YOUR INDUSTRY
DPIRD Carnarvon Research Facility
field day
T
he latest developments in fruit and vegetable research was showcased at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Carnarvon Research Facility field day in July. The research facility, which has been significantly refurbished in the past year and boosted by several new scientific recruits, shared the learnings from a range of projects with local producers and industry stakeholders. THE DPIRD horticulture team of Amy Miner, Annie van Blommestein, Jacky Price, Dr Valeria Lima, Dr Dario Stephanelli, Rohan Prince, James Barr and Giao Nguyen showcased the department’s field trials and more at its recent Carnarvon Research Facility field day.
The research will provide an insight into pest and disease pressures on crops.
36
WA Grower SPRING 2021
DPIRD Carnarvon development officer Annie van Blommestein said growers were able to see first-hand the vegetable trials in the Cravo retractable roof greenhouse, which is aiding a range of research priorities. “The researchers are examining how the Cravo greenhouse can be used to optimise production of tomatoes, capsicums and zucchinis, which are the main vegetable crops grown in the district,” Ms van Blommestein said.
“The roof of the structure can be left open to take full advantage of the sun and shut when there is heat stress, rainfall, high pest pressures and low temperatures to protect the plants. “The research will provide an insight into the potential yields and quality, as well as pest and disease pressures on the crops.
“It will also be interesting to determine if insect pollinators enter the structure and effectively fertilise crops that require crosspollination.” An eggplant trial that is evaluating three different shade levels under a net house was also profiled at the field day. Ms van Blommestein said eggplants were grown widely in Carnarvon and the results from the trial could be transferred to a large proportion of other crops grown in the area. “The research is assessing the impact of 10, 20 and 30 per cent shade, with one replicate outside for control,” she said. “This research will provide a better understanding of the physiological responses of different varieties growing under different conditions and how shading affects growth, water use efficiency, yield and quality.”
