Jujube industry ripe for growth
Nutrient testing of Western Australian jujube orchards has been completed as part of a broader program to grow the industry.
Seasonal local supplies of the popular local delicacy are available now until April.
Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) development officer Rachelle Johnstone said the jujube looked like a small apple, with a thin, dark red skin surrounding a sweet, white flesh.
The department has been supporting development of the jujube industry since 2009, with funding from the national Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).
During that period, the industry has grown from a few small growers to a cohesive industry with a plan for growth.
In WA, there are currently about 40 growers producing fruit from an estimated 12,500 trees.
About half of WA’s jujube orchards have undergone leaf analysis this season.
Last year growers took part in the Perth NRM Healthy Soils Healthy Rivers program which involved independent agronomist Neil Lantzke, taking soil, leaf and water samples to help the industry benchmark growing practices and fine tune optimal production input management.
This year DAFWA supported follow on testing as part of the RIRDC project.
As jujubes are a relatively new crop in Australia, there is limited information on nutrient requirements.
The aim of nutrient testing is to produce some general leaf analysis standards for jujubes to help growers with their fertiliser management.
Locally-grown Chinese jujubes are sold at local markets and some Asian supermarkets in Perth.
Jujubes are grown in Manjimup, Bridgetown, Donnybrook and Coolup in the South West; Gidgegannup in the Perth Hills; Esperance and Denmark on the South Coast, Geraldton and Cue in the Mid-West and York, Boddington, Kukerin, Bindoon and Beverley in the Wheatbelt region.
WA Jujube Growers Association President Keith Doswell said although growers suffered from late frosts in 2016, the industry was well positioned to supply the local and some regional markets commencing February through to April.
Mr Doswell said the growth of the industry had been due to the association members and assistance from DAFWA and RIRDC, with the main objective for the association during the next 12 months to educate the consumer on the versatility of the fruit both fresh and dried.
The association now has a Facebook page, so you can keep up to date by searching ‘WA Jujube Growers Association’.
More information is available from the Jujubes in Western Australia webpage.
For more information contact Rachelle Johnstone, Development Officer, Bunbury, on +61 (0)8 9780 6158.