Cherry Picked

In this episode, we chat to Dr Shane Phillips, Head Chemist at Biocentral Labs. Shane and I talk about the benefits of tracking and understanding the mechanisms of chill accumulation in cherries. We also talk about adaptation options and further research.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode, we chat to Steph Mackillop, Head of Australian Operations at Escavox. Steph and I talk about the benefits of tracking and tracing the supply chain post packhouse and what information you can get from using these technologies.

You can find out more about Escavox here

https://www.escavox.com/

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode, we chat to Summer Song, project lead for optimising protected cherry production. Summer and I discuss the project and what the industry can look forward to being produced from its data.

You can find out more about the project here

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/digital-agriculture/digital-agriculture-research2/horticulture-research/protected-cropping

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode, we chat to Jason Deveau, creative mind behind the best practice spray resource- Sprayers 101 website out of Canada. We explore how to optimise your spray applications and saving you money!

You can visit the Sprayers 101 website here

https://sprayers101.com/

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode, we dive into the Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) for the Queensland fruit fly—one of Australia's most significant horticultural pests. We explore how climate change is projected to affect its distribution, lifecycle, and timing of when it occurs across New South Wales. 

The episode highlights key findings from the CVA modelling, including seasonal shifts in climate suitability, potential expansion of fruit fly populations, and what this means for growers, exporters, and biosecurity planning. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Overview of the Queensland fruit fly and its impact on horticulture 
• How climate change is altering its distribution and lifecycle 
• Modelling results under different emissions scenarios 
• Implications for pest management and industry adaptation

Queensland Fruit Fly CVA Webpage 

Queensland Fruit Fly CVA Results Report (PDF) 

Queensland Fruit Fly CVA Factsheet (PDF) 

Contact the CVA Team: 

[email protected] 

Thanks to the staff who development the Queensland fruit fly model from the DPIRD Biosecurity team: Andrew Eliot, Fiona Lidbetter, and Polychronis Rempoulakis.  

The CVA is part of a broader effort to help primary industries in NSW prepare for and adapt to climate change.  These insights are helping shape future-ready strategies for primary industries in a changing climate. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

In this episode, we explore how climate change is impacting cherry production in New South Wales, with a focus on the Lapin cherry variety. Drawing on the Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, we discuss projected changes in climate suitability, key vulnerabilities such as chill accumulation and fruit firmness, and the adaptation strategies that could help growers stay resilient. 

We also unpack the modelling approach used in the CVA, including how different emissions scenarios were applied to assess future risks and opportunities for cherry growers across NSW. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Overview of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment  
• Overview of the Lapin cherry findings 
• Climate risks: chill portions, heat stress, and water needs 
• Climate opportunities: reductions in frost  

• What the future holds for cherry production in NSW 

Lapin Cherry CVA Webpage 

Lapin Cherry CVA Factsheet (PDF) 

CVA Publications & Reports 

Contact the CVA Team:

 [email protected]  
The CVA is part of a broader effort to help primary industries in NSW prepare for and adapt to climate change.

The Lapin cherry model is just one example of how data-driven insights can support decision-making and long-term planning in horticulture in NSW. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with microbiome researcher Gabriele Berg and chat about all things microbes, health, and what can be done to improve these in cherries.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with NEM's Edwina Murray to chat all things microbes, nutrient cycling and biologicals available!

Find out more about NEM visit

https://nem.com.au/

Disclaimer: NSW DPIRD does not endorse any of the products discussed in the episode, and growers are encouraged to seek the advice of professionals before using them.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with AgNova's Cameron Stone to chat about some new products available to cherry growers to improve cherry nutrition.

Find out more about AgNova on their website

https://agnova.com.au/

Disclaimer: NSW DPIRD does not endorse any of the products discussed in the episode, and growers are encouraged to seek the advice of professionals before using them.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

On this week's episode, we catch up with Brian Tipton from Cultiva. Brian and I catch up on the potential of Parka in the battle against cherry cracking.

Find about more about Brian and Cultiva at

https://www.cultiva.com/products/parka/

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

This project is brought to you by the extension and communication for the Australian cherry industry project. Led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.