Papaya growers setting the research agenda – a new approach

The Australian papaya industry is seeing a shift in how research is approached, thanks to their levy-funded industry extension and communications program. This initiative has not only provided Australian papaya growers with the resources and support to stay ahead of industry trends but also pioneered a new way of working together. Through a ‘participatory adaptive approach’, growers directly influence the research agenda, ensuring that the project addresses their immediate and long-term needs. 

With over 90 per cent of the industry engaged, the program has become a key tool for tackling some of the most pressing challenges in papaya production. Growers have worked closely with researchers to address issues like Phytophthora root rot, a persistent threat to crops, and the complexities involved in planting and sexing papayas.  

The breakthrough moment in these efforts has been the development of a sexing tool that allows growers to plant a single seedling, rather than multiple seedlings, saving time, reducing costs, and improving the health and productivity of the plants. 

Emily Pattison, Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) Horticulturist and a key player in the project, has been at the forefront of this collaborative innovation. As a researcher who has worked closely with growers, Emily sheds light on the process, the successes, and the exciting future of papaya farming. 

Growers are innovators too 

According to Emily, one of the most powerful aspects of the industry development program is the close collaboration between researchers and growers.  

"The growers who are hands-on with the crop every day are the ones with the answers," she explains. "Unfortunately, they don’t always have the time, resources, or contacts to pursue research questions themselves. Often, I get growers saying things like, 'Imagine if…' or 'Wouldn’t it be cool if...' and those casual conversations spark ideas that can lead to major breakthroughs." 

It is through this open dialogue that many of the solutions driving the industry forward have been born. The development of a single-seed planting method is a prime example of how these conversations can evolve into tangible innovations. Traditionally, growers had to plant four seedlings in each spot, waiting until they could sex the plants before thinning them down to one. This process was both costly and labour-intensive. 

A breakthrough: planting one seed instead of four 

The idea of planting one seed instead of four initially arose through the observation of one of the larger growers using tissue culture to create stronger, more resilient plants.  

Emily explains, “It’s common knowledge among growers that single plants bear fruit closer to the ground, which gives them a head start on yield. But most didn’t have a choice. To ensure 80-90 per cent hermaphrodite plants, they had to plant multiple seeds and thin them out later.” 

The breakthrough came when a researcher, Chat Kanchana-udomkan, working with Griffith University, developed a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method to sex plants more efficiently for her breeding trials. This method caught the attention of Chris Maisel, one of the growers hosting variety trials. “Chris noticed how much stronger the plants were using this method and asked me to find a way to bring this to his farm,” Emily recalls. 

After nearly two years of trial and error, the team succeeded. Today, Chris runs his own lab, sexing plants with 100% per cent accuracy, and reports that the results have been transformative. “It was definitely worth it,” he says, noting that his farm’s profitability per hectare has increased by two-and-a-half times. 

Listening and adapting are the key 

Emily emphasises that successful collaboration between researchers and growers goes beyond just sharing ideas; it’s about listening and adapting.  

"The most important thing is to listen to each other and keep an open mind," she notes. "Everyone has incredible experience in their areas, and the best way to get outcomes is for everyone to take the time to listen to each other’s opinions and then take it a step further by implementing them." 

This approach of mutual respect and adaptability has been integral in the success of the program. By blending the practical expertise of growers with the technical knowledge of researchers, the program has created a dynamic and responsive research environment that continues to drive innovation in the papaya industry. 

Looking ahead 

Looking to the future, Emily is particularly excited about new advancements in pest management. One area of focus is tackling the fruit spotting bug, a significant pest that primarily attacks the crown of the papaya tree. Current pest control methods, which involve spraying the entire tree with broad-spectrum pesticides, often lead to unintended consequences, such as mite flare-ups that require additional treatments. 

Emily’s team is exploring a new solution: using drone technology to target only the crown of the tree where the fruit spotting bug resides. “I’ve been in contact with a drone operator who thinks he may be able to develop a system that just sprays the crown, leaving the rest of the tree and its ecosystem untouched,” Emily explains. “It’s early days, but I can really see the advantages of this method. It could reduce pesticide use, lower costs, and help prevent further pest outbreaks.” 

While still in the development phase, this project holds great promise for the future of papaya farming, showing just how far the collaboration between researchers and growers can take the industry. 

The power of collaboration 

The papaya industry’s extension and communications program exemplifies the power of collaboration, showing how involving growers directly in the research process can lead to innovative solutions and measurable results. With breakthroughs in plant sexing, pest control, and improved farm practices, Australian papaya growers are not only tackling the challenges of today but also paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future.