R&D goes on-line

3 DAN Papacek, Bugs for Bugs, presents on Qfly via Zoom.

R&D goes on-line

As a result of technology and researchers’ of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will be collaborating on with Steven and WA afourer growers. flexibility, we have been able Research proposals to link to various on-line Research proposals were called for presentations relevant to our industry. by Horticulture Innovation Australia for using the national citrus levy on integrated pest and disease In some cases, perhaps more than that was submitted. If successful this what would have done in a normal will mean three years of activities year. Bronwyn listened related to pests, including to a presentation by workshops, farm walks and Dan Papacek on his experience with areawide management of Queensland fruit fly in the Burnett region of Queensland. Thanks to organisers from the FREE pre-harvest fruit testing has started! demonstrations. An article from DPIRD on Citrus gall wasp is also in this edition of the WA Grower (see page 63). Maturity standards Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Maturity standards for 2020 Area program. were approved and free preSteven Fallivene (NSWDPI) hosted several online harvest fruit testing has started as part of our industry development program. The program provides free presentations with South testing of internal brix and acid levels African citrus industry colleagues to talk about their experiences with Afourer mandarin management. to see if they meet the minimum standard. This helps growers ensure their fruit is picked when it meets consumer expectations. More than 20 people joined the forum MORE INFORMATION from across Australia. This is a part Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 of a national citrus levy project that or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au. Rachelle Johnstone from Department management. WA is part of a tender Markets

Uncertainty is the status quo as we start the 2020 citrus season. A fall in prices for lemons and limes in Autumn with the immediate overnight and ongoing loss of the food service market, negatively impacted on growers.

By May, mandarin and orange harvests began, with volumes increasing into June as more orchards supply the popular Imperial mandarin. Growers will be watching to see if the reported consumer demand for fresh produce that boosts the immune system will follow through to sales. Exports are due to start in June. Shipping reports to date indicate a levelling in port logistics after early disruptions in Australia and export markets. Some export markets are not viable as internal country logistics are impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Monitoring internal fruit quality of WA citrus fruit in the market has begun for 2020. This is part of a national levy project lead by Citrus Australia. Before the unexpected impacts of COVID-19, Citrus Australia hosted their annual Market Outlook Forum event in Melbourne this year. Topical presentations were on traceability, national crop forecast and packaging. Citrus Australia are undertaking a project aimed at improving traceability in horticulture supply chains. Presentations from the Forum are available for Grower and Affiliate members on the Citrus Australia website.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.