Chair Chat: Season Update, Markets and Fruit Fly Progress

Chair Chat: Season Update, Markets and Fruit Fly Progress

From The Citrus Segment by Citrus SA Inc.

June 2, 2026 · 5 min

About this episode

Mark Doecke discusses the current citrus season, market conditions, and fruit fly management in South Australia.

The South Australian citrus season is underway, with early varieties now being harvested and growers turning their attention to fruit quality, market conditions and the months ahead. In this chair chat, Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke provides an update on how the season is tracking, including the impact of recent rainfall, summer conditions and what growers are seeing in orchards across the Riverland. Mark discusses current demand for Australian citrus, the importance of producing high-quality fruit, and why pack-out rates remain critical to grower returns. He also reflects on the recent Citrus SA spray workshops held at Loxton and Waikerie, highlighting the value of ongoing education around spray calibration, machinery maintenance and orchard management. The conversation concludes with an update on fruit fly management, including the success of sterile fly releases and the ongoing push towards restoring Pest Free Area status across the Riverland. Key discussion points: How recent rainfall has affected citrus crops and harvesting conditions. The impact of a hot, windy summer on fruit quality and sizing. Current market demand and outlook for Australian citrus. Learnings from the…

People in this episode

Guest: Mark Doecke

Topics covered

  • citrus season update
  • fruit quality
  • market conditions
  • fruit fly management
  • education workshops

Keywords

  • citrus season
  • fruit quality
  • market demand
  • fruit fly management
  • Citrus SA workshops

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Citrus SA

Places: Riverland, Loxton, Waikerie

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