development.The down side of this approach is that if the better colouringconditions fail to eventuate fruit colour may not lift and couldend up worse than without treatment.

Fixing colour problems is really a whole season crop husbandrytask. It has to start with careful consideration of the fertiliserprogramme, particularly nitrogen. As harvest approaches, nitrogenstatus needs to be bordering on the deficiency range, if not deficient. In the case of Cripps Pink leaf nitrogen levels at harvestneed to be 1.5 to 1.9 per cent. However, these low nitrogen levelsneed to be lifted into the optimum range smartly once the highfruit colour is locked in, otherwise there will be increased problemswith biennial bearing and poor fruitset next spring.

As part of our orchard nitrogen nutrition programme we advocateseveral foliar urea sprays at around 2 per cent concentrationimmediately after harvest to lift nitrogen status quickly. Autumnsoil dressings of nitrogen are also necessary because root nitrogenlevels in the post-harvest period play a key role in next season’sspring growth flush and fruitset.

Where nitrogen levels are known to be marginal, pre bloom foliarnitrogen sprays may be necessary as well.

Pruning practices have a key role in determining fruit colourdevelopment. Good light penetration is necessary for colourdevelopment.

This red strain of Cripps Pink hasgood uniform fruit colour and is

ready for its first pick.



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Once full canopy has been achieved, well-spaced low vigourbranches that allow good light penetration into the lower canopyare necessary to maximise fruit colour. Strong growth branchesneed to be pruned out. It is these stronger growth branches thatare responsible for most of the shading in a tree canopy.

Your fruit thinning strategy has a huge influence on colourdevelopment. Where above 70 to 75 per cent fruit colour isrequired, the crop needs to be thinned to singles to allow uniformcolour development right around the fruit. This means a largefruiting canopy with well-spaced fruit.

Crop load also has a huge influence on fruit colour development.Where crops are too heavy there is dull colour and it arrives latein the harvest window if at all.

This standard Cripps Pink looks like a red strain because it is nitrogen deficient with leaf nitrogen of 1.2 per cent. The block set a light cropdue to nitrogen deficiency – note the very pale lemon foliage. Unlessnitrogen levels are built up to the critical level for fruitset by flowering,next year will have a light crop too. It will need foliar urea applied post-harvest and again in the spring, plus soil-applied nitrogen fertiliser.

Excess vigourOnce a tree has grown enough leaf and bourse shoot to supportits crop, any further growth represents lost fruiting potential. Amature tree canopy needs to make only 20 to 30cm of annualextension growth to satisfy its foliage and replacement fruitingwood requirements.

Appraise the level of vigour in a block carefully.

In many orchards there is irregular tree vigour due to site or irrigation factors. As canopy uniformity is absolutely critical tohigh orchard performance any variation in tree size or vigourbehaviour needs investigation to determine cause and formulatepossible solutions. There is probably potential to lift yields in theorder of 50 per cent without compromising fruit quality if treecanopy variation can be solved. Girdling and root pruning arevery useful vigour control tools.

Tree supportNow that we are beginning to push the upper limits of yield, it has become apparent that poor tree support can limit bothyield and fruit colour. Leaning trees shade the lower canopymuch more than upright trees, while poor tree support putsadditional strain on support structures, so it is not unusual tosee rows of trees fall over. Check your support structures as harvest approaches and if there are problems use old fashionedtree props to minimise disaster. Immediately after harvest, trellissystem maintenance needs to be given high priority.

Incidentally, in our modern production systems where crop yieldis an important vigour control tool, it is necessary for good treesupport on stronger rootstocks too because we need to fullycrop trees before their leaders become strong enough to supportthe crop.

Root healthApple tree roots are very sensitive to water logging during thegrowing season and will not thrive where the soil is devoid ofoxygen. As part of your orchard appraisal, check on root healthand in particular, drainage.

Some trees in this block had excellent colour with harvest nitrogenleaf level of 1.5 per cent.

