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WIN
TER
ISSUE
JULY 2015 / VOLUME TWENTY
10th AUSTRALIAN MANGO CONFERENCEA celebration of success
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 3
Mango Matters is published using mango grower levies which are matched by the Australian Government through Horticulture Innovation Australia.
PAGE 22
CEO & CHAIRMAN REPORTS
REGION UPDATES
INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT
Crop forecast—will you contribute?
Industry moves on quality standards
Review of the Horticulture Code
MANGO MARKETING
Consumers say YES to 2014/15 mango season
RESEARCH & POLICY
Researching the shape of future mango orchards
National Fruit Fly Strategy seeks input on fruit fly priorities
Queenslanders to have more responsibility to protect against biosecurity threats
Researchers discover the key to reducing skin damage to Honey Gold
MANGOES AROUND THE WORLD
Record export mango crop announced
IN FOCUS
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
10th Australian Mango Conference—a celebration of success
XI International Mango Symposium
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Disclaimer: This publication is produced upon the understanding that no responsibility is accepted by AMIA, it’s Directors and Officers and the Editor for any opinions, claims, statements made and views expressed in any edition of Mango Matters and associated material (for example Conference Proceedings, Industry Reports). Readers should rely on their own inquiries when making decisions concerning their interests. All material in the magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without the written permission of the editor.
10TH AUSTRALIAN MANGO CONFERENCE
A celebration of success! We recap the highlights of the conference and share some social snaps.
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF AMIA?
Become a member and support the Australian mango industry. Without the support of its members, AMIA is limited in the important work it does
for you and the mango industry.
Please contact the AMIA office for a membership application form, or download a copy from our website:
industry.mangoes.net.au
CONTENTS
Publication design by Fresh Republic www.freshrepublic.com.auCover image: Debbie Nucifora, Noalene Brazzale, Muy Keav Ma and Dianne Marks
at the 10th Australian Mango Conference.
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Thankyoufrom
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AMIA Contact Details
Office Address: Unit 2, The Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets Postal Address: PO Box 376, Brisbane Markets QLD 4106Phone: 07 3278 3755 Fax: 07 3278 4761 Email: [email protected] Australian Mangoes: www.mangoes.net.au AMIA: www.industry.mangoes.net.au
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 5
Wow – what a conference! Thank you to all those who made the trip to Darwin to attend the 10th Australian Mango Conference. It was an event to remember and I have lost count of the warm sentiments that I have heard following the conference. It had the positive and collaborative feel that we aimed to create so thank you to everyone for being involved and making it the success it was. A special thank you to HIA and Woolworths for their support, to all our conference sponsors and the AMIA team for their work and dedication to this event. They certainly made it look easy on the surface.
The success of the conference was the cherry on top of a great year for the mango industry. We produced the biggest crop in history (9.3 million trays), our export
CEO’S REPORT CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Gavin ScurrChairman, AMIA
Email: [email protected] Mob: 0407 714 549
Congratulations to the entire industry on the biggest mango crop in history! Over 9.3 million trays of mangoes were sold, well above early predictions. This season was a success and although there was substantial volume, industry worked with retailers and marketers to ensure that demand met supply to keep mangoes moving through the system.
10TH AUSTRALIAN MANGO CONFERENCE
Thank you to all that attended and sponsored the 10th Australian Mango Conference.
Robert GrayChief Executive Officer, AMIA
Email: [email protected] Mob: 0418 737 861
program was the biggest on record and we gained access to the US and Indonesian markets. Congratulations to those involved in exports this season and breaking the record for volume and percentage of crop exported. We are well on track to exporting 20% of our crop by 2017/18. Our successes highlight the growth of the industry in recent years and if we can make the most of these opportunities and build on these achievements, I believe we are headed for great things.
The AMIA Board have, as always, been focused on delivering outcomes of the Strategic Investment Plan. We recently recommended an industry standard for dry matter and brix which I encourage all of industry to support. The support of this initiative will delight our consumers and keep them buying our mangoes again and again.
It is a new year for AMIA members and you will soon receive a membership renewal or application in the mail. I encourage you all to support AMIA to represent your interests. The industry is going through a period of uncertainty and AMIA needs to be stronger than ever to weather these storms. We work hard to look out for your interests and improve our industry and we need your membership support to do this.
There has been some movement on the AMIA Board and I would like to congratulate Ben Martin on his recent election as Deputy Chairman. Ben’s enthusiasm will be a key to his success and I look forward to working closely with him. I am sorry to announce that Brett Jackson, Board Director for Southern Western Australia, South Australia
BECOME A MEMBER OF AMIA & HELP TO GROW OUR INDUSTRY
SIGN UP ONLINE ATindustry.mangoes.net.au
OR CALL US ON07 3278 3755
Our priority is to represent Australian mango growers. Becoming a member of AMIA will ensure we have the resources to fight for the mango industry on every front and represent your interests. If you think we stepped it up this year, imagine what we will do in the future!
AMIA Director for Northern Western Australia and Northern Territory Han Shiong Siah, Leo Skliros and Terry Campbell at the 10th Australian Mango Conference
Fenthion (Lebaycid®) – Registration and permitted use to cease on 31st October 2015
Following the finalisation of the APVMA review of fenthion review, the permitted use of fenthion is cancelled, as of the 31st October 2015.
Use of the product on mangoes after the 31st October is not permitted.
Bayer CropScience are promoting the use of ChemClear for growers to dispose of stock of fenthion remaining after the 31st October. If you have any issues with disposing of unwanted fenthion please contact AMIA so we can raise this issue with APVMA.
MANGO MARKETING
I would like to commend the mango marketing team for their efforts during the 2014/15 season. We learned at the conference that mango consumption has substantially risen across all indicators this season and this can be attributed to their efforts.
MANGO QUALITY
Mango quality was in the spotlight at the conference when we announced new industry quality recommendations. Research was conducted during the 2014/15 season to learn more about our consumer’s preferences to guide us to make these recommendations. More work is planned for this season, but for now, the standard has been set and we look forward to working with our key retailers to ensure all fruit sold to consumers meets their expectations.
