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FRUIT GROWING IN AUSTRALIA 



Duane W. Greene 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



[Editor's Note: Dr. Greene was on sabbatical leave from August, 1983, to 

 April, 1984 at the Horticulture Research Institute, Knoxfield, Victoria, 

 Austral ia.] 



Australia is a country that is areawise approximately the same size as 

 the United States. It is located between 10 and 39 degrees South Latitude, 

 whereas the US is located between 26 and 49 degrees North Latitude. Since 

 it is in the southern hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of ours. 

 They are in the middle of summer in January. 



Australia is a country with 7 states, and usually produces a total of 

 about 19 million bushels of apples. 



Northern Territory. The newest state, it occupies a large part of the 

 northern portion of Australia. Being close to the equator, it is very warm 

 and humid all year. No apples are grown there, 



Queensland . This is also a northern state. It is known for wheat, citrus, 

 peanuts, a few apples and the Great Barrier Reef. 



The remaining states are located all or in part in the cooler southern 

 portion of the continent. 



New South Wales . Five to six million bushels of apples ^re produced there, 

 more than in any other state. The Batlow area is probably the best area in 

 NSW, having a relatively high elevation, and it specializes in Delicious. 

 Orange is another large, important production area. Sidney, with a popula- 

 tion of over 3 million people, is located in NSW, so growers here are closer 

 to the largest city in Australia. 



Western Aust^'al ia . This area produces Granny Smith, primarily for export. 



Victoria . Victoria, located south of NSW, produces about 4 million bushels 

 of apples, but has no real production centers. 



Tasmania . This is the island state located south of continental Australia. 

 Tasmania produces about 4 million bushels of apples. Historically, it has 

 been a major production area, and is called the "Apple Isle". 



South Australia . This state produces about 1 million bushels, with Granny 

 Smith as its principal variety. 



