AU workshop to focus on water management for greater fruit yields
DFA Chairman Mark King said underwatering vines could reduce yield, and it was important to assess the efficiency of water use per tonne of fruit produced. “Irrigation is the biggest and arguably the most important input growers have into the production of dried fruit,” Mr King said.
“Our recent history of drought and low water allocation, coupled with new dried fruit varieties and more expansive growing systems, might have left some dried fruit growers in Sunraysia not watering vineyards to their full potential. “We want to work with dried fruit growers to identify where this may be a problem.”
Key issues to be discussed at the workshop include: matching vine irrigation needs after cutting, managing water during heatwave events, and the amount of water required to maximise irrigation and production. Agriculture Victoria’s Jeremy Giddings will lead the discussion, and Peter Morrish from Ruralco will be on hand to discuss the best way to structure a water portfolio to ensure growers have irrigation water available when needed.
Horticulture Innovation Australia has provided funding support for the event. All dried fruit producers are invited to attend the workshop, which will be held at Daryn Gardners’ property, 181 Euston Avenue, Irymple. It will start at 3.30pm and conclude at 6.30pm with a barbecue.
For more information:
Tel: +61 5023 5174
admin@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
lroden@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au