CROP FORECAST
Flowering has already begun in the NT and QLD and we have commenced the crop forecast process. All growers are encouraged to get involved by providing information on their orchard to help the accuracy of this forecast. Everyone across the industry benefited from the crop forecast last season and we ask that you chip in this season.
At this event, we celebrated our achievements, collaborated to look forward to our future and created a feeling of positivity and growth in the industry that will last us for years to come. Thank you to the Hon. Willem Westra van Holthe for opening the Conference and for welcoming us to the Darwin, to our Platinum Sponsors Woolworths whose partnership was a vital ingredient to the success of the conference, to Barry Albrecht from Arnhem Mangoes for being such a gracious host of the Field Day and to HIA for their support. Well done to the team at AMIA for pulling together what was certainly a memorable event.
MANGO EXPORTS
Exports were a focus of the conference and will be a focus of AMIA going into this year. As you will read in this edition of Mango Matters, during the 2014/15 mango season, the record was set for the greatest volume of mango exports in history. Thank you to the growers and exporters who support our export program and the staff at the federal and state government departments who are working with AMIA to improve market access. This result shows that industry collaboration is at an all-time high and we hope it continues.
and Victoria will be retiring from the Board due to his work commitments. I would like to publicly thank Brett for his commitment and passion to making this industry the best it can be and would like to wish him all the best. In his place, the Board has welcomed Greg McMahon, Executive Chairman of Seven Fields, as a temporary Director until the next AGM in May 2016. Greg brings extensive experience in the horticulture industry, business management and exports and we believe his contribution to AMIA will be extremely valuable for the industry.
With flowering starting in most areas, next season is on its way. Let’s do all we can to make it the best one yet.
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 7
Han Shiong SiahM: 0423 444 598E: [email protected]
This last quarter has been a busy one for growers, so many things are happening. Darwin hosted an unforgettable mango conference in May. The industry needs to put their hands together for those involved in organising the event, they surprised us all. Thanks to the growers who travelled to Darwin to learn how the mango industry is progressing. In the Top End, farmers are in full swing for this coming year.
As I am writing, I am sitting in Brussels Bruxelles Midi train station waiting for a train to Amsterdam. I was in Brussels to attend a seminar at COPA-COGECA (Centre of EU farmers) to discuss the future of big data problems and solution. The data generated from our machines raises concerns because we do not know who owns the data, the farmer or the company who made the machine.
At this seminar, I met with people from Agrilaser and RoBird in the Netherlands. They are looking into promising technology that will keep flying vermin away from our farms. The CDU Magpie Geese project needs funding so the technology I am looking at around world can be bought to Australia. Next year will bring more ideas and areas to help farmers with their bird problem.
I wish all growers a fruitful season ahead. All the best.
Geoff WarnockM: 0438 884 842E: [email protected]
KUNUNURRA: Most orchards in this region have this year experienced a very good overall early flowering, fruit set to date is looking very encouraging but we all know nature has its ways to make unpredicted changes to outcomes.
CARNARVON: The bulk of trees in this region are still in recovery mode after the effect of the cyclone earlier in the year. Some of the younger trees are showing signs of flowering but the normal time for flowers in this region is late July to early August. It is still too early to predict anything in respect to the season.
SOUTHERN REGION: Reports of a good spread of early flowering starting here, normal flowering is usually a couple of months later. Have experienced fairly warm start to winter which may have influenced flowering. Now experiencing some cold weather with light frosts which could have some effect on the set.
NORTHERN WESTERN AUSTRALIA & NORTHERN TERRITORY
Ian PershouseM: 0417 791 131E: [email protected]
At the time of writing this report (end of June) the weather has been much too warm for good flower initiation. There are reports of some very early flowers in patches which is considered a bit early for our region. On many farms, especially older Kensington Pride trees, there is very little sign of any movement, although it is only early and still time for flowering in the next couple of months. In the Yeppoon area trees are still recovering from cyclone damage and will take some time for crops to return to normal. The general feeling is that the crop may be down on last year unless we get some cold weather very soon.
SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND & NEW SOUTH WALES
REGION UPDATES AND BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND & NORTH QUEENSLAND
John NuciforaM: 0418 193 885E: [email protected]
The 10th Australian Mango Conference held in Darwin was another great success. I have been to near on all the mango conferences and I must say, this year’s conference was one of the best. The theme was Celebrate, Collaborate and Create. It was a very welcoming, open and friendly atmosphere. I thank the attendees from Mareeba. The feedback from these people was very positive and they look forward to the next conference and I hope to have more farmers come along in the future.
It was very touching to see Bruce Nastasi receiving the Industry Development Award at the conference. I thought it was well deserved as Bruce put 20 years of his time and heart into successfully exporting into Japan.
It’s been a dry season and flowering is around the corner. At this stage trees are looking healthy and ready for another big year. We hope that prices improve as last year was quite an ordinary year. Mareeba faces some of the lowest prices in Australia but I’m proud to say that quality is some of the best produced. Good luck to all for the up and coming season.
Ben MartinM: 0400 125 928E: [email protected]
Flowering has started on some orchards in the district. With this in mind and the rainy weather that we have been receiving it is important to monitor your orchard for any diseases or pests. As of late, the weather conditions have been ideal for anthracnose in the Bowen and Burdekin areas. With the lack of the wet season, soil moisture must be continually monitored as well as tree health and nutrition coming into flowering. The APVMA held a chemical review in June, which looked at a selection of chemicals that may be of interest to the mango industry for controlling certain pests and diseases. This is a very important matter that the industry needs to be at the forefront. The development of new chemicals will greatly assist growers in their management of pests and disease and ensure that they produce clean, pest and disease free fruit.
Kieren BrownM: 0409 593 390E: [email protected]
The winter period has been a busy one with the 10th Australian Mango Conference, which as you know was held in Darwin this year, as well as the usual orchard activities preparing the trees ahead of the flowering and harvest season.
The conference provided three very full days covering a variety of topics, with Celebrate, Collaborate and Create as the key focus with an underlying message of “Growing your Profitability”.
The conference was well attended by the major retailers and their input was valuable in knowing exactly what they are looking at in the coming season – QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY.
We also heard from the USA importers that distributed the first Australian mangoes in the US and it was great to hear how well our mangoes were received in the US and the excitement over there to receive more of the Australian crop this coming season.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at AMIA for the hard work involved in producing the conference and for the smooth running of the event.
