Tropical Exotic

Fruit Industry
Strategic direction setting 2012-2015

JULY 2012
RIRDC Publication No. 12/050
Tropical Exotic Fruit Industry -
Strategic direction setting
2012-2015

by Yan Diczbalis

July 2012

RIRDC Publication No. 12/050

RIRDC Project No. PRJ-002333
© 2012 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-74254-393-2
ISSN 1440-6845

Tropical Exotic Fruit Industry - Strategic direction setting 2012-2015

Publication No. 12/050
Project No. PRJ-002333

The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and
discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information
contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct,
the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.

The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the
authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability
to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or
omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the
part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors.

The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are
reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and
rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165.

Researcher Contact Details

Yan Diczbalis
Agri-Science Queensland, Department of
Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
PO Box 20, South Johnstone, Qld, 4859

Phone: 07 40641128
Fax: 07 40642249
Email: yan.diczbalis@deedi.qld.gov.au

In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form.

RIRDC Contact Details

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Alan Davey, Senior Research Manager
Level 2, 15 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600
PO Box 4776
KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6271 4100

Fax: 02 6271 4199
Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au.
Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Electronically published by RIRDC in July 2012

Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au
or phone 1300 634 313

ii
Foreword
Australia’s horticulture industries are varied, a reflection of the geographical and climatic diversity of
the continent. The tropical north is home to a range of producers of exotic tropical fruits, introduced
from all areas of the globe. Although each of these crops are produced in small volumes and often
have a gross value of less than $1 million, in unison the tropical exotic fruit industry is a significant
contributor to the economic and social fabric of northern Australia.

This project provides the tropical exotic fruit industry with information on the diversity of crops
grown and the economic value of these industries. The industry is represented by “Tropical Exotic
Fruits Australia” which is still in its infancy and faces a number of challenges. Government agencies
at a State and Federal level who interact with industries will also gain from the information provided
in the report.

There are 20 fruit species produced in commercial quantities with a further 45 species grown by
collectors and tropical fruit enthusiasts which may be commercialised in the future. The estimated
gross value of the industry is $16 million with $9.5 million being produced in north Queensland and
$6.5 million produced in the northern territory. Industry consultation has determined three primary
objectives over the next five years; communication and providing information to producers, lobby
regulators on issues directly affecting producers (eg. minor crop chemical registration) and promoting
the unique tropical exotic fruit grown in northern Australia

A unified and fully supported industry body such as TEFA could ensure that real change and progress
for industry members is a reality. Policy makers should carefully consider the benefits of a highly
diversified industry such as the tropical exotic fruits industry. Industry members provide unique
employment opportunities, often in isolated regions, and contribute greatly to the economic viability
of small communities.

This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 2000 research publications and it forms
part of our New Plant Products R&D program, which aims to facilitate the development of new rural
industries based on plants or plant products that have commercial potential for Australia.

Most of RIRDC’s publications are available for viewing, free downloading or purchasing online at
www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.

Craig Burns
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iii
About the Author
Yan Diczbalis (M.Agr.Sc) has worked with tropical exotic fruit producers in the Northern Territory
and north Queensland for the past 20 years. For the past eleven years he has been based at the
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Centre for Wet Tropics
Agriculture in South Johnstone. His particular interest is industry development and assisting
producers with the commercialisation of new crops. His research interests include understanding the
influence of environmental triggers on flowering, fruit set and crop productivity.

Acknowledgments
The author would like to acknowledge the considerable insights, inputs and assistance of members of
the project steering committee; Mark Gray, John McCormack, Ken Lake, Kerry Eupene, Rob Doyle
and John Gracie. Without their time this project would not have been possible.

The role of all tropical exotic fruit and crop producers who have contributed directly in the project
workshops and or indirectly through supporting the author in tropical exotic crop promotional
activities is gratefully acknowledged.

The careful deliberations and negotiating skills provided by the industry strategic planning workshop
facilitator, Mr Tony Biggs was highly appreciated and led to a successful outcome.

Thanks also to Northern Territory Department of Resources – Primary Industry officers, Mark Hoult
and Mark Traynor for their continued support and assistance with industry meetings. Other Northern
Territory contributors who gave generously of their time include Kate Peak NTHA and Patti Flannery
(Fresh Produce - NT).

Thanks are also expressed for the continued support of department colleagues with particular
reference to Kaye Nunan (Principal Policy Officer – Regional Services) and Matt Weinert
(Horticulture Senior Extension Officer – Mareeba).

Abbreviations
BOM – Bureau of Meteorology

DAFF – Federal, Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries

DEEDI – Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

DOR – Northern Territory Department of Resources – Primary Industry

NTHA – Northern Territory Horticultural Association

TEFA – Tropical Exotic Fruits Australia

iv
Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................... iii

About the Author.................................................................................................................................. iv

Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................. iv

Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................................ iv

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................... viii

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1

Objectives ............................................................................................................................................... 2

Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Industry Survey ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Industry Stocktake and Industry Value .............................................................................................. 4

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Stocktake results ............................................................................................................................... 9
Primary Commercial Species ..................................................................................................... 9
Secondary species .................................................................................................................... 11
Industry Value................................................................................................................................. 17

Cyclone Risk and Avoidance Strategies ............................................................................................ 18

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Cyclone Ratings and History .......................................................................................................... 20
Cyclone Larry ........................................................................................................................... 21
Cyclone Yasi ............................................................................................................................ 24
Cyclone damage mitigation ............................................................................................................ 24

Strategic Plans ..................................................................................................................................... 27

Industry direction plan .................................................................................................................... 27
Update of Existing Tropical Fruit Strategic Plans .......................................................................... 29
Durian ....................................................................................................................................... 29

v
Results .................................................................................................................................................. 36
Industry stocktake and industry value............................................................................................. 36
Industry Survey ............................................................................................................................... 36
Cyclone Risk and Avoidance Strategies ......................................................................................... 36
Strategic Plans................................................................................................................................. 36

Implications.......................................................................................................................................... 37

Recommendations ............................................................................................................................... 37

References ............................................................................................................................................ 38

Appendix 1 - Industry Survey Results............................................................................................... 39

Appendix 2 - TEFA Exotic Fruit Growers Industry Survey Booklet ............................................ 44

vi
Tables
Table 1 Example - stocktake and production table in the grower survey ........................................................4

Table 2 Tropical fruit for which tree numbers and production data was provided .........................................5

Table 3 Exotic tropical fruit, common tropical fruit, native fruit and tropical vegetable species displayed
at the 2010 Feast of the Senses market day display ..........................................................................6

Table 4 Primary commercial tropical exotic fruit grown in Queensland and the NT ....................................15

Table 5 Secondary commercial tropical exotic fruit grown in Queensland and the NT ................................16

Table 6 Assumed value of tropical exotic fruits produced in the NT and Queensland .................................17

Table 7 Cyclone rating as per the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) ...............................................................20

Table 8 Tropical Cyclones (TC) which passed within 100 km of Cairns and Darwin from 1980 to 2006 ...21

Table 9 A profile of tree damage, loss of crop and infrastructure damage due to Cyclone Larry .................22

Table 10 Issues that have had considerable R&D effort expended on them ...................................................29

Table 11 Durian R&D issues and the percentage of grower priority selections in 2010.................................30

Table 12 Durian industry key issues identified by industry and researchers in 1999 and updated in 2002 ....31

Table 13 Mangosteen industry key issues identified by industry and researchers in 1999 .............................32

Table 14 Mangosteen R&D issues and the percentage of grower priority selections .....................................32

Table 15 Rambutan industry key issues identified by industry and researchers in 1999 and updated in
2003 .................................................................................................................................................34

Table 16 Rambutan R&D issues and the percentage of grower priority selections ........................................35

Figures
Figure 1 Map of far north Queensland indicating the main coastal zone for the production of
tropical exotic fruit ..........................................................................................................................18

Figure 2 Map of regional areas surrounding Darwin in the NT indicating the main production area for
tropical exotic fruit ..........................................................................................................................19

Figure 3 Cyclones which crossed the coast within 100 km of Cairns and Darwin between 1980 and 2006 ..21

Figure 4 Images of orchard damage following tropical cyclone Larry in March 2006 ..................................23

Figure 5 Proposed TEFA organisational chart and objectives .......................................................................28

vii
Executive Summary
What the report is about

The report is about the development of strategic directions for the tropical exotic fruit industry. It
includes the results of an industry survey to gauge issues within the industry, an industry stocktake
and calculation of industry value. The report also discusses the risk of cyclones to the industry and a
summary of damage caused by Cyclone Larry as well as potential damage mitigation strategies.

The report details upgrades to existing strategic plans for durian, mangosteen and rambutan and the
development of objectives for the industry organisation – Tropical Exotic Fruit Australia Inc.

The work carried out in this project allows the industry to regroup and reform following the
devastation caused by cyclone Larry to industry production and morale.

Who is the report targeted at?

The report is targeted at members of Tropical Exotic Fruit Australia as well as non-member growers
and federal and state government support agencies.

Where are the relevant industries located in Australia?

The tropical exotic fruit industries are located in northern Australia. In north Queensland the primary
production region for tropical exotic fruit ranges from Cooktown (15o 46’S) to Murray Upper (18o
04’S) with the bulk of production being produced along the coastal strip within a 150km radius of
Cairns. Production of tropical fruits which are well adapted to the sub tropics, occur in the western
regions of the Atherton Tablelands and as far south as the Sunshine coast rural area, north of
Brisbane. In the Northern Territory the industry is located within a 100km radius of Darwin.

The industry is highly diversified with member/producers growing over 20 fruit species commercially.
There are an estimated 170 producers involved with approximately 120 producers in north
Queensland and 50 producers in the NT. The north Queensland growing region is the main
production region closely followed by production in the NT.

Production is principally for the domestic market with the bulk of product servicing the requirements
of immigrants from SE Asia. The rambutan industry has had some export success in the past.

Background

The Australian Tropical Exotic Fruit Industry remains in recovery mode from the devastating effects
of Cyclone Larry (March 2006) on a major production area, from Tully to Cairns, in north
Queensland. The direct effect of Cyclone Larry on production and economic return has had follow-on
effects on the community of tropical exotic fruit producers with many growers retreating to their
farms to do what they can to remain viable. As a result the development of TEFA, an amalgamation
of growers from north Queensland and the NT, which began prior to Cyclone Larry, stalled once
growers were faced with survival as the economic reality.

viii
Aims/objectives

• Assist the Tropical Exotic fruit industry to develop a data base of tree numbers and an
estimate of industry value;
• Develop a cyclone risk and protection strategy which will include mapping areas at risk as
well as detailing aspects of crop agronomy, diversification and also growing location;
• Upgrade existing strategic plans for rambutan, mangosteen and durian;
• Develop an overarching TEFA strategic plan which can be used to direct research,
development and extension activities for the next five years.

Methods Used

The process undertaken included:

• Formation of a project steering committee (February 2010);

• Formulation of industry stocktake methods;
• Industry meetings in Queensland and the Northern Territory (July 2009);
• Commence update of current specific crop strategic plans for rambutan, durian and
mangosteen;
• Industry strategic direction setting and supply chain workshop (March 2010);
• Meeting in Darwin with Northern Territory based board members (August 2010);
• Meeting in Babinda with Queensland based board members (September 2010);
• TEFA plan update and farm walk with Queensland growers (November 2010).