This tree is in the same block as pictured on the left but because ofhigher nitrogen, the fruit has failed to colour. Note the comparablydark green foliage.

www.apal.org.au AUSTRALIAN FRUITGROWER APRIL/MAY 2016

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Root systems have two main growth flushes a year, one in thespring before the crop load becomes the main photosynthate sinkand the second immediately after harvest. The post-harvest rootflush is very important for building up the stored nutrient reservesneeded to kick start next spring’s growth flush.

Roots will not grow in dry soil so to get off to a good start next season it is advisable to irrigate after harvest if droughtconditions exist.

Check pollinationOver harvest is a good time to check on how successful pollinationhas been. Where there is poor pollination fruitset can be erratic,with steep fruitset gradients around pollinators. Pollination problems can also lead to irregular shaped fruit that, for a fussycustomer, can lead to high Class 1 rejection rates.

Where orchards are netted, adequate cross pollination is oftendifficult to achieve because there is less cross row bee movement.Pollinators need to be in every row at about 20m apart for applesand maybe closer for pears.

Isolated orchards also generally show weaker pollination thanorchards in an area where pome fruit production is the dominantland use.

About the author:John Wilton, Horticultural Consultant, AgFirst – New Zealand t: +64 6 872 7080 | e: [email protected]

Colour development is very good on this well thinned low crop of Fuji,which had an effective chemical thinning programme.

Colour is poor on this heavily cropped Fuji tree, which did not have achemical thinning programme.

Netted orchards need pollinators planted in every row.

Acknowledgements: APAL’s Future Orchards® program is fundedby Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd using the apple and pearindustry levy funds from growers and funds from the AustralianGovernment. AgFirst is a key Future Orchards partner. :afg


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Research has commenced at the Horticulture Centre of Excellence on nitrogen management in red-blushed pears.

Nitrogen managementin red-blushed pearsIan Goodwin, Lexie McClymont, Eileen Perry, David Cornwall and Steve Green

To obtain optimal yield and fruit quality, nitrogen must be managed to meet the crop’s requirement based onthe available nitrogen in the root zone and tree demand.

Current nitrogen fertiliser recommendations for newly plantedpear orchards vary by more than ten-fold irrespective of the soilnitrogen status. These recommendations exceed tree nitrogenuptake and this most likely leads to nitrogen leaching.

Building on the basicsExisting guidelines for nitrogen management in mature pearorchards were developed for the cultivars Williams’ Bon Chrétienand Packham’s Triumph grown using traditional orchard systems.This project aims to deliver guidelines for nitrogen fertiliser management to consistently maximise fruit quality in new red-blushed pear cultivars and minimise below root zone leachingof nitrogen.

Our research will focus on developing a cost effective method of assessing leaf nitrogen using remote sensing; understandingthe effects of microjet and drip irrigation on nitrogen efficiency;and identifying relationships between nitrogen application, leaf nitrogen and nitrogen leaching.

The research will be conducted as part of the ProductivityIrrigation Pests and Soils (PIPS) program at the pear field laboratory,Horticulture Centre of Excellence, which is part of Victoria’sDepartment of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport andResources (DEDJTR).

Remote sensingExploring remote sensing of nitrogen status in apple was undertaken in the fertigation project in the previous PIPS program.Results suggested that the canopy chlorophyll content index mayhave potential to detect the nitrogen status of apples. The studyincluded some satellite data for pear but concluded that satellitedata could not discriminate between the tree and the understoreynitrogen status.

In the present study we are examining high resolution imageryusing an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with multi-spectraland thermal cameras. Observations are being made in a nitrogenexperiment in a mature red-blushed pear orchard. The treatmentsrange from zero to high application rates of nitrogen. Initial resultswill be published in a forthcoming article.