While all of this has been going on the trees have been busy preparing themselves for the season and at the time of writing the NT is close to full flower in a lot of areas and the majority of the trees in FNQ are looking well placed ahead of their flowering.
It’s important to take on board the quality message that we heard at the conference and prepare the trees, fruit and pick and pack plans to deliver what the consumers require. I urge those that weren’t able to make the conference to catch up with some of the growers that went and talk about and understand the key messages.
Continued page 8
PREPARING TO EXPORT TO THE USA, CHINA AND KOREA
Growers (and orchards/blocks), crop monitors, pack houses and exporters wishing to participate in export to the United States, China and Korea need to be approved by the Department of Agriculture.
This season AMIA will collect and collate applications prior to forwarding them to the Department of Agriculture Horticulture Export Program.
The Department of Agriculture scheduled the release of an Industry Advice Notice (IAN) for Friday 10th July outlining the process for applying for approval.
While there will be two opportunities in the lead up to the season (based on your anticipated time of harvest) to apply for approval, there will be a very limited window of time to apply. Late applications will not be accepted.
If you have not received the Industry Advice Notice and wish to be involved in export to these markets, please contact Trevor at AMIA, on 0400 808 689 or email: [email protected].
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 9
INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT
Crop forecast—will you contribute?AMIA’s crop forecast gives visibility of the timing, volume and flow of the mango crop across all varieties and growing regions to the entire supply chain. We want you to help us make the 2015/16 forecast even more accurate than last season.
Continued from page 7
To assemble this forecast, the timeframe for harvest is predicted by collecting regional flowering dates. This is updated throughout fruit set, including pre and post fruit drop, and refined to reflect any movements in grower forecasts. On a weekly basis throughout harvest, growers and carton manufacturers contribute information about the volume of trays dispatched.
Boyd Arthur, AMIA Supply Development Manager said that the crop forecast was a success last season which will continue this season and greater contribution will mean even greater accuracy.
“The crop forecast allows the industry to understand supply and better plan for the highs and lows that can occur. Forecasting allows growers and marketers to estimate
the start of harvest well in advance and allow better planning of harvesting logistics and marketing strategies,” he said.
AMIA’s Supply Development Manager will be on the ground to provide growers with forecasting support and dry matter testing through NIR technology prior to harvest.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING?
All growers are encouraged to communicate information via email, SMS or over the phone to provide the industry with the most accurate forecast. Information from individual growers will be combined into a regional forecast and communicated in My Mango or Mango
Matters. All information collected will remain confidential.
To become involved, please provide AMIA with the following information: • Flower dates from the start of the
season. • Forecast prior to fruit drop forecast• Forecast after fruit drop• Weekly tray dispatch volumes during
the mango season.
CONTACT:
Email: [email protected]: 0458 803 220Ph: 07 3278 3755
Brett JacksonM: 0438 089 952E: [email protected]
It is with sadness that this is my last report as a Director of AMIA. After six years I have made the decision to resign my post due to work and family commitments. Being a Director requires a significant investment in time from all Directors who volunteer their time trying to improve the industry and grower profitability and it is an investment I could not continue to make.
I would like to thank the board of AMIA and all of the support staff for the last few years. The hard work of everyone involved saw significant improvements in the communications and marketing
Greg McMahonM: 0419 831 899E: [email protected]
I’m looking forward to continuing the involvement of Seven Fields in the mango industry by joining the Board of the AMIA. As growers, packers and marketers of mangoes we have a large investment for a family business in the mango industry, and I hope to make a contribution through AMIA to help ensure the investment made by all participants is supported by the right policy and governance settings
SOUTHERN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA & VICTORIA
effort of industry last season, and I am sure we will see it continue.
In terms of industry, things are looking positive. Hopefully we can continue to grow mango’s share of the summer fruit market and build on the USA exports from the season gone. Having a strong export sector helps everyone in the supply chain balance out supply and improve profitability.
at an industry level. The work done by AMIA in the last 12 months particularly has made a significant positive difference to the industry, and it’s important to continue the work being done by the Board and management team as we confront the new challenges and opportunities, especially in export. One of the challenges I would like to learn more about when commencing my role as a Director is the interaction between the mango industry, HIA, and the grower levy system. I believe well-funded and properly targeted research and development supported by sensible levies is critical for the long term future of our industry if we are to make the most of the opportunities ahead of us.
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MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 11
Review of the Horticulture CodeThe Horticulture Code of Conduct, the code that governs interactions between growers of produce and those who sell their products, is under review. The review was announced by the Hon Barnaby Joyce and Small Business Minister Bruce Billson.
The Horticulture Code was established in 2007 and regulates trade of horticultural produce between growers and traders, providing clarity and transparency for transactions. Currently, growers and wholesale traders need to comply with the Horticulture Code when buying and selling horticulture produce as it is mandatory under the Australian Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It does not apply to fruit sold for export, direct to retail or for processing. The current Code provides a mechanism for dispute resolution through the Horticulture Mediation Adviser who will try to help the parties resolve their dispute.
The review will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to raise issues concerning the code through a public consultation process. It will examine:• The extent to which the code currently
applies to arrangements between growers and traders
• The effectiveness of the code in meeting its purpose, including improving the clarity and transparency in current arrangements between growers and traders
• The knowledge of the code by growers and traders
• The extent to which hybrid trading arrangements occur in the industry
• The enforcement of the code and the function of the horticultural mediation adviser
• Options for the future of the code, including any further measures that would improve the operation of the code
• Any other related issues raised in the Competition Policy Review and the draft Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
The review has been welcomed by some in the industry who consider the current code to be ineffective, lacking transparency and difficult to enforce. They say producers do not receive timely, accurate and transparent information about the sale price of their fruit and believe and that many transactions still occur under a hybrid arrangement where neither a true agency nor merchant transaction occurs. They believe the current system is encouraging producers to deal directly with major retailers as there is greater transparency. They have called for a new code that provides producers with more power to negotiate agreements with traders and clarity as to the costs associated with selling their product.
