That was the word at last week’s Citrus Juice Forum in Leeton. 

The good news is thanks to the introduction of promising new imported rootstocks.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researcher, Tahir Khurshid, presented his research into the rootstocks at the forum last week.

“Growers from NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia are now growing valencias, navels and mandarins on the new rootstocks,” Dr Khurshid said.

“Nine NSW sites were established at the end of last year in Gunnedah, Moree, Griffith Leeton, Dareton and Buronga to test performance in commercial trials.

“Our major objective is to test the rootstocks’ performance on a variety of soils types and in different climatic conditions.”

Tree growth rates, height, canopy diameter, trunk circumference, grafting compatibility, graft union and tree health will be assessed.

Once trees bear fruit, yield and fruit quality, including rind texture, juice content, soluble solids and acidity, will be measured.

Dr Khurshid said the new rootstocks have the potential to drive future citrus industry development.

“Rootstocks are a major influence on the profitability of citrus orchards,” he said.

“Their impact on fruit size, yield and yield efficiency is critical and will play a significant role in meeting demand from domestic and export markets.

“Buyers have shown a distinct preference for larger fruit, particularly navels, in recent years.”