Drip and microjet irrigationA comparison of the effects of drip and microjet irrigation onyoung tree growth and precocity has been undertaken in the pearfield laboratory since the trees were planted in 2012. Considerabledebate on nitrogen use efficiency in drip and microjet orchardsemerged during this experiment. A small project in PIPS2 hastaken the opportunity to investigate nitrogen losses below theroot zone by installing drainage flux meters in the drip andmicrojet treatments.

Drainage flux meters were installed close to the irrigation emitter and in the mid-row in spring 2015. The top of thedrainage flux meters was positioned at 0.9m depth by drilling a hole to 2m, sliding the drainage flux meter into the hole, and repacking soil to create similar texture and bulk density as undisturbed soil.

Repacking soil into a drainage flux meter prior to installation at 0.9mdepth to collect and measure drainage and nitrogen below the root zonein the pear field laboratory at Tatura.


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About the authors:Ian Goodwin and Lexie McClymont are horticulturalresearchers and David Cornwall is a horticulture technicalofficer at DEDJTR Tatura. Eileen Perry is a specialist in remotesensing based at DEDJTR Bendigo. Steve Green is a researchscientist and modeller at Plant and Food Research NewZealand.

For more information contact Ian on: e: [email protected] | t: 03 5833 5240

The drainage flux meter has a sump at its base to collect waterand soluble nutrients that can be sucked out through a tuberunning to the soil surface. Drainage and nitrate concentrationwere measured every two weeks during the season. The data willbe combined with leaf, fruit and wood nitrogen concentration datato develop grower recommendations for nitrogen fertiliser andirrigation management to avoid below root zone losses of nitrogen.

In the previous PIPS project, drainage flux meters were installedin a commercial block of microjet irrigated Cripps Pink apple.Drainage and nitrogen leaching were measured over a three-yearperiod. Results showed that the total amount of drainage collected in the sumps over the three-year period was equivalentto over 1,000mm and this was dominated by rainfall during lateautumn, winter and early spring, and periods of irrigation thatexceeded crop water requirement.

Nitrate collected in the sumps over the three-year period in thetree-line and in the mid-row was 4.9 and 1.9gms, respectively.Such nitrate amounts appear to be small but when scaled up to represent the orchard, the losses of nitrogen were substantial(around 65kg N/ha/yr) and could not be attributed to the annualapplications of nitrogen fertiliser.

Other sources of nitrogen are from mineralisation in the soil and perhaps historical applications of ammonium based fertiliser. Either way, these results suggest that rainfall contributes substantially to leaching of nitrogen but care also needs to betaken to match irrigation to crop water requirement of the trees.

Nitrogen and fruit colourThe focus of our research on nitrogen use efficiency extendsbeyond field observations of nitrogen status and nitrogen leaching into the effect of nitrogen on fruit quality, particularlyred colour development.

There is very little published on the effects of nitrogen on redcolour development in pears. Most published research on theeffects of nitrogen on fruit colour has been on apples where

high nitrogen application reduced red colour and increased the green background due to a decrease in both chlorophylldegradation and anthocyanin synthesis in the skin.

Red colour development in the new red-blushed pear cultivarsoccurs very early in the season and then continues throughoutthe season as the fruit grows. Shading can significantly reducethe red colour but colour can also bleach later in the season whenthe fruit is exposed to direct solar radiation.

High levels of nitrogen in spring will cause excessive vegetativegrowth and this will shade the fruit and reduce colour. In contrast, shading late in the season will prevent loss of colourfrom bleaching.

The direct impact of nitrogen on red colour development inpears is unknown. Preliminary studies will be undertaken in this project to identify gaps in knowledge and future researchemphasis in nitrogen management to maximise quality of red-blushed pears. :afg

Acknowledgement This project is funded through the PIPS program by HorticultureInnovation Australia Ltd using the apple and pear industry levyfrom growers, matching funds from the Australian Governmentand co-investment from DEDJTR. :afg

Drainage and nitrogen leaching are beinginvestigated in microjet(left) and drip (right) irrigation treatments at Tatura.