A MERCHANT purchases produce for the purpose of resale
RetractionOn 8th December 2014, ‘My Mango Weekly Roundup’ section ‘Mango Objective Reporting’ published information associated with the name ‘Rutterman’. It has come to the attention of the Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) that there was an error in the traceability associated with this report and a mistake has occurred.
As such AMIA withdraws the reference to ‘Rutterman’ and the information associated with it entirely. Without any admission of wrongdoing AMIA apologises to the Ruttiman family for this occurrence. AMIA has re-evaluated the practices and procedures involved in the mango objective reporting process to ensure that in future the potential for any errors to occur is avoided.
Supporters of the code believe that when followed properly it is effective for regulating transactions between growers and wholesalers. They say that any issues are not with the code itself, but with trading arrangements that lack communication and trust between individual parties.
Stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback and comment on the issues paper. A draft issues paper is expected to be available for comment shortly and the review delivered in 2015.
For more information about the code or the review process, please visit www.agriculture.gov.au/horticulturecodereview or email [email protected].
AN AGENT sells produce on behalf of growers for a commission or fee
Sale price LESS commission Agreed priceWHAT IS DRY MATTER?
Dry matter is seen as the ‘building blocks’ for mango flavour, and by measuring it, we are assessing the maturity of a mango before it ripens. Dry Matter is the total solids of a mango, or the mass when all the fluids have been removed and it is completely dry. The greater the dry matter, the more ‘building blocks’ the fruit has to develop high sugar and that distinct Australian mango flavour.
As the mango ripens, the carbohydrates in the fruit convert from starch to sugar. Brix is a measure of the sugar levels in a mango and is assessed when the mango is at the eating ripe stage.
Industry moves on quality standardsNew recommendations for minimum industry standards on harvest dry matter and retail brix that place a greater emphasis on delivering mangoes that match consumer expectations were announced at the 10th Australian Mango Conference.
The industry minimum quality standards are focused on supplying mangoes to consumers that deliver on flavour. They aim to remove ambiguity and confusion over different quality specifications that are currently in the industry.
AMIA CEO Robert Gray said that the standards will ensure consumers get the best tasting mangoes and the standards are commercially achievable by growers.
“After the 2013/14 season, it was clear that as an industry we were not delivering mangoes that met consumer’s expectations. This prompted us to initiate a project to investigate the relationship
between consumer satisfaction and key parameters such as dry matter, brix and the brix acid ratio and set the minimum standard based on this research,” he said.
The research gave a broader insight into mango consumers and a greater understanding of the preferences and quality thresholds for mango flavour.
“The results show the importance of getting the ripeness and maturity levels correct. These standards came from consumer research conducted through the 2014/15 mango season. With appropriate funding, more studies will be initiated to further this research to extend across more varieties,” he said.
Dr Robert Henriod from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries conducted taste panels of regular mango consumers who judged the eating quality of Kensington Pride and R2E2 mangoes from all major production regions.
Mango Quality Standards project was managed by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and funded by mango levies through Horticulture Innovation Australia with the support of AMIA.
For more information on the quality standards please contact AMIA.
MINIMUM MATURITY STANDARDS FOR KENSINGTON PRIDE
Dry Matter: 15%
Brix: 14%
MINIMUM MATURITY STANDARDS FOR R2E2
Dry Matter: 13%
Brix: 12%
MINIMUM MATURITY STANDARDS FOR CALYPSOTM
Dry Matter: 15%
Brix: 14%
MINIMUM MATURITY STANDARDS FOR HONEY GOLD
Dry Matter: 15%
Brix: 14%
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 13
MANGO MARKETING
Consumers say YES to the 2014/15 mango seasonOver 9.3 million trays of mangoes were marketed during the 2014/15 season, making it the biggest mango season in the history of Australian Mangoes.
The total number of mangoes sold through Australian retailers increased by 37% and the total value of those mangoes increased by 31% compared to the 2013 season.
Australian Mangoes Marketing Manager Treena Welch said that 500,000 more households were attracted to the mango category, they purchased on more occasions, and bought more mangoes on each occasion.
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Selling mangoes that look good and taste good is the most important thing.
Crop forecasting gave wholesalers and retailers visibility to keep the fruit flowing through the system, enabling them to deliver mangoes that looked fresh and vibrant on the shelf.
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Crop forecasting gave wholesalers and retailers visibility to keep the fruit flowing through the system, enabling them to deliver mangoes that looked fresh and vibrant on the shelf. It gave retailers the information and confidence they needed to adjust their marketing plans allowing them to adopt advertising and pricing strategies that encouraged shoppers to buy more mangoes on each occasion.
Focusing on fruit maturity and the decision to pick meant we were able to give consumers a more consistently good eating experience. Eating a mango with that juicy, sweet, unique mango flavor gave consumers ‘permission’ to indulge. This is what drove the strong repeat purchase particularly amongst the medium and heavy buyers who are responsible for purchasing the majority of the volume and value of mangoes.
“In 2014/15 the marketing Wheel of Velocity and Momentum took hold. The results of consumer research funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited and conducted by Nielsen Homescan illustrate what we’re capable of achieving when growers, wholesalers, exporters and retailers unite under an industry plan, move to the beat of the crop and collectively commit to delivering the mango experience consumers expect,” Ms Welch said.
“For the first time major retailers broke with traditional marketing and sales tactics maintaining large, luscious mango displays in the prime location at front of stores well beyond Christmas and regardless of catalogue and competing product activity. Mangoes dominated the point of purchase from the beginning of the season to the end acting like consumer magnets.
“In the end, how we launch the season has a major impact on our overall performance. Large, luscious displays of good quality fruit that’s well priced gives our customers permission to indulge and, if the eating experience is good, it’ll underpin the momentum we need for the entire season,” Ms Welch said.
“The results are in stark contrast to the 2013/14 season when consumers told us loud and clear that they were dissatisfied with the quality of their mango experience. Execution of the two seasons was vastly different but ultimately the results were driven by one thing – our collective ability to consistently deliver a good to great mango. This is the single biggest opportunity our industry has for increasing consumer demand and achieving sustainable, profitable growth,” Ms Welch said.
