Tips and Advice
Winter pruning
Now is the time to concentrate on preparing for winter on the orchard.
1. Pollen
- Book season requirements now.
- Book applicator.
2. Psa-v Management
- After harvest spray copper, add Actigard if leaf quality is still good.
- After leaf fall, apply copper at winter rates.
- After pruning, apply copper at winter rates.
Spring on the orchard
Hidden potential makes every bee visit count.
Optimal pollination = Seeds. Size. Dry matter.
Be responsible and be careful.
Make sure your spray programme is complete before you get your bees in.
The three main causes of bee death are insecticides, fungicides and surfactants or spreaders.
Let your neighbours know you have bees on site, especially if they grow other crops (e.g. avacados; they may need to change their spray plan giving consideration to your bees on site.
Summer management
Canopy management
The key objective for summer pruning is to grow the best possible replacement fruiting canes to carry next year's crop, as well as removing excess vegetation from the canopy. This will allow good light levels on the fruiting canopy, good spray coverage and will also reduce competition for carbohydrates needed for the fruit. Good light levels will keep the leaves functioning and excess carbohydrates produced will be redirected to the fruit, enhancing dry matter accumulation.
Autumn
The smart path to harvest.
Now is the time to stop and think about harvest preparations and the things you need to take care of before your picking team arrives on site.
1. Harvest planning
- Do a ‘cosmetic’ fruit thin.
- Check fruit for staining and plan a clean-up spray before harvest.
2. Prep your load-out areas
- Check load-out area.
- Spray weeds.
- Re-surface if required
- Clear access for trucks down driveways.
Season Calendar
For more tips and advice, check out our Season Calendar