August / September 2017

Botritis is een van die mees algemene oorsake van naoesbederf in vars groente en vrugte wêreldwyd.

The main goal of SATI’s Research and Technical Transfer Programme is to generate credible, impactful knowledge by funding relevant and targeted projects that align with industry needs and opportunities.

A SATI-funded research project tested disinfectants and fungicides in combination with hot-water treatment to control Petri disease in plant material.

“If you talked about genome editing 10 years ago, nobody knew what you meant,” says Prof. Jasper Rees.

A digital twin based on a holonic system has the potential to take the fruit industry’s phytosanitary research to the next level.

Is daar ’n bekostigbare manier om waterstres in boorde vinnig op te tel? Hierdie vraag het Karin Clüver, direkteur van produksie by De Rust Estate in Elgin

Mense is uitblinkers wanneer dit kom by patrone identifiseer. Ons skep algemene beginsels uit ons ervarings en gebruik dit om nuwe situasies baas te raak.

False codling moth (FCM) is a primary pest that must be well managed in citrus orchards and other susceptible crops, to ensure pest-free fruit export

Integrated pest management, Crop and fruit quality management, Citrus black spot disease management, Grondgedraagde siektes, Water management/waterbestuur, Postharvest pathology – waste prevention checklist.

Sour rot is one of the most important postharvest diseases, and it is of particular importance during extensive cold storage (Rovetto et al., 2024).

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson, Jan Landman, and Rudolph Strydom (Citrus Research…

Wat moet produsente weet om hulle bome teen hierdie mikroskopiese peste te beskerm? Deur Anna Mouton Aalwurms is draadvormige wurms…

In die eerste van twee artikels wat die paneelbespreking by die Hortgro Steenvrugvelddag opsom gesels prof. emer. Karen Theron oor…

Die fokus in die tweede artikel wat die paneelbespreking by die Hortgro Steenvrugvelddag opsom, is op bye en dekgewasse. Deur…

Wat moet steenvrugprodusente omtrent hierdie indringer weet? Deur Anna Mouton Die suzuki-asynvlieg (Drosophila suzukii) is onlangs vir die eerste keer…

Blaaspootjies veroorsaak ekonomiese skade in alle Suid-Afrikaanse tafeldruifproduksie-areas.

Dit is onmoontlik om blaaspootjies uit te wis. Deur Anna Mouton Groot bevolkings is wydverspreid op talle gewasse en natuurlike…

Dr Elleunorah Allsopp het vir byna 43 jaar die vrugtebedryf met navorsing in toegepaste entomologie ondersteun. Deur Anna Mouton Meeste…

Meer as 140 deelnemers het by Oudewagendrift (Uitzicht) Boerdery in die Overhex bymekaar gekom vir die gewildste steenvrugvelddag ooit. Deur…

Knowing your mites protects your crop. By Davina Saccaggi (CRI), Edward A. Ueckermann (NWU), Elleunorah Allsopp (ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij) When you…

“Ons doel is die konsekwente produksie van vrugte wat die beste pryse sal behaal,” het Craig Hornblow gesê.

It is imperative that the False Codling Moth Systems Approach (now abbreviated as the FCMSA) be implemented thoroughly and diligently. Neither growers nor the industry can afford a lapse in the implementation of comprehensive and effective management practices.

Oak Valley opted for the relatively unknown G.778 when establishing a 1.2-hectare Granny Smith orchard on an old pear site in 2021. “It’s not the best soil, so we decided to try

Bigbucks established at 3.5 x 1.0 metres was the only M.9 orchard featured during the 2022 Hortgro pome-fruit field day. The 0.4-hectare block was planted in 2018.

A cumulative yield of 300 tonnes per hectare is one of the milestones in an orchard’s life – top performers achieve this by the fifth or sixth leaf. But a 2022 Hortgro field-day block at Elgin Orchards has expanded our conception of the possible by surpassing the 300-tonne benchmark in the fourth leaf.

Die 2022 Hortgro kernvrugvelddagboord by De Rust is nege hektaar Lady in Red op G.778 wat teen 3.5 x 1.25 meter in 2020 gevestig is. Die kumulatiewe opbrengs teen vierde blad was 206.5 ton per hektaar. “Ons mikpunt was 200 ton per hektaar teen die vyfde jaar,” sê produksiebestuurder Jacques van Dyk.

Four apple orchards in Elgin were showcased at the 2022 Hortgro Pome-fruit Field Day – three on G.778 and one on M.9. They were featured in the Oct/Nov ‘22 SAFJ. The following series of articles revisits them to learn how these orchards are coming along. For more on apple rootstocks, visit www.freshquarterly.co.za to download a free copy of Hortgro’s technical magazine for growers.

