Citrus growers can keep on top of the latest in NSW scientific research with the Citrus plant protection guide 2025-26 released by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD).
The seventh edition of the guide provides up-to-date information on all aspects of managing pests and diseases in citrus orchards and includes updates on NSW DPIRD projects — some of which are funded by Hort Innovation using the citrus research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
NSW DPIRD Director of Horticulture Dr Alison Anderson said information about a five-year research project into high-efficiency orchard systems will be of particular interest to growers.
"Rising production costs and increasingly complex labour arrangements are encouraging the need for innovative orchard systems," Dr Anderson said.
"We're exploring various growing methods to not only improve orchard productivity but also for potential robotic picking technologies in the future."
The effect of climate change on growing navel oranges in NSW is highlighted in an article about different growth stages and their suitability to changing climatic conditions.
This work is from the NSW DPIRD Climate Vulnerability Assessment project that assessed the potential effects of climate change on various agricultural industries, including horticulture, and identified risks to inform sound planning, risk management, and adaptation decisions.
"The positive news is that the climate in all major navel orange growing regions in NSW is expected to remain 'highly suitable' by 2050 under a changing climate," she said.
"However, as temperatures rise, growers may need to consider improving on-farm irrigation efficiency and installing netting to reduce the risks of sunburn on fruit."
The recently completed Citrus integrated pest disease management extension program aimed to increase knowledge about key insect pests and citrus diseases in the orchard.
The program produced an extensive range of learning resources, including fact sheets, videos, posters, and a field guide. Links to the resources are provided in the article.
The guide also includes the latest on NSW DPIRD's contribution to tackle the global biosecurity threat of 'citrus greening' disease Huanglongbing, along with updates on the Citrus Variety Evaluation Program being held at Dareton and Western Australia.
Options learned from the four-season W. Murcott mandarin best canopy management project, which aimed to improve long-term yield and reduce alternate bearing, also appear with a link to the full production guide.
The document builds on the department's comprehensive list of information guides that assist growers to making better decisions for citrus fruit production.
Visit the NSW DPIRD website to view and download the free Citrus plant protection guide 2025-26.