Results/key findings

There are a total of 142,000 trees in the tropical exotic fruit category in northern Australia. The bulk
of production is in north Queensland with 79,900 trees. The top five species in terms of tree numbers
are dragon fruit (50,100), rambutan (25,100), mangosteen (11,800), jackfruit (9,300) and pomelo
(5,300). There are a further eight species with more than a 1,000 trees and another 5 species in which
tree numbers range from 380 to 900 trees. The report profiles 20 exotic fruit species.

The potential value of the industry, assuming average cropping and price is $16.03 million.

Survey results indicated that the majority of growers have had little interest in or taken heed of
outcomes of previous industry planning workshops. The majority of growers (62%) had not accessed
the RIRDC website. Only 9.6% of respondents indicated that they had accessed one or more RIRDC
project reports linked to their industry.

Existing plans for durian, mangosteen and rambutan are comprehensive and overly optimistic and a
reflection of the enthusiasm of the day. Many of the key issues and resulting action plans have not
been acted on due to a lack of industry and government support agency funding and a lack of capacity
within the industry to drive the issues raised in previous plans. The report details areas of work which
have been undertaken since the previous plans were developed. Strategic plan updates for the period
2010 to 2015 were limited to 5 key points per crop.

An industry plan was developed by industry members. The industry which is still recovering,
following severe economic loss caused by cyclone Larry in north Queensland, discussed the
importance of a representative body such as TEFA and how it may operate in the future. Important
directions for the immediate future of the organisation include;

ix
 1. Communication with growers and affiliated bodies (newsletter & website)
2. Dealing with industry issues (eg Chemical registration, winged vertebrate pests, import
applications, etc).
3. Product promotion, with particular reference to promoting product to the food services
community (Restaurants and Providores).

Since the draft of the report was completed in January 2011, tropical cyclone Yasi crossed the coast
near Mission Beach on the 3 February 2011 and destroyed up to 26% of Queensland tropical tree
stock. Growers in north Queensland are particularly dispirited following two major catastrophic
climatic events in five years. As a consequence most north Queensland members of TEFA have
allowed their membership to lapse.

Implications for relevant stakeholders

This project provides the tropical exotic fruit industry with information on the diversity of crops
grown and the economic value of these industries. The industry, in its united form as Tropical Exotic
Fruit Australia representing producers across northern Australia, is still in its infancy and faces a
number of challenges.

The report indicates the economic value of these diverse industries to northern Australia and the
importance of fostering new industry development. To quote a line from the musician Paul Kelly
“from little things big things grow”.

Government agencies at a state and federal level who interact with industries will also gain from the
information provided in the report.

Recommendations

• The experience of other industries indicates that the presence of a strong, viable industry
organisation which can coordinate communication across the industry and help guide its
R&D, can be advantageous to the development and viability of an industry. Participants in
this industry may like to consider how their interests may be affected in the absence of a peak
industry body.

• There is an opportunity to disseminate information relevant and useful to commercial growers

through the TEFA website and newsletters.

• Maintaining an active workshop program for growers is a useful tool to ensure they keep up to
date with current research and management techniques to maintain productivity and assure
quality in their crops.

• Many establishing industries have received great benefits from funding an industry
executive/development officer to assist with implementation of industry objectives. Growers
might like to consider whether such an investment would be useful for this industry.

• Existing plans for durian, mangosteen and rambutan need to be updated.

x
Introduction
Tropical exotic fruit were introduced into northern Australia as early as the late 1800’s.
Benson (1914) discusses the cultivation of fruits “such as mango, pineapple, banana, papaw,
granadilla, guava, custard apple, litchi, soursop, cocoa nut, breadfruit, jack fruit, monstera,
alligator pear (avocado), and others of a purely tropical character”. Benson’s introduction
to the potential for tropical fruit growing also highlights that mangosteen was introduced
through the Kamarunga quarantine facility, on the outskirts of Cairns, in October 1891 and
that a thriving young plant was recorded on Dunk Island (off Mission beach).

In north Queensland, planned tropical fruit plant introductions and evaluations were
conducted by the now defunct Department of Primary Industries Kamerunga Research
Station in Cairns, during the 1970 and 1980’s. Private and government sponsored plant
introductions lead to the establishment of a range of commercial industries the most
prominent being the rambutan industry in the wet coastal part of north Queensland. In the
Northern Territory a range of tropical exotic fruit were introduced early in the territory’s
history. A major wave of introductions occurred in the late 1980’s, by the horticulture
branch of the then Department of Primary Production.

Grower and market interest in a range of tropical exotic fruits continues to increase. DEEDI
has actively supported promotional activities at food industry events such as the Hilton
Master Class and Sydney Restaurant 2009 and Queensland Produce events. At these
promotional events there is a strong interest in the range of tropical exotic fruits produced in
northern Australia.

The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries was actively involved
in both rambutan and durian research during the 1990’s with support from Rural Industries
Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

The development of a national grower body for Tropical Exotic Fruits was initiated by
Queensland and Northern Territory exotic tropical fruit growers in 2004, and came to fruition
with support from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries under the Industry
Partnership Program. Tropical Exotic Fruit Australia Incorporated (TEFA) was established
in 2007 following a merger of the Rambutan and Tropical Exotic Growers Association
Incorporated (RTEGA) of Queensland with the Rambutan and Tropical Exotic Fruit sub-
groups of the Northern Territory Horticultural Association.

TEFA was established to improve the profile and foster the development of the tropical
exotic fruit industry estimated to be worth over $9 million annually. The role of TEFA is to
work to improve the industry by commissioning national research and development projects
in partnership with RIRDC and others. TEFA can also be the vehicle to provide a united
voice, a visible profile and coordination on responses to critical issues of interest to
participants in the tropical exotic crops industry.

TEFA has a management committee comprising three Queensland representatives and two
Northern Territory representatives. Committee members are elected by commercial grower
members in their respective regions. The NT Horticultural Association (NTHA) based in
Darwin, has been appointed to provide secretariat services to TEFA.
The Australian Tropical Exotic Fruit Industry remains in recovery mode from the devastating
effects of Cyclone Larry (March 2006) on a major production area, from Tully to Cairns, in
north Queensland. Many professional and hobby farmers lost a high percentage of their fruit

1
trees and or experienced a high level of damage. Production of the major species (rambutan)
started to return in the 08/09 season with commercial crops appearing in the 09/10 season.

The direct effect of Cyclone Larry on production and economic return has had follow-on
effects on the community of tropical exotic fruit producers with many growers retreating to
their farms to do what they can to remain viable. As a result the development of TEFA,
which began prior to Cyclone Larry, ceased once growers were faced with survival as the
economic reality.

Objectives
The project objectives are to assist the Tropical Exotic fruit industry to develop a data base of
tree numbers and an estimate of industry value and which exotic fruits are at the forefront of
commercialisation.

A specific objective of the project will be to develop a cyclone risk and protection strategy
which will include mapping areas at risk as well as detailing aspects of crop agronomy,
diversification and also growing location. Both major growing areas are subject to the
incidence of severe cyclones which can have a significant effect on production.

Upgrade existing strategic plans for rambutan, mangosteen and durian.

The information gained above will be used to develop an overarching TEFA strategic plan
which can be used to direct research, development and extension activities for the next five
years.

The strategic plan will also be of significant value to industry development partners in federal
and state research and development agencies.

Methodology
A RIRDC project was initiated in 2007 but postponed until early 2009, to develop a strategic
direction plan for the industry. The process undertaken included:

• Formation of a project steering committee (February 2010);

• Formulation of industry stock take methods;
• Industry meetings in Queensland and the Northern Territory (July 2009);
• Commence update of current specific crop strategic plans for rambutan, durian and
mangosteen;
• Industry strategic direction setting and supply chain workshop (March 2010);
• Meeting in Darwin with Northern Territory based board members (August 2010);
• Meeting in Babinda with Queensland based board members (September 2010);
• TEFA plan update and farm walk with Queensland growers (November 2010).

2
Industry Survey
Industry members were invited and encouraged to fill in a survey form. The survey aimed to
identify information about the makeup of the tropical exotic producing community and was
conducted in the 2009/10 financial year.

The results of the survey provided the basis for the industry stocktake and industry value
analysis in this report.

Questions were aimed at defining:

• The tropical exotic grower

• Issues which impacted on production and business
• Influence of past strategic planning exercises
• Use of RIRDC resources
• Proposed strategic directions.

Responses were received from eighty five participants which included 50 from the NT and 35
from Queensland. The response rate of 35 responses from Queensland growers was 17.5%
(35/120 growers) given that estimates suggest there are approximately 120 growers involved
in some form of tropical exotic fruit production. The 35 responses from Qld included the
major tropical fruit producers. In calculating tree numbers for Queensland the project team
included trees that they were aware of which were not covered in the survey data. The team
is confident that it has captured the bulk of trees.

The low response rate from Queensland is likely to be due to producers still recovering from
Cyclone Larry (March 2006) and the fact that many of these smaller producers were engaged
in income activities (work) unrelated to the farm.

Full results are provided at Appendix 1.

The TEFA 2009 Exotic Fruit Growers Industry Survey Booklet is at Appendix 2.

3
Industry Stocktake and Industry Value
Introduction
An industry stocktake was designed to gather data on the number of new and mature
plantings of tropical fruit species and production data at the time of the survey. Each survey
participant was asked to fill in the table below (Table 1) for each species grown on their
farm.

Survey participants provided tree number and production data for 25 tropical fruits (Table 2).

Table 1 Example - stocktake and production table in the grower survey

Tree Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production
Age Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07) (05/06)

Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Tree Production

Number
Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

A diverse range of fruit species have been introduced into northern Australia. The bulk of
them are grown by plant/fruit collectors. The variety of fruits grown is shown in Table 3,
below, which lists the species collected and shown at the 2010 Innisfail “Feast of the Senses”
market day display. The Feast is a celebration of all things tropical. The tropical exotic fruit
grown in the region are an important part of the display. The display was made up of 78
species which included 60 species of tropical exotic fruit, five common tropical species, six
native fruit species. The display also included six tropical vegetable species and one spice.

4
Table 2 Tropical fruit for which tree numbers and production data was provided
Common Name Latin Name Common Name Latin Name

Rambutan Nephelium Carambola Averrhoa carambola

lappaceum
Durian Durio zibethinus Water/Malay Syzygium
Apple aqueum/malaccense
Mangosteen Garcinia Abiu Pouteria caimito
mangostana
Jack fruit Artocarpus Breadfruit Artocarpus atilis
heterophyllus
Pomelo Citrus grandis Hogs Plum Spondias cytherea

Soursop Annona muricarta Asian custard Annona squamosa x

apple cherimola
Rollinia Rollinia mucosa Sugar Banana Musa spp

Sapodilla Manilkara zapota Common Tropical Fruit

Jaboticaba Myrciaria cauliflora Papaya Carica papaya

Duku-Langsat Lansium domesticum Passion fruit Passiflora spp.

Guava Psidium guajava Figs Ficus carica

Dragon fruit Hylocerus Thaitian Lime Citrus latifolia

polyrhizus/undatus
Star Apple Chrysophyllum Longan Dimocarpus longan
caimito

Five of the 25 tropical fruits grown (Papaya, Passionfruit, Figs, Tahitian Limes and Longan)
are well established and are represented by their own producer associations, hence they will
not be dealt with in any detail in this report.

