INDUSTRY NEWS
Aurora B almond enters next trial phase: A potential new option for growers
ABOVE: University of Adelaide Associate Professor Cassandra Collins with samples of Aurora B. RIGHT: Winkie grower and current member of the ABA ' s Plant Improvement Committee, Brett Rosenzweig, is hoping to trial the Aurora B.
AURORA B, a promising new almond variety, is moving from research blocks into grower trials in multiple regions. This next stage will help us see how it performs in commercial settings. Aurora B was developed from a cross between‘ Nonpareil’ and‘ Mira’ in 2005. It combines traits of both parents: the self-fertility and robustness of Mira, with the kernel size and quality of Nonpareil. After years of research trials demonstrating strong yield potential and good kernel quality, Aurora B is now being planted in commercial orchards to assess its performance across different climates, soils, and management practices. Processor feedback on Aurora B has been encouraging. They’ ve praised its good flavour, attractive appearance, and strong shell integrity, along with its low levels of insect damage and self-fertility. At the same time, some challenges have been noted— its shell is harder than Nonpareil, which may require equipment adjustments, and staining or sticky hulls have been observed in some samples. Several processors see potential for Aurora B in premium or niche markets, though it may need careful handling for traditional inshell markets. Aurora B’ s self-fertility could reduce pollinator requirements, and its flowering period aligns well with
Nonpareil, offering potential crosspollination benefits. In trials at Lindsay Point, Aurora B has consistently produced higher average yields than Nonpareil grown under the same conditions over the past five years. The robust shell may provide better protection during storage and transport, though it could also present challenges for processors. These results suggest Aurora B has the potential to deliver strong returns, and the upcoming commercial trials will help confirm its performance across a range of environments. Aurora B will be trialled in multiple commercial orchards across different regions. These trials will track yield, kernel quality, and market feedback to help determine its suitability for largescale planting. Results will be shared regularly so growers can assess whether Aurora B could be a profitable addition to their orchard mix. Growers can follow the progress of Aurora B through industry updates and field day reports. If you’ re interested in seeing trial sites or discussing the variety’ s potential for your own operation, please get in touch to arrange a visit or join an upcoming trial update session. If early trial results are anything to go by, Aurora B could become a valuable addition to Australian orchards, combining yield, kernel quality, and self-fertility in a way that could open
new market opportunities. Winkie’ s Brett Rosenzweig is one of the growers that has applied to participate in the trial of Aurora B. He’ s hoping to obtain 1,100 trees for a two-hectare trial of the new variety.“ A significant amount of money has been invested in almond plant breeding and growers have a role to play in assessing whether new varieties should be commercialised,” Mr Rosenzweig said. The former Almond Board of Australia Industry Development Officer and current member of the ABA’ s Plant Improvement Committee has been following the progress of Aurora B since it was developed in 2005.“ It’ s self-fertile, has a sealed shell and when compared to Nonpareil has a larger kernel and higher yield,” he said. Mr Rosenzweig only grows self-fertile almond varieties, with seven and a half hectares of Carina at bearing age, four hectares of Mira at second leaf and another 14 hectares of Carina has just been planted during winter. Growers involved in the Aurora B trial need to provide flowering, yield and nut quality data for assessment. There’ s also an expectation that other growers will be able to visit these plantings. Mr Rosenzweig said he’ s more than happy to give back to industry.
industry. australianalmonds. com. au
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