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To help control one of horticulture’s biggest pests, Queensland fruit fly, a horticulture-wideresearch program is underway to advance sterile insect technology, but this technologywill be most successful if adopted alongside Area Wide Management. Dr Penny Meashamreminds us what Area Wide Management is and how it can be implemented now.

Area wide management

By Dr Penny Measham

We are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of sterile insecttechnology (SIT) because a

comprehensive SIT program is widelyacknowledged as having the capacity to improve and maintain market access.While this research progresses, the timefor a concerted effort to implement AreaWide Management (AWM) is now.

The practice of AWM is considered vitalto control fruit fly and it enhances thesuccess of SIT. AWM has been used tosuccessfully manage other fruit flies aroundthe world in Chile, Israel, Mexico and SouthAfrica. Australia could use the knowledgegained from these international experiencesto successfully manage Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) through the coordinated implementation of AWM across the country.

What?Essentially AWM is a pest managementstrategy employed across a well-definedlocal area or region, including all fly habitatswithin that area, in order to reduce thetotal Qfly population. A reduced populationin all habitats reduces the likelihood ofQfly moving into farms and orchardsfrom habitats such as backyard gardensand/or native hosts. This means that anystrategies used on-farm should becomemore effective, and over time contributeto lower pest populations.

Ensuring all habitats within an area areappropriately managed is not an easytask because AWM requires that any andall control methods are synchronised and

When?AWM is a long-term approach and needsto be considered across the year, as permanagement of Qfly on-farm. The methodsor treatments used in AWM can be the sameas those used on-farm, depending on theacceptance of those methods by the widerregional community. Treatments used on-farm such as hygiene, baiting, trappingand monitoring can be used off-farm aspart of an integrated AWM program.

Hygiene, such as removal or control ofbreeding habitats in an urban space is achallenge for AWM. Trapping provides agood option in urban areas as traps arecontained and require little maintenance.Finding the best suite of strategies foryour area takes time and planning.

AWM needs to be well considered and thesooner these factors are considered the sooneran effective AWM approach can start.

How?Any AWM approach requires coordination,consistency and continuity. Commitmentfrom all involved is vital. The SITplus consortium is dedicated to implementingan integrated AWM approach and the‘Adaptive Area Wide Management of Qflyusing SIT’ project is seeking to developguidelines for adaptive AWM of Qfly thatis suitable for the incorporation of SIT.

For example, one component of the project is developing a habitat suitabilitymodel that will be tested in the field laterin the year.

coordinated. This coordination could beacross neighbouring orchards, across anurban setting, or across both productionand urban settings. It requires commitmentand participation from all communitymembers including gardeners, growersand government.

Why?AWM is seen as a sustainable pest control approach that is not entirelyreliant on chemicals. With the loss of key chemical controls for Qfly such asdimethoate and fenthion, AWM providesa good alternative solution.

Qfly can breed and achieve large populations off-farm which can often gounnoticed or unmanaged. In fact, AWM is an appropriate choice for Qfly becauseit matches the biology of the fly.

Traits of Qfly that make it a suitable targetof AWM:

• Mobile – Qfly can readily move fromneighbouring land back into productionareas. AWM treats all areas so reducesthe likelihood of flies repopulatingorchards.

• Polyphagous – Qfly lay eggs onto alarge number of different plants. AWMtreats all areas including all potentialhost plants that support Qfly populations,including native hosts.

• Multivoltine – Qfly produce multiplegenerations within a season. AWMtreatment includes all areas and populations at all different stages.

Qflyfor


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About the author:Dr Penny Measham is the Qfly AreaWide Management Coordinator,Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd.

e: [email protected]: 0417 525 904

This will lead to a better understanding of where and when Qfly is present, whichcan inform decisions on the allocation ofresources for AWM and SIT.

