Bumper crop expected as Central Australian isolation protects melon farm from crushing virus

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http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=130704

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Publish date:

Mon 2014-Nov-10

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Industry

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Bumper crop expected as Central Australian isolation protects melon farm from crushing virus

Central Australian isolation is protecting an Ali Curung watermelon farm from the crushing Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus that is wiping out Top End crops.

The farm has commenced harvesting and expects up to 6,000 tonnes from the 80 hectare plantation, 350 kilometres north of Alice Springs.

Horticulturist, Paul McLaughlin, says the crop is so far yielding above expectations.

“The way the crop is yielding now it might be higher,” he said.

He says the price he was receiving for his melons went from $2 per kilogram to $3 when the melon virus shut down Katherine growers.

“But now and for the next two months we are in the Central Australian and Central QLD harvest time,” he said. “The prices have come back to what I think is a good sustainable price. It’s [price] back to around $1 a kilogram,” he said.

Mr McLaughlin says melons are very efficient when it comes to water use.

“[Central Australian] conditions are perfect for growing watermelons,” he said.

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English

Original title:

Bumper crop expected as Central Australian isolation protects melon farm from crushing virus

Original text (summary):

A+ | A-

Bumper crop expected as Central Australian isolation protects melon farm from crushing virus

Central Australian isolation is protecting an Ali Curung watermelon farm from the crushing Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus that is wiping out Top End crops.

The farm has commenced harvesting and expects up to 6,000 tonnes from the 80 hectare plantation, 350 kilometres north of Alice Springs.

Horticulturist, Paul McLaughlin, says the crop is so far yielding above expectations.

“The way the crop is yielding now it might be higher,” he said.

He says the price he was receiving for his melons went from $2 per kilogram to $3 when the melon virus shut down Katherine growers.

“But now and for the next two months we are in the Central Australian and Central QLD harvest time,” he said. “The prices have come back to what I think is a good sustainable price. It’s [price] back to around $1 a kilogram,” he said.

Mr McLaughlin says melons are very efficient when it comes to water use.

“[Central Australian] conditions are perfect for growing watermelons,” he said.

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