5
Table 3 Exotic tropical fruit, common tropical fruit, native fruit and tropical vegetable
species displayed at the 2010 Feast of the Senses market day display

Common Name Scientific Name

Exotic Tropical Fruit
Soursop Annona muricarta
Bignay Antidesma bunis
Kelidang Artocarpos anisophyllus
Breadfruit Artocarpus atilis
Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
Kwai Muk Artocarpus hypargyreus
Lakoocha Artocarpus lakoocha
Terap Artocarpus odoratissimus
Monkey Jack Artocarpus rigidus
Bilimbi Averrhoa bilimbi
Carambola Averrhoa carambola
Tampoi Baccaurea angulata
Baccaurea (Rambai) Baccaurea motleyana
Tampoi Baccurea macrocarpa
Ackee Blighia sapida
Peanut Butter fruit Bunchosia armeniaca
Star Apple Chrysophyllum caimito
Pomelo Citrus grandis
Kaffir Lime Citrus hystrix
Buddha's Hand Citrus media vr. Sarcodactylis
Coconut Cocos nucifera
Kola Nut Cola acuminata
Longan Dimocarpus longan
Black sapote Diospyros digyna
Persimmon Diospyros kaki
Durian Durio zibethinus
Araca Eugenia stipitata
Brazil Cherry Eugenia uniflora
Kumquat Fortunella polyandra
Rheedia Garcinia brasillensis

6
Table 3 continued

Common Name Scientific Name

Camboge Garcinia cambogia
Yellow mangosteen Garcinia dulcis
Achacha Garcinia humilis?
Mangosteen Garcinia mangostana
Button Mangosteen Garcinia prainiana
Dragon Fruit - red flesh Hylocerus polyrhizus
Dragon Fruit - white flesh Hylocerus undatus
Ice Cream bean Inga spp.
Langsat Lansium domesticum
Mamey Mammea americana
Sapodilla Manilkara zapota
South American Sapote Matisia cordata
Banana – exotic (Red Dacca, Dwarf French
Plantain, Blue Java, Sucree) Musa spp

Rambutan Nephelium lappaceum

Nephelium op Nephelium sp. Uncinatum
Pandanus Nut Pandanus sp.
Passion Fruit Passiflora spp.
Abiu Pouteria caimito
Mamey sapote Pouteria sapota
Guava Psidium guajava
Rollinia (Biriba) Rollinia mucosa
Salak Salacca edulis
Thai Salak Salacca wallichiana
Santol Sandoricum koetjape

Yellow dragonfruit Selenicerius megalanthus

Hogs Plum (Ambarella) Spondias cytherea

Miracle Fruit Synsepaleum dulcifium
Malay apple Syzgium mallacensis
Water Apple Syzygium aqueum
African Breadfruit Treculia africana

7
Table 3 continued

Common Name Scientific Name

Spice
Vanilla Vanilla planifolia
Common Tropical Fruit

Pineapple Ananas comosus

Custard Apple Annona squamosa x cherimola
Papaya Carica papaya
Mango Mangifera indica
Avocado Persea americana

Tropical Vegetables
Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
Bamboo Shoot Bambusa sp.
Taro Colocasia esculenta
Costus flower - French Kiss Costus woodsoniana
Torch Ginger Etlingera elatior
Cassava Manihot esculentus

Native Fruit
Lemon Aspen Acronychia acidula
Atherton Nut Athertonia diversifolia
Finger lime Citrus australasica
Russell river lime Citrus inodora
Davidson plum Davidsonia pruriens
Noni Morinda citrifolia

8
Stocktake results
The industry stocktake was relatively comprehensive with planting data collected on 18
tropical exotic species.

Plant numbers were highly variable between growing locations with Queensland having more
trees for 10 of the 18 species (Table 4 and 5).

Primary Commercial Species

There are three species of dragon fruit (pitaya) normally grown and marketed (Hylocersus
undatus (red skin white flesh), Hylocerus polyrhizus (red skin
red flesh) and Selenicereus megalanthus (yellow skin with
white flesh). The fruits are members of the cactus family.
They are popular among immigrants of Vietnamese decent.
The fruit are an attractive addition to a fruit platter. Some
consider the flesh bland. The red fleshed species lends itself to
be used as a base for exotic spiced or sweet sauces. Dragon
fruit is currently the most prolific species recorded in the
survey with 50,100 planting sites#. The bulk of the plantings are in the NT (34,150 sites or
62.2% of total plantings). The survey did not distinguish between the three species but
experience suggests that the bulk of the plantings in the NT are based on Hylocerus undatus
while Queensland produces a high proportion of Hylocerus polyrhizus. The third species (S.
megalanthus) is usually grown in small quantities. The farm gate value of the pitaya
industry, based on the survey data, is $2.25M from a production of 750 tonnes.
#
- A planting site or pole may consist of up to three individual plants.

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) has been the main stay of the tropical exotic fruit
industry. The fruit is the “tropical” cousin of lychee and
longan. The attractive soft spined exterior skin surrounds the
sweet translucent to white flesh containing one seed.
Rambutan is best eaten as a fresh fruit. The majority of trees
are located in north Queensland (approx. 20,000 or 79.7% of
total plantings) with approximately 5000 trees recorded in the
NT. The production potential of rambutan, at a modest yield
of 25 kg per tree, is 627 tonnes valued at $3.76M. Rambutan
production is dependent on ideal environmental conditions. Hence yearly production is
highly variable.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is considered the “Queen” of tropical fruit. The thick
purple skin surrounds a number of white fleshed citrus like
segments which may contain one or two seeds. Mangosteen is
primarily grown in north Queensland (11,606 trees or 98.6% of
total plantings). The remaining 163 trees are recorded in the
NT. This is not unexpected given that mangosteen is not
ideally suited to the monsoonal tropics. The production
potential of mangosteen, at a modest yield of 15 kg per tree is
176 tonnes valued at $1.77M. Mangosteen production is dependent on ideal environmental
conditions. Hence yearly production is highly variable.

9
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a relative of breadfruit and mulberry and is chiefly
grown for its ripe fruit that is eaten fresh or used in desserts
and sweet drinks. Immature green fruit is also commonly used
in vegetable curries and the seed of ripe fruit can be eaten after
being boiled or roasted. Jackfruit is an increasingly important
fruit with major plantings in The NT (7,240 trees, 78.1% of
total production). The remaining 2,031 trees are grown in
north Queensland. The fruit also has an important profile in
farmers markets in the Northern Territory. The estimated production potential of Jackfruit, at
a yield of 80 kg/tree is 741 tonnes valued at $2.6M. Selected varieties of Jackfruit are
assumed to have potential for the fresh cut market. This would allow the fruit to be
introduced to a new market.

The pomelo (Citrus grandis) a citrus, best suited to the hot humid tropics, is the largest of the
citrus fruits with specimens recorded up to 6 kg in weight.
Pomelos are round or pear shaped depending on cultivar and
tend to have relatively thick rind. Skin colour is generally light
green, yellow or light pink. The flesh varies in colour from
pale yellow to pink. The juice sacks are large and lightly
crunchy containing a mildly sweet acidic juice. The fruit is a
favourite among Chinese people, particularly during festivals such as Chinese New Year and
the Moon Festival. Pomelo is grown widely in tropical north Australia with major plantings
in the NT (4,100 trees or 76.7% of total). The fruit are growing in acceptability in the market
and are being increasingly utilised by high-end restaurants in fusion style salads. The
estimated production potential of pomelo, at a yield of 60 kg/tree is 321 tonnes valued at
$0.96M.

Durian (Durio zibethinus) the “King” of tropical fruit perfectly represents the term “exotic
fruit”. A fruit armoured with spines and a pungent odour when ripe.
The creamy edible flesh surrounding the seeds has a flavour similar to
garlic custard. The bulk of trees accounted for in the survey are in the
Northern Territory (3,107 or 62.2% of total). The remaining 1,888
trees in Queensland are the survivors following cyclone Larry. Pre
Larry stock-take suggested that there were up to 13,000 durian trees
planted in north Queensland. The estimated production potential of
durian, at a yield of 12 kg/tree is 60 tonnes valued at $0.48M.

Guava (Psidium guajava) is well known for its use as an ingredient in tropical juices. The
skin and interior flesh containing small seeds are edible when
immature as a crisp fruit or as a mature soft fruit. Flesh colour
varies with variety from white to salmon pink. The white
fleshed fruit are supplied to the market as mature unripe for
fresh fruit consumption. The pink fruit are supplied for fresh
fruit consumption as ripe fruit. The fruit, in particular the pink
fleshed varieties, have recently gained notoriety with exposure
on Master Chef®. Guava is an underrated fruit with major
plantings in Northern Territory (3,290 trees or 86.2% of total production). The remaining
525 trees are grown in north Queensland. The estimated production potential of guava, at a
yield of 30 kg/tree is 114 tonnes valued at $0.5M.

10
Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) or star fruit has been widely grown as a back yard fruit
tree along the SE coast of Queensland and northern Australia.
Commercial plantings exist from northern NSW, southern and
central Queensland and the rural regions surrounding Darwin.
The main commercial cultivars are B2, B10, B17, Arkin, Fung
Tung and Giant Siam (Diczbalis and McMahon 2004). The
fruit is primarily grown for the food service market where it is
used as a garnish surrounding fruit platters. The survey
indicates there are 2,200 trees (65.7%) planted in Queensland
with the bulk of commercial trees in regional areas
surrounding Rockhampton and Bundaberg. The remaining
1,150 trees are grown in the Darwin rural area. The estimated production potential of
carambola, at a yield of 45 kg/tree is 150 tonnes valued at $1.21M. Opportunities exist for
industry expansion if the fruit can be introduced to the larger Australian market. The fruit is
highly versatile as a fresh fruit and a refreshing juice.

Soursop (Annona muricata) or guanabana is a relative of the better known custard apple and
native to central and South America. The fruit flesh is ideal
for use in tropical flavoured ice-creams and juices. Recently
the fruit is being touted on the internet as having anti-cancer
properties (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/soursop-and-cancer-
cure.html). This has increased demand for product. The bulk
of soursop is grown in north Queensland (2440 trees or 97.6%
of total plantings). There are reported to be 60 trees in the
Northern Territory. The estimated production potential of
soursop, at a yield of 20 kg/tree is 50 tonnes valued at $0.30M. Opportunities exist for
industry expansion if the fruit can be successfully introduced to the specialist food service
market.

Secondary species

Duku–Langsat (Langsium domesticum) is a relatively unknown fruit in Australia although

well known in Thailand, Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian islands.
The fruit are grape like clusters on the trunk and main branches of the
tree. The fruit is covered in a leathery skin which is easily peeled to
reveal two to three translucent flesh segments. Immature fruit produce
latex at the edge of the broken skin. Fruit may contain one greenish
seed similar in size to a pumpkin seed. In most cases the seeds are
aborted. The flesh has a refreshing flavour with a hint of acidity. The
survey revealed a surprising number of trees in northern Queensland and
the Northern Territory. There are 1200 trees planted in north
Queensland (68.7%) with a further 550 trees (31%) in the NT.

