This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The following final report detailed how technology transfer and industry development priorities were delivered to pome fruit growers in the Goulburn Murray region of Victoria. This project commenced in July 2007 and was completed in June 2010 and was managed by Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd, the peak industry body representing pome fruit growers in Victoria.

Key purposes of the project were for the IDO to deliver the latest technology in both Integrated Pest and Disease Management and a changeover of orchard production techniques to higher density plantings. Promoting the latest orchard practices from around Australia and from around the world to the Goulburn Murray region was imperative for the sustainability of growers and the industry.

Benefits to the public included delivery of a safer end product (pome fruit) and of higher shelf quality fruit delivered to consumers. The benefits to the industry for successful IPDM and high density production systems included reduced pesticide usage and increased production per hectare of land.

Having an IDO available to growers to assist and pass on the latest production techniques was key for the industry to make the correct development decisions such as varietal choices and production system choices. Growers were beginning to change from older production systems to more modern higher planting density systems as a result of technology transfer through varying projects and study tours co - managed or in delivery partnership.