Date palm trial/demonstration establishment, maintenance and measurement

Gurra Downs Date Company Pty Ltd

  • Project code: PRJ-005488

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009

  • Project completion date: Thursday, July 29, 2010

  • National Priority: NEPI-Feasibility studies and industry literature reviews

Summary

The Reillys shoulder the burden of facilitating the growth of the date industry in Australia. They are responsible for:- genetic improvement; building and maintenance of a gene bank; establishing ,maintaining, recording, analysing and reporting trials; education and extension services. Through this project, RIRDC will assist the Reillys to achieve the best outcomes possible for the resources available.
For this project, RIRDC will contribute funding towards the site preparation, establishment, maintenance and measurement of trial and demonstration plots. Of these funds, approximately $6,000 will be allocated to the acquisition of the remainder of the invitro genetic lines from the Middle East.

Funding will also contribute to the employment of a technical assistant who will:
• Assist in planting out of new varieties. Duties include installing irrigation planting, construction of tree guards, mounding dirt.
• Trial site maintenance, weed control, prune date palms, ensure irrigation outlets are unblocked.
• Measure and monitor palm heights, growth rates, offshoot production.
• Assist in nursery care during periods when Anita is unusually busy with admin duties.

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

Gurra Downs Date Company Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

Facilitate the genetic diversifiction, demonstration and trial of date palms through:
• The development of trial plots for, and planting out of, new varieties raised by Gurra Downs.
• Trial site maintenance
• Measurement, monitoring and analysis of trials data
• Assistance in nursery and basic horticultural duties to free the Reillys for development and extension activities.
• The acquisition of the final shipment of 4-6 new date palm clones (mainly Khalas and Barhee varieties).