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) is an attractive fruit native to South America but well
know through Asia with a particular following in the
Philippines. Trees are grown throughout northern Australia
where they are often planted for their attractive foliage. The
survey data suggests there are a total of 1,717 trees with the
bulk (68.3%) grown in the NT. There are purple skinned (Cv.
Grimal and Haitian) and green skinned (cv. Philippine Gold)
fruit with green skinned fruit generally receiving a higher
market price.

11
Rollinia (Rollinia deliciosa) also known as Biriba is a relative of custard apple native to
tropical central America and south America. The fruit is a
yellow and heart shaped with a bumpy surface of soft leathery
spines. The soft white tasty flesh is interspersed with black
seeds which are not eaten. The tree is commonly propagated
by seed and no varieties exist in commercial production. The
fruit is challenging to move when ripe but a number of
specialist growers are managing to get the fruit to southern
markets. Fruit are best eaten fresh or can be used in cooking
(cheese cakes and ice creams). The survey suggests that 100% of the crop is grown in far
north Queensland (1330 trees). The tree bears early and prolifically.

Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) or chico is native to Mexico and central America. The fruits
aromatic and sweet “brown sugar” like flesh has led to its
cultivation throughout tropical regions of the world. It is
particularly popular in India and latex from the trees was
extracted as the base for chewing gum prior to the
development of synthetic gum base. The survey suggests there
are 1076 trees with 79.6% (856 trees) in north Queensland and
220 trees in the Northern Territory. The tree is ideal for back
yard production. The fruit lends itself to fresh eating and the flesh can be stirred into creams,
ice creams and mousse.

Hog Plum (Spondias cythera) or Fiji Apple, Ambarella, Vi Apple or Otaheite Apple is a
member of the mango and cashew family. The fruit, dark
green in colour, is plum shaped sweet-sour to taste and is eaten
at all stages of ripeness. The fruits have a distinct spiny seed
that hardens as the fruits mature thus requiring care when the
flesh is sucked from the seed. Although the fruit is native to
the Pacific it is now commonly grown and eaten throughout SE
Asia and Central America. The fruit is grown commercially in
the Northern Territory with 890 trees representing 97.3% of total plantings. Fruit is produced
from two major selections a large tree and a dwarf variety.

Abiu (Pouteria caimito) originates from South America in the tropical regions of Peru and
Brazil. The yellow fruit is round to oval in shape and some
varieties have a nipple like protrusion at the end of the fruit.
The fruit is best eaten fresh to reveal the subtle caramel
flavoured flesh. There are a number of selections which
include Gray, Z2, Z4 and E4. There are a total of 610 trees
with 73.8% (450 trees) in North Queensland and 122 trees in
the Northern Territory. Abiu was regarded as an exotic fruit
with potential (Ross 1997). Production is generally not a
problem. The fruit bruises easily and the major challenge is
getting unbruised fruit to market.

12
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a fruit native to the Pacific islands and is inexorably
connected to Captain Bligh who was responsible for
transporting the trees from Tahiti to the West Indies. The fruit
is an important staple food in the Pacific and can be used for
making crisps and chips. The tree is truly tropical in its
requirements and is ideally suited to the Northern Territory. In
Queensland its range is currently restricted to areas north of
Cairns or elevated areas, free of the influence of cold air
drainage, south of Cairns. The survey suggests there are nearly 500 trees with 350 trees
(74.2%) located in north Queensland. The remaining 120 trees are planted in the rural areas
adjacent to Darwin.

Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) are native to southern Brazil. The fruit are produced
directly on the main trunk and branches and are similar in
appearance to a large black skinned grape. The skin of
jaboticaba is relatively thick and contains a translucent flesh
similar to a grape. The fruit are delicious when eaten fresh and
would lend themselves to being presented in a punnet similar
to temperate berries. The survey suggests there are 441
commercial trees with all of them present in north Queensland.
Jaboticaba will also grow successfully in sub-tropical areas such as SE Queensland.

Malay and WaterApple (Syzygium malaccense and S. aqueum) are native to the Indo Malay
region. Malay and Water Apple are closely related to
Australia’s lillypillies but are larger fruit in comparison. The
fruit vary in colour, white to deep crimson red, and usually
have a crisp white flesh. The whole fruit is edible except for a
seed which is found in the Malay Apple. The fruit is
traditional eaten fresh with an accompanying spiced salty dry
dip. The fruit lends itself to fresh salads. The survey records
suggest there are 383 trees in production with the bulk of trees
(79% or 303 trees) being grown in the Northern Territory. The remaining trees are produced
in north Queensland

Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna) or chocolate pudding fruit is native to Mexico and a close
relative of persimmon. The fruit is easily produced in the
tropics from a variety of seedling selections. Large squat fruit
are preferred to the smaller oval types. The fruit is a culinary
fruit because it is best used in recipes where it is used in
association with chocolate or as a replacement for chocolate
colouration. The fruit are climactic and can be picked green
mature. They are best to consume when fully softened. The
tree is hardy and is used successfully as a windbreak. The tree is well adapted to warmer
sub-tropical areas as well as the west coast of north Queensland. There are an unquantified
number of trees in northern Australia. Market demand is increasing due to interest in the
fruit from chefs.

Achacharu (Garcina humilis) is a fruit recently introduced from Bolivia. It is related to

mangosteen and is borne on a tree similar in appearance but
with smaller lanceolate leaves and more sun tolerant. The
trees of the variety “A-SE” (17,000 trees) are owned (under
plant variety rights) by one company and planted in an area
south of Townsville. The fruit is bright yellow in colour and

13
egg shaped. The white crisp flesh, surrounding a single seed is slightly acidic in nature and is
delicious fresh. The skin can be used to make a refreshing drink and the flesh also lends
itself to being used in purees and juices.

There are many more tropical exotic fruit species grown for commercial gain as well as by
collectors (Table 6). Many of these are believed to have commercial potential and
entrepreneurial growers are testing the commercial realities of a number of these fruits.
Species such as Acerola (Malpighia glabra), Grumichama (Eugenia braziliensis), Canisel
(Pouteria campechiana), Kwai muk (Artocarpus hypargyreus), Rambai (Baccaurea
motleyana), Mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) and Miracle fruit (Synsepaleum dulcifium) are
some of them.

14
Table 4 Primary commercial tropical exotic fruit grown in Queensland and the NT
Tree Age (years)
No. Crop State 0-1 2-4 5-10 11-19 20+ Total

1 Dragon Fruit Qld 1000 950 6500 7500 0 15950

NT 1200 4950 25400 2000 600 34150
Total 2200 5900 31900 9500 600 50100
2 Rambutan Qld 1365 3720 6465 5990 2455 19995
NT 0 600 2260 767 1460 5087
Total 1365 4320 8725 6757 3915 25082
3 Mangosteen Qld 0 2300 2122 4474 2710 11606
NT 10 0 53 0 100 163
Total 10 2300 2175 4474 2810 11769
4 Jackfruit Qld 40 260 861 570 300 2031
NT 0 650 6110 480 0 7240
Total 40 910 6971 1050 300 9271
5 Pomelo Qld 0 200 295 600 150 1245
NT 0 0 4100 0 0 4100
Total 0 200 4395 600 150 5345
6 Durian Qld 0 90 92 1206 500 1888
NT 0 0 7 3000 100 3107
Total 0 90 99 4206 600 4995
7 Guava Qld 0 150 130 245 0 525
NT 0 0 3290 0 0 3290
Total 0 150 3420 245 0 3815
8 Carambola Qld 130 735 450 712 175 2202
NT 4 45 900 0 200 1149
Total 134 780 1350 712 375 3351
9 Soursop Qld 50 1090 950 300 50 2440
NT 0 35 24 0 0 59
Total 50 1125 974 300 50 2499

15
Table 5 Secondary commercial tropical exotic fruit grown in Queensland and the NT
Tree Age (years)
No. Crop State 0-1 2-4 5-10 11-19 20+ Total

10 Duku-Langsat Qld 195 60 86 830 37 1208

NT 0 0 550 0 0 550
Total 195 60 636 830 37 1758
11 Star Apple Qld 20 110 65 150 200 545
NT 0 0 1172 0 0 1172
Total 20 110 1237 150 200 1717
12 Rollinia Qld 50 230 800 200 50 1330
NT 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 50 230 800 200 50 1330
13 Sapodilla Qld 150 161 245 150 150 856
NT 0 40 30 0 150 220
Total 150 201 275 150 300 1076
14 Hogs Plum Qld 0 0 0 25 0 25
NT 0 200 690 0 0 890
Total 0 200 690 25 0 915
15 Abiu Qld 0 50 150 150 100 450
NT 0 0 10 150 0 160
Total 0 50 160 300 100 610
16 Breadfruit Qld 50 0 0 150 150 350
NT 0 0 42 80 0 122
Total 50 0 42 230 150 472
17 Jaboticaba Qld 34 28 147 66 166 441
NT 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 34 28 147 66 166 441
18 Water/Malay Apple Qld 0 80 0 0 0 80
NT 150 30 123 0 0 303
Total 150 110 123 0 0 383

16
Industry Value
The current and potential value of the industry is difficult to determine due to the low
volumes of tropical exotic fruit passing through the commercial market system, not being
recorded. Fruit production and availability varies depending on seasonal influences as do the
resultant whole sale prices.

The value of the industry has been calculated based on a number of assumptions (Table 6).

These assumptions include:

• The tree number data collected is a true reflection of what exists;

• All trees accounted for in the survey are productive at the average yields indicated or
will be productive in the near future. The yield used are conservative in nature;
• The average price per kg indicated is realised in the market place. The prices used
for the calculation are conservative in nature.

The tropical exotic fruit industry is valued at $16.03M with the Queensland produced
component, valued at $9.51M and the NT produced component, valued at $6.52M.

Table 6 Assumed value of tropical exotic fruits produced in the NT and Queensland
Tree Numbers

Gross Total Average Average

Value Total Tree Production Yield Price
Crop Qld NT $M Number (T) kg/tree $/kg

Dragon Fruit 15950 34150 2.25 50100 751.5 15 3

Rambutan 19995 5087 3.76 25082 627.1 25 6

Mangosteen 11606 163 1.77 11769 176.5 15 10

Jack Fruit 2031 7240 2.60 9271 741.7 80 3.5

Pomelo 1245 4100 0.96 5345 320.7 60 3

Durian 1888 3107 0.48 4995 59.9 12 8

Guava 525 3290 0.46 3815 114.5 30 4

Carambola 2202 1149 1.21 3351 150.8 45 8

Soursop 2440 59 0.30 2499 50.0 20 6

Achacha 17000 0 1.53 17000 255.0 15 6

Others 5000 4000 0.72 9000 90.0 10 8

TOTAL 79882 62345 $16.03 142227

17
Cyclone Risk and Avoidance Strategies
Introduction
Tropical cyclones pose a considerable risk to tropical exotic fruit and crop production regions
in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory.

In north Queensland the primary production region for tropical exotic fruit ranges from
Cooktown (15o 46’S) to Murray Upper (18o 04’S) with the bulk of production being produced
along the coastal strip within a 100km radius of Cairns (Figure 1). Production of tropical
fruits which are well adapted to the sub tropics such dragon fruit, carambola, black sapote
occurs in the western regions of the Tablelands and as far south as the Sunshine coast rural
area, north of Brisbane.

Cooktown 15o46’S

Murray Upper 18o04’S

Figure 1 Map of far north Queensland indicating the main coastal zone for the
production of tropical exotic fruit

18
In the Northern Territory the bulk of tropical exotic fruit production occurs within a 100
kilometre radius of south of Darwin with the bulk of production within 50 km of the NT
capital (Figure 2).

