One important reason why fruit growers get different results when they try to copy overseas practices is the difference in latitudes.
For example (the higher the degrees, the further away from the equator = colder):
- Goulburn Valley is about 37 degrees South—the same as central Spain and California in the northern hemisphere = long summers/short winters; summers are hot and dry.
- Washington State is 48 degrees North—the same as the southern tip of NZ and well below Tasmania = short summers/long winters.
- Western Europe (France/Belgium/Holland/Germany) is 50 degrees North = short summers/long winters.
- Southern South Africa (Cape Province) = 33 degrees South = Broken Hill = long summers/short winters; summers are hot and dry.
Where the Goulburn Valley sits
The Tatura Research Institute was established (in 1937) because the Goulburn Valley was suitable for growing many horticultural crops. There was ample water, fertile soil and the climate was ideal.
In some way it was quite unique in that it had long hot summers with little rain in summer. The Goulburn Valley was also not far from Melbourne and Sydney markets.
So, given the above latitudes, instead of visiting orchards in the USA and Europe, growers from the Goulburn Valley should be visiting South Africa!
For more information see the March 2012 issue of Tree Fruit
