Citrus on Show at the Royal Adelaide
Citrus SA is once again at the Royal Adelaide Show, promoting the industry throughout the 10-day event. The team is expecting to supply an orange and a mandarin to each of the 18,000 participants of the popular Yellow Brick Road activity.
The juice machine is already being pushed to capacity and pumping out thousands of cups of fresh juice to the public, meanwhile Citrus SA mascot, Squeezy, has been out and about in the crowd (and trying not to scare small children).
Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke says the event is a priceless opportunity to promote what the industry does in SA.
“Thousands of people show genuine interest, and we help bridge the city-country divide,” he said.
“It’s a fair bit of work but it’s worth it.”
Fruit Fly update - Riverland Eradication Plan (REP)
The 2025/2026 Riverland Eradication Plan for Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) is now complete, says Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke.
“There is a primary focus on Renmark in this plan, as it is where the highest percentage of wild flies are being found. While PIRSA is still detecting some flies in Berri/Barmera district, the majority (more than 80 per cent) are being found in the Renmark region,” he said.
“Sterile fruit fly drops will focus on Renmark and ground teams will largely monitor other areas for single flies.
“No access properties” (properties that residents have not given access to PIRSA) are a concern especially when there have been flies found in the past.
“PIRSA is working to start the road back to a Pest Free Area (PFA). It is hoped this process will roll out from spring 2025 onwards as dozens of ‘red centres’ have recorded no flies for more than six months.
“This plan will go a long way into bringing an end to what has been a lengthy process.
“We still need people to be vigilant all over the Riverland with regard to fruit movement and reporting ang maggots found.”
Citrus SA AGM notice
The Citrus SA AGM will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the committee room at the Riverland Events Centre. Please RSVP via email to contact@citrussa.com.au or to Mark Doecke on 0408499287. A copy of the agenda is available here. Proxy forms are available here
September production notes
Pruning: Annual pruning programs are likely to be well underway. Those who prune usually see a vast improvement in class one fruit pack outs, particularly if we encounter a windy spring resulting in marking in last season’s fruitlets.
Fertilising and Fertigation: Soil temperatures are starting to warm up so it’s time to consider broadcasting fertiliser to cover the spring flush. Those on drip irrigation or micro jets should also consider starting fertiliser programs. Foliar applications can also be applied in late August to ensure a healthy spring flush
Weed Control: Once fruit has been harvested it is important to control weeds to reduce the competition for water and nutrients, especially during the spring flush period.
Irrigation: Ensure irrigation continues on all varieties as there has been no significant rainfall. Late varieties in particular need adequate moisture to avoid stem end dehydration problems.
System maintenance: Check and repair any filter or other infrastructure problems as water quality is likely to be poor again this summer.
The Citrus Segment podcast
Check out the latest episode of The Citrus Segment. Chair Mark Doecke discusses where the season is at, provides his thoughts on the fruit fly situation and update and what’s ahead at the Royal Adelaide Show. Listen here