What was it all about?

This project, which ran from 2013 to 2017, continued the independent evaluation of new varieties of citrus for the industry. Among its goals were to boost grower productivity and profitability, diversify the Australian varietal mix, meet new and changing consumer demands, and provide new domestic and international market opportunities.

In its course, the project evaluated 28 varieties in a range of climates and soil types, and on a range of rootstocks. Factors assessed included fruit quality, maturity periods, tree yield, fruit size, tree growth rate and specific management requirements.

Field evaluations of further varieties were subsequently continued through a new iteration of the project, with 20 varieties that entered the program through CT12026 expected to produce field fruit for evaluation during 2018.

Throughout the project, new varieties and their attributes were presented to industry through farm walks, field days, seminars and other extension activities.

The project also produced draft information sheets on 35 varieties, to help growers in selection of varieties and rootstocks for new citrus developments or the redeveloped of existing plantings. When finalised, these were set to be released to industry.