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DIE JOERNAAL VIR DIE VRUGTEBEDRYF IN SUID-AFRIKA AUG/SEPT 2016
Flory
Trailed
Blower Carts
Flory
Self Propelled Sweeper - Blower
Flory
Harvester
Flory
Self Propelled Harverster
COE
Side Mount Shaker
COE
Flory
Trailed Carts
COE
Shaker side
Hedger, Topper, Skirter
Sweeper
Flory
Gillisons
Mono Boom Shaker
COE
Receiver side
COE
Reservoir Cart
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The Art of G
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Cream of the Crop!
light +
Good sun weather
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moderat st crunch
= the be
ly the
Hand-picked, on
arded
best apples are aw
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the seal of appro
Beautiful
Blush
Longer r
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A fine balance of
sweet and tart
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In Seaso
It’s the way we think that makes us the best.
In only ten years, we at GoReefers have become the
leaders in Global Perishable Logistics. It’s because we
always work hard at thinking differently. We were
the first to load ambient citrus, the first to load fruit
containers
from
Maputo
and
the
first
to
manage the cold chain, from pack house level, with
Namibian grapes. Without these and other continuously
innovative thoughts we would not be the highly
passionate outcomes focused logistics champions that
we are today.
Global Perishable Logistics Specialists
CO N T E N T S
V O L U M E 15 | P ART 3
ELKE UITGAWE
EVERY ISSUE
BEDRYFSNUUS
INDUSTRY NEWS
Editorial 2
SIZA takes the sting out of auditing 8
Foreword/Voorwoord 3
NEW UK LEGISLATION ON TACKLING
SLAVERY the implications for South African
fruit exporters 10
Spoeg ‘n Pit 5
SA Fruit Journal Board
of Directors 6
Fruitful Ideas 90
Last Word 93
Design and layout by
Colleen Goosen
082 779 2943
[email protected]
Printed and bound
by Paarl Media, Paarl
GOING GREEN A necessity not an option 12
Should packhouses go solar? 13
Start with an energy audit 14
Arbeidsvreugd reaches for the sun 15
Local market development campaign
makes strides 16
AMENDMENTS TO THE BEE (B-BBEE) CODES:
Fundamental changes require a strategic
rethink 20
BUILDING MARKET TRUST Key factors for
BEE market agents 24
London Student - this Year’s
Cook South Africa! Flavour King 26
CCMA announces the launch of a pilot
workplace mediation service 27
Plant material supply tendencies during
the 2015 season by SAPO Trust contracted
nurseries 28
Deciduous fruit farmers benefit from Jobs
Fund for commercialization HORTGRO to
provide vital support 34
Pierre du Plooy appointed as new
Fieldmens chairperson 34
SAPO: Cherry Nursery Trees 36
Two-a-Day’s market day grows in-house
entrepreneurs 37
Radical Transformation in the Citrus
Industry: the establishment of the
CGA Grower Development Company
(NPC) 38
Long-term citrus crop projections
2017-2035 40
Southern African Citrus Estimates for
2016 Export Season 42
Nie alle SA lemoensappe is ewe
gesond nie 44
Citrus Secondary Programme 45
Indonesia grants SA 'Country of
Recognition' status 48
RESEARCH &
TECHNOLOGY
ADVERTORIALS
PROMOSIE
CITRUS RESEARCH
INTERNATIONAL
HORTGRO
SCIENCE
Extension Briefs for
June & July 2016 50
NURSERY TREES: When its not the
Nurseryman's fault 66
Drought management in
citrus 56
SmartAgri: A climate Change Response
Plan for the Western Cape 70
fruitlook SEASON FOR CHANGE: brave
new world of fruit farming 74
Chronic sleep disorders in apple trees
lead to rude awakenings 82
GROWING FRUIT IQ: Pome fruit
rootstocks for Africa 88
Die wêreld se beste boordstrooier ooit 19
How to reduce irrigated water consumption
from already highly strained water
resources using the latest in irrigation
scheduling software and services 22
MECHANIZING PECAN FARMING:
Systems from ROVIC LEERS 32
PRO AGRI SERVICES (PTY) LTD
'n Professionele Dienstemaatskappy 33
BIOCEL: DON’T BREAK DORMANCY:
Stimulate growth 44
InteliGro 46
There is more than a FELCO 4 . . . 55
Protect your newly planted fruit trees 59
THE RISK REVIEW: Crop Insurance 2016 63
FarmTrack - Real-time savings to
optimise your farming business and
eliminate risk 65
Exciting new pome fruit varieties from
TopFruit are revealed 81
EDITORIAL
Shaping our own future
GLENNEIS
KRIEL
T
he Fourth Industrial Revolution is
upon us. Something that both scares
and excites me. It seems that we are
standing on the brink of a technological revolution that will have the same impact
on humanity as the First, Second and Third
Industrial Revolutions. While the First was driven
by steam, the Second by electric power and the
Third by electronics and information technology, the Fourth Revolution is brought about by
the huge advances made in electronic processing power and interconnectedness of things.
