BETWEEN disease resistant rootstock research and automated citrus spraying, the future for Australian citrus growers appears secure.
A group of about 60 growers, researchers, product representatives and other industry stakeholders made the most of the Bundaberg region study tour as part of the Australian Citrus Congress 2024 last week.
The tour started with breakfast at the Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' Bundaberg Research Station, including citrus breeding updates.
In the orchard, the AME Group provided a demonstration of the GOtrack automated tractor and sprayer system, capable of navigating its way through trees and applying chemicals efficiently.
The group then went to Spencer Ranch near Wallaville to inspect a black spot trial and native citrus hybrid trials, coordinated by Queensland DAF.
It was then on to Abbotsleigh Citrus at Drinan for a packing shed tour to see the Tomra packing equipment in action.
The tour wrapped up with a visit to Golden Grove Nursery near Hervey Bay to see the smart farm project technology and hear about new variety developments with Wayne Parr, Variety Access.
The Australian Citrus Congress was held from March 5 to 7 at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.
Ashley Walmsley
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
