Fruit Science Commons^™

Primary Industries Development Research Highlights 2021, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Tim Scanlon

Books & book chapters

The Primary Industries Development Research Highlights 2021 showcases the breadth and depth of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s research and development activities over the past several years.

Stories featured in Research Highlights 2021 stem from about 60 (of 140) current and recently-completed projects undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) 1100 scientists, technical experts and economists throughout the State.

Explore our Research Highlights 2021.

The publication demonstrates the innovative and applicable research that DPIRD and its collaborators and investment partners deliver to Western Australia.

Download the Research Highlights 2021 here. Alternatively, …

Propagating Jujubes, Rachelle Johnstone

Research Reports

Jujubes can be propagated by various methods such as wedge/cleft grafting, whip grafting and bark grafting as well as budding. Local propagators have better success with budding but find that wedge grafting leads to a stronger tree. Most of the latest research into propagation is in micropropagation and tissue culture however this technique is mainly used for research and breeding new cultivars and not in a commercial capacity. Grafting can be more of an art than a science. Much of the success of grafting depends on not only performing a technically correct graft but performing the graft at the proper …

Growing Jujubes In Western Australia, Rachelle Johnstone

Research Reports

The Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is one of the most important fruit crops in China and has been commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine and food for thousands of years. The jujube is widely grown in China with cultivation records going back more than 3000 years and can also be found in neighbouring countries. The jujube is a medium-sized tree, growing 7–10 metres high. The tree has shiny deciduous foliage and produces a fruit that is known as a drupe. The fruit varies in size depending on the cultivar, and it has a thin, dark red skin surrounding …

Selections Of The Houghton Clones Of Cabernet Sauvignon, Glynn Ward, Ian Cameron, Richard Fennessy

Bulletins 4000 -

Cabernet Sauvignon is the premium red wine grape variety grown in Western Australia. The high quality wines produced have won prestigious awards and accolades nationally and internationally. The first clonal selection of Cabernet Sauvignon in Western Australia was conducted by the Department of Agriculture at the Houghton Vineyard in the Swan Valley from 1968 to 1970. The objective was yield improvement, vine health and fruit flavour. Twenty-one high performing vines were identified from vines planted in Houghton Vineyard in the 1950s as cuttings sourced from vines planted in the 1930s. These high performing vines became known as the ‘Houghton clones’. …

Innovation, Research And Development, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

All other publications

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia proudly plays a vital role In lhe strategic planning, production and marketing of the State's food and fibre industries. via three main criteria.

Innovation

Research

Development

The following are some recent examples of the department's many innovative R&D programs that are showcasing our scientific and technological breakthroughs on the world stage.

Growing Olives In Western Australia, Richard Taylor, John Burt

Bulletins 4000 -

There are about 9 million hectares of olives in the world, with the largest areas in Spain, Italy, Greece and Tunisia. Olives are grown between the latitudes of 30° and 45° from the equator. In Australia, the main producing areas are between latitudes 31° and 38°S. Production in Western Australia ranges from Chapman Valley, Northampton (29.5°S), to Albany (34.5°S). Olive production has increased markedly in Australia in the past ten years with a large increase in managed investment scheme olive groves. The Moore River region of the Shire of Gingin accounts for over 70 per cent of olive trees and …

Organic Apples A Production Guide, Steven Mccoy

Bulletins 4000 -

The belief among some conventional apple growers that it is not possible to reliably produce profitable yields of good quality apples under an organic system in Western Australia is being reconsidered. There are now very good examples of successful commercial organic apple orchards in many parts of the world, including WA. The organic production systems developed by these dedicated growers are showing that yields and quality are comparable to conventional systems.

Organic Mangoes A Production Guide, Steven Mccoy

Bulletins 4000 -

Mangoes have been identified as a prospective crop for conversion to organic production, particularly at Kununurra in the Ord River Irrigation Area.

Mangoes can also perform well under organic systems in other regions of WA, however variations in pest and disease pressures may require additional attention to these problems.

Returns To Research And Development Investment Of The Department Of Agriculture And Food Western Australia : Benefit Cost Analysis, 2006-2007, Peter Coyle, Editor, Roslyn Blanchard, Francis Bright, Paul Mattingley, Manju Radhakrishnan

Bulletins 4000 -

Strategic decision making is enhanced by the consideration of benefit cost analyses of many projects. Each year a selection of projects is evaluated to assist in the determination of the most appropriate allocation of funds. This is only one of the methods that are employed by the Department’s Executive to increase market competitiveness and profitability in agriculture and the pastoral industries. This report includes both ex post and ex ante analyses, as they are complementary processes.

