Horticulture

Building smarter orchards

By Djembe Archibald

Aug 8, 2025

Research scientist Alessio Scalisi walked attendees through the narrow orchard systems demo block and PIPS netted Gala block at the beginning of the day. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Tatura SmartFarm opened its gates to dozens of fruit growers and experts to learn more about what projects and trials are currently under way.

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At 8.30am on Wednesday, August 6, cars rolled in and the Tatura Bakery & Lunches van started its coffee machine, ready for the dozens of attendees to line up.

The day started with Ian Goodwin and Alessio Scalisi providing updates on the PIPS 4 Profit research.

The group then heard from four project leads about the research being conducted on the farm.

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's Leticia Reis talked the group through her five-year project, which looks at whole-of-system crop load strategies for apples. Photo by Djembe Archibald

The first was about problem management, presented by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture’s Leticia Reis and Ramandeep Singh.

“We’re trying to make the life of the grower easier,” Dr Reis said.

The pair is testing different products and technology to find out what benefits the grower the most.

NSW DPIRD’s Jess Fearnley-Pattison gave a tour of the latest investigative hole at the SmartFarm, which is focusing on sustainable soil. Photo by Djembe Archibald

The second project was about sustainable soil for apple and pear trees.

Dr Singh also presented this project, with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Jess Fearnley-Pattison and WA DPIRD Jen Riseley.

Ms Fearnley-Pattison talked the group through how to dig a hole to get the most information about your tree roots.

“What we’re doing in building the pits is looking at improving these arm roots,” she said.

Agriculture Victoria's Greg Lefoe spoke about improving biocontrol options for pests and pathogens for apples and pears. Photo by Djembe Archibald

The third project was presented by Ms Riseley and Agriculture Victoria’s Greg Lefoe and Ruby Rhodes.

“We’re attempting to integrate sustainment into production systems,” Dr Lefoe said.

The final project the group was talked through was orchard renovation strategies, presented by Ms Riseley and Dr Singh.

Redland’s Jorge Chafla, Lizbeth Caicedo and Cliff Bramich. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Before wrapping up at the SmartFarm, Vivid Machines’ Hannah Mascimento talked the group through a new piece of technology, used to scan trees to count buds or fruit.

The technology can be leased, with one in the country.

“We currently have one in Australia, one in New Zealand, and we are looking at sending another to New Zealand,” she said.

The field day was part of the Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) Technical Symposium held in Shepparton from August 4 to 6.