NASHI, PERSIMMON, CHESTNUT
INTRODUCTION
Interest in all three crops has increased over recent years. As plantings develop it is becoming clear that there are many questions to be answered and lessons learned before we can consistently produce quality products at economic levels and find markets for them.
Non-astringent persimmon are being planted throughout the northern part of the North Island. Approximately 75~h, amounting to over 100 ha, are in the Bay of Plenty/Waikato/South Auckland area, but planting activity is increasing elsewhere. Cultivar Fuyu is the post commonly planted, but scion wood from several New Zealand 'clones' of Fuyu have been used in addition to Japanese Fuyu.
Since scion wood of cultivars Hosui, Kosui, Nijisseiki and Shinsei, became available last winter, interest in nashi has accelerated rapid ly. It is estimated that over 100 ha would be established almost immediately. Nashi can probably be grown successfully in most regions of New Zealand, but like European pear, climatic influence on fruit finish, quality and production costs will determine their success or otherwise as an export fruit.
Many intending chestnut growers have been seeking information on preferred cultivars over the last two to three years. It is generally known that selections have been made within NZTCA, but that clear guidelines have not been announced.
With interest in the 'growing community' running so high for all three crops and planting being made with minimal background, it is. most appropriate that we take stock now in a forum such as this. NZTCA and its members have played a key role in the development of all three, and it is most appropriate that the present initiative be taken at Annual Conference 1985. By providing an opportunity to discuss and share early experiences, recent research results and industry based information, we can build on this foundation and plan future developments with greater confidence.
The programme has been designed to include all of the critical aspects involved from cultural information to the quality and handling of the final product. We hope that by updating the present state of knowledge, our members will be guided in future decisions. The speakers include a range of experts in many fields and we .are pleased to introduce them to you.
Dr I. Kajiura is our guest of honour and keynote speaker for both conference seminar sessions. He first visited New Zealand in 1979 vben he provided valuable advice on cultivation of persimmon, nashi and chestnut to New Zealand researchers and growers. Dr Kajiura is a senior horticultural scientist of the Fruit Tree Research Station of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan, ~ has been involved in breeding and selection programmes for our 'theme' crops for this conference. In addition, he has a sound knowledge of their cultural requirements, cultivar characteristics, and postharvest properties over a wide range of conditions in Japan.
Since visiting New Zealand in 1979, Dr Kajiura has maintained contact with New Zealand scientists and growers both by correspondence and in Japan. He has been personally responsible for cementing many ties between our two countries and we are confident that further cooperative projects will develop as a result of his present period working with DSIR and MAF scientists in this country.
Dr Kajiura has provided comments based on his experience and recent observations in New Zealand to set the scene for Conference 1985. We are grateful for his willingness and cooperation in presenting this material after such a short time with us and look forward to further comments at the end of his time in New Zealand.
Dr M. Hopping is Leader of the Horticulture Group at Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre. He is an acknowledged expert on pollination, more recently for his innovative approach to kiwifruit pollination. Dr Hopping is well qualified to discuss the significance of pollination in horticulture and in particular to nasbi, persimmon and chestnuts.
Mr M. Campbell is well known to Wsikato treecroppers and has experience with all of the theme crops. He will present an update on knowledge of cultivars compiled collectively by Mr P. Glucina (persimmon), Mr A. White (nashi) and Mr I. Howat (chestnut).
Mr M. Robinson is an engineer (MAP, Hamilton) involved in a range of rural structures and will speak on shelter. Mike is recognised for his understanding of principles involved in horticultural shelter, forms of shelter and their applications, and cost-saving options.
Mr M. Judd is a MAP scientist based at Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, currently researching water relationships in plants and effects of shelter and plant manipulation on micro climate, damage and water demands.
Dr C. Clark is also a MAP scientist based at Ruakura. Dr Clark has a background in plant physiology and plant nutrition. He will discuss conditions - soil and plant growth stage, under which symptoms of imbalances might occur, strategies for defining nutrient status, and possible corrective procedures.
Dr A. Tompkins has recently joined the Insect Control Group at Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, MAP. He is currently collating information on the pest and disease status of these crops in the region. His discussion includes possible approaches to control and factors which might influence them.
Dr P. Holland is Leader of the Pesticide Residues Section at Ruakura. He has been involved in establishing residue tolerances and decay curves for many export fruit crops. His group has national responsibility for this research and works closely with scientists involved in pest and disease studies, growers and the Agricultural Chemicals Board.
Mr D. Jordan is a member of the Horticulture Group, MAF, Ruakura. He is known to most growers involved in the persimmon industry for his practical approach to plant training and management. He will discuss aspects of importance in tree training.
Mr P. Mulligan is a Horticultural Advisory Officer, MAF, Tauranga. Peter has a sound practical horticultural background, particularly in pipfruit, and has worked closely with industry. He is well qualified to discuss how growers can be involved in monitoring and interpreting growth and performance of their plants.
Mr T. Crawford is a Director of Turners & Growers Ltd, and also directs the many research activities of the company. Mr Crawford has played a very active role in the development of all three crops; he has a good knowledge of their current performance in New Zealand and of market requirements. He has visited Japan on many occasions.
Mr J. Reeves is Regional Field Officer, MAF, Hamilton. He has been involved in the development of quality assurance schemes, quality controls and their implementation.
Dr N. Lallu is a member of the post harvest group, Division of Horticulture & Processing, DSIR, Auckland. He has been closely involved with research on handling procedures and indexing maturity for a range of horticultural crops.
Dr D. Beever is also from DHP, DSIR, Auckland. Dave has a broad knowledge of post harvest pathology and the effects and implications of remedial procedures in a wide range of crops. He is most appropriate to address some of the key problems involved in post harvest treatments of persimmon, nashi and chestnut.
Miss G. Desborough is a Research Officer of the Horticultural Market Research Unit, Wellington. There is increasing awareness of the need to canvass consumers' opinions with regard to product specifications. Gillian will outline the Market Research Unit's activities,how it achieves its objectives and some examples.
We are pleased to have such a comprehensive and talented group of speakers for our seminar programme. We thank them on your behalf for their written contributions and their discussions.
Seminar Convenors:
F.H. Wood, Chief Scientist, Horticulture, Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre
I. Howat, Chairman, NZ Tree Crops Association