Apples At A Glance From Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia produces a range of horticultural commodities including fruit, vegetables, flowers, nursery products and wine as part of its fast $670 million growing horticultural industry. Natural advantages such as climate and clean environment, soils and water make Western Australia an ideal place to supply a variety of high quality produce to domestic and international markets.

The apple industry in Western Australia has reached optimal yields from well established orchards. Production is currently estimated at a value of $37 million. Western Australia is the second major apple exporter in Australia. Around 20 per cent of the state's production of 37,745 …

Powdery Mildew In Wine Grapes In Western Australia, Diana Fisher, Trevor Wicks Dr

Bulletins 4000 -

Powdery mildew is caused by the fungal pathogen Uncinula necator. It is the most persistent fungal problem of grapes in WA and one of the most widespread fungal diseases of grapevines in the world. It is characterised by ash-grey to white powdery growth on green tissue of the vine. If uncontrolled it can cause serious crop losses and impair wine quality.

Control Of Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Medfly) In Backyards, Sonya Broughton, Francis De Lima

Bulletins 4000 -

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Medfly) is thought to originate from tropical Africa. It is a pest in many areas of the world including Western Australia. It was first detected at Claremont in 1895 and is now found as far south as Esperance and as far north as Derby. The main area of infestation extends from Carnarvon to Bunbury.

The Fight Against Fruit Flies In Western Australia, Andy Sproule, Sonya Broughton, Francis De Lima, Darryl Hardie, Nic Monzu, Bill Woods

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia’s horticulture industry is one of the State’s growing success stories, from mangoes at Kununurra to cherries at Mt Barker. The prospects are bright, especially in export markets where ‘clean and green’ produce from Western Australia is truly valued.

One blight on this ‘clean and green’ image has been Mediterranean fruit fly or Medfly, the ‘world’s worst fruit pest’. First introduced over 100 years ago, the battle against this devastating pest has involved Government, growers and the general public.

This book is designed to provide an accurate but readable account of the fight against fruit fly, incorporating all the …

Avocado Culture In Western Australia, Alec Mccarthy

Bulletins 4000 -

The avocado is a large evergreen tree of sub-tropical origin. The fruit are high in protein, fats (mono and polyunsaturated), several minerals and vitamins. The Guinness Book of Records lists the avocado as the most nutritious fruit in the world. It is suitable for infants through to the elderly and does not contain any cholesterol.

Avocado trees are quite adaptable, being grown from Kununurra in the north down to Albany in the south. They are being grown commercially in the south-west from Perth down to Pemberton and in Carnarvon. Avocado trees are frost susceptible, particularly when young, so they are …

Bugs By The Million For Medfly Eradication, Bill Woods

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

As a first step towards nation-wide eradication of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), a pilot project was undertaken in Broome using Sterile Insect Technique in an attempt to eradication the Medfly population. The results have been promising, and further investigation of eradication for Western Australia is underway.

Fertilisers For Wine Grapes : An Information Package To Promote Efficient Fertiliser Practices, B. H. Goldspink, Neil Lantzke, Bob Paulin, Diana Louise Fisher, Colin Gordon, N. Cross, J M. Campbell-Clause

Bulletins 4000 -

No abstract provided.

Mango Growing In Western Australia, P R. Johnson, D C. Parr

Bulletins 4000 -

This bulletin covers mango growing in Western Australia in Kununurra, Carnarvon, Kimberly, Gingin, Perth regions. Details include climate requirements, soils, propagation, planting, spacing, weed control, nutrition, pests, diseases and disorders, pruning, harvesting and packing, ripening and storage, and processing.

Pink Lady & Sundowner Apples, A. G. Mackay, G. L. Godley, J E L Cripps, Eleanor Melvin-Carter, J G. Paterson, P. Wood

Bulletins 4000 -

This bulletin summaries for all Australian growers the present technical information concerning Pink Lady and Sundowner

Apple Harvest Maturity Indices Of Retail Quality, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

No abstract provided.

War Against Codling Moth, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Residents of the tiny town of Bridgetown, in Western Australia's south-west, are at the front line in the campaign to eradicate an outbreak of codling moth from the State.

The Agriculture Protection Board, Department of Agriculture, Western Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, and other agencies are involved in the eradication program.

Production And Marketing Of Vegetables And Fruit, John Burt

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Vegetable and fruit production in Western Australia is a diverse, high value industry. Up to 75 different crops are grown from Kununurra in the north to Albany on the south coast.

