INDUSTRY NEWS
Almond planting trends and predictions
Planting trends from the last three years and looking forward to the next three years :
• Non Pareil 50 % Carmel 50 %
• Non Pareil 50 % Carmel 33 % Carina 17 %
• Non Pareil 50 % Carmel 25 % Carina 25 %
• Carina 100 % blocks within the properties
• Under consideration with some growers – Planting double Non Pareil and single Carmel
These combinations have a proven track record , focus on early harvest , the diseases and short comings are well known , some potential reduction in bee hives ( excluding the 100 % Carina blocks , where zero hives may be required ), Nonpariel and Carmel have the highest price per kg and importantly continues to be free of ‘ Bacterial Spot ’.
Other ABA varieties that should be considered in the mix :
• Mira – a number of smaller growers have planted Mira .
• Rhea – many are considering Rhea as a replacement for Carmel and or Monterey .
Information courtesy Tim Millen .
From previous page “ Carina offers minimal to nil disease and insect pressure , so it reduces or eliminates the costs involved in mitigating these concerns ,” Mr Millen said . “ Fumigation of field product is not required and it can be stored onfarm longer without many of the issues experienced with paper shell varieties .” Mr Millen said the opportunity to harvest early is another selling point for some varieties , including Carina , which could be cracked out before Nonpareil . “ When harvests are prolonged there ’ s a greater the chance of rain events causing interruptions and delays , which in turn leads to more hygiene and in field storage issues ,” he said . Mr Millen said trials have also shown that other Australian varieties including Mira and Rhea are also producing higher yields than Nonpareil . “ Mira is yielding exceptionally well and from grower feedback also shakes well , which eliminates the need for reshaking and in turn has a positive effect on orchard hygiene ,” he said . Mr Millen was also eager to point out that in 2020 the Almond Board of California ’ s report ‘ Almond varieties and selections evaluation of national and international varieties under development ’ ranked Rhea second overall for market potential based on taste and aroma / flavour . “ Disease profiling of all new almond varieties is critical for the long-term success and profitability of growing almonds ,” Mr Millen said . “ Carina , Mira and Rhea have been
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indexed and are not susceptible to bacterial spot , which is important for any new variety being grown .” Mr Millen is also a supporter of the ABA ’ s budwood repositories . “ Which ensures the security of high health buds and the continuing process to redevelop plantings in locations that best suit the production of these buds ,” he said . “ If growers work closely with processors , hard shell varieties could make a positive difference in our almond industry .” Mr Millen said processors have the ability to install hardshell crackers . “ This would ensure that every almond that goes though the cracker is processed at a high standard , and in turn ensures a better bottom line return for growers ,” he said .
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