Tree Crop News

Avocado

Interested in a PhD scholarship and into avocados

The project will conduct laboratory and field studies to investigate the biology and ecology of the citrus blossom bug in avocado crops in Queensland.

Avocado

Avocados' nutritional value 'justifies water use'

No other food offers the same nutritional value per litre of water used to harvest it, according to WAO

General - Marketing & export

FTA 'deals taking too long’

As the Australian government was very excited about the ‘new openings’ to some of its Free Trade Agreements, a major fresh produce group says the deals are taking too long.

Citrus - General

Dog sleuths sniff out crop disease hitting citrus trees

Dog detectives might be able to help save ailing citrus groves, published research has suggested this week.

Avocado - Macadamias - Flowering, thinning & PGRs - General

Get the latest buzz via 2 free field days

Two events will be held in early March for macadamia and avocado growers who are passionate about pollination and are looking for ways to improve productivity and support the natural ecosystems on their farms.

General - Marketing & export

Peru prepares for Australian FTA

With the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) about to enter into force, the Australian market holds potential for a number of Peruvian fresh produce exports.

Fruit Fly

NZ catches 14 fruit flies in a year at a cost of $18m

Auckland's fruit fly response has come in just under budget, at nearly $18 million. With just 14 flies caught, that's just under $1.3m per fly!

General - Technology in agriculture

Scientists develop 'metalloenzyme' biosensor for monitoring ethylene levels in fruits

Scientists from an international group led by the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research in Japan have developed a simple way to monitor the level of ethylene, an important hormone, in plants.

Marketing & export

Success for Australia's Rico pear in Thailand

The Thailand market cannot get enough of one of Australia's newest pear varieties.

General

Grant opportunities for growers

Applications are open until February 28 for the Federal Government's Package Assisting Small Exporters program.

General

Kanzi apples under new management

In a joining of fresh produce industry forces from around the country the master license and rights to the Kanzi™ Apple brand in Australia have been secured by a new conglomerate.

Business solutions & labour - General

Who loses in changes to horticultural labour rules

Fruit producers say a new award for pickers imposed by the Federal Government is hitting them where it hurts

Stone Fruit

Chinese New Year spurs Aussie stonefruit frenzy

Australian peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots are proving more popular than ever in supermarkets in China, Malaysia and Thailand in the lead up to Chinese New Year Celebrations tomorrow.

General

High-tech map shows fruit, macadamia farms hit by bushfires

Amid devastating bushfire activity across Australia, scientists have released a map that shows avocado, mango, olive, banana, macadamia and citrus orchards that have been impacted, to help with response and recovery efforts.

Pome fruit - Marketing & export

Australian exports on the back foot

Members of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA), an advocacy body for leading Australian produce companies, are calling on the federal government to negotiate new market access to key export markets.