Breeders and researchers can now access published grapevine genetics and omics information through a single integrated platform. By Anna Mouton Omics is a catchword for the different branches of biology that trace how gene expression culminates in protein synthesis and…
How plant hormones and flower size interact to decide the fate of individual berries in a cluster. By Anna Mouton Table-grape consumers prefer bunches where all the berries are the same size. Diminutive berries – known as shot berries –…
Pressure is mounting to find alternatives to chemical crop protectants. How far are we in developing other options? By Anna Mouton The current generation of table-grape growers is accustomed to chemical pest control. But synthetic pesticides only became mainstream after…
SA is the second largest exporter of fresh citrus fruit in the world. By CRI Biosecurity Division With 3 444 232 tonnes produced in 2022, and 99 697 ha under citrus production, SA is currently the 10th largest producer of…
Standard postharvest treatments control CBS and inhibit spore release. By Providence Moyo, Siyethemba L. Masikane, Lindokuhle C. Mamba, Régis de Oliveira Fialho, Paul H. Fourie, and Vaughan Hattingh Background Phyllosticta citricarpa causes citrus black spot (CBS) and is listed as…
By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson, Jan Landman, and Rudolph Strydom (Citrus Research International) Integrated pest management (T.G. Grout, S.D. Moore, and A. Manrakhan) Phytosanitary pests All the recommendations made in the Extension…
Introducing a novel patented virus-based biopesticide for effective biological control of codling moth larvae. By Rob Elfick Cydia pomonella, commonly referred to as the codling moth, is a prominent pest notorious for its detrimental impact on the pome fruit industry.…
There’s a growing global focus on slowing the rate of climate change. By Lisa Matthews and Chantelle Smit (Confronting Climate Change Initiative) We know what is needed. It’s cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to the point where emissions are no…
Leafroll is internationally recognised as the most important virus disease of grapevines, but South African table-grape growers still underesti- mate its potential impact. By Anna Mouton Grapevine leafroll disease is caused by a group of viruses called Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses,…
Na agt jaar se droogte het die Klein Karoo uiteindelik weer goeie reëns gehad. Maar die streek kort meer as een nat winter om te herstel. Deur Anna Mouton Die Klein Karoo loop van wes na oos tussen die Swartberge…
Nuwe tegnologie ondersteun die presisie-bestuur van Fuji Fubrax op M.9 Nic29 by Dutoit Agri in die Langkloof. Deur Anna Mouton Dutoit Agri het in 2014 die eerste kommersiële M.9 blokke in die Langkloof gevestig. “Ons het gesê die pad vorentoe…
Die oordeelkundige gebruik van nette en versekering kan haelrisiko help afdek. Deur Anna Mouton Marius van der Westhuizen se loopbaan in die sagtevrugtebedryf het bykans 30 jaar gelede met verpakking en bemarking begin. Hy is sedert 2005 die hoof-uitvoerende beampte…