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Chemical thinning is a \iery important activity for growers in 

 Australia, since fruit set tends to be heavy. The major problem appears to 

 be getting enough off, especially in the case of Delicious. Sevin is not 

 entirely satisfactory because of problems associated with the use of high 

 rates of NAA and the detrimental effects of Sevin* on mite predators. 



In Victoria, Ethrel* at 100-200 ppm is used routinely at bloom, and 

 this is followed by an application of NAA or Sevin*. These chemical 

 thinning treatments are then followed by hand thinning. A concerted effort 

 is made to minimize the amount of hand thinning necessary, since the minimum 

 wage in Australia is over $7.00/hour. Tasmania has an even greater thinning 

 problem than Victoria. There, 400-500 ppm Ethrel* are used on Golden 

 Delicious, which results in rather severe vegetative growth retardation from 

 their Ethrel* thinning sprays. Naphthal eneacetamide is not sold in 

 Austral ia. 



Codling moths, light brown apple moths, and mites are the major insect 

 pests. Codling moths and light brown apple moths are controlled with 

 Guthione*. Summers in Australia can be hot and dry, and mites can build up 

 rapidly. Several different miticides are used. There is reluctance to use 

 Sevin* as a chemical thinner because of the deleterious effect it has on 

 mite predators. Apple scab is as troublesome in Australia as it is here. 

 Therefore, a number of scab sprays must be applied. Apple mosaic virus is a 

 major problem, and while attempts are being made to clean up nursery stocic, 

 the problem still persists. 



The Australians have no established fruit grades. Each packer 

 establishes his own system and grades. In general, superficial fruit 

 defects caused quality in the markets to be lower than what it is in the 

 U.S. Color was generally poor, and surface blemishes due to scab or limb 

 runs were more prevalent. Prices for fruit there seem quite high, 

 Delicious were selling for $22 - $41/box in the Sydney markets. 



Pew fruit are sold on the farm. There were few roadside stands as we 

 know them in New England. The reason for this, I believe, is the way that 

 fruit and vegetables have been traditionally sold in Australia. Each town, 

 big or small, has a fruit and vegetable shop where only produce is sold. 

 Owners of these stores go to the wholesale market and purchase their fruit 

 and vegetables. 



Future of the Industry 



Fruit growing in Australia is undergoing change. There are many 

 growers who are poor and inefficient in both growing and marketing. In the 

 next 5-10 years, many will go out of business. There are also many good 

 growers who will remain and thrive. The climate in Australia is suited for 

 high production of high quality fruit. Those who learn to deal with chemi- 

 cal thinning properly and capitalize on the environmental advantages will do 

 extremely wel 1 . 



*Trade n 



ame 