What is soil health? People debate the details, but health basically means the same whether we’re thinking about our soils or ourselves – it’s a measure of functionality. Healthy table-grape growers get up every morning to work toward their next harvest, while sick growers stay in bed. Healthy soils work every day to sustain life on earth, while sick soils must be chronically medicated with chemical inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides. Sheila Storey should know. She founded Nemlab in 1987 to diagnose nematode problems in crops

A grape bunch contains berries and a rachis – two dissimilar tissues susceptible to different postharvest issues. A waxy coating protects berries from water loss, whereas the unprotected rachis is vulnerable to drying and browning. The rachis can also freeze below minus 1.0 °C, whereas berries freeze at minus 2.0–minus 3.0 °C. Grapes are non-climacteric fruit. Berries have a low respiration rate and, therefore, a low sensitivity to physiological disorders but a high sensitivity to senescence. Pre-optimally harvested grapes won’t ripen, but overmature grapes are more likely to suffer postharvest decay and internal browning. “Soluble solids are a measure of acceptability to the consumer – very high values could occur at a senescent stage of the tissue,” says Dr Juan Pablo Zoffoli, a postharvest physiologist in the Faculty of Agronomy and Natural Systems of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.

Traditional viticulture is about managing a vineyard rather than individual grapevines. Practices such as irrigation, fertilisation, crop protection, and pruning are applied uniformly across a block. “I’m not saying it’s wrong,” remarks Prof Carlos Poblete-Echeverría, “but we want to move to something new to help growers improve.” Poblete-Echeverría is an associate professor in the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Digital Agriculture Research Group Coordinator at the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute. His research focuses on developing and utilising new digital tools in viticulture and agriculture. He is interested in digital viticulture, defined as the application of new technologies to manage the spatial and temporal variability within vineyards, providing growers with valuable information to support optimal management.

Navorsing help produsente om tafeldruif-verpakking te kies wat houvermoë verleng en kwaliteit handhaaf. Deur Anna Mouton Binneverpakking is onontbeerlik vir…

An eighth-leaf block on MM.109 at Kromfontein’s Bergsig site is the top-performing Cripps Red orchard at Dutoit Agri in the…

A Celina orchard on BP1 completes its first season under protective netting. By Anna Mouton Donkerbos Estate purchased Disselfontein in…

Fuji Royal op M.9 onder nette behaal uitpakke van meer as 90% in tweede en derde blad. Deur Anna Mouton…

What can we learn from adjoining blocks of Bigbucks and Lady in Red on M.9, planted in the same year?…

Research reveals the impact of stressors on vascular tissues in young grapevines. By Anna Mouton Restricted spring growth syndrome is…

What management strategies are available to table-grape growers and nurseries? By Anna Mouton “Grapevine trunk diseases are among the most…

How can the current generation of table-grape growers safeguard the industry for them and their descendants? By Anna Mouton Societies…

WWF wants more people to step up and help support pollinators. By Anna Mouton The deciduous-fruit pollination season lasts only…

Sukses in die lente word deur kundige bestuur van byekorwe gedurende die res van die jaar bepaal. Deur Anna Mouton…

Hoe pruim- en kernvrugprodusente die bes moontlike bestuiwing in boorde onder nette kan kry. Deur Anna Mouton “Bestuiwing is super-belangrik…

Maak kennis met ons baasbestuiwer. Deur Anna Mouton Wat is ’n heuningby? Bye is ’n groep van ongeveer 20 000 spesies…

Workshops 2024 The annual regional CRI Postharvest Workshops were held in January and February before the packing season commenced.  By…

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson, Jan Landman, and Rudolph Strydom (Citrus Research…

Not the solution to avoid phytotoxicity Foliar fertilisation remains an important tool for productive management of citrus. By Pieter Raath…

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson, Jan Landman, and Rudolph Strydom (Citrus Research…

Dutoit Agri beproef twee opleistelsels vir drupbesproeide Lady in Red op M.9 onder nette. Deur Anna Mouton Volgens Willie Kotze,…

Pruimedantbome wat soos pruime hanteer word lewer ’n winsgewende uitvoerproduk. Deur Anna Mouton Pruimedante – Europese pruime – is tradisioneel…

Our reference resource for growers now includes Barrier, OSM 99-3, and Rootpac-70. By Anna Mouton Hortgro published articles on stone-fruit…

Breeders and researchers can now access published grapevine genetics and omics information through a single integrated platform. By Anna Mouton…

How plant hormones and flower size interact to decide the fate of individual berries in a cluster. By Anna Mouton…

Pressure is mounting to find alternatives to chemical crop protectants. How far are we in developing other options? By Anna…

Standard postharvest treatments control CBS and inhibit spore release. By Providence Moyo, Siyethemba L. Masikane, Lindokuhle C. Mamba, Régis de…

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson, Jan Landman, and Rudolph Strydom (Citrus Research…

There’s a growing global focus on slowing the rate of climate change. By Lisa Matthews and Chantelle Smit (Confronting Climate…

Nuwe tegnologie ondersteun die presisie-bestuur van Fuji Fubrax op M.9 Nic29 by Dutoit Agri in die Langkloof. Deur Anna Mouton…

