Cost effective thinning for Nashi (desktop evaluation and grower workshops) (NA20000)

What was it all about?

This project identified opportunities for the reduction in thinning and budding costs for the nashi industry through a desktop evaluation and engagement with industry. Project activities included:

Engaging with industry

Two industry/grower workshops were conducted whereby participants discussed current production practices, tree architecture and pruning, chemical and mechanical thinning, pollination, rootstocks and winter chill. The second workshop was focused on discussing the findings from the desktop review and prioritising the recommendations for future R&D

Desktop review

A detailed review of crop load management practices in Nashi and related crops was undertaken covering chemical, mechanical and hand-thinning technologies as well as use of shading and pruning. Information sources included industry consultation, scientific and grey literature. Opportunities to reduce thinning and budding costs were identified and recommendations for future R&D provided.

The review concluded that a systematic program approach for controlling vigour and managing crop load can be developed using a range of tools/techniques, with many of the tools used in other fruit tree crops able to be modified or adapted to suit the physiology of Nashi.

Recommendations

A total of nine recommendations have been made for potential future research covering pruning, dormancy breakers, chemical and mechanical thinning, studies of physiology and fruit growth rates to allow adaption of carbon-balance models, induction of carbohydrate stress through limiting light availability, and consideration of new cultivars. Some of these recommendations can be undertaken directly by growers and others will require further research.

ACT NOW

Access the final desktop review.