A major revitalisation of a heritage orchard at the University of Tasmania 's Newnham campus is continuing, with agricultural scientists from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) boosting the efforts by contributing their expertise to help return the orchard to its former glory.
The orchard, which dates back to the 1800s, is now known as the 50 Trees Heritage Orchard and contains varieties of rare pear and apple trees along with apricot and plum trees.
TIA tree crop physiologist Leticia Reis, entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna and the University of Tasmania community garden team recently hosted a hands-on workshop to guide attendees through practical skills on how to prune apple trees and keep an orchard healthy and thriving.
More than 20 participants were taught the science and practice of pruning fruit trees during 'Prune-iversity' and TIA entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna described the day as a success.
"I'm really excited because this is just the first step of a multi-stage process of getting this orchard up and running and revitalising the 50 Trees Heritage Orchard," Dr Cappadonna said.
"After the winter pruning, we'll be getting ready for spring and summer by adding irrigation, managing the nutrients in the soil and conducting a variety of pest and pollinator management programs ready for apple production.
"Hopefully later on we'll be getting a lot of great looking and tasty apples."
TIA tree crop physiologist Leticia Reis said the pruning day was beneficial for both learning and applying best-practice techniques.
"The pruning field day was a great opportunity to demonstrate how strategic pruning supports canopy management and fruit quality," Ms Reis said.
"Pruning helps establish a well-balanced tree structure, improves light and airflow, controls tree size, and balances crop load."
There are plans for the orchard to be used as an extension of the classroom for students studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours and this will compliment interactions with commercial orchards.
"We're incredibly lucky to have an apple orchard in the middle of campus. Agricultural Science students can come here to gain hands-on experience as they practise their horticulture skills. Entomology students will also use the orchard to observe pests and pollinators and conduct management trials," Dr Cappadonna said.
There will also be opportunities for members of the community who can learn how to manage trees in their own backyards.
The orchard revitalisation will enhance its fruit-bearing capacity, with the goal of providing fresh produce for students and staff on the Newnham campus to share.
Jeff McClintock who is the University's Community Garden Coordinator helped lead the workshop.
"It was such a fun and productive day," he said.
"After two years of looking after the orchard ourselves we're grateful to be working with TIA to restore and expand the orchard."
The revitalised orchard will compliment research, industry development and teaching plans for TIA at the Newnham campus. Plans are progressing for the Grow Facility that will feature a new glasshouse complex and outdoor growing facilities, with construction expected to start this year.
