Costa

Developing a new containerised, under-cover avocado production system.

Lead partner: Costa Group

Projects

  • Sub-projects

    1. Carbohydrate modelling

    2. Irrigation Studies

    3. Pot EC / leachate nutrient testing, leaf and substrate nutrient testing

    4. Model to predict crop development

    5. Yield management and crop regulation

    6. Nutrient management programme and training

    7. Alternative tree crop evaluation

    8. Tree/light dynamics modelling

    9. Study impact of irrigation on tree growth parameters

    10. Evaluation of new technology

  • Sub-projects:

    1. Variable rate spraying

    2. Model to predict yield and fruit size

    3. New technology: automated mowers, robotics and Burros

    4. New technology: automated spraying

    5. New technology: automated pruning

  • Sub-projects:

    1. Face-to-face agronomy meetings

    2. Internal farm visits across Australia

    3. International study tours, and staff training

Project progress

Automation platforms and field operations
Further investigation continued into autonomous platforms, including the Burro, Burro Grande, and automated tractor systems, targeting efficiency improvements in mowing, spraying, and variable-rate application. The standard Burro was used successfully to fine-tune navigation capabilities but was found unsuitable for field conditions. The Burro Grande has been identified as a viable alternative, with site evaluations programmed and further testing underway.

LiDAR development and autonomous pruning research
Development work also progressed on LiDAR-based yield and fruit-size modelling, with analysis of existing datasets underway and a proof-of-concept handheld LiDAR trial scheduled for completion in 2026. Foundational research continued on autonomous pruning, with handheld LiDAR currently being assessed as a mapping tool to inform future system design.

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