Sunraysia table grape growers are fearful that a recent hot spell could spell much lower yields from this year’s crop.
Several growers have expressed concern that a week of temperatures near 40oC could have a disastrous effect come harvest time.
The farmers are ready to start spraying their crops with gibberellic acid (GA), a size regulator, but must wait for temperatures to cool before doing so.
“If we have hot weather when we do our spraying, that could contribute to berry collapse,” Mildura-based grower Dino Gareffa told Fruitnet.com.
Growers predict yields could be down 20 to 30 per cent on last year’s bumper crop in the region, which contributes much of Australia’s table grape exports.
Meanwhile, dry conditions and a warm winter have resulted in what is expected to be a good year for Queensland grape growers.
Elliot Jones of Grape Exchange told Fruitnet.com the total crop from the three growing regions of Mundubbera, Emerald and St George is expected to be up slightly on last year’s yield, with fruit quality looking excellent.
Grape Exchange exports grapes from its St George property for the pre-Chinese New Year market in January.
“Early indications on quality for the export programme are excellent, with a larger berry size expected this year due to improved growing practices and ideal growing conditions,” Mr Jones said.