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 15
RESEARCH & POLICY
Researching the shape of future mango orchardsDr Ian Bally, Dr Paula Ibell and Peter Rigden Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland
In the 1980’s, Australian apple orchards produced between 10 and 15 tonnes per hectare. Today they produce between 60 and 100 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 600% over 30 years. Researchers from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), inspired by this success, have commenced a major project that will investigate how similar gains can be achieved in the Australian mango industry. The Small Tree High Productivity initiative has been underway since 2013 and is focused on improving the productivity of the mango, macadamia and avocado industries.
Ian Bally, leader of the Mareeba based mango research team, believes that this research will allow higher planting density of trees in orchards by developing a range of strategies for growers to manage tree size more effectively.
“This holds huge potential to increase the productivity of the Australian mango industry. If we can replicate the successes of the apple industry it will mean more profitable orchards and higher quality fruit,” he said.
“The project focuses on four key areas that currently underlie our understanding of productivity in mango orchards: vigour management, canopy architecture, canopy light relations and crop load,” Dr Bally said.
VIGOUR MANAGEMENT WITH ROOTSTOCKS
Reducing mango tree vegetative vigour and diverting energy into fruit production is critical for sustainable high yields. The project has begun to look for new rootstocks that will reduce vigour while still providing high yields of quality fruit in high density mango orchard systems. Thirty experimental rootstocks were grafted and field planted in late 2014 with another 60 to be planted over the next 18 months. The effects of the different rootstocks on scion vigour control are likely to become apparent when the trees begin regular cropping at two to three years old.
CANOPY ARCHITECTURE AND TRAINING
New ways of pruning and training mangoes to optimise light and manage vigour in high density orchards systems are a focus of this research. Responses of Keitt, Calypso and NMBP1243 to conventional, single leader or hedged canopy architectures grown at planting densities of 156, 440 and 1,250 trees per hectare will be monitored. Since planting, the trees have been pruned to establish the three canopy architecture styles and precise measurements of growth and architecture have been regularly made. This research will be used to determine which varieties are most suited to high density production.
CANOPY LIGHT RELATIONS
Researchers are studying the relationships between light, canopy architecture, productivity and fruit quality. Understanding light relationships will help to determine the best plant spacing and canopy training options for high density mango orchards to maximise productivity and fruit quality.
Light interception (Graph 1) has been measured and compared with tree age, canopy characteristics and yield on seven Kensington Pride orchards with a variety of planting configurations, ages and pruning systems in the Mareeba and Mutchilba districts. Early findings have found that on average, light interception reached a maximum of 68% in 25 year old Kensington Pride trees with a canopy volume of 13,300 cubic meters per hectare. Yields increased up to 50% light interception, after which the increase in yields slowed with maximum yields being reached at 68% light interception. Future work (Graph 2) will study the distribution of light within the canopy and investigate how to optimise light interception in younger trees to reach maximum yields earlier in an orchard’s life.
The project team extend their thanks to growers who participated in this work and are looking for additional 10 to 25 year old orchards to measure in the Mareeba and Dimbulah district. If you are interested in co-operating, please contact DAF Mareeba office on 07 4048 4600.
CROP LOAD
A multiyear study to investigate the effects of crop load on subsequent yield, canopy growth and flowering with the aim of managing crop load to reduce irregular and biennial bearing has begun. Flowers on Calypso trees were removed to give a range of flowering percentages. Early findings, based on one season of study, have shown that Calypso trees have a strong ability to compensate for poor flowering. The results show that the number of mangoes at harvest was similar between trees with 100% and 10% flowering, because the trees with a lower flowering percentage had more fruit per panicle. Average fruit weight remained consistent from full flowering to about 30% flowering, below which average fruit weights increase by approximately 15%. Factors such as tree nutrition, health and cultivar may cause
trees to respond differently to reduction in percentages of flowering. A second year of observations is needed before any conclusions can be made about any effects on biennial bearing.
The following researchers are acknowledged for their contributions to this work: Dr Ian Bally, Dr Paula Ibell, John Wilkie, Jim Hanan, Ram Kolala, Cheryl Maddox, Anahita Mizani and Carole Wright.
The Small Tree High Productivity Initiative focuses on improved productivity of mango, macadamia and avocados and is an initiative of the Queensland Government. Major partners include DAF, DAF’s research alliance with The University of Queensland (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation), and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the Across Horticulture levy with co-investment from Queensland DAF and funds from the Australian Government.
The full version of this article can be found on the AMIA website at: http://www.industry.mangoes.net.au/resource-collection/2015/7/3/the-small-tree-high-productivity-initiative-researching-the-shape-of-future-mango-orchards
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GRAPH 1
LIGH
T IN
TERC
EPTI
ON (%
)
LIGHT INTERCEPTION (%)
YIEL
D (t/
ha)
CANOPY VOLUME (m3/ha)
GRAPH 2
Shade from a Kensington Pride mango orchard indicating the light intercepted by the canopy at midday
Keitt trained as a single leader canopy-limbs are tied to blocks to make scaffold branches grow horizontally from the central leader to reduce tree vigour
Horticultural Technician Ram Kolala working in the high density trellised tree experiment
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MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 17
National Fruit Fly Strategy seeks input on fruit fly prioritiesIndustries that are affected by fruit fly have been invited to contribute suggestions on the top fruit fly priorities by the National Fruit Fly Strategy Advisory Committee (NFFS – AC) that has been established by Plant Health Australia.
The National Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS) is a national initiative aimed at improving Australia’s management of fruit fly, the world’s most economically significant horticultural pest.
According to Rod Turner, Plant Health Australia’s General Manager for Risk Management, national management is the best way to tackle fruit flies because the pest affects a wide range of crops and all states and territories which either need to manage fruit flies or try to keep them out of regions.
“The NFFS – AC is making headway on a range of projects that will come together to improve management nationally and across industries,” Mr Turner said.
“One project that’s underway as part of the work of the NFFS – AC is to assemble a broad overview of industry priorities in fruit fly and plant biosecurity RD&E and an indication of whether there are any issues which are priorities for multiple industries,” Mr Turner added.
“The information about priority areas will be matched against current R&D funding. This will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of research in this area. We’ll be able to see if there are gaps or overlaps and can then make recommendations about how to alter RD&E funding to more appropriately meet industry’s needs.”
