Costa
Developing a new containerised, under-cover avocado production system.
Lead partner: Costa Group
Projects
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Sub-projects
Carbohydrate modelling
Irrigation Studies
Pot EC / leachate nutrient testing, leaf and substrate nutrient testing
Model to predict crop development
Yield management and crop regulation
Nutrient management programme and training
Alternative tree crop evaluation
Tree/light dynamics modelling
Study impact of irrigation on tree growth parameters
Evaluation of new technology
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Sub-projects:
Variable rate spraying
Model to predict yield and fruit size
New technology: automated mowers, robotics and Burros
New technology: automated spraying
New technology: automated pruning
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Sub-projects:
Face-to-face agronomy meetings
Internal farm visits across Australia
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.