Darwin 12oS

Figure 2 Map of regional areas surrounding Darwin in the NT indicating the main
production area for tropical exotic fruit

19
Cyclone Ratings and History
Cyclones are internationally rated in strength from Category 1 to Category 5 (Table7).

Table 7 Cyclone rating as per the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

Category Sustained Strongest gusts Typical effects at centre
wind speeds (km/hour)
(km/hour)

1 63-88 < 125 Negligible house damage,

Damage to some crops, trees and caravans.
2 89-117 125-164 Minor house damage,
Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans
Heavy damage to some crops.
3 118-159 165-224 Some roof and structural damage,
Some caravans destroyed and blown away
Power failure likely.
4 160-199 225-279 Significant roofing loss and structural damage,
Many caravans destroyed and blown away,
Dangerous airborne debris,
Widespread power failure.
5 >200 >280 Extremely dangerous and widespread destruction.

The effect of increasing wind strength is exponential, not linear. For example a Category 5
cyclone can cause up to 250 times the damage of a category 3 cyclone (BOM website).

Table 8 indicates the number and names of cyclones, from 1980 to 2006, which crossed the
coast within 100 km of Cairns and Darwin (BOM website, 2010). The assumption made is
that the potential for damage may have occurred in a growing region. Where possible the
level of damage as reported by tropical fruit growers is indicated.

20
Table 8 Tropical Cyclones (TC) which passed within 100 km of Cairns and Darwin from
1980 to 2006
Cyclone Cairns Darwin

1 TC Vernon; Jan1986 TC Max; Mar 1981

2 TC Winifred; Feb 1986** TC Amelia; Dec 1981

3 TC Felicity; Dec 1989 TC (unnamed); Dec 1981

4 TC Ivor; Mar 1990 TC Ferdinand; Mar 1984

5 TC Justin; Mar 1997 TC Gretel; Apr 1985

6 TC Rona; Feb 1999* TC Sam; Jan 1990

7 TC Steve; Mar 2000* TC Bobby; Feb 1995

8 TC Abigail; Mar 2001 TC Vance; Mar 1999

9 TC Larry; Mar 2006*** TC Craig; Mar 2003

10 TC Yasi, February 2011*** TC Monica; Apr 2006*

* - indicates level of damage reported by tropical exotic fruit growers

* - minor, ** - moderate, *** - severe

The tracks of the cyclones listed in Table 8 (excluding TC Yasi) are shown in Figure 3. This
information is readily available from the cyclone data base on the BOM website
(http://reg.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/silo/cyclones.cgi) and offers an interesting historical
perspective on cyclone activity in northern Australia.

a. b.

Figure 3 Cyclones which crossed the coast within 100 km of Cairns and Darwin
between 1980 and 2006

Cyclone Larry

A recent example of a destructive cyclone, severely effecting production is Cyclone Larry

which made landfall in the vicinity of Innisfail on the early hours of Monday 20 March 2006.

Extreme orchard damage occurred within a radius of approximately 30 km from Innisfail and
includes orchards from Josephine Falls in the north, Mena Creek to the south west and
Silkwood to the south of Innisfail. In this area up to 90% of the established rambutan,
mangosteen and durian orchards were badly damaged. Substantial damage to orchards and or

21
net infrastructure occurred from Bellenden Ker in the north to East Feluga in the south.
Damage to young trees and net infrastructure occurred on the fringes of cyclone affected
areas such as Murray Upper and Fishery Falls to White Rock (southern Cairns). A profile of
damage and the estimated value is shown in Table 9.

Table 9 A profile of tree damage, loss of crop and infrastructure damage due to
Cyclone Larry
Rambutan Mangosteen Durian Lychee Other Total

Average Tree Age 10.87 11.86 11.31 10.78 10.17 11.00

Trees beyond recovery 5839 878 1047 810 1702 10276

Trees partially damaged 2340 5628 204 226 2142 10540

Total Number of trees in

orchard 12034 10193 1210 1942 5041 30420

Value ($) of crop lost $2,400,010 $1,241,705 $273,650 $0 $381,495 $4,296,860

Value of net infrastructure

damaged $43,980 $0 $0 $6,000 $18,020 $68,000

Other loss (e.g. Packaging,

shed etc.) $305,900 $5,500 $10,000 $20,000 $41,500 $382,900

Estimated cost ($) of

recovery action (chain
sawing time, stakes, rope,
labour) $280,900 $86,200 $10,500 $40,850 $71,625 $490,075

TOTAL $5,237,835

The effect of Larry went beyond the immediate damage and destruction which occurred due
to the cyclone (Figure 4). Industry moral was extremely affected and the long road to
financial recovery is still underway.

22
 Uprooted rambutan orchard Rambutan partly uprooted

Damage to windbreak trees Uprooted rambutan

Mangosteen orchard – windbreak damage Snapped trunk – Albizzia falcarta

Rambutan orchard damage to nets Durian tree snapped

Figure 4 Images of orchard damage following tropical cyclone Larry in March 2006

23
Cyclone Yasi

Following completion of the draft of this report in January 2011, tropical cyclone Yasi
crossed the north Queensland coastline in the vicinity of South Mission Beach between
midnight and 1am early on Thursday 3rd February. Yasi maintained a strong core with
damaging winds and heavy rain, tracking westwards across northern Queensland and finally
weakened to a tropical low near Mount Isa around 10pm on 3rd February.

Extensive damage occurred to tropical tree crops in a 50-60 km radius of Mission

Beach/Tully.

In the main damage area from El Arish to Kennedy there are an estimated 18,000 tropical
exotic trees representing 20 species. Estimated tree losses in this area range from 60 to 80%
depending on location and species. In the Mena Creek/South Johnstone/Innisfail region there
are an estimated 26,000 trees with approximately 20 to 30% tree loss. In the Woopen Creek
region there are approximately 4,000 trees with approximately 20% tree loss. In the Bartle
Frere to Bellenden Ker region there are approximately 5,000 trees with approximately 20%
tree loss. The bulk of the species affected are rambutan, mangosteen and durian.

There have also been reports of tree loss on farms in the Cape Tribulation and Weienbel
valley area north of Mossman.

The other species adversely affected is lychee. Lychees are grown along the east coast from
Cooktown to Coffs Harbour. A significant proportion of the industry is located on the
Atherton Tablelands which escaped damage from Cyclone Yasi. There are also a number of
farms along the wet tropical coast, with approximately 20,000 trees located in the region
south of Tully to Townsville with centers of production in the Murray Upper, Kennedy and
Rollingstone areas. One farm in the Murray Upper region with 6,500 trees lost 6,000 of these
trees. Total lychee loss in the region is estimated at 8,000 trees or 40% of the total.

The effects of Cyclone Yasi have left the Queensland tropical tree fruit industry in tatters.
Most growers have not maintained their membership status with TEFA. A number of
growers have abandoned their farming pursuits and are concentrating on earning an income
outside of farming. Key industry members are concentrating on recovery, consolidating what
they grow and pursuing production methods which may improve the chances of tree survival
when the next cyclone strikes.

Cyclone damage mitigation

Cyclones can be particularly destructive to orchards, infrastructure and buildings. Damage
mitigation strategies are limited in the face of a category 5 cyclone as demonstrated by
tropical cyclone Larry.

The industry as a whole is partly protected by the geographical separation of growing regions
(the top-end of the Northern Territory and far north Queensland) although it is acknowledged
that both these regions are in a high risk cyclone zones. The chance of severe damage being
inflicted simultaneously is unlikely.

24
Observations from tropical cyclones Larry and Yasi include:

• Tall trees (particularly rambutan) were very susceptible to being uprooted or

snapping
• Little difference in the level of damage between grafted and marcotted rambutan;
• Uprooted grafted rambutans often showed signs of root restriction due to being pot
bound
• A number of trees which survived the initial onslaught of the cyclone slowly died 3
to 4 months after the event. This was particularly evident in rambutan
• Trees with a full crop and drape netted were particularly susceptible to damage
• A lot of damage in orchards was caused by windbreak trees which failed to cope with
the severe winds
o Windbreak trees to avoid include Caribbean Pine, Monterey Pine(Pinus
radiata) and Albizia Albizia falcarta)
o Windbreaks with mixed performance include jackfruit (Artocarpus
heterophyllus) and Acacia (Acacia mangeum)
o Windbreaks which were tolerant included black sapote (Diospyros digyna)
and Queensland Maple (Flindersia brayleana)
• Mature durian (Durio zebethinus) trees were particularly susceptible to snapping.

Observations by industry members and Department of Primary Industry officers indicate that
there are a number of areas where potential changes in production systems and associated
infrastructure may assist in reducing damage.

Potential areas for improvement include the following;

• Growers to program tree pruning with the aim of maintaining trees at a height below
4.5 m
o This should be undertaken with knowledge of the potential negative effects
of pruning on terminal flowering trees such as rambutan, longan and lychee.
• Ensuring trees are produced with a sound root system. Traditional propagation
practices need to be amended to avoid root balling while seedlings are maintained in
pots. Grower/propagators are referred to information on alternative propagation
techniques which may be worth further examination
o the “mini-tree” propagation and seedling techniques pioneered by John
Maurice (Verheij and Lovenstein, 2004).
o use of cuttings as a propagation techniques as pioneered by Goren and Gazit
(2005) for the production of lychee in Israel.
• Planting wind resistant windbreaks
o such as Black Sapote or Queensland Maple.
• The development of netting systems (for protecting fruits from winged vertebrate
pests) which can be rapidly removed and stored prior to the arrival of a cyclone.

A number of growers are investigating production techniques which combine the benefits of
high density planting and trellising. Trellised tropical fruit trees planted following Cyclone
Larry, on one major innovative farm, withstood the full force of Cyclone Yasi in February
2011. The recovery of trees, trellised or free standing, following defoliation caused by
cyclonic winds, appears to be an important issue for some species. The ability of trellised
trees to resist very destructive winds will depend on the trellis age, strength of the trellis
structure and associated trellis wires as well as factors such as, wind direction, canopy cover,
crop load and the presence or absence of netting.

25
It is likely that despite the high risks associated with growing tree crops in cyclone prone
zones the production of tropical exotic fruit will continue into the future due to the
enthusiasm and tenacity of growers who seek the challenge of producing tropical exotic fruit.

A recent report released by the Queensland Government (Anon

www.climatechange.qld.gov.au/pdf/regionsummary-fnq.pdf) with modelling input from CSIRO and the
Bureau of Meteorology suggests that due to the complex nature of cyclones linked to global
climate patterns and sea surface temperatures cyclone frequency is difficult to predict. Never
the less the report predicts a 10 percent increase in cyclone intensity and frequency. Hence
there is no doubt that cyclones will impact negatively on industry development and
profitability in the future.

26
Strategic Plans
Industry direction plan
A number of meetings were held with growers in north Queensland and the Northern
Territory to discuss the future of the industry and a need for an industry strategic plan.

Grower enthusiasm for planning is currently not high for a range of reasons.

• In north Queensland
o Grower morale is still low following cyclone Larry. The 2009/10 season was
the first in which growers started to produce following the cyclone
o The tropical exotic fruit industry is highly competitive and for financial
viability many growers are retreating to their farms and are reluctant to
engage in open exchange
o The innovators who developed the industry in the late 1970’s and 1980’s are
aging and starting to leave the industry.

