Investigative committee outcomes

Prepared by: Lindsay Bryen

October 2014

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Method

1. Identify the leading mature orchards 2. Understand the management systems and inputs 3. View the orchards 4. Agree upon recommendations to the industry to improve

production in mature orchards

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Outcome no. 1 – manage root exposure

Minimal to no root exposure was found. • The investigative committee strongly believes that the

highest priority to improve production in mature orchards is to cover all exposed roots.

• Have a healthy soil environment to encourage root growth

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What’s the difference

• Fine feeder roots are absent• Absence of organically rich soil to regrow roots • Exposed roots to damage harvester wheels and trap nuts.

VS

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What are the Benefits of having NO Exposed Roots.Improved Soil Health

1. Increased root volume especially fine feeder roots 2. More efficient nutrition program

(improved uptake of soil moisture and applied nutrients)3. Improved Root to Shoot ratio

(greater ability to support a larger productive canopy)4. Reduced stress and a greater capacity to handle extreme

weather events. Droughts. 5. Improved harvesting efficiency –less wheel damage and nut

losses.

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Outcome no. 2 – pest and disease management

• All utilised a consultant

• Majority incorporated a “clean up spray” pre flowering (Insecticide) application• Important to set a crop then protect it through the growing

stages.

• Recommendation - All growers need to seek professional pest management advice from July though to January

• Growers need to understand pest activity on an annual basis to establish high risk periods and new and immerging pests. Have a planed approach to control.

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Major Threat – Lace Bug 2013

• Alarmingly HIGH levels of Lace Bug in the Nth Rivers of NSW August 2013• Seek professional advice

• 0 – 100% crop loss• Grower Action Need to respond quickly to protect Flowers.

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Outcome no. 3 - nutrition

All growers utilised a consultantAll maintained the required and recommended nutrition inputs annually, regardless of NIS price. Incorporated both synthetic and organic materials.

synthetic fertilisers, chicken litter and manures, foliar fertilisers and composted material.

no exposed roots = greater root zone =optimum absorption of the nutrients applied.

&

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Outcome no. 4 – canopy management• There was NO consistent canopy management method.

• It ranged from hedging only, to limb removal only to row removal to combinations of all.

• What was consistent was that ALL of the high performance mature orchards undertook canopy manipulation and had open canopies. • Growers tried to maximise their productive area of the canopy using

different approaches • Majority of the canopies had good light penetration, • Lack of dark empty voids • None of the canopies were upright and closed.

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Outcome no. 4 – canopy management

• Investigative Committee believes that • within row tree removal in mature orchards did not appear to be an

effective long term solution. • Row removal –

• is a more effective long term solution on narrower spacing’s. (<7m rows)• is viable for orchards on an original row spacing of 7 metres or less.

(phasing out, mature orchards)• Row spacing of greater than 7m require further investigation prior to

making a conclusive statement. However Limb Removal is an option to consider.

VS

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Outcome AAA – proactive management

• All were striving to improve production.• All had a long term plan,

• were proactive in seeking information • were flexible in the implementing most suitable plan

(weather).• Had capacity to complete tasks in a Timely Fashion

• All had a strong focus on timeliness. • Pest management measured in days (not weeks) Pre-flower

spray essential for good set.• Nutrition timeliness was consistently measured in weeks

(not months). May is the month for Boron

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Commitment to a production model

• Growers had a strong views on all the subjects of Macadamia production.

• Prepared to spend money in areas that gave them a good return.

• Some are continually modifying their program as they gain knowledge or as the seasons changed.

• They are out in the field pursuing their planed activities. They have field knowledge and understanding.

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Summary of key points

• Maintain a Healthy Root System and Soil Environment .• Proactively Control Pest and Disease.• Provide Adequate Nutrients to Maintain Healthy Trees and

Grow a Good crop.• Monitor the Canopy and Maintain Good Light Penetration.• Proactive – Action Plan to meet the needs of a Productive

Orchard. Carried out on a Timely Fashion.• Combination of Good Management in All the Areas

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Do you have a plan to improve the productivity of your orchard?

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