What was it all about?

This project identified the knowledge, research and technology needed to help avocado growers make more informed canopy management decisions. Canopy management and pruning play an important role in productivity, but growers across Australia's production regions often face uncertainty about how pruning affects flowering, fruit set, yield and canopy performance.

Australian and international research on avocado physiology, canopy management, light interception, sensing technologies and canopy modelling was reviewed alongside input from growers, researchers, industry representatives and technology providers. The work identified key knowledge gaps that limit more objective canopy management decisions, particularly around how light influences flowering, fruit set, fruit retention and yield throughout the canopy.

Emerging technologies, including imaging systems, light sensors and digital canopy models, were assessed for their potential to measure canopy structure and light distribution. The findings highlighted opportunities to use these technologies to better understand canopy performance and identified future research needed to support their application in Australian avocado production.

Key outputs included a literature and technology review, industry consultation findings, a technology engagement report and an R&D investment roadmap. Together, these provide a pathway for future research into canopy light targets, pruning strategies, sensing technologies and decision-support tools. These investments are expected to help growers improve canopy performance, increase yield consistency and make more informed pruning decisions.