What was it all about?

This project delivered new, practical guidance to help Afourer mandarin growers improve long‑term yields and reduce alternate bearing. It brought together insights from field trials, grower experience and international practice to identify canopy management options that are realistic for Australian growing conditions.

To build this knowledge, the project team monitored commercial orchards, ran replicated and demonstration trials, and undertook study tours to Spain and South Africa. These activities helped the team compare pruning approaches, understand how different canopy systems perform in practice, and observe how leading global growers manage vigorous Afourer trees. The findings were then consolidated into practical recommendations and economic comparisons for industry.

The project addressed the challenge of declining yield and increased alternate bearing as Afourer trees mature. On vigorous rootstocks, trees produce many watershoots that shade the lower canopy, reduce fruit quality and make it difficult to maintain a productive structure. Growers have found that heavy pruning can worsen regrowth, and many were seeking clearer guidance on how to manage vigour effectively.

The findings provide growers with a set of canopy management options suited to different orchard situations. Intensive hand pruning and regrowth management showed strong long‑term potential, while mechanical hedging offers a simpler “reset” method where labour is limited. Additional approaches, such as trellising and netting, may support profitability in the right conditions. These results will help growers choose strategies that support more productive, consistent Afourer crops into the future.

ACT NOW

This project produced a range of materials, including a canopy management guide and a large library of videos to support growers in applying the findings on‑farm:

• Read the Citrus Plant Protection Guide 2025-26 here.
• Access the library of videos on canopy management here.