What was it all about?

This project brought Australian persimmon growers together for an R&D update, with a specific focus on findings on improving fruit quality, minimising pest and disease impact, and increasing fruit shelf life post-harvest to expand marketing options. This two-day Persimmon Field Day event was held in February 2016 in the Barooga-Cobram district of Victoria. It included structured presentations by researchers as well as on-farm visits to four properties, to maximise uptake of new research and technology. This format gave growers opportunities to learn from researchers as well as from peers and through demonstrations.

A key topic of discussion was about domestic and export market options given an expected expansion in the persimmon industry.

Other issues covered by the event included: production management research and postharvest treatment advances, the National QFly Control Program, integrated pest management and the persimmon marketing program.