Industries supported by Industry & Investment NSW Horticulture Research Unit produce fruits, nuts, vegetables and oils with an annual gross value of approximately $AUD 1 billion. The unit is also proactively involved in the development of emerging industries based on commodities such as Asian vegetables.

The unit develops and improves sustainable production systems and underpins effective market access through quality assurance systems that deliver consistently high quality and safe produce.

• Sub-tropical horticultural crops such as macadamias, custard apples, mangoes, blueberries and bananas
• Nutritional management of covered (greenhouse) crops and Asian vegetable crops,
• Production and chemistry of edible oils.
• Nutrient and water management systems for commercial citrus production.
• Improved postharvest and production chain systems for fruit and vegetables.
• Evaluation of germplasm including new citrus varieties and rootstocks for high quality fruit production and adaption to adverse soil and climate conditions
• Production of improved tea tree varieties

Teams of horticulture researchers are based at six centres: Alstonville (sub-tropical fruit), Dareton (citrus), Gosford Horticultural Institute (greenhouse, postharvest), Wagga Wagga (edible oils), Wollongbar (tea tree), Yanco (vegetables). Each centre provides field, laboratory and green house facilities. In some cases centres provide substantial orchards and other perennial plantings.

The unit also has a long-term international presence through co-location of staff at the Vietnamese Academy of Agricultural Science and other substantial research commitments in Pakistan, Bhutan and Papua New Guinea.

Key research collaborations

A number of organisations provide co-funding to undertake horticulture research. Notable examples include:

• Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL)
• The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
• The Rural Industries Regional Development Corporation (RIRDC)

Other organisations frequently provide funding to sponsor research in to region or commodity specific issues.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is a member of the National Horticulture Research Network and party to the National RD&E strategy. It is the lead agency for macadamia, citrus and leafy vegetable research.

Collaborative research programs exist with interstate agencies in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Co-funding of horticulture research is largely through Horticulture Australia Limited,

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.

Contact

Shane Hetherington
Research Leader, Horticulture
Email: shane.hetherington@industry.nsw.gov.au