RESEARCH & EVENTS
Pollination research a focus for R & D Forum
https :// vimeo . com / 868520849 ? share = copy
Take a look at the highlights from the recent Australian Almond Research and Development Forum and Field Day in the video above .
THE ABA hosted the Australian Almond Research and Development Forum and Field Day in August , with the event for the first time located in the powerhouse of almond production country . Over 250 people congregated at the Robinvale Resource Centre for one-and-a-half days of networking , presentations , posters and trade displays . With the Mallee almond blossom setting the scene , a convoy of four coaches captained by ABA staff provided a firsthand view of grower trials and innovations in the region including varietal trials , alternative energy , drying , compost production from hull and shell and use as fertiliser , and driverless spray machines . The program focussed on pollination due to the challenges presented last season due to Varroa and poor weather during flowering . Pollination sets the industry up for the year ahead and we thought it important to share the latest research on getting the best pollination results from the hives we have and protecting hive health for their short stay in almonds . The forum attracted ABC Victorian Country Hour with a live broadcast from the foyer where presenter Warwick Long interviewed ABA CEO Tim Jackson , Select Harvest Horticulture General Manager Ben Brown , Co-founder of Bee Hero Itai Kanot . Speakers provided updates and presented posters on the industry ’ s research and development program in areas such as almond productivity and developing future almond production systems , drying trials , life cycle analysis in almonds , nutritional planning tool , integrated pest and disease . Thank you to everyone who attended , and especially our generous sponsors and exhibitors who helped make the day possible . For more photos of the 2023 Australian Almond R & D Forum and Farm Tour visit the ABA website . Copies of presentations are now also available on the ABA website . Photos by Andy Steven Photography
34 In A Nutshell - Spring 2023 Vol 24 Issue 3