• In the Northern Territory

o There has been a shift in the ethnicity of growers over the last decade with
new growers from SE Asia less likely to engage in public forums and
industry associations
o The viability of the industry has declined as more produce is available on the
market
o The innovators who developed the industry in the late 1970’s and 1980’s are
aging and starting to leave the industry.

As a result, the current organisation is not overly active and operates at a low input level.
However, there are active attempts to rehabilitate TEFA which currently appear promising.

A major industry strategic planning work shop attended by 32 growers was held in March
2010. Those present debated the merits of having an industry organisation.

Important directions for the immediate future of the organisation include.

1. Communication with growers and affiliated bodies (newsletter & website)

2. Dealing with industry issues (e.g. chemical registrations, winged vertebrate pests,
import applications, etc.)
3. Product promotion, with particular reference to promoting product to the food
services community (Restaurants and Providores)
4. Supporting and developing projects which assist in product promotion and new crop
opportunities.

The meeting proposed that the TEFA board consider the following management proposal and
objectives (Figure 5).

27
 RIRDC - Federal Coordinating Agency
TEFA Research Providers – eg DEEDI,
Tropical Exotic Fruit Australia CSIRO, Universities

NT regional grower group for Independent Secretariat

Qld regional grower group for
networking and interaction networking and interaction

Other State
NTHA TEFA Committee producers Growcom
• 3 Qld growers regional grower Queensland horticulture
Northern Territory Horticultural
• 2 NT growers group for industry peak lobby group
28

Association, industry peak lobby group

networking and
• President – Qld based
interaction
• Secretary – NT based

Objectives
1. Communication with growers and affiliated bodies (newsletter & website)
2. Deal with industry issues (eg Chemical registration, winged vertebrate pests, etc)
3. Product promotion

Figure 5 Proposed TEFA organisational chart and objectives

Update of Existing Tropical Fruit Strategic Plans
The tropical exotic fruit industry has three existing crop strategic plans which although still valid are
due for updating;
• Durian (2001-2006)
• Mangosteen - 1997
• Rambutan – 2003
The plans are a reflection of the enthusiasm of the day. Many of the key issues and resulting actions
plans have not transpired due to a lack of industry and government support, agency funding and, most
importantly, capacity within the industry to drive the agenda.
At two grower meetings (north Queensland and the Northern Territory) growers were asked reflect on
the above crop strategic plans and identify key areas that they would like to see resourced for further
investigation. All growers (47) considered that the overarching industry plan was a priority and the
future of TEFA needed to be secured prior to updating individual crop strategic plans.

Durian
Key industry issues raised and selected in the 1999 and updated 2002 durian strategic plan are
presented in Table 10.

Table 10 Issues that have had considerable R&D effort expended on them
Sustainable Farm Management Future Industry Direction Marketing Structure

Reliable Varieties Industry Infrastructure Promotion

Clonal genepool introduction Industry size Unique product image
Clonal genepool evaluation
Tropical Tree Crop Research
Pest and Disease Control Liaison
Phytophthora, Pythium and other Information transfer
diseases

Nutrition Requirements
Industry standards

Industry participants were asked to nominate areas in which they required more information or
perceived that further R&D should occur to solve problems (Table 11).

Key areas identified included:

• Variety introduction and evaluation.

• Pollination and fruit set.

Growers are referred to key research publications which cover these areas (Lim 1997, Zappala et al
2002). Other key publications covering durian key industry sustainable farm management issues
include phytophthora management (Drenth and Guest (eds), 2004) and nutrition management
(Diczbalis and Westerhuis, 2005) and general production information (Chay et al. 2005).

29
Table 11 Durian R&D issues and the percentage of grower priority selections in 2010
Grower Grower
R&D Issue selection R&D Issue selection
Variety introduction and evaluation 57.1% Fertiliser management 28.6%
Variety ID 42.9% Irrigation management 28.6%
Rootstock/scion interactions 42.9% ID of fruit quality faults 42.9%
Disease resistance 42.9% Pruning Management 42.9%
Disease management 28.6% Pollination and fruit set 57.1%

Key issues for the durian industry for 2010 to 2015 include

Sustainable Farm Management

1. Varieties

a. Develop protocols for access to private germplasm collections.

b. Continue to collect and share information on variety performance among industry

members.

2. Pest and Disease Control

a. Ensure growers are aware of current disease management recommendations and

associated research literature.

3. Nutrition requirements and management

a. Ensure growers are aware of current nutrition management recommendations and

associated research literature.

4. General production information

a. Ensure growers are aware of current production recommendations.

b. Publish information in the industry publication/website.

Marketing and Promotion

1. Ensure Australian produced durians are highlighted at tropical exotic fruit promotional events.

30
 Table 12 Durian industry key issues identified by industry and researchers in 1999 and updated in 2002
Sustainable Farm Management Future Industry Direction Marketing Structure
Reliable Varieties Industry Infrastructure Maturity Standards
Clonal genepool introduction Industry size Development of guidelines
Clonal genepool evaluation Industry growers associations Post-harvest treatments
Seedling evaluation Industry planning Identification of inferior fruit
Rootstocks-scion interactions Industry R&D funding Promotion
Species and clonal identification and confirmation AQIS liaison and plant health Market survey
Nursery Supplies Economic analysis Unique product image
Planting stock Production costs Industry funding
Cross crop technology
Farm Design and Management QHI tropical fruit R&D&E Transport
Site selection Product compatibility
Tree life Tropical Tree Crop Research Liaison
Crop phenology Research priorities Packaging
Cultural practices Recommended clonal list Packaging design
Pollination Lack of production information New technology patent loss
Pruning Lack of registered chemicals
Loss of registered chemicals Marketing
31

Organic production Marketing systems

Cyclone susceptibility Shared research resources
Information transfer Consumer focus
Pest and Disease Control Local market
Phytophthora, Pythium and other diseases International Co-operation Domestic market
Insect pests Joint research Market returns
Durian PFF/Q Fly certification/exemption Variety identification Import replacement
Nutrition Requirements AQIS liaison
Industry standards Export Potential
Application rates and timing Off-season production
Irrigation Export market
Plant requirements and timing Indonesian production
Fertigation Value Adding
Harvest Maturity Minimal processed products
Grower training By-products
Harvesting index and Existing production
Uneven fruit ripeness and wet core
Mangosteen

Key issues identified in the 1997 Australian Mangosteen Strategic Plan included at Table 13.

Table 13 Mangosteen industry key issues identified by industry and researchers in 1999
Sustainable farm Marketing Future organisational
management direction

Inferior Fruit Quality Fruit Quality Standards Imports/Quarantine

Crop Management Packaging Organisational Structure
Long Juvenile Period Safe Food Quality Industry Position
Shelf Life (Small Investment Accreditation Business Management
Big Return) Unidentified Market Environmental Concerns
Floral Manipulation Long Juvenile Stage
Herbicides Industry Expansion
IPM - Diseases/Pests

Priority areas identified out of the above key issues include:

• Inferior fruit quality.
• Nutrition and irrigation.
• IPM pests and diseases.

Industry participants were asked to nominate key areas in which they required more information or
perceived that further R&D should occur to solve problems Key areas identified are at Table 14.

Table 14 Mangosteen R&D issues and the percentage of grower priority selections
R&D Issue Grower R&D Issue Grower
Selection
Selection
Variety ID 36.4% Irrigation management 45.5%
Length of Juvenile 45.5% ID internal fruit quality faults 27.3%
phase
Investigate grafting 36.4% Pruning Management 45.5%
Disease management 27.3% Flowering management 63.6%
Fertiliser management 36.4%

The top four issues are as follows:

• Flower management (63.6%).

• Pruning management (45.5%).

• Irrigation management (45.5%).

• Length of juvenile period (45.5%).

32
Mangosteen nutrition survey work was conducted and reported on in 2005 (Diczbalis and Westerhuis,
2005) since its identification as a priority issue in 1999. General mangosteen production technology
recommendations were published (Chay et al. 2005).

Key issues for the mangosteen industry for 2010 to 2015 include the following:

Sustainable Farm Management

1. Identification of interior fruit quality

a. Develop a project proposal to study techniques which will aid in the identification of
internal fruit quality defects.

2. Nutrition and irrigation

a. Ensure growers are aware of current nutrition and irrigation management

recommendations and associated research literature.

3. Flower management

a. Ensure growers are aware of the current research understanding and technologies
associated with managing flowering in mangosteen.

b. Develop and instigate a research project proposal specific to flower management in

mangosteen.

4. IPM pest and disease management

a. Ensure growers are aware of current pest and disease management recommendations
and associated research literature.

5. General production information

a. Ensure growers are aware of current production recommendations.

b. Publish information in the industry publication/website.

Marketing and Promotion

1. Ensure Australian produced mangosteens are highlighted at tropical exotic fruit promotional
events.

33
Rambutan

Key industry issues raised in the 1999 and updated 2003 rambutan strategic plan are presented in
Table 15.
Table 15 Rambutan industry key issues identified by industry and researchers in 1999 and
updated in 2003
Sustainable Farm Management Future Industry Direction Marketing Structure
Bird And Bat Management Imports Fruit Quality Standards
Grower And Exporter
Nutrition And Irrigation Quarantine
Registration
Management
Organisational Structure
New Market Opportunities
Canopy Management Strategies
Industry Position Packaging
IPM - Pests /Diseases Minimal Processing
Business Management
Post-Harvest Shelf Life Clean Green
Environmental and other
Safe Food Quality
Post-Harvest Dis-Infestation Management Issues
Accreditation
Treatments
Industry Expansion
Herbicide

Varietal Selections

A number of these issues have been the subject of industry and RIRDC funded research projects. Key
research and development areas have been:

• Nutrition and irrigation management (Diczbalis, 2002).

• Canopy management (Diczbalis and Drinnan, 2007).

• Post-harvest disinfestation treatments (Leach, 2004).

• Rambutan Development of Integrated Pest management – Insect identification,

monitoring and insecticide evaluation (Astridge, 2006).

• General rambutan production recommendations (Chay, et al. 2005).

Industry participants were asked to nominate areas in which they required more information or
perceived that further R&D should occur to solve problems. Key areas identified include variety
introduction (83%), propagation techniques (75.0%), flowering and fruit set management (66.7%) and
pruning management (66.7%) (Table 16).

34
Table 16 Rambutan R&D issues and the percentage of grower priority selections
R&D Issue Grower R&D Issue Grower
Selection Selection
Variety Introduction 83.3% Irrigation management 33.3%

Variety ID 58.3% ID internal fruit quality 16.7%

faults
Length of Juvenile 8.3% Pruning Management 66.7%
Phase
Propagation 75% Flowering management 66.7%
techniques
Disease management 25% Fruit Set issues 66.7%

Fertiliser management 41.7%

Other issues raised at the industry forums included out of season flowering, reducing seed size, higher
flesh to seed ratio, seedless fruit and market access.

Key issues for the rambutan industry for 2010 to 2015 include:

Sustainable Farm Management

1. New rambutan variety introductions

a. Develop a project proposal to introduce new rambutan varieties.

2. Propagation techniques

a. Develop a project to examine the use of shoot cuttings as an alternative propagation

technique.

