June 2026

2026 citrus season launch

The 2026 South Australian citrus season was officially launched at the Adelaide Central Markets last week. In collaboration with the South Australian Produce Market, Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke and committee member Anthony Fulwood were on hand to promote this season’s crop. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Claire Scriven, ambassador Callum Hann and Penny Reidy from the SA Produce Market helped to showcase the quality of this season’s crop and recognise the important contribution the industry makes to SA’s economy and regional communities. This type of publicity is extremely valuable and Citrus SA appreciates the support of all parties involved. 

Upcoming Citrus Growers Fund public meeting

All citrus growers across South Australia are invited to attend a public meeting to review and discuss the revised Citrus Growers Fund Management Plan.

As required under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998, a management plan for the fund must be updated each year and presented at a public forum. This revised plan outlines projected contributions over the next five years, proposed investment strategies, and how the fund will support eligible projects.

This is your opportunity to hear what’s planned, ask questions, and provide feedback on how your industry fund is being managed.

The meeting will be held online on Tuesday, July 28. Meeting details and time will be advised soon. 

Waterfind workshops for citrus growers

Waterfind is planning a series of industry-focused workshops and masterclasses aimed at helping irrigators better understand the changing water landscape.

The practical sessions are designed to translate complex policy, market and reform developments into information growers can use in their day-to-day decision-making. Topics may include water reform and policy updates, water entitlements and allocations, market fundamentals, climate outlooks, carryover strategies, water efficiency, allocation reliability and long-term planning for permanent plantings.

The workshops (date TBC) will be discussion-based and tailored to industry needs, with a focus on practical planning frameworks and strategies to support informed water management decisions.

Growers interested in learning more can contact Stuart Peevor at Waterfind on 0448 534 834 or stuart.peevor@waterfind.com.au.

The Citrus Segment – new episode

The 2026 citrus season is now underway, with early varieties being harvested and growers reporting generally positive conditions across the region. In the latest Chair Chat podcast, Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke says recent rainfall has been beneficial for later varieties, although wet mornings have caused some delays to picking operations. While a hot and windy spring and summer resulted in some minor wind damage, sunburn and smaller fruit sizes in some orchards, overall fruit quality has been encouraging.

Mark also discusses current market conditions, noting that demand for Australian citrus remains strong. He reinforces the importance of producing high-quality fruit to maximise returns and provides an update on recent Citrus SA spray workshops and ongoing fruit fly management efforts. The episode includes positive news on sterile fly releases, with fruit fly numbers at some of their lowest levels in years and continued progress towards restoring Pest Free Area status across the Riverland.

Listen to the latest Chair Chat episode on The Citrus Segment or wherever you get your podcasts.

June production notes

Early winter GA sprays: This spray can be considered on mid-season navels, tangelos and lemons (after size and colour picking).

Later winter GA spray: The main objective for this spray is to regulate flowering. This should be considered, particularly if there has been a light fruit set.

Imperial GA Spray: This spray can be considered on selected patches if you need to prolong your harvest window. Benefits of this application can also reduce puffiness and water marks, particularly if wet weather is encountered. 

Snails: Ongoing wet conditions has caused the snail population to prosper; ensure you have an adequate baiting program.

Fruit fly trapping around loading bays: This is strongly recommended. Growers should also ensure loading bays are clean, as the movement of empty bins during harvest can spread fruit flies and create a significant biosecurity risk. Particular attention should be given to the contents of bins, their previous locations, transport vehicles and surrounding areas beneath bins to help prevent fruit fly dispersal.

Copper: Additional copper applications would be beneficial for certain varieties.

Winter foliar Urea Spray: This spray can assist in producing healthy bud initiation, especially if following a heavy crop set. 

Frost Control Measures: It is important to identify frost prone areas and implement measures to prevent, detect and reduce frost risks.

Irrigation Maintenance: With a reduced water demand this time of year, this is an ideal time to do irrigation maintenance and flushing of irrigation lines.

Colour: While internal maturity is at a high standard, the lack of colder days and nights has caused delays in external colouring and harvest. Minimum overnight temperatures of 0-3 degrees Celsius are optimum to obtain good colour transition of the skin. 

Crop estimates and size: It is important to regularly update your fruit size and yield estimates and communicate this with your packer. This will assist with marketing strategies in particularly the export markets. 

Pruning of early maturing varieties: Begin your pruning program once harvest on early maturing varieties has been completed.

*All advice is general in nature and growers should consult their packing shed and agronomist for individual recommendations.