Die oordeelkundige gebruik van nette en versekering kan haelrisiko help afdek. Deur Anna Mouton Marius van der Westhuizen se loopbaan…

Vyf fokuspunte om die beste oesbeskerming te verkry. Deur Anna Mouton Dr Gideon van Zyl van gewasbe- skermingsmaatskappy ProCrop het by…

SA is ʼn waterskaars land, met ʼn langtermyn gemiddelde jaarlikse reënval van 470 mm. Deur Eunice Avenant (SU) en Jan…

Alhoewel verpligte vereistes vir tafeldruifhantering na deregulasie weggeval het, het die eertydse riglyne steeds waarde vir produsente.
Voor deregulasie was die Sagtevrugte-raad en Unifruco die alleenuitvoerders van Suid-Afrikaanse tafeldruiwe en het hulle dus die tegniese riglyne vir tafeldruifhantering voorgeskryf.

Margarodes are soil-dwelling scale insects that occur along the Lower Orange River in the Northern Cape and in certain areas in the Northwest, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces.

False codling moths damage table grapes and many other crops. Chemical crop protectants are important to false codling moth control but environmentally friendly alternatives must be identified.

Hierdie artikel is ’n samevatting van tegniese inligting wat deur besproeiingspesialis Karen van der Westhuizen van Agrimotion verskaf is. Dr Johan van Zyl van die Departement Grondkunde aan Universiteit Stellenbosch het ook bygedra.

“In die laaste 10 jaar wat ek hier is, was daar nog nie een jaar of een blok waar ek kan sê droogte ’n effek op die produksie of kwaliteit van ons oes gehad het nie,” vertel Recardo Vrey, produksiebestuurder by Arborlane Landgoed se Weltevrede-plaas in die Koue Bokkeveld.
Weltevrede het ongeveer 86 hektaar appel- en peerboorde. “Een van die groot uitdagings hier is water,” sê Vrey. “Ons water kom bo uit die berg – ons is uit-en-uit afhanklik van reën.”

Die eerste drupbesproeide blok by Monteith se Transpalmietplaas in Grabouw was Rosy Glow op M.9 EMLA wat teen 3.0 x 1.0 meter in 2018 op nat, sanderige grond gevestig is. Die leerkurwe was vir die eerste drie jaar steil, onthou Ernst Heydenrych, algemene bestuurder by Monteith Trust.

Dr Samuel Ortega-Farias is the director of the Research and Extension Centre for Irrigation and Agroclimatology and a professor in the School of Agronomy in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Talca in Chile.

The Citrus Improvement Scheme (CIS) ensures the availability of disease-free budwood that is horticulturally true to type and of superior quality, for the propagation of trees in SA.

Biosecurity is at the core of the Citrus Research International mission to maximise the long-term global competitiveness of citrus growers in Southern African. By Paul Fourie, Wayne Kirkman, Elma Carstens and Vaughan Hattingh

Huanglongbing (HLB), or Asian Citrus Greening, is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which is mostly spread by the insect vector Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri. As a well-publicised example, HLB has destroyed >80% of the US Florida citrus industry, where growers did not strictly follow the best-practice control measures.

The primary inoculum (ascospores) produced in leaf litter on the orchard floor, after the leaves have been exposed to suitable environmental conditions, is discharged during wet periods.

Growers should be scouting for mealybug regularly by inspecting underneath calyces, thereby determining the percentage of infested fruit.

Ten einde korrekte wingerdbestuursbesluite te neem, is dit belangrik om die verband tussen koolhidraatstatus, bot (persentasie en egaligheid) en vrugbaarheid te verstaan.

In table-grape production, rootstock choice plays a crucial role in helping vines thrive.

Koolhidrate, in die vorm van suikers en stysel, verskaf die energie wat noodsaaklik is vir al die fisiologiese en metaboliese prosesse in die ontwikkeling van 'n plant.

CRISPR-based genome editing is now possible in fruit trees, including grapevine.

y Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson and Jan Landman (CRI).

Two species of lepidopteran larvae have been recorded to cryptically (internally) infest citrus fruit in Southern Africa – the carob moth and false codling moth

Generating profits in difficult conditions is one of the key drivers for sustainability in agriculture.

Letsitele is one of the best Valencia orange production regions in Southern Africa and is classified as a hot-dry climatic zone.

Dutoit Agri deel die waardevolle lesse wat hulle uit 'n onlangse interne projek oor kneusings in appels geleer het.

Kan dubbelleiers op G.778 met oeslading beheer word?

How can growers find the best fit for their orchards?

Navorsers werk hard om te verstaan hoe die interaksie tussen genetika en omgewing boomprestasie beïnvloed.

Summaries of the most recent results of Hortgro-funded research on entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes.

Alexander Gibson gesels oor die visie en die werklikheid van sy 'Fuji Royal'-boord op M.9 T337.