3. Flower and fruit set management

a. Ensure growers are aware of the current research understanding and technologies
associated with managing flowering in mangosteen.

4. Pruning management

a. Ensure growers are aware of pruning management recommendations and associated

research literature.

5. General production information

a. Ensure growers are aware of current production recommendations.

b. Publish information in the industry publication/website.

Marketing and Promotion

1. Ensure Australian produced rambutan are highlighted at tropical exotic fruit promotional
events.

35
Results
Industry stocktake and industry value
A comprehensive stocktake for the industry has been undertaken in this project. The responses from
the industry survey in the financial year 2009/10 provided the basis for the stocktake. There are a
total of 142,000 trees in the tropical exotic fruit category in northern Australia. The bulk of
production is in north Queensland with 79,900 trees. The top five species in terms of tree numbers
are dragon fruit (50,100), rambutan (25,100), mangosteen (11,800), jackfruit (9,300) and pomelo
(5,300). There are a further eight species with more than a 1,000 trees and another 5 species in which
tree numbers range from 380 to 900 trees.

The potential industry value of the industry, assuming cropping and average price is $16.03 million.

This report profiles 20 exotic fruit species.

Industry Survey
The survey of industry participants indicates that 76% of participants consider themselves as
commercial producers with the majority (42%) indicating that their business is dependent on off farm
income. The bulk of producers (27%) are in the 41 to 50 age bracket with a further 45% over 50 years
of age.

Major issues impacting on the business include climate, reliability of fruit production, product price
and demand.

Survey results indicated that the majority of growers have had little interest in or taken heed of
outcomes of previous industry planning workshops. The majority of growers (62%) had not accessed
the RIRDC website. Only 9.6% of respondents indicated that they had accessed one or more RIRDC
project reports linked to their industry. Some 58% of growers reported not knowing that they could
access reports via the RIRDC website.

Survey respondents indicated that TEFA should concentrate funding on a few economic crops yet
there was still strong interest in “new” crop opportunities.

There was a strong call for more information on tropical exotic fruit production.

Cyclone Risk and Avoidance Strategies

The report identifies that cyclones are a major risk faced by the industry and lists cyclone which have
impacted on growing areas in the northern territory and north Queensland since 1980. A report on
damage caused by cyclone Larry (2006) is included. Damage mitigation strategies are discussed. The
diversified growing locations (NT and north Queensland) provide the best protection to the industry,
with the chance of severe damage being inflicted in both regions in the same season considered to be
extremely rare.

Strategic Plans
Crop specific strategic plans were reviewed by industry members. Existing plans for durian,
mangosteen and rambutan are very comprehensive and overly optimistic and a reflection of the
enthusiasm of the day. Many of the key issues and resulting action plans have not been acted on, due

36
to a lack of industry and government support agency funding and a lack of capacity within the
industry to drive the issues raised in previous plans. The report details areas of work which have been
undertaken since the previous plans were developed. Strategic plans for the period 2010 to 2015 were
limited to 5 key points per crop.

An industry plan was developed by industry members during a one day workshop in March 2010. The
workshop was facilitated by Mr Tony Biggs (Cardinal Horticultural Services). The industry which is
still recovering, following severe economic loss caused by cyclone Larry in north Queensland,
discussed the importance of a representative body such as TEFA and how it may operate in the future.
Important directions for the immediate future of the organisation include:

• Communication with growers and affiliated bodies (newsletter & website);

• Deal with industry issues (e.g. Chemical registration, winged vertebrate pests, imports
applications, etc);
• Product promotion, with particular reference to promoting product to the food services
community (Restaurants and Providores).

Implications
The work carried out in this project allows the industry to regroup and reform following the
devastation caused by cyclone Larry to industry production and morale.

The tropical exotic fruit industry can claim to be an important industry providing income
diversification opportunities in northern Australian rural communities.

Recommendations
Recommendations

• The experience of other industries indicates that the presence of a strong, viable industry
organisation which can coordinate communication across the industry and help guide its
R&D, can be advantageous to the development and viability of an industry. Participants in
this industry may like to consider how their interests may be affected in the absence of a peak
industry body.

• There is an opportunity to disseminate information relevant and useful to commercial growers

through the TEFA website and newsletters.

• Maintaining an active workshop program for growers is a useful tool to ensure they keep up to
date with current research and management techniques to maintain productivity and assure
quality in their crops.

• Many establishing industries have received great benefits from funding an industry
executive/development officer to assist with implementation of industry objectives. Growers
might like to consider whether such an investment would be useful for this industry.

• Existing plans for durian, mangosteen and rambutan need to be updated.

37
References
Anon. Climate change in the Far North Queensland Region. Towards Q20 - Tomorrow’s
Queensland, Queensland Government. http://www.climatechange.qld.gov.au/pdf/regionsummary-
fnq.pdf.

Astridge, D.P. (2006).Rambutan, Development of Integrated Pest Management – Insect identification,

monitoring and insecticide evaluation. Publication Number 05/187 - Rural Industries Research and
Development Corporation.

Benson, A. (1914). Fruits of Queensland. Intelligence and Tourist Bureau – Queensland

Government. Guttenberg EBook #26552

Chay, P., Diczbalis, Y., Vawdrey, L., Astridge, D. and Blair, A. (2005). Growing guide: Tropical fruit
grower’s handbook . Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Diczbalis, Y. and Drinnan, J. (2007). Floral manipulation and canopy management in longan and
rambutan. Publication Number 07/031 - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Diczbalis, Y. and Westerhuis, D. (2005). Durian and Mangosteen Orchards – north Queensland
nutrition survey. Publication Number 05/163 - Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation.

Drenth, A. and Guest, D.I.(eds) (2004). Diversity and management of Phytophthora in Southeast Asia.
ACIAR Report.

Goren, M. and Gazit, S. (2005). Rooting of Lychee and Longan cuttings under mist -A commercial
effective method. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 665:297-300. http://www.actahort.org/books/665/665_36.htm

Leach, P. (2004). Evaluation of Caltex petroleum oils as a disinfestation measure against external
pests of rambutans. Project.FRO2014. Horticulture Australia Limited.

Lim, T.K. (1997). Boosting Durian Productivity. Project DNT-13A. Rural Industries Research and
Development Corporation.

O’Connor, P. and Diczbalis, Y. (2003). Exotic Crop Review Workshop: - Summary of proceedings
and outcomes of a workshop held at South Johnstone, 12-13 February 2003. Publication Number
03/103 - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Ross, P. (1997). Opportunities for commercially under-exploited Tropical Fruits, Vegetables and
Nuts; Methodology and outcomes of a workshop held in Cairns in July 1997. Publication Number
97/80 - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Verheij, E. and Lovenstein, H. (2004). A nurseryman and his trees – The work of John Morris.
Agromisa Foundation, Wageningen.

Zappala, G. Zappala, A. and Diczbalis, Y. (2002). Durian Germplasm Evaluation – for Tropical
Australia, Phase 1. Publication Number 02/091 - Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation.

38
Appendix 1 - Industry Survey Results
Section 1 - Industry Survey Results
Q1. Do you consider yourself a “commercial” producer? (Yes/No)

76% of respondents consider themselves as commercial producers. 18.3% did not answer and 5.65%
stated that they were not commercial producers.

Q2. Why are you involved in growing tropical fruits?

This was an open question inviting a range of responses. The responses were then categorised as (a)
business, (b) lifestyle or (c) other. The bulk of respondents considered they were involved in tropical
fruit production for business or income generation (57.7%). 9.8% of respondents were involved for
lifestyle reasons and the same number gave “other” reasons for being involved. 22.55% of
respondents did not answer the question.

Q3. Have you enjoyed the experience of being a tropical exotic fruit producer? (Yes/No)

The bulk of respondents (74.6%) have enjoyed the journey while 21.1% did not answer and 4.2% said
they had not enjoyed the experience.

Q4. Would you become a tropical fruit grower if you could wind back the clock? (Yes/No)

Only 56.3% of respondents would enter the industry with the benefit of hind site. A sizeable
proportion of respondents (22.5%) would not while 21.1% of respondents did not answer the question.

Q5. Is your tropical fruit business dependent on the support of outside income? (Yes/No)

The majority of respondents (42.2%) indicated they were dependent on off-farm income. A further
36.6% stated “No” while 21.1% did not answer the question.

Q6. Age range of respondents (20-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 60+)

Some 19.7% of respondents did not answer the question. The age profile of the community was
younger then expected with 26.7% in the 41-50 age bracket. A further 19.7% were in the 51-60% and
25.3% of respondents indicated they were 60+. There were no respondents in the 20-30 age bracket.

39
Section 2 - Industry Survey Results
Issues impacting on the tropical exotic fruit business.

The following list of potential “issues” was prefaced by the following question: “What issues have a
major impact on your tropical exotic business?” Yes/No (Table 1).

Table 1 Response to issues having a major impact on grower’s tropical fruit business

% of respondents
Question/Topic Nil Response Yes No
Climate 25.4% 66.2% 8.4%
Water Availability 25.4% 35.2% 39.4%
Reliability of fruit production 26.8% 66.2% 7%
Consumer knowledge 25.4% 50.7% 23.9%
Price 25.4% 63.4% 11.3%
Pest and Disease 25.4% 49.3% 25.4%
Freight Charges 25.4% 50.7% 23.9%
Post harvest life of product 25.4% 50.7% 23.9%
Business - income positive 25.4% 46.5% 28.2%
Market demand 25.4% 54.9% 19.7%
Distance to markets 25.4% 50.7% 23.9%

A quarter of the respondents (25.4%) did not answer the questions posed. Major issues which
“impact on business” identified by the remaining participants were climate (66.2%), reliability of fruit
production (66.2%), product price (63.4%) and market demand (54.9%). Issues such as consumer
knowledge of product, freight charges, post harvest life of product, and distance to market were
viewed as important by 50.7% of respondents. The business being income positive was seen as an
issue by 46.5% of respondents. Water availability was the least important issue with only 35.2% of
respondents suggesting it may impact on their business.

40
Section 3 - Industry Survey Results
Strategic planning workshops, their impact and community willingness to be
involved in future workshops
The survey had the following statement about workshops prior to asking questions 1 and 2 for this
section.

With the support of RIRDC, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the
Northern Territory Department of Resources, the tropical fruit industry has held two future planning
workshops in the last 12 years.

• 1997- Opportunities for commercially under-exploited tropical fruits, vegetables and nuts.
• 2003 - Exotic Crop Review workshop.
The 1997 workshop led to the development of crop specific strategy plans for durian, rambutan and
mangosteen. (These plans were widely distributed and available on request).

Q1. Rate the influence of the workshops, their outcomes and publications on your business? (Please circle)

1 2 3 4 5
No influence Low Medium Moderate High influence

A quarter of the respondents did not answer and 52.1% of respondents suggested that the outcomes of
the past strategic planning workshops and resulting crop specific strategic plans and associated
publications did not have any influence on their business (Figure 1). Approximately 18% of
respondents suggested that the past strategic planning sessions had a medium or above, influence on
their business.

Q18 - Influe nce of RIRDC w ork s hops

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
No No Low Medium Moderate High
answ er

Figure 1 Respondent’s reply to the influence of past strategic planning workshops on their
business

41
Q2. Would you like to be a participant in any future industry strategic direction workshops?
(Yes/No).

39.4% of respondents confirmed that they would like to be involved in future industry strategic
direction workshops. A similar amount (35.2%) did not wish to be involved and 25.4% of
respondents did not answer the question.

