Our third and final industry expert from our autumn 2023 edition of SA Farmer. Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke chats all things citrus in the Riverland including varieties, fruit quality, weather conditions and challenges.

What varieties of citrus are being harvested at the moment? 

The only variety harvested during summer is valencia. 

How is the quality and quantity of fruit looking at the moment? 

As all growers know, spring 2022 was very cold. Flowering was extended and growth was slow. Now it has warmed up finally growers are maximising the summer growth to try to get the most fruit growth possible.

Did the summer weather conditions benefit fruit? 

Mild summers are good for everyone, including the citrus trees.

Was there any damage done to citrus orchards from the flood event? 

Only a few orchards had some inundation and a few more growers lost their power due to SA Power Network’s legislated rules. The river is receding now and hopefully we can return to near normal soon.

Will shipping fruit overseas be any easier this year? 

Market demand overseas is high for citrus fruit and we hope transport costs return to pre-Covid levels. Ongoing fruit fly compliance and logistic issues still affect grower returns.

Are you anticipating any other challenges for 2023? 

I expect the sterile fruit fly facility expansion to be completed by June and I would also like to see some backyard growers take more responsibility for maintaining their trees, as most fruit fly outbreaks are from backyards.

What factors are most important for tree and fruit health at the moment? 

Good weather and plenty of water, which is not a problem this year. Also a good nutrition program is a factor that affects tree performance.