News about New Zealand

How environmental conditions affect calcium absorption in covered cherries

Covers

09 Dec 2024

Claire Scofield studies the effects of environmental conditions under rain covers on calcium uptake in cherries. The aim is to further our understanding of xylem dynamics and the impact of rain covers on these processes.

New Zealand: new Gisela rootstock selections approved for cherry growers

Planting systems

20 Nov 2024

Some dwarfing rootstock selections for Gisela® cherry trees have recently been licensed in New Zealand and will be more widely available to growers from 2026. Gisela® 12 and 6 are currently being tested in Central Otago.

Early and high density harvests: the impact of the UFO system in New Zealand

Production

25 Oct 2024

In New Zealand, Central Otago meets most of the conditions, followed by Marlborough and perhaps Hawkes Bay and Canterbury. However, other important factors to consider are the distance from international and national markets and the possibility of extending the harvest season.

New climate-resistant cherry varieties for Australian growers

Varieties

22 Oct 2024

The technical manager of Bloom Fresh for Australia and New Zealand, Arisa Hayashi, emphasized that these new varieties, unlike traditional cherry varieties, which require 800-1,000 hours of chilling, these new cherries require less than half that.

Cherries and climate: how new varieties are helping Australian farmers

Varieties

16 Oct 2024

Developed by the international breeding company Bloom Fresh, the low-temperature varieties have been planted with the hope of increasing supply to meet the appetite of Australians and exports for these festive fruits.

Waimea Nurseries (New Zealand) introduces dwarfing rootstock selections

Rootstocks

27 Sep 2024

Gisela® 12 and 6 are currently being grown indoors in tissue culture at the Waimea Nurseries laboratory and are being tested in orchards in Central Otago, including Clyde Orchards and Suncrest Orchard in Cromwell.

Agriculture and solar energy: challenging the electricity market could help New Zealand

Production

19 Sep 2024

According to Mike and Rebecca Casey of Forest Lodge Orchard in central Otago, farmers installing their own solar systems could save New Zealand from an energy crisis if the government allowed them to enter the energy market.

How the UFO system revolutionises farming in Central Otago (New Zealand)

Planting systems

08 Jul 2024

"At the end of the day, all we do is harvest light: without light, nothing can be grown and we have to maximise it," says cherry consultant Earnscy Weaver, who introduced a new cherry growing system in New Zealand.

The Forest Lodge company abandons fossil fuels for a 100% electric approach

Tech management

21 Jun 2024

The company uses a range of electrical equipment, including anti-freeze fans, irrigation pumps and vehicles, all powered by a 23 kW solar system and a 105 kWh battery, as well as by New Zealand's high-intensity renewable electricity grid.

TOMRA's new LUCAi platform for post-harvest efficiency in the US and New Zealand

Post-harvest​

21 May 2024

Cherry packers Prima Frutta Packing, Dunstan Hills and Panmure Orchards in California, the US and New Zealand have implemented TOMRA's LUCAi technology, achieving ‘improved grading and a productivity increase of around 10%’.