Testing New Genetics and Systems in Australia
A research initiative at Apex Greenhouse is providing the Australian protected cropping sector with a commercial-scale site to evaluate new crop varieties and production technologies. Managed by Applied Horticultural Research, this effort is part of the broader Hort Innovation Frontiers program. The project aims to give growers local data when they decide to adopt new systems. Strawberry and cucumber trials are currently underway at the site, with plans to include greenhouse tomatoes and leafy greens by 2027.
Anita Chennell, who leads the program at Applied Horticultural Research, explains that protected cropping requires major capital investment. Reliable local performance data helps growers make decisions with more confidence. The researchers treat the greenhouse as a live laboratory to measure yield, disease resistance, and fruit quality under Australian conditions.
Strawberry Performance and Pollination Data
One trial involves three distinct strawberry varieties. The team measures total yield, marketable fruit, flavor profiles, and resistance to powdery mildew. Initial findings confirm that varieties bred for open-field production do not always translate well to a greenhouse environment. Some plants struggle with the specific climate controls of a glasshouse, while others show unexpected vigor.
The project also evaluates a multi-gutter production system to track operational efficiency and labor requirements. Alongside the crop trials, a partner named Beestar is testing digital hive monitoring. They track honey bee activity to determine how colony health affects pollination outcomes and final yields. Real-time data collection allows researchers to see the direct connection between bee performance and fruit quality.
Future Expansions and Aeroponic Research
Apex Greenhouses is hosting a cucumber variety trial in cooperation with Bayer Crop Science, specifically using their De Ruiter and Seminis divisions. Once these crops finish, the facility will shift focus to next-generation tomato genetics. This work will target rootstocks and varieties with specific resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus. These tests offer a look at plant balance, labor savings, and total harvest potential.
Looking toward 2027, the program will incorporate a facility dedicated to leafy greens. One primary goal is comparing aeroponic systems against standard hydroponics using commercial spinach varieties. Researchers intend to study root health, growth rates, and shelf life to see if these systems are ready for Australian commercial adoption. This setup allows the industry to move past theoretical potential and see actual performance metrics.
Folco Faber, the CEO of Apex Greenhouses, notes that the platform bridges the gap between technology developers and growers. He states that growers need to see new genetics functioning in local conditions before committing money. By hosting these trials, Apex provides an independent venue to generate the evidence that farmers require. The program receives support from several entities, including The Costa Group, Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes, and the Australian government, reflecting a unified push to modernize domestic vegetable production.