A new tool developed by Queensland researchers will allow consumer preferences to guide breeding programs for new fruit varieties.

Access to effective crop protection tools is essential for managing production risks, maintaining crop quality and supporting farm productivity. By investing in data generation activities, Hort Innovation helps address gaps where solutions may not currently be available for horticultural industries, supports integrated pest management approaches, and helps industries respond to emerging pest and disease challenges.  

To make sure investments reflect industry priorities, industry advisory groups and consultation processes are funded to give growers and industry representatives a direct voice in shaping future investments. 

Independent reviews help make sure those investments are delivering value for growers and industry.

Australian vegetable and onion growers often have limited visibility of what is driving changes in their category performance. 

We caught up with Polybee founder Siddharth Jadhav to reflect on the journey from research project to commercial deployment, and what growers can take from it.   
 

Early RoBird trials in Australian almond orchards recorded an 89 per cent reduction in fruit loss within monitored trial blocks and a 94 per cent bird displacement rate following engagement with the technology.