Section 4 - Industry Survey Results

RIRDC Tropical Crops Information

The next series of questions aimed to quantify how many growers had accessed the RIRDC web site
to download or order reports and if so how many reports have been accessed. If the site had not been
accessed why?

Q1. Have you ever used the www.rirdc.gov.au site to download or order printed reports? (Yes/No)

The bulk of respondents (61.9%) had not accessed the RIRDC web site. Only 12.7% of respondents
suggested that they had accessed the site and a quarter of respondents did not answer the question.

Q2. If you used the site how many reports have you accesses. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more (Circle appropriate answer).

Only 4.2% of respondents had accessed 5 or more reports, 4.2% of respondents had accessed one or
two reports respectively, while 1.4% had accessed three reports.

Table 2 Responses to reasons why the RIRDC website had not been accessed

Q3: If you have not utilised the RIRDC % respondents

website Why?

Nil Response Yes No

No computer? 26.8% 23.9% 49.3%
No internet connection? 26.8% 26.8% 46.5%
Did not know about it? 26.8% 57.8% 15.5%
Don’t need extra information 26.8% 9.9% 63.4%

Over half of the growers (57.8%) suggested that they did not know of the RIRDC website with a
further 23.9% confirming they did not have a computer. 26.8% did not have an internet connection
while 9.9% stated that they did not need any further information.

42
Section 5 - Industry Survey Results
Industry Strategic Direction Objectives

Growers were asked a series of questions which requested their opinion on the most important future
directions for TEFA. 67% of participants responded to this question.

Overall Question: What in your opinion are the most important future directions for TEFA?

Q1. “TEFA” should concentrate on funding research on a few economic crops (Yes/No)

46.5% of respondents agreed that TEFA should limit itself to funding a few economic crops.

Q2. “TEFA” should explore opportunities for new industries (Yes/No)

46.5% agreed with the above sentiment while 19.7% disagreed.

• Q2a. “new opportunities” – alternative fruits with niche markets (eg. Bunchosia, Salak, Duku
etc). (Yes/No) - 38% agreed with the above statement and 28.25% disagreed

• Q2b. “new opportunities” – complementary crops to fruit production (eg. bamboo shoots,
alternative banana varieties such as Red Dacca, medicinal crops such as Noni or Kava).
40.8% agreed with the above statement and 25.4% disagreed.

Question 3 TEFA should improve information availability on: Yes No

3a. Tropical exotic fruit production 56.3 % 9.9%
3b. Soil health 46.5% 19.7%
3c. General nutrition management 54.9% 11.3%
3d. Marketing 46.5% 21.1%
3e. Supply chain alternatives to wholesale markets 52.1% 15.5%

Responses to the above question suggested there was a clear interest in obtaining more information on
tropical exotic fruit production (56.3%), tropical crop production (56.3%), general nutrition
management (54.9%) and supply chain alternatives to the whole sale market (52.1%). Marketing and
soil health were also seen as important with 46.5% of respondents suggesting they are important
information topics.

Q4. Tropical Crop Production

56.3% agreed with the above statement and 11.3% disagreed

43
Appendix 2 - TEFA Exotic Fruit Growers
Industry Survey Booklet

44
 TEFA 2009
Exotic Fruit Growers
Industry Survey Booklet
Your inputs in completion of this survey will assist in the development of a stra-
tegic (business) direction plan for our industry for the next 5 years. As grow-
ers of tropical exotic fruits and crops your inputs are crucial to guiding the
TEFA executive in developing an organisation that is relevant to you. This ex-
otic fruit growers survey booklet has been developed by the TEFA committee
to assist in the collection of data on grower feedback as to the relevance of
TEFA as well as conducting a stocktake of tree species and numbers which
underpin the financial value of our industry.

This project has been jointly funded by TEFA members, and the Federal Gov-
ernment Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC). It
is being undertaken by a partnership between Queensland Primary Industries
& Fisheries (QPIF) and TEFA industry representatives in QLD and the NT.
The information gathered in this survey and during a series of grower meetings
is critical to developing a profile of the industry which the TEFA executive can
take to government at the Local, State and Federal level. The initial results
from the survey will be discussed and voted on at a grower forum and supply
chain workshop scheduled for late 2009 or early 2010. Without an industry
strategic plan (or business plan) government at all levels will not engage with
industry hence severely limiting industry access to funds for research and de-
velopment as well as natural disaster funding.
Please participate in helping to progress our industry, if you feel that you would
not like to put your name to this form due to privacy issues we understand but
please complete the remaining parts of this booklet and tick in which state your
property is located.
Thank you for your time and if you have any suggestions or comments regard-
ing the booklet please contact any of the committee. (Contact information is
located inside front cover).
Once again thank you for the time involved completing this document

Mark Gray
Tropical Fruit Grower
 Contact Information for project committee

Yan Diczbalis 0407 120779 Yan.Diczbalis@deedi.qld.gov.au

Mark Gray 0448 167813 Mark.gray@aanet.com.au

John McCormack 0429 671541 Boulders.farming@bigpond.com

Ken Lake 0427 967198 krlake@bigpond.com

Kerry Eupene smithstdental@ozemail.com.au

Rob Doyle rdo35672@bigpond.net.au

Instructions: Please use a pen to complete booklet. The committee will con-
tact each grower to arrange for collection of information booklets over the
next month.

We envisage that we would have all forms collected and data compiled be-
fore December 09.

If you would like some assistance to complete the booklet please contact
one of the committee members.

As a general rule if you can please circle the applicable answer to questions
Grower Name/s: __________________________

Property Address: _________________________

_________________________

QLD NT

Contact No: _____________

Email: _____________

1. Do you consider you are a “Commercial” Producer? Yes / No

2. Why are you involved in growing tropical fruits?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. Have you enjoyed the experience? Yes / No
4. Would you become a tropical exotic fruit grower if you could
wind the clock back? Yes / No
5. Is your tropical fruit business dependent on the support of out-
side income Yes / No
6. Can you please circle your age range .
20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60+
 What issues have a major impact on your tropical
exotic fruit business?
Climate Yes / No Freight Charges Yes / No
Water Availability Yes / No Post harvest life of product Yes / No
Reliability of fruit production Are you returning positive income
Yes / No Yes / No
Consumer knowledge Yes / No Market Demand Yes / No
Price Yes / No Distance to markets Yes / No
Pest and Diseases Yes / No Other:

Strategic Planning Workshops

With the support of RIRDC, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries

and the NT DPI the tropical fruit industry has held two future planning
workshops in the last 12 years.
 1997-Opportunities for the commercially under-exploited tropi-
cal fruits, vegetables and nuts.
 2003-Exotic crop Review workshop

The 1997 workshop lead to the development of crop specific strategis

plans for durian rambutan and mangosteen. (These plans are available
on request).
1. Rate the influence of the workshops, there outcomes and publica-
tions on your business? (Please circle)

1 2 3 4 5

No influence at all High Influence

2. Would you like to be a participant in any future industry strategic
direction workshops? Yes/No

RIRDC Tropical crops information

1. Have you ever used the www.rirdc.gov.au site to download or order

printed reports? Yes/No
2. If you have used the sites how many reports has you accessed?
(Please circle)
1 2 3 4 5 or more
3. If you have not utilized the RIRDC web site, Why?

 No computer
 No internet connection
 Did not know about it
 Don’t need extra information
 Industry strategic direction objectives

What, in your opinion are the most important future directions for
TEFA?
1. Concentrate on funding research on a few economic crops Yes/No
2. Explore opportunities for new industries Yes/No
a. Many alternative fruits with niche markets (e.g Bunchosia,
Salak, Duku etc) Yes/No
b. Complementary crops to fruit production (e.g Bamboo shoots,
alternative banama varieties such as Red Dacca, medicinal
crops such as Noni or Kava) Yes/No

3. Improve information availability on:

a. Tropical exotic fruit production Yes/No
b. Soil Health Yes/No
c. General nutrition management Yes/No
d. Marketing Yes/No
e. Supply chain workshops exploring alternatives to the traditional
wholesale markets Yes/No

4. Tropical Crop Production Yes/No

5. Other……………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Confidentiality
Please be assured that your answers and tree number and production data
will remain confidential. If you wish to be assured of the security of your data
you have two options;
1. Do not fill in your grower name
2.Contact Yan Diczbalis at Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries,
Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture and request that he fill in the form with the
data you provide. Yan’s contact details are Ph. 07-40641128, Mob. 0407
120779, Email yan.diczbalis@deedi.qld.gov.au
Yan will be happy to phone you back to ensure that you do not incur the
phone bill for the form filling discussion.
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
 Industry Stocktake
The data you provide here will be used to profile the industry diversity and to attach a gross value of produc-
tion ($/annum). Please include all tree fruits and or exotic crops that you produce on a commercial scale
(local markets, domestic wholesale etc).

Please fill out a single page per fruit or crop. Please tick the appropriate commercial crop. If you are grow-
ing something other than the fruits specified in the table below please tick in the box marked “other” and
specify the crop.

Fruits crops grown

Rambutan Mangosteen
Carambola Jackfruit (Jakfruit)
Durian Soursop
Dragon fruit Rollinia
Pomelo Abiu
Other: (Please specify)

Tree Numbers and production. Note Qld growers are asked to supply a pre Larry tree count and production
data for 2005/2006 season.
Which unit of production are you using  Kg or  cartons. If cartons indicate weight per carton (……………
kg/carton). Note if providing information on a crop such as Taro or Yam bean please indicate area of pro-
duction (eg 1.2 ha) in the Tree number column.

Tree Age Tree Production Production Production Pre Larry production

Number (08/09) (07/08) (06/07)
Tree Num- Production
Kg/cartons Kg/cartons Kg/cartons
bers Kg/cartons
0-1
2-4
5-10
11 -19
20+
TOTAL

Market Destination (Please tick and provide details on the approximate % of crop that goes to each market).
Note the total should be 100%.

Market Percentage of total crop (%)

BNE
SYD
MEL
ADL/PERTH
Local (roadside and farmers markets)
Export
Other
TOTAL “should add to 100%”
Tropical Exotic Fruit Industry
Strategic direction setting 2012-2015

Pub. No. 12/050

This report is about the development of strategic directions

for the tropical exotic fruit industry. It includes the results
of an industry survey to gauge issues within the industry, an
industry stocktake and calculation of industry value. The
report also discusses the risk of cyclones to the industry and
a summary of damage caused by Cyclone Larry as well as
potential damage mitigation strategies.

The report details upgrades to existing strategic plans for

durian, mangosteen and rambutan and the development of
objectives for the industry organisation – Tropical Exotic Fruit
Australia Inc.

RIRDC is a partnership between government and industry

to invest in R&D for more productive and sustainable rural
industries. We invest in new and emerging rural industries, a
suite of established rural industries and national rural issues.

Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for

free or purchased from our website <www.rirdc.gov.au>.

RIRDC books can also be purchased by phoning

1300 634 313 for a local call fee.

Phone: 02 6271 4100

Fax: 02 6271 4199
Bookshop: 1300 634 313
Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au
Postal Address: PO Box 4776,
Kingston ACT 2604
Street Address: Level 2, 15 National Circuit,
Barton ACT 2600

www.rirdc.gov.au