Old products are being lost faster than new ones are introduced. Where does this leave growers?

What should growers know to protect themselves while protecting their crops?

Effektiewe plaagbeheer in meerjarige gewasmonokulture vereis 'n gediversifiseerde benadering.

Navorsing oor biologiese beheer is sentraal tot die volgende landbourevolusie.

Significant progress has been made to commercialise a local EPN isolate – a potential biopesticide product.

Persistent problems with infestations of thrips close to harvest, in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

How do we make critical genetic improvements to grapevine?

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson and Jan Landman (Citrus Research International) Integrated…

It makes sense for producers to seek and maintain soil health.

During May and June CRI presented its annual production, IPM and disease management workshops nationwide.

In the world of export-grade 'Granny Smith' apples, superficial scald is hardly a small matter.

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Natasha Jackson and Jan Landman.

Originating in Japan, Satsumas are an easy-peeling mandarin citrus that is known for its cold-hardiness.

Produsente kry die geleentheid om die beste boordpraktyke in aksie te sien.

Herplantsiektebeheer berus tans op grondberoking. Kan navorsing meer opsies vir produsente ontsluit?

Hortgro het navorsing befonds om te leer hoe nuwe en gewilde appelonderstamme op watertekorte reageer.

‘n Nuwe Hortgro-befondsde fasiliteit beskerm en bevorder marktoegang vir Suid-Afrikaanse steen- en kernvrugte.

Volg hierdie vier stappe om tafeldruiwe te beskerm.

SA offers unique growing environments for Sun World varieties.

Die aanplant of herplant van ’n wingerd is ’n groot en langtermynbelegging.

A brief history of table-grape irrigation in SA.

Growing interest in the use of netting structures has necessitated formalised best practice.

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Catherine Savage, Natasha Jackson and Jan Landman (Citrus Research…

Eriophyoid mites are a unique group of crop pests, better known as bud mites, rust mites or gall mites.

How continuous innovation has allowed pome-fruit growers to increase yields by an order of magnitude.

In die Warm Bokkeveld lewer eeu-oue Forelle-bome uit die vormingsjare van ons vrugtebedryf steeds elke jaar getrou hulle oes.

Discover how more than a century of technological advances has transformed the deciduous-fruit industry.

Take a trip to a time when the average export cost for a case of apples was 10s 7½d, and £2 000 could get you a forklift.

Agricultural engineer and researcher Prof Bart Nicolaï recently spent six weeks of his sabbatical at Stellenbosch University.

Ecophysiologists join forces with engineers to support precision orchard management.

Hortgro-funded initiative will extract more value from existing research investment.

Vindingryke naoespraktyke het SA ’n wêreldleier in Forellepeerproduksie.

Geleenthede en uitdagings in ons peerbedryf.

Successful cold chains start with rapid cooling and appropriate packaging.

Phylloxera is a sap-sucking insect closely related to aphids.

Integrated pest management, Crop and fruit quality management, Citrus black spot disease management, Grondgedraagde siektes, Waterbestuur/water management, Postharvest pathology

South-easterly winds in the Western Cape in the latter part of the year, can be especially damaging to young mandarin fruit

The 2023 CRI Postharvest Workshops were very well attended across the six regions where they were presented.

New research on the spread of grapevine powdery mildew is underway to help improve its management in the table-grape and wine industries.

Planning for an agricultural future in a changing climate must be based on the best available data and scientific analysis.

Integrated pest management, Grondgedraagde siektes, Citriculture, Geïntegreerde bemesting/integrated fertilisation, Fungicides.

Effective use of foliar nutrition of citrus orchards requires correct application practices.

The coffee bean weevil was first reported to feed on citrus in 1885.

Mite pests are a huge problem on many crops around the world. However, this hasn’t led to them being well-managed pests.

Produsente het toegang tot meer – en beter – tegnologie. Wat moet hulle weet om eersteklas opsies vir hulle boorde te kies?

Knowing the physical properties of your soils is essential for optimal irrigation scheduling.

Ecosystem investment builds ecological infrastructure that enables sustainable agriculture.

Die vinnige toename in nuwe tegnologieë is ‘n gemengde seën vir vrugteprodusente.

The long-term cold storage needed to successfully export fresh fruit, can cause harm to the very produce it’s meant to protect.

Dry ice as an excellent travel companion for avocados.

Wat het ongeveer die helfte van alle mense en gewasse op aarde in gemeen?

Omgewingstoestande na oes kan steenvrugkwaliteit maak of breek.

Instability often leads to an increase in uncertainty, discourages investment, and negatively impacts any product or system in which instability is identified.

Cultivation practices, water deficits and storage are some of the factors that affect the quality of table grapes, from the vineyard to the shelf.

To keep its competitive edge in the fruit export market, SA’s table-grape sector must keep delivering quality produce.

Extraordinary logistical challenges have been a major impediment in the export of fresh produce over the past two seasons.

