Growth effects of GA applications on Kanzi trees – final report

2014 | Paul James, Lenswood Co-operative | Future Orchards® trial report

This report documents the South Australian Future Orchards® trial examining gibberellic acid applications on young Kanzi® trees at Mt Lofty. The aim was to determine whether GA could accelerate extension growth and help young trees develop productive canopy more quickly.

APAL’s later synthesis of the trial program reported that GA3 improved extension growth and canopy development of treated young Kanzi trees on M26 rootstock. The work therefore supported the broader program objective of identifying practical methods to reduce the non-bearing establishment period and fill allocated orchard space sooner.

The result is best interpreted as part of a whole young-tree management program. GA cannot compensate for poor planting material, weak root systems, replant constraints, insufficient water or nutrition, or excessive early crop load. The trial is useful because it demonstrates the value of measuring leader extension and canopy response so that growth-promoting treatments can be judged against commercial targets rather than applied routinely.