Industry bodies will be asked to identify their top RD&E priorities in plant biosecurity
Queenslanders to have more responsibility to protect against biosecurity threats Queensland will have new biosecurity legislation by 2016 that will see all Queenslanders playing an active role in protecting the state against biosecurity threats.
NORTHERN TERRITORY DRAFT BIOSECURITY STRATEGY 2015-2025The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries is seeking your feedback on NT’s Draft Biosecurity Strategy 2015-2025.
The strategy covers the next decade (2015-2025) and includes a range of short, medium and long term goals for biosecurity management in the long term goals for biosecurity management in the NT.
At the centre of the draft strategy are six integrated goals with key actions. Through these goals the draft strategy commits to: • Undertaking a review of existing
legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks to streamline processes and clarify responsibilities
• Putting in place a more comprehensive risk analysis and response approach to biosecurity program management and project implementation
• Emphasizing and prioritizing community and stakeholder engagement and education to support grass roots biosecurity action through better extension and capability development programs
• Including traditional knowledge networks and engaging more closely with Traditional Owners and established Ranger groups to strengthen biosecurity capacity throughout the NT
• Keeping a focus on science and technological innovation to improve surveillance, detection and response capabilities in the region
• Measuring performance in an open and transparent way to ensure continual improvement is front of mind.
To view the Draft NT Biosecurity Strategy 2015-2025, visit: www.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au. To make a submission please email [email protected]
Sterile insect programs like this Queensland fruit fly research at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute are part of the solution. Image courtesy of PHAwww.birdwoodnursery.com.au
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The Biosecurity Act 2014 was passed by the state’s parliament in March and is expected to come into effect in early 2016. Under the new Act, individuals and organisations will be obliged to report and have a greater legal responsibility for managing biosecurity threats under their control. Mango producers will be expected to know the biosecurity risks associated with their operation, take reasonable and practical steps to prevent or minimise risks and ensure pest, disease or contaminants are not spread.
The Act deals with pests, diseases and contaminants that have an impact on human health, social amenity, the economy or the environment. The laws have a comprehensive, risk based approach to managing biosecurity issues, giving the Queensland government more power to deal with threats.
Under the new Act, immediate action can be taken to manage and minimise the impacts of serious biosecurity risks prior to scientific confirmation, improving
but growers are invited to contribute their views. You can contact the committee at [email protected], and soon there will be a discussion page on the committee’s website at portal.biosecurityportal.org.au .
The information gathered during this consultation process will also contribute to the work of the National Plant Biosecurity RD&E Strategy Implementation Committee which has been tasked with improving plant biosecurity RD&E more broadly. Since sustainable management of fruit fly is of central concern to Australia’s $6.9 billion horticultural industries, which capitalise on both domestic and international trade, fruit fly research priorities form an important part of the overall plant biosecurity research strategy.
The aim of the NFFS is to develop a viable, cost-effective and sustainable national approach to fruit fly management, with commitment from all stakeholders. The strategy applies to all native and exotic species of fruit fly and across the contemporary biosecurity continuum—from pre-border to farm level.
The NFFS - AC was established in May 2014 to enact the NFFS. The committee does this by providing national policy oversight of issues relating to endemic and exotic fruit fly management issues, improving efficiency of the fruit fly management system and identifying opportunities for investment in research, development and extension that has support from all stakeholders.
Activities will:• Enhance a national strategic response
to fruit fly incursions.• Support access to current markets for
Australian produce and contribute to new market opportunities.
• Ensure new initiatives that will minimise impacts of endemic fruit flies on production are considered and developed.
• Ensure that Australia is prepared for any exotic fruit fly incursion.
preparedness and response capabilities. The new Act will not provide specific provisions for all biosecurity situations. This will give more flexibility to individuals, industry bodies and the government to innovate and allow for more responsive and tailored approaches to manage each specific biosecurity threat that may arise.
The government is continuing to consider feedback from public consultation on the Regulatory Impact Statement, including a risk assessment and management options, to examine the impact of the legislation on individual industries.
Information on common pests and diseases with reasonable and practical measures to minimise biosecurity risks will be made available through Queensland Biosecurity.
For more information call the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au .
WINTER 2015 PAGE 19
Researchers discover key to reducing skin damage to Honey Gold
The percentage of fruit with commercially significant USB (more than one cm2) when harvested at different times during the day and night. The USB occurred either around abraded sites on the skin or on non-abraded parts of the skin. These areas were likely damaged during road freight from Katherine to Brisbane.
Peter Hofman, Senior Principal Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland
Researchers investigating the causes of underskin browning (USB) on Honey Gold mangoes have found that spirt sap from mangoes harvested in the afternoon is more likely to cause the skin disorder than sap from mangoes harvested in the morning.
The ongoing research project by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries ‘Improving consumer appeal of Honey Gold mango by reducing underskin browning’ has been exploring ways to reduce the incidence of USB on the Honey Gold variety. Initial findings led researchers to examine ways to produce more robust fruit and they have since uncovered numerous findings that, while yet to be scientifically proven, could mean big changes for the industry.
Gavin Scurr, Managing Director of Pinata Farms said that the way mangoes are harvested and handled has fundamentally changed due to the project.
“Before the start of the project, our losses due to underskin browning were up to 20% of our Northern Territory crop. Since initiating the project, we have adopted the recommendations and have reduced our USB losses to below 1%. As well as harvesting at night, we have designed
Typical underskin browning. Notice that there is slight physical damage in the USB area. USB often develops from sites of physical damage, often caused during long distance roadfreight.
The fruit on the left were harvested at 10am and the fruit on the right harvested at 10pm. The fruit were lightly abraded with sandpaper, held below 14ºC for about six days then ripened. The USB develops around the abrasion sites in sensitive fruit.
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and built a harvest aid to carry fruit with conveyer belts to the baths due to the outcomes of this project.” Mr Scurr said.
USB is a mango skin disorder that appears as a bruise like symptom underneath the skin. While several Australian mango cultivars are susceptible to USB, Honey Gold is the most sensitive.
SOME OF THE KEY FINDS INCLUDE:
• Harvesting mangoes between 10pm and 6am significantly reduced the incidence of USB. Based on these findings, Piñata Farms harvested close to 80% of their Katherine Honey Gold crop at night during the 2014/15 season and saw their lowest commercial USB losses on record.
