Manjimup researchers in nationwide project focusing on narrow orchard techniques

A nationwide project researching a 2D apple orchard design is under way with the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute focusing on narrow growing techniques. The team will contribute to the five-year project focused on further narrowing the orchard system of trees to increase fruit production with the Manjimup institute having planted a higher density, narrow orchard system. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior research scientist Dario Stefanelli is leading the fruit and perennial crops program in Manjimup. “The project is exploring a more efficient and cost reducing, or productive, method of growing apples,” he said. “The canopy of the apple or the canopy of a fruit tree is the factory, and your fruits are the produce.” Currently, the design of the 3D tree used by growers expands in all directions instead of only two directions, with rows between 3.5m to 4.5m, he said. “The 2D means that is very narrow — it stays very close to the trunk,” Mr Stefanelli said. “We are just going to the extreme. Now, we are going to 2.5m between the rows. The thin rows allow apple trees to collect more sunlight, which encourages earlier fruiting, as well as improved fruit uniformity, colour and size. Mr Stefanelli said he was driven to test the theories of the narrow orchard planting system with the team to work alongside local growers to make adjustments where needed during the experiment. “From Europe, New Zealand and the United States, this method of growing seems to be effective, and so we wanted to try it in Australia to give this opportunity to the Australian growers,” he said. “We keep learning more and more about the trees, about the production, about the climate and about what is needed, and constraints for growers as well. “It’s a continuous look for improvement, not really perfection, because maybe in 10 years, something else comes along, but close to, or the best, for the current moment.” The project will run for five years, but in four years information is expected to be provided to apple growers. “Horticulture is the backbone of a community, of the countryside, because they attract people, they attract workers,” Mr Stefanelli said. “It makes a tight knit community with a lot of people involved.” The five-year project is a collaboration with other States, universities, industry members and investors. Mr Stefanelli said Pomewest, Tobias Industries and the State Government were footing the bill. “The project in Western Australia will have a value of $2.5 million, which is pretty big,” he said. Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said WA’s Southern Forests region was home to a diverse range of premium produce, from Manjimup’s famous truffles to internationally sought after avocados — and pink lady apples. “Technology is transforming the agriculture industry, and I am proud to be part of a Government that’s investing in sustainability and the future,” she said.