Summary

Outplanting of 8 ‘new to Australia’ date palm genetics, previously imported with funding support from RIRDC:
These new varieties will be assessed on a competitive basis with the previously planted varieties in the R&D site.
There will be ongoing measuring and monitoring of these new varieties, the aim of this selection trial will be to write a profile on each of these varieties, distinguishing their characteristics and ranking their commercial application, and production of a brief growers’ guide.
GDDC will also continue its extension and education activities by hosting property visits and doing off-farm presentations.

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

Gurra Downs Date Company Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

• To ensure the Australian date industry can advance with best possible genetic material (yield, agronomic suitability, marketability) to provide Australian growers with a competitive advantage to that of northern hemisphere producers.
• To create a date palm headquarters/repository where the wider community can view all aspects of date production.
• To further promote the Australian date industry, network with existing growers and provide training in various aspects of date palm husbandry.