False codling moth, Mealybug, Fruit flies, Citrus thrips, Citriculture, Disease management, Fruit and foliar diseases.

Soil. Ground. Dirt. We all interact with it daily – walking through a garden, planting new saplings in an orchard, or harvesting vegetables for dinner.

Highlights from a panel discussion at the recent Hortgro Technical Symposium.

The following four articles take a deep dive into the four apple orchards that were featured during the field day.

Success is defined as 85% Pink Lady apples packed for export.

Tissue-culture G.778 rootstocks excel on replant site. By Anna Mouton The Cripps Red orchard was established with feathered 1.8 -…

Bigbucks on M.9 Nic 29 yields 60 tonnes/ha in its fourth leaf.

Dual leaders help to control the vigour of Granny Smith on G.778 under nets.

Over the last decade, local table-grape producers have been working hard to mitigate their environmental impact by reducing their carbon footprint.

A project co-funded by HORTGRO and SATI has produced information on the dispersal patterns of false codling moth across SA.

Wat is die verband tussen tafeldruiwe se vlak van rypheid by oes, en die gehalte daarna? Ons bespreek praktyke om defekte ná die oes te verminder.

Integrated Pest Management, Crop and Fruit Quality Management, Grondgedraagde siektes, Fruit and foliar diseases, Postharvest pathology, Fertilisation and irrigation.

Are viruses to blame for the colouring problem in the Crimson Seedless table grape cultivar?

The efficacy of detection methods used by the SA Vine Improvement Association certification scheme has increased.

Comprehensive version of the same article published in the Jun/Jul’22 edition of the SA Fruit Journal.

The essentials explained for pome- and stone-fruit growers seeking to prevent losses.

The financial repercussions of diseases go further than you might think.

Viruses and viroids have the potential to inflict serious financial damage.

Integrated pest management, Naoespraktyke, Crop and Fruit Quality Management, Bemesting/Fertilisation, Postharvest Pathology.

Water resources are generally limited in most grape-growing regions, and inconsistent rainfall causes periodic droughts.

A project co-funded by HORTGRO and SATI has produced the first false codling moth (FCM / Thaumatotibia leucotreta) genome.

Wes-Kaapse kernvrugprodusente kan beter ingeligte besluite met behulp van die TerraClim-toepassing neem.

Integrated pest management, Naoespraktyke, Crop and Fruit Quality Management, Bemesting/Fertilisation, Postharvest Pathology.

Blaarvoedingstofkonsentrasies en opbrengsdata van verskeie produsente uit die belangrikste Suid-Afrikaanse sitrusproduksiestreke is ingesamel om die gebruik van DRIS as 'n benadering waardeur bome se voedingstatus gediagnoseer kan word te ondersoek.

Fruit quality starts in the orchard, but it's affected by the full scope of production practices.

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen, Coenraad Fraenkel, André Combrink, Catherine Savage, Natasha Jackson and Jan Landman.

Table grape production in the Northern Cape is primarily aimed at export, and markets set extremely high standards for the cosmetic appearance of grapes.

Vername wetenskaplike Dr Johan Fourie gesels oor sy loopbaan en deel insigte uit meer as drie dekades van dekgewasnavorsing.

Lipopeptides have proven themselves to be effective control agents for the prevention of postharvest disease caused by phytopathogens.

Dit is onontbeerlik om tussen verskillende tipes interne verbruining te onderskei, beklemtoon Dr Elke Crouch, naoesfisioloog in die Departement Hortologie aan die Universiteit Stellenbosch.

Dr Elke Crouch, naoesfisioloog in die Departement Hortologie aan Universiteit Stellenbosch, deel resultate van Cripps Pink-proewe.

False codling moth disinfestation treatments that are progressively more successful, efficient, cost-effective and scientifically defensible, remain a goal for South African researchers.

Hierdie riglyne mik om die kwaliteit van Cripps Pink-appels deur korrekte voor- en naoes praktyke te bevorder. Opgestel deur die Store-it Groep vir Hortgro Science.

The experts all agree that browning in Fuji differs from that seen in Cripps Pink. What are the implications for producers?

Hierdie riglyne mik om die kwaliteit van Fuji-appels deur korrekte praktyke te bevorder.

Suid-Afrikaanse appels kompeteer reeds suksesvol in buitelandse markte. Hoe kan die bedryf vrugkwaliteit nog verder verbeter?

In this interview, Prof Bart Nicolaï shares his insights into the potential for advanced technologies to help research and detect postharvest disorders.

How are growers in Washington State using protective nets to improve fruit quality?

Wat is die oorsake van sonbrand en hoe kan dit vermy word?

A research project investigated the interaction between postharvest practices and the expression of internal heat damage in Laetitia plums.

Consumers want uniformly dark green Granny Smith apples without blemishes. What light environment in the canopy will produce this result?

Researchers investigate the impact of different irrigation strategies on water stress and sunburn in Cripps Pink apples.

