Growing high quality fruit – mid-growing season management

December 2011 | Written by John Wilton, AgFirst | Australian Fruitgrower article

John Wilton explains how mid-season orchard management determines whether the final crop can meet Grade 1 specifications for size and quality. The starting point is an optimum crop load that maximises high-value fruit rather than simply maximising gross tonnes.

The article notes that optimum crop load differs by variety, canopy volume and uniformity, irrigation availability and nutrient supply. Historical block performance is therefore an important guide, especially in mature orchards. Even after chemical thinning, hand thinning is usually needed to remove fruit that is unlikely to meet quality targets.

By early December, differences in fruit-size potential are visible enough for thinners to work to minimum size targets. Because fruit diameter can increase rapidly at this stage, those minimums need regular adjustment. Weekly fruit-size measurements and OrchardNet® comparisons help distinguish a local block problem from a district-wide slowdown caused by weather.

The article reinforces that quality is built progressively through the season. Crop load, fruit sizing, irrigation, nutrition and canopy management all need to remain aligned if the block is to deliver a high proportion of marketable fruit at harvest.