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).
Many growers struggle with thrips management because thrips are extremely small insects (1.5 – 2mm long) that are difficult to detect. Outbreaks also tend to be sporadic and often unpredictable, complicating management even further. To improve management, it is important…
The diagnostic services of the Plant Protection Division at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch has confirmed the presence of stem canker pathogens in all areas where pome and stone fruit is produced.
The Western Cape constitutes about three quarters of SA’s orchard area where pomegranates are cultivated. During 2017-2018, a critical drought period for the province, increased irrigation produced positive results in pomegranate orchard yield and selected fruit quality variables, despite orchards…