POMEWEST update

BY the time you read this report, our orchards will be in full swing for the 2026 harvest. The apple industry in Western Australia is preparing for a promising season, with growers reporting healthy, high-quality crops following favourable growing conditions throughout the year across all production regions.

At the time of writing, it seems that the season is running a little late, but this usually corrects itself as the season progresses. A cool spring and late summer, combined with above average rainfall extending into December, supported clean, even fruit development.

Warmer summer conditions commenced later than usual, and most regions received above average winter chill. The use of dormancy breakers contributed to more uniform flowering and improved chemical thinning outcomes.

Crop estimation work predicts that, despite the cool spring, orchards experienced heavy bloom and strong fruit set. Although there was initial concern about Pink Lady® blocks, due to delayed visible fruit set, growers now report a full crop.

Despite these positives, the industry is still in a phase of renewal and profitability remains a challenge for some. To adapt, several growers are diversifying by incorporating cherries, avocados, and persimmons into their block plans. It’s clear that messages about profitability and sustainability are resonating, reflected in future orchard analysis and benchmarking that support performance based decision making. Whether new apple export opportunities will build market confidence and encourage future plantings remains uncertain — but we hope they will.

Another challenge in the mix

We want to remind our growers to prioritise good on-farm biosecurity, to limit the spread of pests and diseases. Recent reports confirm the presence of the endemic apple scab (black spot), caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis in some of our growing regions. This disease is typically present at low levels in Western Australia but has become more prevalent due to favourable weather conditions that promote spore development and infection. We have been proactive in helping our growers manage this endemic disease, and with careful attention to on-farm biosecurity practices, we should be able to contain the situation.

It’s important to note that monitoring should continue after the harvest, as older leaves become less resistant, and Western Australia’s long, mild autumn creates ideal conditions for disease spread. Leaves tend to fall slowly, providing spores with continued opportunities to infect new tissue. To read more about apple scab, see page 77.

It is encouraging that growers utilising the RIMPRO decision support system this season continue to praise it for helping them manage timely fungicide applications. As a result, they have effectively protected their crops from apple scab, powdery mildew, and Alternaria earlier in the season.

PIPS 4 Profit and Narrow Orchard System Roadshow September 2026

The first week of September has been reserved for the next instalment of roadshows for the above projects. This jam-packed event aims to update the industry on a three-pronged approach to PIPS 4 Profit, being integrated pest and disease management, soil health, and productivity. Researchers and specialists from Australia and abroad will gather to present key findings of each project component to date.

Additionally, there will be a series of grower dinners, providing an opportunity to network with special guests and foster collaboration and unity within the industry — an event week well worth marking in your calendar.

Upcoming events

Pomewest is excited to celebrate the start of the season with the beloved Donnybrook Apple Festival on Easter Saturday, April 4. The festival will educate consumers about local apple and pear varieties, offer tastings, and generate enthusiasm for the new season’s fruits. Additionally, other pop up events are being considered to promote industry recognition of the new harvest and to share positive stories that will engage the public and highlight the hard work of our growers. All in all, the 2026 season is shaping up well.

This edition

Susie details and reminds our orchardists to monitor for fungal infections. Recent reports confirm the presence of apple scab (black spot), caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, in growing regions.

Jen provides an update on the PIPS 4 IPDM investigation into the feasibility of classical biocontrol for Ceratitis capitata (Medfly) and augmentative biocontrol for Epiphyas postvittana (LBAM).

In closing, on behalf of the Committee, Susie, Jen, and I remain committed to advancing our collective efforts to improve the industry in 2026. Please contact the Pomewest team if you need assistance or wish to discuss industry matters, we’re here to help.