• Honey Gold grown in the hotter production areas of the Northern Territory and north Queensland are more susceptible to skin damage than those grown in colder areas.
• Road freight at temperatures lower than 16°C increases incidence of USB
• Mangoes harvested in the afternoons are more susceptible to the skin conditions when compared with mangoes harvested during the night or morning
• Ooze sap collected from either morning or afternoon-harvested fruit does not cause USB
• Holding fruit for at least 24 hours between harvest and cooling can reduce USB development
• Only spirt sap from afternoon-harvested fruit results in USB-like symptoms.
Some of these findings have been made through tests on abraded mango skin by applying small amounts of mango sap or by holding the fruit at below optimum temperatures so see at what points the fruit becomes susceptible to the disorder.
Researcher are now analysing the sap to find out what components cause the damage and plan to test whether these effects apply to other Australian cultivars in coming seasons.
This project, MG13016 Improving consumer appeal of Honey Gold mango by reducing underskin browning has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd with co-investment from Piñata Farms and funds from the Australian Government. Project partners include Tropical Horticulture Consulting and the University of Queensland.
2 am 6 am 10 am 2 pm 6 pm 10 pm
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USB in non-abraded areas
Harvest Time
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ith U
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MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 21
MANGOES AROUND THE WORLD
Record export mango crop announcedThis season saw record volumes of mangoes exported from Australia. Adding to this, the US and Indonesian markets opened up to Australian mangoes.
During 2014/15, 7,000 tonne of mangoes were exported, the largest volume on record and 30% up on the previous season. The growth in mango exports can be attributed to a number of factors such as higher volumes and a lower Australian dollar.
AMIA CEO Robert Gray said that the industry needed to make a concerted effort to reach our export potential.
“Our target is to export 20% of production within five years. While this season’s volumes are positive, if we want to reach that goal, we are going to need to see
is huge, but we must approach these opportunities with the aim of building our reputation as consistent high quality suppliers. Building sustained success in export markets is the goal,” Mr Gray said.
AMIA is continuing to work on improving existing protocols to phytosanitary markets such as China and Korea.
Mr Gray said that the first two consignments of mangoes exported to the United States generated a lot of interest and to capitalise on access to the US, all participants need to understand the market and proceed with some caution.
“A lot of things can go wrong when exporting to a new market, and it’s important that we approach the next few years with clear heads. Working with the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries we were able to have some real input into how these consignments were handled. Michael Daysh from the NT DPIF travelled to the US with the consignments and having Michael assist with this has been invaluable. The key to growing exports in these markets is by developing long term relationships across every mango season, not just when we have large crops. There are a lot of benefits to being involved with exporting and I hope it is something that all growers are considering, if they are not already involved,” Mr Gray said.
Mango exports were discussed in detail at the 10th Australian Mango Conference. Delegates heard from mango importers from the US and Korea, and also industry representatives who spoke of the importance of growing exports, and improving phytosanitary protocols and new technology.
The five-year export plan was developed by AMIA with the assistance of the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Trade and Investment Queensland and the Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food.
greater collaboration and co-operation between growers, exporters and importers, and we need to see exports supported by industry led market development programs,” he said.
“Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours and has a population of over 250 million potential mango consumers. When you consider this population and the US population of 350 million, we now have access to an additional 600 million potential mango consumers. If we can even get a small percentage of these people enjoying Australian mangoes, this will mean a real difference to our industry. The potential
“We attended the 10th Australian Mango Conference in Darwin in May. It was very well organised with good speakers who touched on areas that we were concerned about in regards to exports, retail and consumer expectations and Resin Canal Discolouration.
The discussions that took place about exports were fantastic especially with representatives from the companies who imported Australian mangoes to the US. They were really excited about the program and enthusiastic about getting our mangoes into the USA.
I was eager to be a part of the US export program during last season to promote
ALVISE AND NOALENE BRAZZALE MANGO GROWERS
“Fabulous” is how Alvise and Noalene Brazzale described their first Australian Mango conference.
IN FOCUS
our beautiful Australian mangoes to US consumers and it was a great opportunity. AMIA, the Department of Agriculture and Steritech were all very helpful and provided us with the information we needed to proceed with the US export program.
We are really proud to be involved with the first shipment of Australian mangoes to the US. It certainly met our expectations and our mangoes were really well received, which is what we were hoping for.
To get involved with the program, I applied for export approval through the Department of Agriculture. The US authorities require a full tractability system and segregation of fruit to pass inspection.
I have an integrated pest management program in place on my orchard, a pest consultant to monitor pests and disease and keep a good record of my spray program so I did not need to put in too much additional work other than providing an allocated block for the
US program. We were audited by the Department of Agriculture and the USA department APHIS and our systems were verified. I am looking to expand the block dedicated to US exports for this season if negotiations between our exporters and mango importers continues the positive relationship.
Exporting is not new to us. We have been exporting for 21 years. In the early days 60% of our fruit, mostly Kensington Pride and Keitt, went to the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Now I mostly export R2E2 to Hong Kong.
There has been a lot of interest in the Australian mango industry about exporting to the USA and my advice for people wanting to get involved is to make sure that you supply good quality, mature fruit. We believe this program will increase the profitability of our business because if we can lift the pressure off our domestic market when it is flooded it will lift the whole industry.”
Alvise and Noalene Brazzale with Bill Gerlach from US mango importer Melissa’s Produce at the 10th Australian Mango Conference.
MANGO MATTERS JULY 2015 WINTER 2015 PAGE 23
10th Australian Mango Conference— a celebration of successKey representatives from the Australian mango industry came together to collaborate and shape the future of the Australian mango industry at the 10th Australian Mango Conference held in Darwin from the 25th to 28th May 2015.
The Conference celebrated the biggest Australian mango crop in history and was the first chapter in a new story for the industry as it moves to create a strong and profitable future. Celebrate, Collaborate and Create was the theme and the waterfront lawns at Darwin’s Skycity Casino set the backdrop for the event that focused on the four spokes of the Wheel of Velocity and Momentum– crop forecasting, mango quality, supply chain engagement and consumer marketing.
The Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe opened the Conference and spoke about taking advantage of opportunities
for northern Australia. While the Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Barnaby Joyce was unable to attend the event in person, he sent a message of support to the industry stating ‘It’s a great time to be a mango grower in Australia’.
