ISHS Acta Horticulturae 409: IV International Symposium on Growing Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and in the Subtropics
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN NON-ASTRINGENT PERSIMMON (DIOSPYROS KAKI L.) INDUSTRY |
| Authors: | Ray J. Collins, Alan P. George, A. D. Mowat |
| Abstract:
The non-astringent persimmon is often referred to as a sub-tropical species adaptable to a wide range of environments. Australia's size and location offers potential to produce this fruit in a number of its regions. Production in the southern hemisphere also provides out-of-season marketing opportunities to countries of the northern hemisphere, where most of the world's consumption of this fruit occurs. The Australian non-astringent persimmon industry emerged commercially around 1980. It has grown to almost 170000 trees, 200 to 400 growers, and production valued at AUD3 to 5 million in 1993. Production extends from elevated tropical areas of north Queensland, down the eastern seaboard and across the bottom of the continent to Western Australia. Fuyu is the major cultivar, but Izu and Suruga can extend the marketing season from March to May in the sub-tropics. Production of non-astringent fruit exceeding 200g, greater than 15 degrees Brix, well coloured and free of blemish is not the norm but has been shown to be possible in every production region. Marketable yields of 10 to 15t/ha are achievable. Most fruit is marketed domestically, where prices for single layer trays of 14 to 25 fruit weighing 4kg range from AUD8 to 20 depending on time of season and size. Exports are increasing, mainly to Singapore, but lack of industry organisation precludes strategic export market development. One Australian persimmon export company, comprised of growers, has emerged. The New Zealand non-astringent persimmon industry has grown over the same time to the same size, but has been very successful in developing an export culture through industry organisation. It is suggested that Australia can learn some important lessons from the New Zealand model. | |
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