Our horticultural industries were worth $238,127,000 in 1990-.91, which represented 18 per cent of all crops produced in Western Australia.

Markets for horticultural produce are volatile. For most lines, produce has been well supplied for the past four years, owing to an increasing area of production, higher yields, improved postharvest technology and reduced consumer demand in the recent recession.

Mango Exports From Western Australia, Peter Johnson, John Gallagher, Terry Hill

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Department of Agriculture has been at the forefront in developing a mango industry in Western Australia.

In Camarvon, the Department is concentrating on developing an export industry, while in the Ord River Irrigation Area trials have identified suitable domestic and export varieties for that environment.

The effect of planting density, hedging and pruning techniques on yield is being examined. Research has also started on identifying superior selections of the Kensington Pride variety, the most commercially important variety in Australia. The aim is to improve fruit quality, bearing reliability, and to extend the production season..

A Bright Future For Export Plums, Ric Engel, Glynn Ward

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Western Australia's stone fruit industry is relatively small by Australian and world standards owing to its small domestic market and past uncertainties with export. However, the industry is expanding to take advantage of growing markets in south-east Asia. It has adopted new production and marketing technology and is developing new varieties to meet the demand.

The future for our export plums has never been as promising as it is today. This is linked to fruit quality because markets are fickle and highly sensitive to poor quality fruit.

The introduction of a Quality Management Program in 199~91 helped the State develop …

Development Of Redglobe Table Grapes For Export, Ian Cameron

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Exports wereonce a major outlet for the Western Australian table grape industry.

Over the last 20 years however, exports have fallen from 500 to 00 tonnes per year, despite an increase in the area planted to table grapes and an increase on overseas demand for our produce.

By 1993 less than 3 per cent of the table grapes produced in the State were exported.

The introduction of Redglobe, a new table grape varietyy from California, is expected to increase the export of table grapes from Western Australia to 1000t by 1997, when the variety will represent 90 per cent of …

A Tale Of Two Ladies : Pink Lady And Sundowner, John Cripps, Eleanor Melvin-Carter

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

It is five years since the first Western Australianbred Pink Lady and Sundowner apples were sold on the local market. In that time, these crisp, sweet flavoursome apples have become top-selling, premium fruit.

The story is no different overseas. Trial shipments to London, Taiwan and Singapore have indicated a big demand for the unique Pink Lady apple - far more than Western Australia can presently supply.

One million fruiting Pink Lady apple trees are needed to meet anticipated export sales. Today, there are only 100,000 trees in the ground, of which about half are bearing fruit.

New high quality apple …

Transpiration And Water Relations Of Irrigated Peach Trees At Manjimup, Western Australia, P R. Green

Resource management technical reports

No abstract provided.

The Queensland Fruit Fly Eradication Campaign, G P. Ayling

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Western Australia has started an extensive eradication campaign against the Queensland fruit fly, one of the worst horticultural pests in the world.

The programme, the largest of its kind in Australia, and one of the biggest in the world, involves the integration of three tequniques for fruit fly control: lure trapping, protien baiting and the release of sterile male flies.

Land Capability And Land Use In The Leeuwin-Naturaliste Region, Peter John Tille, Neil Lantzke

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Leeuwin-Naturaliste region is one of Western Australia's most beautiful areas. Located in the far south-west corner of the State, it is a popular scenis and tourist spot, as well as supporting grazing, horticultureal and viticultural enterprises.

Outside of perth the region is the most popular tourist destination in the state. It is also responsible for about a quarter of the State's milk production, and 15 percent of the state's potato production and a quarter of the State's wine grapes.

Many new agricultural enterprises have opened up in the past 15 years, and the population has increased by almost 40 …

Eradicating Fruit Fly From Carnarvon, Kingsley Thomas Fisher

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Late last year the Mediteranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Weidemann) was eradicated from Canarvon, Western Australia by using an intergrated programme of sterile insect releases and bait spraying.

The eradication marked the end of a four-year study on the use and effectiveness of the Sterile Insect Technique, a biological control technique which uses an insect pest against itself. such a study can be used as a basis for treating other threatening insect pests, such as the serious cattle pest screw-worm fly, should they be found in Asustralia.

Being a biological control method, the Sterile Insect Technique is an exellent …

Further Research Into Parrots And Fruit Damage, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Parrits are major pests of Western Australia's South-West fruit growing industry. The amount of damage they can cause to ripening fruit in orchards varies from season to season, but in the last two years these colourful birds have become an even greater problem.

The Agriculture Protection Board has started further research aimed at determining how wxtensive damage to fruit can be prevented.