A small-scale pear-breeding programme initiated around 1950 at the then Fruit and Fruit Technology Research Institute and which continues at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

In SA, the commercial cultivation of pomegranates is still in its infancy, and best practices are still being developed. While learning about what works, researchers are also eliminating what doesn’t.

The use of agricultural technologies to improve yield, efficiency, and profitability came under the spotlight during a virtual information day…

Why do export grapes that have been carefully packed still arrive with problems at their destination?

Healthy soil remains key to sustainable grape farming. “It is the foundation for everything”.

Biotechnology innovations are helping South African fruit producers remain globally competitive by providing them with quality plant material.

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage, André Combrink, Coenraad Fraenkel, Jan Landman and Natasha Jackson (Citrus…

There is a zero tolerance of fruit fly pests in commercial fruit exported from SA.

The Australian Bug or Cottony cushion scale is native to Australia and was first discovered in SA in 1892. It has since infiltrated all citrus growing regions of Southern Africa.

Managing greening disease caused by the bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter africanus” (CLaf) in orchards.

Phosphorus fertilisation and microbial inoculants improve citrus nutrition and microbiology in alkaline soils.

In light of decreasing availability and quality of water used for irrigation of citrus in SA, producers are investigating new water sources.

By J.J. Bester, Mathys Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage (Citrus Research International)

Ambient loading relieves logistic pressures, but presents cold sterilisation challenges that can only be resolved with packaging that allows for optimal airflow.

When two pests can be controlled with the same treatment, the benefits to the citrus export industry are significant and numerous.

A sword hanging over the continued use of imazalil to control green mould on export citrus fruit, has led to the discovery of alternatives.

Practical advice for growers aiming to get the most out of cover crops in orchards.

Die noodsaaklike grondstof vir toppresterende boorde.

Innoveerders in die vrugtebedryf fokus op volhoubaarheid.

Matthew Addison, programbestuurder vir oesbeskerming by Hortgro Science, vertel meer oor sy langtermyndekgewasproewe in boorde.

Prof. Adéle McLeod van die Departement Plantpatologie by Universiteit Stellenbosch verduidelik die oorsake en risikofaktore.

Wat kan die vrugtebedryf leer by akkerbou? Dr Johann Strauss deel sy insigte oor bewaringslandbou en die voordele wat volhoubare praktyke vir landbou inhou.

Will the South African economy recover, and what will help drive this? How will opposing agendas related to land expropriation play out?

Efforts to enhance the postharvest quality of table grapes and in the process unlock and secure markets, was also amongst the topics that came under the spotlight during the recent SASEV information day.

Addressing pesticide residues and implementing best practices to prevent and manage pesticide resistance are becoming increasingly crucial to securing market access, given consumer trends and emerging retail requirements.

On 31 August and 28 September 2021, SATI hosted and broadcast its first online seminar titled “Postharvest Seminar” which was targeted at South African table grape producers and exporters.

One of the primary objectives of the SA Table Grape Industry (SATI) is market access, with the specific mandate to play a role in gaining access to new export markets.

By J.J. Bester, Mathys Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage (Citrus Research International)

The origin of the technique of grafting or budding of trees is unknown. However, this technique is of great horticultural significance and has enabled rapid and uniform multiplication of various fruit crops.

Not only do fungi wreak havoc with fruit quality and shelf life, they also eat away at the wooden pallets on which cartons of fruit are transported.

Frostbite is not only a danger to humans. When citrus fruit gets too cold, it suffers damage that corrodes its market value. This multi-factorial research project set out to find ways to take the bite out of factors that cause chilling injuries.

Bespuitingsdeskundige Marius Ras is vir die afgelope vier dekades betrokke by die navorsing en ontwikkeling van tegnologie vir bespuiting. Wat kom volgende? Hy het met Hortgro gesels oor wat die toekoms inhou.

Nette word toenemend in steen- en kernvrugboorde gebruik om vrugte teen die son en ander elemente te beskerm. Daar is egter verskillende menings oor wat die beste net is vir ‘n gegewe situasie.

Effektiewe oes-beskerming berus op effektiewe bespuiting. Produsente moet die toepaslike produk op strategiese tye met korrekte tegnieke aanwend. Maar in praktyk is spuitaanwendings ‘n ingewikkelde saak.

Produsente weet wat die dosis vir spuitmiddels is, want dit staan op die etikette. Maar hoe evalueer wetenskaplikes deposisievlakke wanneer hulle kyk na maniere om toediening te optimaliseer?

Hoëdigtheidsaanplantings verbeter profyte deur meer effektiewe produksie. Maar is daar verdere moontlikhede vir besparings wat produsente nog nie ten volle benut nie?

Effektiewe bespuiting is deurslaggewend vir suksesvolle vrugteproduksie – alles van siekte- en plaagbeheer tot chemiese rusbreek en uitdun is afhanklik van korrekte spuittoediening.

