Monitor block performance – identifying key improvement strategies

January 2009 | Prepared by John Wilton, AgFirst Consultants | Future Orchards® Monitor Block notes and presentation

John Wilton uses Future Orchards® Monitor Block data to identify key strategies for improving block performance. The January 2009 analysis focuses mainly on Gala strains, with supporting comparisons from Cripps Pink and pears, and separates orchard systems into low/medium, high and very high planting-density groups.

For mature plantings in the 2006-2008 dataset, Queensland monitor blocks recorded particularly strong gross yields. Wilton links these results partly to lower exposure to frost and water shortages and the widespread use of hail netting, while stressing that comparable performance is achievable elsewhere when major climatic and management limitations are addressed.

The recommended improvement areas include frost and hail protection, matching planted area to available water, building canopy volumes towards about 10,000-12,000 m³/ha, lifting specific crop load, using improved colour strains where appropriate, correcting nutritional constraints, improving drainage and addressing pollination issues. The resource demonstrates how block data can be translated into specific management priorities.