Relative Productivity and Yield Efficiency of Canning Peach Trees in Three Intensive Growing Systems

Abstract

Abstract Low productivity and decreasing profitability have caused a dramatic reduction in planted area and negligible replanting of canning peach trees in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas (M.I.A.) of New South Wales over the past 14 years. The production of canning peaches is now falling below processor requirements. Peach production must be maintained at present levels for continued viability of the canning fruit industry in this region. Furthermore, the average productivity of the remaining plantings is very low by world standards. Faced with rising production costs, growers must raise average efficiency of production to improve profitability.