The social component of the project isabout to undertake focus group sessionsin five regional areas to unravel the keyfactors that create barriers to, andencourage involvement in, an AWMapproach. The economics component isworking on a baseline costing model forcurrent management practices and leadingto comparative economic analyses withAWM and SIT.

As results and new discoveries come tolight they will be incorporated into ouron-the-ground support of AWM. We willcommunicate up to date knowledge aboutAWM in each region because we understandit is difficult to participate in anything whenyou don’t know what’s involved or why.

The ‘Adaptive Area Wide Management of Qfly using SIT’ project is committed toproviding practical outcomes and ensuringresearch is applicable regionally.

It has been very encouraging to see sucha high level of input from growers to date,especially given that it has been a busyharvesting time for many. Information fromthe recent Qfly survey is extremely valuableas it is being used to inform future supportfor regions including regionally-focusedextension and AWM support.

There is genuine interest and positivityfrom growers about the development ofAWM and the potential use of sterileinsect technology within the context ofAWM. :afg

Acknowledgement This project is supported by HorticultureInnovation Australia Ltd and CSIRO throughfunding from the Australian GovernmentDepartment of Agriculture and WaterResources as part of its Rural R&D for ProfitProgramme. The project is part of theSITplus initiative, and the project partnersinclude Wine Australia; Primary Industriesand Regions South Australia; Departmentof Economic Development, Jobs, Transportand Resources, Victoria; Department ofPrimary Industries, NSW; South AustralianResearch and Development; and BioBee.


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S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

For nearly 20 years the Australian Pome Fruit Improvement Program (APFIP) has beenworking to increase productivity across the apple and pear industry by getting betterquality varieties to growers faster. As the current project looks to wrap up and move to its next stage, we get an update on the project’s work from an independent review of the program.

Better quarantine, evaluation and certification lifts orchard performance

Since it was established in 1997, APFIP has aimed to helpincrease apple and pear orchard productivity through the delivery of the three core aims: more efficient and

effective quarantine processes; delivering better varietiesthrough a national variety evaluation program; and improvingtree health through the certification of propagating material.

APFIP is funded through a portion of the apple research and development levy that has been set aside to specifically fundthe APFIP program and has been managed alongside the appleand pear research and development and marketing levies.

A 2014 independent review of APFIP by Bryan Whan noted thatthe program had been highly successful in meeting its objectivesof helping growers and improving productivity. This article summarises the findings of that report.

QuarantineAPFIP has played an instrumental role in the introduction ofnew quarantine protocols and technologies that have reducedthe time required in quarantine for imported apple and pearplanting stock from four years to less than 18 months.

“Due to the development of more efficient screening techniquesfor material coming into Australia, the Post Entry Quarantine timehas been reduced even further to only 12 months for apples,”says Mark Hankin, APFIP Operations Manager.

This ensures growers get faster access to new and more profitable varieties allowing the industry to more effectivelycompete with overseas producers because new varieties can be adopted more quickly. It has also boosted the attractivenessof Australia to international variety owners as a destination tocommercialise their varieties because quarantine processes areless burdensome.

Better quarantine processes has also reduced the threat of theintroduction of exotic pests and diseases. Moreover, the directinvolvement of APFIP in the Post Entry Plant Industries ConsultativeCommittee (PEPICC) provides an insurance that the rigour ofquarantine is maintained, and that immediate action is possibleif there ever is an outbreak of an exotic disease.

A key improvement to the quarantine process was the introduction of active testing for many of the exotic pests where previously just passive testing by way of observation was the testing protocol. Now there is both observation andactive testing.

APFIP remains a member of the PEPICC in the interest of theAustralian industry and continues to work with and build relationshipswith international breeding programs so there is a steady streamof new varieties of apple and pears being evaluated in Australia.

The latest releases for evaluation were in October 2015 with a newapple variety and a Quince rootstock for pear production, whichis being widely used throughout Europe for its fruit finish benefitsand its ability to be grafted direct to some varieties without aninterstem to control pear decline. APFIP is taking delivery of twomore international varieties in April 2016 from Post Entry Quarantine.

