Horticulture Research
Key research themes and capabilities of the Horticulture Unit are:
- Evaluation and screening of new rootstocks and varieties of citrus to identify clones with superior performance and which extend the market season. This has also contributed to projects in Asia and South-East Asia funded by the Australian Council for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
- Evaluation and screening of imported citrus seed and budwood to support the introduction of superior and disease-free material to the Australian industry. This is a component of the industry-driven Australian Citrus Improvement Program.
- Improved postharvest and production chain systems for fruit and vegetables. The research underpins effective market access through quality assurance systems that deliver consistently high quality and safe produce. An important component is the development of molecular-based diagnostic tools for disease incidence.
- Improved management systems for tropical and temperate perennial crops, including citrus, macadamias and stone fruit. This research includes nutrition and nutrient delivery systems and crop management systems to regulate and optimise flowering and cropping.
- Production and chemistry of essential oils.
- Improved varieties of ornamental native plants for commercial production, particularly NSW Christmas bush and flannel flowers.
Key research collaborations
Research collaborations are primarily through Horticulture Australia Ltd funding programs; Plant Health Australia; Australian Quarantine Inspection Service; Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); AusAID; and the Rural Industries R&D (research and development) Corporation. Riverlink and the National Horticulture Research Network provide strategic leadership and facilitate collaboration with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), universities and state-based primary industry agencies to improve research, development and extension delivery to horticultural industries. Memoranda of Understanding are in place with the Universities of Newcastle and Sydney.
Scientific Outputs
The Horticulture research unit has online summaries of its scientific outputs. In some cases the summary has the full outputs available as a PDF which can be downloaded. The scientific outputs are arranged by year of publication.
Scientists
Find a list of Horticulture scientists.
Contact
Deb Hailstones
Research Leader, Horticulture
Phone: 02 4640 6442
Email: deborah.hailstones@dpi.nsw.gov.au