New A$41m programme will focus on developing smaller, high-density orchards that will help growers improve their productivity at reduced costs
Australian growers and plant scientists have joined forces on a new A$41m tree crop programme to accelerate the development of new almond, apple, citrus, macadamia and mango varieties.
The project aims to develop smaller, high-density orchards for higher yield and when supported by automation to reduce the pressures caused by labour shortages. The new varieties are also set to feature traits such as better storage and quality, higher nutritional content and climate resilience.
Delivered through Hort Innovation’s Frontiers investment programme, the five-year initiative is led by a collaboration between QUT, Murdoch University, University of Queensland (UQ) and Western Sydney University (WSU).
Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said this investment would prepare tree crop industries for a more productive and profitable future.
“Equipping plant breeders with the tools they need to develop genetics for the next generation of orchards will support the horticulture industry to enhance resilience to climate change and diseases, find efficiencies through the adoption of automation technologies, and increase productivity,” Fifield said.
“In the long-term, this programme will enable the development of new varieties of almond, apple, citrus, macadamia and mango to ensure their long-term viability and global competitiveness.”
The programme builds on more than five years of research in tree genomics and crop physiology to enhance orchard production systems and develop new tree crop varieties in collaboration with national levy and publicly funded breeding programmes.
Macadamia Industry Variety Improvement Committee chair Lindsay Bryen said it is essential for industry to have access to varieties that are productive and profitable.
“As we move into the next generation of orchards, we need access to varieties that are designed for the latest production techniques and automation options, including having a small tree structure and high yields with sound commercial production and improved pest resistance,” Bryen said.
“Growers are focused on delivering consumers with what they are looking for in the most efficient way we can, maximising productivity and reducing costs.”
QUT program director Peter Prentis said the programme has a focus on maximising resources.
“To maximise space and resources in next generation orchards, this programme will focus on the development of smaller, less vigorous tree varieties planted at higher densities,” Prentis said.
“These smaller, high-density orchards will maximise yield per unit area and support the implementation of automated management tools that will help growers improve their productivity at reduced costs.”
