An evaluation of small groups serving as an engine room for innovation in the Northern Territory mango industry

An extension project based around small groups was conducted with the Northern Territory mango industry from 2012-2015. It involved up to 20 NT mango businesses and affiliated agribusiness services people from two growing regions i.e. Darwin and Katherine. It was conducted around a self-directed experiential learning process where participants in collaboration with research and extension personnel. Specific novel research projects launched from the exercise included: trials to assess the efficacy of foliar calcium application on reducing lenticel spotting and under-skin browning; studies to better understand and affect floral induction; addressing a new unknown problem in mango fruit termed as resin canal discoloration; instigating improvements in harvest maturity technologies; and research to understand the behaviour, ecology and potential mitigation strategies that could be used against large flock incursions of a native waterfowl Magpie Geese (Anseranas semipalmata). There were also a range of shorter-term extension activities undertaken to address grower' needs.