Die voorvaders van moderne appels is waarskynlik afkomstig van een of ander snerpende helling op die grense van Kazakstan. Hulle het winterdormansie ontwikkel om ysige koue te oorleef.

Die bot van bladwisselende vrugtebome word grootliks bepaal deur hulle blootstelling aan winterkoue.

Koue-modelle moet betroubaar wees – daar is gevolge wanneer hulle verkeerd is.

Die doel van koue-modelle is om te voorspel hoe bome hulle rus gaan breek in die lente.

Dr Xolani Siboza of Hortgro has been leading a research project on rest-breaking agents in apple trees.

By J.J. Bester, Mathys Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage (Citrus Research International).

Spiders fulfil a critical function in a variety of ecosystems.

There has been an unmistakeable surge in emphasis on producing food that has less of an impact on the planet.

The occurrence of pre-harvest decay on table grapes affects yield and the subsequent development of postharvest decay during storage.

Soil is a finite resource that is dynamic and living. It serves as the interface between agriculture and the environment.

By J.J. Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage (Citrus Research International)

Die produksie van steen- en kernvrugte onder nette neem vinnig toe – maar is nette die antwoord vir alle boorde? Ses bedryfskenners vertel meer oor hulle praktiese ervarings met nette.

Hortgro Science het onlangs die eerste Boord-van-die-Toekoms-projek voltooi. Die projek het die ontwikkeling van vier innoverende appelboorde – op Bokveldskloof, Graymead, Oak Valley en Paardekloof – vir ‘n dekade gevolg.

Verlede Desember het die Langkloof tussen Krakeel en Joubertina erge hael ervaar. Die tweede rondte was vroeg in Januarie.

Vroeg in Maart vanjaar het ‘n windstorm Grabouw en omgewing bykans 24 uur laat steier. Met winde wat plek-plek tot 90 km/uur gehaal het, was swaargelaaide vrugteboorde kwesbaar.

Produksie van vrugte onder nette is besig om die hoogte in te skiet. Die vraag vir baie produsente is nie meer of hulle nette moet opsit nie. Die vraag is eerder watter tipe nette. En wat is die beste manier om daardie nette op te sit.

Wouter Visser van MBB Raadgewende Ingenieurs is deel van die span wat die nuwe FINIGAS-standaard vir netstrukture vir die vrugtebedryf saamgestel het.

Research on soil health and orchard floor ecology is an emerging theme in agriculture, as it is an important component of sustainability.

As early as 2500 BC, Sumerian farmers used sulphur to control insects and mites on their crops, illustrating the long history of the use of chemicals in agriculture.

In the last few decades, there has been a call to move away from traditional, highly toxic agricultural inputs to safer, less toxic products.

Grape quality from vineyard to shelf is under the spotlight in a new research project underway in the Robertson region.

Blue Bug Insect Diagnostics help producers identify insect pests in vineyards and orchards.

There are several challenges that one may be faced with when breeding novel grapevine cultivars. Chief amongst these is the…

Main Image: Anthony Hill in the evaluation site on his farm, Buffelskraal. In 2016 SATI reached an agreement with the…

By Hannes Bester, MC Pretorius, Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage (Citrus Research International) Integrated pest management (T.G. Grout, S.D. Moore…

A visitor amongst us By Evans Mauda and Sean Moore (Citrus Research International) Background Chrysomelids, commonly known as leaf beetles,…

With Covid-19 still disrupting our lives, CRI was forced to host the very popular CRI Postharvest Workshops online this year…

Rooi kleur-ontwikkeling in pere Deur Wiehann Steyn Tot onlangs het ons min geweet oor rooi kleur-ontwikkeling in pere. Die algemene…

How rootstock selection affects blush in pears Blushed or red pears made up about a third of cartons of pears…

Behaal só goeie rooi kleur in appels en pere.
’n Gebrek aan goeie rooi kleur is dikwels die struikelblok wat vrugte ongeskik maak vir uitvoer. Raadpleeg hierdie handige opsomming van praktiese oorwegings om die beste rooi kleur in appels en pere te behaal.

Gebruik hierdie kontrolelys vir sukses.

Consumer preferences matter and growers who want to sell fruit need to know what consumers fancy. They tend to choose fruit based on appearance – at least the first time they try it.

Marketers and consumers – we’re talking about humans, right? Wrong. Many plants depend on successful marketing for aspects of reproduction, including seed dispersal. And many seed-dispersing animals are discerning consumers of fruit.

