Tree Crop News

Nuts

Chinese tastebuds go nuts for Toowoomba produce

Darling Downs pecan and macadamia processor Stahmann Farms has cracked the Asian market, with their specially branded products set to hit shelves in more than 1800 stores across China thanks to the support of the Palaszczuk Government.

Mangoes

Mango peel could help clean up oil contamination

Mango peel could be used to break down oil sludge, according to new research.

Stone Fruit

Apricot taste test will determine if there is still an appetite for an Australian apricot industry

The future of the Australian apricot industry is likely to rest on the success of new varieties designed with improved flavour and ability to grow in the Australian climate.

Citrus

Tracing activity uncovers new citrus canker detection

Another citrus canker detection has been made in the Northern Territory as a result of essential tracing activities by the citrus canker emergency response team.

Mangoes

Mango season heats up in Northern Territory

The mango season is ramping up in the Northern Territory with growers sending thousands of trays to markets around Australia.

Nuts

Fungal fingerprint uncovered in chestnut study

Scientists have discovered a fungal fingerprint for a disease that cost Australia’s chestnut industry more than $5m in 2016.

Mangoes

New project to transform future of north’s mango industry

A new project promising to transform the productivity and profitability of the north Australian mango industry, has been unveiled at a meeting of the north’s top producers in the Burdekin.

Almonds - Avocado - Citrus

Rising water prices to hit almond, avocado, citrus and grape farm values, warn valuers

Rising water prices to hit almond, avocado, citrus and grape farm values, warn valuers

Pome fruit - Disease & weed control

Apple disease control critical

As a major disease threat in his orchards, Victorian apple producer Brad Fankhauser knows how critical it is he carefully manages black spot. Mr Fankhauser, who farms near Drouin in Gippsland, says even in a relatively dry season black spot can be a threat, however the introduction of Luna Sensation fungicide to his program in the 2015/16 season proved to be a gamechanger.

Insect & mite control

Stronger biosecurity measures to manage stink bug risks

Australia has implemented stronger offshore biosecurity measures for the upcoming brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season, to manage risks associated with this significant cargo pest. Head of biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Lyn O’Connell, said BMSB are a threat to agricultural industries and the environment, feeding on over 300 different plant species.

Mangoes - Packaging & labelling

Mango box that transformed Australia's horticulture industry

In the early 2000s, a cardboard box emerged from a workshop in the Northern Territory. It had a unique design and would go on to shape the future of Australia's fruit and vegetable industries. One of its developers, David Hoseason-Smith, received due recognition in July, winning an innovation award at the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference in Darwin.

Flowering, thinning & PGRs

'Bee Prepared' - Testing and building Australia’s Varroa defence

Government and industry stakeholders from across the country are taking part in one of the nation’s largest biosecurity exercises to help Australia bee prepared to manage a potential varroa mite incursion.

Cherries

Tasmania's fruit fly restrictions could mean fewer local cherries at Christmas

Tasmanians will be unable to purchase cherries prior to Christmas from any growers within the fruit fly control zone, unless biosecurity restrictions are relaxed.

Cherries

Postharvest – delivering high quality cherries

The Australian cherry industry is in a strong phase of growth with forecast increases in production over the next five years.

Citrus

Citrus canker - Notification of removal of plants in NT

The NT DPIR has advised that residents who live in a citrus canker restricted area have been contacted regarding the removal of their citrus plants to work towards eradication of the plant pest.