Variety evaluationAPFIP has established variety observation trials in each of themajor production areas in Australia to assess potential new varieties from breeding work in Australia and overseas.

The APFIP evaluation program provides an independent assessmentof apples and pears helping variety owners identify where theirvariety performs best. It also helps growers make more informeddecisions about what variety to select for their growing region,including not choosing varieties unsuited to their region.

A major benefit of the APFIP evaluation is its independence, asignificant feature in the current environment where almost allvarieties are being delivered through commercial enterprises thatare driven by achieving large market shares and profits.

There have been 131 apple and 66 pear cultivars evaluated sincethe program commenced for 27 variety owners.

Some examples of varieties that have been assessed include thetwo new red-blushed pears bred by the Victorian government andcommercialised by APAL: ANP-0131 (to be marketed as Deliza®)and ANP-0118 (to be marketed as Lanya®). Apples have includedKalei, Fiero Fuji, ANABP 01 (the new DAFWA apple), and thePREVAR varieties that have been released including Smitten®,Honeymoon® and PIQA®Boo®.


S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

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A list of certified nurseries developing certified stoolbeds and producing certified treesis available on the APAL website.

Mark adds that as new variety opportunities come to the industry,growers need to ask variety owners, licensees or commercialisationcompanies if that variety has been in APFIP evaluation programand if so what data is available.

CertificationAPFIP has implemented a certification system for rootstock andtrees that enables growers to access new propagating materialthat is free of the most detrimental viruses, is true to type, andmeets prescribed standards.

A low level of plant health has been one reason why the Australianindustry has never been able to match the yield per hectare ofinternational competitors. Certified APFIP material is free of applestem pitting virus, apple stem grooving virus, apple mosaic virusand apple chlorotic leaf spot virus.

Using virus-free varieties and rootstock helps protect the Australianindustry from the losses associated with these viruses. Virus-freetrees can out-yield infected trees by 40 to 56 per cent. However,the industry uses a more conservative general benchmark that showsthe use of certified propagating material free from known virusescan result in up to a 20 per cent increase in orchard productivity.

Certification also delivers planting material that is true to typemeaning orchardists will get consistent trees across their orchard.A uniform orchard helps to increase production and reduce coststhrough more efficient pruning and picking operations. Somegrowers regard this as a critical benefit of using certified propagating material.

Moreover, trees produced from APFIP-certified propagules arehigher yielding and fruit earlier than non-certified material, amajor ‘free’ bonus for growers buying such trees. High qualitycertified trees will come into production quicker.

“Certification of plant material is a key process that industryshould adopt,” says Mark. “The benefits from studies worldwideshow that increased tree performance and fruit yield pack out

“”

…studies worldwideshow that increased treeperformance and fruityield pack out equate to more dollars perhectare from plantingcertified material over

non-certified.

equate to more dollars per hectare from planting certified materialover non-certified.”

APFIP now has major nurseries as well individual growers asAPFIP Certified Licensees – a list of certified nurseries is availableon the APAL website. All these identities are developing certifiedstoolbeds and producing certified trees.

“Growers need to start asking about certified nursery treeswhen next talking to your nursery,” Mark adds.

What’s next?A lot has changed in the time APFIP has been operating, withmany more commercial players interested in varietal development,a reduction in state-based breeding programs, and a much morevibrant global apple marketing and branding environment linkedto new varieties.

The current APFIP project funded by Horticulture InnovationAustralia is due for completion in June 2016, so the team atAPAL that manages APFIP are looking at how the program cancontinue to contribute into the future.

“The new project will be built around the review findings andrecommendations,” explains Mark. “APFIP will continue to deliverits core responsibilities along with continuing to build on thesuccess of our tree procurement service helping growers closethe gap with nurseries when planning new investment.” :afg

Acknowledgement This report has been based on the Independent Review of APFIPundertaken by Bryan Whan in 2014 and additions from theAPFIP team.

APFIP is managed and implemented by APAL and is funded byHorticulture Innovation Australia Ltd using the apple and pearindustry levy funds from growers and matching funds from theAustralian Government.


R & D

Nurseries andcultivarsElite rootstocksChina: Seedlings of Malusmicromalus × M9 were assessedfor rooting ability; salt andalkaline tolerance; and resistanceto Valsa canker – five eliterootstock lines were selected.

Cold region applesChina: To supply marketdemand nine early apple cultivars were tested inHuashuo, Hongjiangjun, Huayuand Zaohong and found to besuitable for the cold regionsof Yunnan.

Optimal rootingIndia: A study of M793 cutting length and thicknesshas shown that cuttingsshould be 35cm in length and1.25 – 1.5cm in thickness (thethickest tested) for optimalroot development.

Rootstock comparisonRomania: In the first yearafter grafting, trees onMM106 rootstocks producemore feathers than trees onM26 rootstocks.

ProductionBiennial bearingTurkey: GA4+7 was found to be more effective at controlling biennial bearingthan ethephon in GoldenDelicious trees.

Robot ID applesChina: An accurate roboticidentification of apples on atree using six colour featuresand seven shape features hasbeen developed.

Apples hurt environmentChina: Apple industry growthincreased farmers’ incomes,but caused pollution so methods to reduce pollutionand increase fertiliser use efficiency need to be adopted.

Fruit colourationTurkey: Prohydrojasmonapplication to Gala andBraeburn apple trees two weeksbefore harvest improved thefruit red colouration.

Mulching applesChina: Mulching apple treeswith straw increases the percentage of roots within20cm of the soil surface.

Manure toxicityChina: Pot trials have demonstrated toxicity, due toaddition of organic manure tothe soil as a fertiliser, occursat lower doses in sandy soilscompared to loam soil forpear trees.

Helpful bacteriaIndia: Some of the 14 ofPseudomonas bacteria froman apple orchard soil werefound to produce plant growthhormones, soil phosphate solubilising activity, and antifungal activity.

International apple and pear research updateCompiled by Dr Gordon Brown

Research snippets are sourced from abstracts of published scientific papers collated in the CAB direct database. To get theabstract related to any snippet please contact Gordon Brown on [email protected] or 03 6239 6411.

Iron effectsIran: Foliar iron application to Fuji apple trees increasedtotal phenolic content and dry matter content of the fruit.

Post-harvest Post-harvest rotIndia: Bio formulation comprising of six botanicalsand cow urine have beenfound to be effective for themanagement of post-harvestrot in apples.

Bitter pitFrance: A portable device isbeing developed to assist applegrowers to manage bitter pitdevelopment and to implementsustainable thinning practices.

DPA on pearsIndia: Post-harvest applicationof DPA to Punjab Beauty pearsreduced weight loss, spoilage,core browning, colour loss,softening and maintainedfruit sugars during storage.

Storing pearsUSA: Pre-harvest Retain at 60mg/L and SmartFreshboth extend storage life ofStarkrimson pears, however,SmartFresh inhibited ripeningcapacity whereas Retain did not.

CO2 injuryUSA: Changes in geneexpression in apple skinswhen fruit are placed in CAare being studied to identifythe cause of external CO2

injury of the fruit.

Spindle comparisonCzech Republic: For Topazapple trees, no differences inyield efficiency or cumulativeyield were found betweenslender spindle and modifiedslender spindle tree trainingsystems.

Irrigating pearsAlbania: Regulated deficitirrigation was found to haveno impact on vegetative growthof three-year-old Williams pearsalthough mulching trees hada positive effect.

Better bloomingSouth Africa: Benzyladenineapplication to two cultivars of pear had no effect on fruitsize however return bloomwas significantly improved.

Native beesUSA: A survey of native beesin apple orchards has identified128 species of native pollinationbees from 28 genera.

Too warm for applesSpain: Climate change modelling indicates that wintertemperatures may becometoo warm for reliable appleflowering close to the southernend of the French border.

Disorder reductionTurkey: Trials over three yearsrevealed that application ofGA3 or GA4+7 reduce fruitrusset although GA4+7increased the incidence of bitterpit. Regalis and ethephon hadno effect on either disorder.

ACROSS

3. Scholarship of Fiona Hall

5. Put on apples to make them shiny

6. ANABP 01 apple breeder

8. Nathan Bishop is from here

DOWN

1. Global premium apple brand (4,4)

2. WA has eradicated this pest

4. Sells picking platforms

7. Non-browning GM apple

1 2

3 4

5 6 7

8


Q U I Z A N D C R O S S W O R D

Greg’s QuizQUESTION 4: How do earthworms breathe?

A: They don’t breathe. B: Through the mouth. C: Through gills in their head.D: Absorption through the skin.

QUESTION 5:What fruit is known as Bae inKorea?

A: Apple. B: Orange. C: Nashi pear. D: Peach.

ANSWERS: Q 1– True.Q 2– B: Sawfly (of the species Caliroa cerasi).Q 3– C: All except Antarctica.Q 4 –D: Absorption through the skin.Q 5– C: Nashi pear.

QUESTION 1:(True or False):It has been estimated that ittakes 500 years to form just25mm of topsoil.

QUESTION 2:Pear and Cherry Slug is a larvaeof what type of insect?

A: Beetle. B: Sawfly. C: Wasp. D: Native bee

QUESTION 3: In what continents other thanAustralia would you find thePear and Cherry Slug?

A: Europe. B: North America. C: All except Antarctica. D: Asia.

Crossword

Infrared dryingPortugal: Comparing newmethods of drying applesidentified infrared drying as anenergy efficient process whichproduces a high quality product.

Scald developmentItaly: Ethylene down regulatesgenes important for fruitadaption to low oxygen environments as well as maintenance of low oxidantlevels in the skin allowing forsuperficial scald development.

Residue exposureChina: 93% of Chinese pearshave pesticide residues, someabove the MRL, and while nota serious public health problemthere is potential for acuteexposure of children to bifenthrin.

Pests anddiseasesLeaf blotch controlIndia: The application ofresistance inducing chemicalsmay provide useful control ofMarssonina leaf blotch of apple.

Black spotBelgium: A heritage Belgiumapple cultivar with stable partial resistance to black spothas been used to identify 9genes associated with partialblack spot resistance.

Brown rot causeArgentina: Phytophthoralacustris and P. drechsleri havebeen identified as the causeof Brown rots on pear fruitprior to harvest.

Codling preferencesUSA: Codling moth egg layingpreference testing of appleshas shown that GoldenDelicious, Fuji and Staymanare preferred cultivars whileArlet, Honeycrisp, Pristine,and Sunrise are avoided.

Reducing insectsNew Zealand: The applefutures system was developedto reduce pesticide residueson fruit and maintain phytosanitary requirements,since the mid 1990s it hasreduced insect loading.

New virusBrazil: A new virus found inapple, pear and grapevineshas been identified and it isproposed to call it Temperatefruit decay-associated virus.

Bitter rotIran: One hundred actinomycetes isolated fromapple orchard soils werescreened for the control ofbitter rot and six were foundto have potential for nonchemical control of the disease.

Dipping pearsChina: Dipping pears inRhodotorula mucilaginosareduced the loss of pear fruitfirmness, inhibited fruit decayand prolonged the storageduration at room temperature.

Early harvest GranniesSouth Africa: Granny Smithapples harvested 7 days beforeoptimal harvest had higherlevels of total polyphenolicsbut lower levels of ascorbicacid and antioxidant capacity.

Documents

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