We asked three nurserymen for their views on trends in tree production — and for their top tips on establishing…

Hortgro Science slaan ag op plantmateriaal Deur Anna Mouton ’n Behoefte is geïdentif iseer vir riglyne wat die beste praktyke…

Eersteklas boorde begin met ‘n blou etiket Anna Mouton en Rachel Kriel werp lig op die Sagtevrugteplantverbeteringskema. Wat is die…

Why it happens and how to prevent it By Anna Mouton We need to know more about the rachis physiology,…

How can South African postharvest practices improve? By Anna Mouton South Africa faces similar challenges to Chile, Peru and Australia…

BROWN ROT Getting to know your citrus postharvest diseases Brown rot is the term we tend to give to any…

Current status and the way forward Aruna Manrakhan*, Xolani Sibiya, Glynnis Cook, Rochelle de Bruyn, Wayne Kirkman, Elma Carstens, Mathys…

By Hannes Bester, Mathys Pretorius (aka MC), Wayne Mommsen and Catherine Savage Mealybug (S.D. Moore) Growers should be scouting for…

The presence of ants in citrus orchards can be altered from being a detrimental occurrence into a meaningful benefit to…

The basics of biology and control Table grape producers have good reason to take issue with mealy bugs. These troublesome…

What South Africans can learn from Australian table grape producers

Key findings from market analysis for future developments of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) projects. A focus on codling moth (Cydia…

Die rampspoedige set in sekere Japanese pruimkultivars in die 2019/20 seisoen was buitengewoon, maar swak set kos die bedryf elke…

Die swak Japanese pruimoes in 2019/20

COSMETIC PATHOGENS Postharvest cosmetic pathogens are diseases that only affect the rind or surface of the fruit. The symptoms may…

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

In 1886 the SA wine industry was nearly destroyed when phylloxera, an aphid-like insect which originates from wild grapevines in…

Compiled by Wiehann Steyn and assisted by technical advisors: Keith Bradley, Petru du Plessis, De Kock (Hammies) Hamman, Willie Kotze,…

A promising postharvest treatment against grain chinch bug and banded fruit weevil

SEAN MOORE1,2, MELLISSA PEYPER1, RIAAN STALS3 AND RIKUS DU PREEZ4 1 Citrus Research International, Port Elizabeth; 2Centre for Biological Control,…

Over the past nine years, occurrences of dieback on young apple trees have been reported shortly after orchard establishment. For…

Packaging and humidity control impact on shrivel

WELTEVREDE PEARS

Water is a scarce resource and agriculture remains under pressure to improve water use efficiency. Research being conducted by Drs…

New research project launched to quantify apple water use under shade netting compared to the open. Stephanie Midgley (1), Sebinasi…

Wouter Schreuder (a), Wilma Du Plooy (b), Arno Erasmus (b), Catherine Savage (b), Elaine Basson (b), Cheryl Lennox (a) And…

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT False codling moth S.D. MOORE The FCM Management System (FMS) for citrus, including the FCM Systems Approach,…

Acknowledgements We thank CP Mouton and Conrad Vorster for allowing access to their orchard at Houtkaprug in Citrusdal, and Citrus…

Previous research on olive fruit fly showed that many olives thought to be infested with fruit fly were actually infested…

Introduction

Effective and accurate irrigation of citrus trees has become critical due to rising electricity costs and an unreliable supply of…

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Update for 2020

INTRODUCTION Margarodes are subterranean scale insect pests that attack plant roots. Of the 10 species known in SA, five attack…

BESTUIS FARM

This article explores the impact of carton liners and relative humidity in cold stores during accumulation for export on post-storage…

A new programme for the evaluation of pome and stone fruit cultivars was recently launched at Klipboschlaagte near Ashton. The…

Many growers struggle with thrips management because thrips are extremely small insects (1.5 – 2mm long) that are difficult to…

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Despite the intense heat in the 2018/2019 season, the plum farm St Kilda in Bonnievale still managed to produce a…

In the 1990s the first blushed pear varieties were grown in SA, which has since become the market leader for…

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT T.G. GROUT and S.D. MOORE Thrips management During October and November, citrus fruit is highly susceptible to…

Letselaalwurms is ‘n grondplaag wat nie met die blote oog gesien kan word nie en geen duidelike wortelsimptome kom voor…

In the Western Cape, Ceratitis capitata, commonly known as the Mediterranean fruit fly or Medfly, is one of the most…

The diagnostic services of the Plant Protection Division at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch has confirmed the…

WELMA PIETERSE1, ARUNA MANRAKHAN2, JOHN TERBLANCHE3, PIA ADDISON4

TARL M BERRY1,* AND UMEZURUIKE L OPARA1,2

top: A high yielding Nadorcott tree.

V. A. DE KOCK ExperiCo (Agri Research Solutions), Stellenbosch, South Africa E-mail: info@experico.co.za

Introduction The South African stone fruit industry has a turn-over of R2.7 billion (Hortgro, 2018). Roughly 286.8 thousand tons of…

Since the groundbreaking release of Rachel Carlson’s book, Silent Spring, in 1962, and the surmounting evidence showing the dangers of…

Dark spots investigated As the major producer of the persimmon fruit in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa supplements the international…

A. Manrakhan*1, J-h. Daneel1, R. Beck1, M. Virgilio2,3, K. Meganck2,3 and M. De Meyer2

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION