APAL’s Pear Masterclass returns this year with a series of online sessions from Wednesday, October 6. The Pear Masterclass kicks off with a session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Other sessions in the Pear Masterclass will be announced shortly.

Session 1: Successful IPM in Pear Orchards

IPM combines the use of a range of approaches, including biological, cultural and selected chemicals, to manage insect pests in the orchard.

Hear from Entomologist and IPM specialist from Bugs for Bugs, Angelica Cameron, about how IPM can be applied successfully in Pear Orchards, including:

• how to harness natural enemies of common pests

• how to monitor for pests and beneficials

• the role of chemical pesticides in IPM

• planning for the season ahead

The webinar includes a Q&A session with Brent Reeve, Jeftomson General Orchard Manager and Jason Shields, Orchard Manager, Plunkett Orchards.

Session 2: International Pear-spectives from South Africa

In this webinar, led by the specialists at TopFruit in South Africa, you will learn more about the differences between the top varieties grown in South Africa including Forelle (Corella in Australia), Abate Fetel and Packham’s Triumph, including:

Setting harvest targets
Tree structures
Pruning and managing fruiting wood,
Light management

Join us on a virtual walk through South African pear orchards.

Session 3: Market Export Outlook for Pears

APAL’s Jenny Van de Meeberg (Head of Trade) and Justin Smith (Industry Services and Export Manager) will lead a discussion of current and emerging export opportunities for Australian pear growers.

During a live presentation, Jenny and Justin will provide Australian pear growers with insights and recent data analysis on the current state of export opportunities and profitability – and the impact of COVID-19.

This will be followed by a Q&A discussion.

Registrations are closed

APAL Pear Masterclass 2021