Delegates discussed the growth potential of the industry and heard ways to increase profitability from speakers. Highlights included an update on the new look mango marketing campaign which will continue through the upcoming mango season. The results from consumer research undertaken during the 2014/15 season were discussed and new industry quality standards were announced. Keynote Speaker Dawn Gray
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
gave an international perspective and reinforced the importance of transparency to consumers in regards to food safety, health and wellness and accountability.
Key retailers not only attended the conference, but spoke to delegates about velocity and momentum at retail. Their unified message was “mango quality” and that this is the most important factor to consumer’s repeat purchase. They credited the industry’s crop forecast and engagement with assisting them to adapt their marketing campaigns and store tactics to mirror the crop volumes, flow and timing. This underpinned the increase in consumer demand and consumption.
If it wasn’t the content that delegates were raving about, it was the evening events that captured their imagination. The Moroccan themed Welcome Reception was held under a canopy of trees and chandeliers at the Darwin Botanic Gardens and was hosted by Silver Sponsor Harris Farm Markets.
AMIA CEO Robert Gray, Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe and AMIA Chairman Gavin Scurr
Conference delegates enjoying the trade exhibits at the Field Day
Platinum Sponsor Woolworths hosted the Gala Dinner during sunset at the Gun Turrets at East Point Reserve. The evening was full of surprises and delegates celebrated the successes of the last two days while being treated to a quintessential Darwin experience.
The success of the export program was celebrated during Day Two of the conference. This past season, mango exports grew by 20%, exports to Korea doubled when compared to last season and the first ever Australian mangoes were sold to US consumers. Delegates heard from US mango importers and Chang-Hwa Oh, president of Jinwon Trading, a leading mango importer in Korea. Minister Westra van Holthe was a special guest on the panel ‘Collaborating to take advantage of opportunities’.
Arnhem Mangoes at Lambells Lagoon pulled out all stops and impressed as hosts of the Field Day component of the Conference. Held on Thursday 28th May, delegates heard updates from a number of mango research projects such as Resin Canal Discolouration and mango crop manipulation.
Conference sponsors John Nardi and Chris Deveney from Favco and Matt Palise from Red Rich Fruits
Silver Sponsor David Harris from Harris Farm Markets welcomed guests to the Moroccan themed Welcome Reception at the Darwin Botanical Gardens
AMIA Communications Officer Claire Gilmartin with Noalene Brazzale, John Nucifora and Alan Stewart
Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe was a special guest on the panel ‘Collaborating to take advantage of opportunities’
WINTER 2015 PAGE 25
Thankyoufrom
AMIA Postcard.indd 1 23/05/2015 2:48 pm
James Bigg of Woolworths, Platinum Sponsor of the Conference spoke with delegates about the velocity and momentum at retail
Garry Sandercock drumming to the beat of the 10th Australian Mango Conference
Keynote speaper Dawn Gray with Thibault Coste from Coles discussing ‘Creating the mango experience’
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The 10th Australian Mango Conference was hosted by the Australian Mango Industry Association, in partnership with Horticulture Innovation Australia and Platinum Sponsor Woolworths. The event could not have been possible without the support of the our industry partners.
PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSORS
WINTER 2015 PAGE 27
The Symposium has an attractive social program where delegates can relax and get to know new friends. In typical Australian hospitality, delegates will experience Northern Territory culture at a welcome reception party, a gala dinner and night market at Mindil Beach.
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM THEMES INCLUDE
• Genetics and breeding • Botany and physiology• Postharvest physiology • Market access• Orchard management• Biotechnology• Entomology • Marketing and value chains• Plant pathology• Postharvest management• Product development
28 September to 2 October, 2015XI International Mango Symposium, Darwin
DATES TO REMEMBER
MANGO MATTERS DECEMBER 2014
Science supporting the mango industryThe XI International Mango Symposium will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton between 28th September and 2nd October 2015 in Darwin, Northern Territory.
The International Mango Symposium is held every three to four years by International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). This year is hosted by the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. The Symposium will have keynote presentations by Australian and international experts and scientists presenting their mango research. Delegates can formally present, promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates. The event will include an optional one day field tour of the Darwin and Katherine mango growing districts where delegates can see the technology, management and operations of harvesting and packing mangoes.
For the first time at an International Mango Symposium, a series of Master Classes will be held in a range of disciplines to foster the development of mango-related scientific knowledge and skills in early career researchers and post-graduate students. The Master Classes will be facilitated by world renowned, well established professional scientists with decades of experience in mango research.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
• Dr David Kuhn (USDA) Genomics and Biotechnology
• Dr Randy Ploetz (University of Florida) Mango Diseases
• Mr Richard Markham (ACIAR) International Research for Development
• Mr Rowland Holmes (Manbulloo) – Mango Production
• Dr Fredrich Normand (CIRAD) Mango Canopy Architecture
• Dr Victor Galan-Sauco – International trends in mango
MASTER CLASSES
• Entomology (Dr Brian Thistleton, Dr Mary Finlay-Doney and Mr Michael Neal)
• Plant Pathology (Dr Jose Liberato and Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen)
• Experimental Design and Analyses (Dr Mark Hearnden)
• Flower Manipulation in Mangoes (Dr Cameron McConchie)
• Mango Biotechnology (Dr Natalie Dillon and Dr David Kuhn)
• Tools for Precision Mango-Culture (Dr Kerry Walsh)
FIELD DAY - FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER
1. A full day guided bus trip from Darwin to Katherine will showcase the Katherine mango season at its best, visiting a range of cultivars during harvest including Kensington Pride, Calypso and R2E2. Intensive production systems, root stock trials, field and packing shed mechanization and logistics will be discussed.
2. Visit mango plantations and processing around Darwin with cultivars ready for harvest including Kensington Pride, Calypso, R2E2 and Nam Doc Mai. Meet local growers while seeing examples of well-managed, highly productive farms and packing sheds.
MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015
We’d like to thank our supply partners for their support during the 2014 Mango season and we are looking forward to the season ahead!
Thank you!
429076 Mango Matters Magazine Ad 2015_A4.indd 2 4/03/2015 6:02 pm
