This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

RMCG was engaged by Hort Innovation (which was then Horticulture Australia Limited) and Apple & Pear Australia Limited (APAL) to develop Guidelines for Irrigation Management for the Apple and Pear Industry.

The guidelines aimed to facilitate the efficient management of water (including during water shortages).

This project was designed to collate and coordinate the packaging of existing information to enable growers to implement efficient irrigation management on their orchards. This was identified as an immediate need that coudl capitalise on the research and development work previously undertaken.

It was stated that the irrigation guidelines would be practical and useful to apple and pear growers across Australia. They would be based on what is considered “Good Practice” and management during “Water Shortages”.

The apple and pear industry had clear expectations about the type of information was required and how it could best be presented. Input from the industry was a critical component of the project.