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New AUD 41m initiative to enhance Australian fruit and nut production
Rafaela Sousa

Rafaela Sousa

20 August 2024

New AUD 41m initiative to enhance Australian fruit and nut production

Australia is set to see a significant boost in its fruit and nut production as an AUD 41 million (approx. $27.6 million) initiative aims to develop new varieties of almond, apple, citrus, macadamia and mango.


The five-year programme, funded through Hort Innovation’s Frontiers investment scheme, brings together researchers from institutions such as Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Murdoch University, University of Queensland and Western Sydney University.


The project focuses on creating smaller, high-density orchards to increase yield and incorporate automation, easing labour shortages. The new varieties will offer improved storage, quality, nutritional content and climate resilience, supporting sustainable production of Australian-grown fruit and nuts.


Additionally, the programme builds on over five years of research in tree genomics and crop physiology to improve orchard production systems and develop new tree crop varieties. It equips breeders with new genetic knowledge and tools to create varieties with beneficial traits.


Hort Innovation's CEO, Brett Fifield, said: “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". 


“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.”  


Macadamia Industry Variety Improvement Committee chair Lindsay Bryen commented: “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”.  


“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's programme director, professor Peter Prentis, added: “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".


“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. The research will then flow directly to active breeding programs that can use this knowledge and these tools to assist them in accelerating the development of new fruit and nut varieties for Australian producers.”


#Australia #research #initiative

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