Completed project
National tree crop intensification program (AS18000) – Citrus
Publication date: May 3, 2021
Delivery Partner: New South Wales Department of Industry and Regional Development
This investment was part of a collaborative R&D program of tree crop-specific projects established to deliver step-change orchard system intensification knowledge, understanding and technical advancements to the citrus industry. It supported the future productivity and profitability of the Australian citrus industry by exploring advanced orchard intensification systems and sharing practical findings with growers. It delivered tools and knowledge to help modernise production through improved pruning, planting, and training methods.
Challenges
As the Australian citrus industry grows past $1 billion in farmgate value, producers face rising costs and the need to modernise aging orchard systems. Many growers are dealing with over-crowded blocks, inefficient tree architectures, and a lack of practical knowledge on next-generation cropping systems. Without innovation, it will be difficult to sustain yield and quality while meeting increasing demand in both domestic and export markets.
Response
The project addressed these challenges by conducting on-farm and research station trials on pruning, dwarfing technologies, and trellis-based advanced production systems. It included seven experiments on canopy recovery and two trials using citrus dwarfing viroid to manage vigour. Knowledge was shared through workshops, field days, case studies, and videos tailored to grower needs. These efforts helped growers apply current solutions and prepare for long-term adoption of more intensive orchard designs.
Benefit
Growers across Australia now have access to practical, research-backed tools for improving citrus orchard performance. The project’s outputs, ranging from factsheets to hands-on field events, enable growers to better manage overgrown blocks, plan future plantings, and understand cutting-edge systems. This leads to higher yields, more efficient land use, and ultimately stronger returns. The work also fosters collaboration and industry-wide readiness to adopt intensification practices critical to long-term sustainability.
National Tree Crop Intensification in Horticulture (AS18000) was funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Peirson Memorial Trust and contributions from the Australian Government.
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
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