UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has begun using a new pest control technique to combat moth infestation by turning the insects gay. Three orchards are now established using the new technique, which involves spraying male moths with an imitation of female pheromones, causing males to become attracted to other males, which disrupts the breeding cycle and vastly reduces the number of viable moth eggs. Codling moths (Cydia pomonella) can devastate apple crops, as well as attacking pears and other... ...Read more »

Australian apple and pear growers are extremely concerned with the provisional final Import Risk Analysis (IRA) for apples from China.   APAL spokesperson on biosecurity issues and chairman of the Fire Blight Task Force, John Corby said the concerns of Australian apple and pear growers have been ignored in this process. “With three diseases in particular, oriental fruit moth, apple brown rot and European canker, the IRA does not specify which provinces have an unacceptable risk, but rather... ...Read more »

It’s juicy, exceptionally crisp and this year, it will be available from April until June for purchase from major supermarkets and leading independent fruit shops throughout Australia. That’s JazzTM, Australia’s effervescent sweet ‘n’ tart apple variety with the catchy name that is set to bring a new attitude to lunch boxes, fruit bowls, salads and desserts across Australia this year. The JazzTM variety was introduced to Australian consumers by Montague Fresh, one of Australia’s... ...Read more »

While much of Queensland has experienced heavy rainfalls this summer, apple growers around Stanthorpe, in the Granite Belt south west of Brisbane are facing tough growing conditions due to the drought. Picking of the Gala variety has begun, and growers in the region are reporting smaller and fewer fruit this season, compared to last year. Daniel Nicoletti, head of the Stanthorpe Apple Committee said the fruit they’re picking isn’t too bad considering what it has been through. “They’re... ...Read more »

What will be the effects of predicted temperature increases on fruit crops in the future? How will climate policies like the federal government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme affect farm businesses? Horticulture body Growcom is set to address these issues with new research commencing next year with the assistance of Horticulture Australia (HAL), Apple & Pear Australia and Avocados Australia. The first project focuses on apples and pears and will involve David Putland, Growcom’s... ...Read more »

A tour of apple orchards in France and England has led to the discovery of 15 ‘new’ cider apple varieties in Australia.NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) technical officer, David Pickering, said the study tour was supported by Horticulture Australia Ltd to confirm the identity of what appeared to be cider apple varieties in Australian collections. “I had to visit the countries where the apples originated to positively identify the varieties which were growing here and confirm... ...Read more »

The nutritional benefits of apples have been solidified by the ‘Apple Report’, a review of all major scientific research into apples over the past decade. According to the report apples can assist in asthma protection, help with weight loss and reduce the risk of type II diabetes. They may also limit the risk of cancer with antioxidant levels higher than most other popular fruits.  Read More →