For at least 70 years citrus has been one of the most significant horticultural crops in South Australia. Similar Soldier Settlement expansion also occurs after WW2. This support was also provided to other packing sheds in subsequent years. Image: Trade Commissioner promotion of South Australian citrus exports. Miss C.
Dennis on steam ship Ballarat, Significant expansion of citrus plantings occurs along the River Murray. Innovations in equipment design for packing sheds and application of post harvest technologies enable development of new export markets. Late s A program to move away from flood and overhead irrigation and improve irrigation technology commenced in the late s and was led by Mr Keith Watson from It led the transition to drippers and under tree sprinklers in citrus orchards during the s and s.
Improved irrigation reduced the impact of saline water and greatly enhanced tree health. This included establishing a citrus foundation planting at Loxton Research Centre to provide high quality bud wood. Mid s Leaf analysis surveys conducted by Dr Ben Robinson and district horticultural advisers during the s and s validate plant test standards used in North America and develops standards for citrus in Australian. Further validation work by Mr Peter Gallasch in the s improves translation of leaf analysis results into fertiliser application rates.
The South Australian Citrus Improvement Committee plays a vital role in commercial evaluation of these new varieties and distribution of genetic material across the Riverland. Subsequent introduction of Plant Variety Rights legislation in added further momentum to the importation of new citrus varieties.
This allows further expansion of Asian exports. This proves to be a major and profitable market for Australian citrus growers up until the Global Financial Crisis in This enables more economical transport by charter shipping to the USA. Introduction of new varieties of mandarin, tangelo, lemon, orange and grapefruit create new choices for consumers.
