South Australia’s Stone Fruit Industries

Role of the SA Department of Agriculture, PIRSA and SARDI in their development.

Background

South Australia’s stone fruit industry is traditionally made up of the apricot, peach, nectarine, cherry and plum/prune sectors.

Over the past century, the South Australian Department of Agriculture, PIRSA and SARDI have invested heavily in and played a significant role in developing South Australia’s stone fruit industries.  This article details the major programs delivered and their impact on development of South Australia’s stone fruit industries in the following sections:

• Development of stone fruit production in South Australia – an overview
• Key stone fruit industries – size and significance
• Industry commodity sectors
• Marketing and industry control legislation
• Major research and extension programs
• Stone fruit disease research
• Stone fruit pest research
• Pruning, training and crop management
• Crop load regulation
• Irrigation and drainage improvements
• Plant nutrition development
• Improving fruit drying techniques and quality
• Information for householders
• Key research facilities
• References and acknowledgements
• Stone fruit publications