And it is already causing economic disruptions.
Just look at the way in which Uber taxis and
AirBnB are transforming their industries. South
Africans, for example, can now go on a holiday
to Europe or America with AirBnB accommodation for less than what it would cost to stay in
the Kruger National Park. With Uber taxis you
can book a taxi in your neighbourhood and
pay for it via an app on your phone, which is
supposedly safer for the driver and passenger.
But what does this mean to the fruit industry.
Well, first of all I think we shouldn’t be afraid
to embrace new technology. I am certain that
there were just as many cynics when people first
started listening to radio or watching television
as there are people complaining about smartphones ruling the world. That doesn’t mean that
I approve of people using their phones antisocially, but what the heck, there are also many
IGNATIUS VLOK
ADVERTISING 082 331 2127
[email protected]
2
CLAUDIA WALKLETT
FPEF details please
SA VRUGTE JOERNAAL | AUG/SEPT 2016
people that just sit in front of television all day.
Secondly, I agree with ICT specialist Martin
Butler (Read the article on page 89), that nobody
knows exactly how the digital era will affect
a sector, but we can play a pro-active role in
deciding what it should be. And I can already
see that farmers and researchers in the industry
are taking control. Satellite technology, in the
form of FruitLook, is helping farmers here in
South Africa to improve production efficiency
(Read the article on page 72) and researchers
are using it to breed for example low sugar an
non-allergenic fruit (Read the article on page 85).
The Fourth Industrial Revolution might result
in job losses and create greater inequalities
in a world where the gap between the rich
and poor is already very skewed. I, however,
hope we will be able to use it to make things
more equal, to help people become more
efficient and lead better quality lives. While it
might replace labour in primary production, it
could create new and more opportunities in
upstream value-adding activities.
So let us not become slaves to technology,
but make technology work for us. The secret
is to get a good balance between technology
and the human factor, as Warren Bam reminds
us in his article. (Read the article on page 8)
Ultimately it will be our dependence on one
another together with the use of technology
that will secure sustainability into the future.
CLAYTON SWART
SATI 021 863 0366
[email protected]
TARRYN WETTERGREEN
SATI 021 863 0366
[email protected]
FOREWORD
How About Doing Both, Not Either Or
S
outh Africans have a tendency to
want the national agenda or efforts
to be focused on what they think
is a priority. I have always heard a
comment such as “why are we wasting money
doing this”, “that instead of helping the poor or
building schools” and so on. I always hope that
this is a genuine concern for the poor and not
what I will call the ‘Judas syndrome’*.
As a diverse nation, we should accept that our
priorities as individuals and a nation will not
always be in synch. I also understand and fully
appreciate scarcity (paucity) - a fundamental
economic problem of limited resources while
there are unlimited human needs and wants.
You may be wondering where I am going with
this? My proposal is that we, as an industry,
sector and country, start to think and embrace
the fact that we are capable of both growing
the industry, sector or economy, while transforming it.
What I am advocating is that growing the
industry and transformation are not and should
not be treated as mutually exclusive. Furthermore, putting efforts and energies on either
should not be perceived as not prioritizing the
other - we can successfully do both at the same
time.
The key issue in the minds of the captains of
our industry is the market - how do we GRO
(gain, retain and optimize) as many markets
TIM GROUT
CRI 013 759 8000
[email protected]
GLORIA WEARE
CGA 031 765 2514
[email protected]
as possible; while the key issue in the minds of
government officials, politicians and ordinary
South Africans, is how can the industry and
sector be transformed? This is where the 'either
or approach' cannot work as the priorities are
not in sync. My suggestion is doing both at the
same time.
We just need a change of mind set and develop
a well-structured plan to address both priorities. The premise of my argument is that there
is room for both small and big enterprises to
grow and thrive in our industry. I was in India in
May, attending the Fresh Produce India conference and I was blown out of my mind when
I heard a fresh produce buyer saying that he
sourced from 5 million small holder farmers.
My question is whether we are not able to do
this in SA, or even better as we don’t have so
many small holder farmers!
SA is blessed with a well-functioning and
growing fruit industry. Fruit SA will continue to
ensure that this industry grow, thrive and keep
on competing with the best in the world.
Let’s allow what is working continue to work,
by supporting it while creating a transformed
and representative fruit industry. It is a balancing act indeed but it is not an either or.
Borrowing from the Hanna Montana lyrics, ‘we
can get the best of both worlds’.
*read John 12:4
ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP
HORTGRO 021 882 8470
[email protected]
ESTE BEERMAN
HORTGRO 021 870 2919
[email protected]
AUG/SEPT 2016 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL
3
DR KONANANI
LIPHADZI
NO MORE GUESSWORK FOR
FARM MANAGERS
Farmtrack is a money saving tool
that also helps improve farm
efficiency through proper vehicle
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hundreds of thousands of rands
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optimising accurate spraying
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Can you afford not to
install FarmTrack?
Distributed by
W4 W W. FA R M T R A C K S A . C O M
Vreemde spore . . .
E
k staan op ‘n hoogtetjie op ’n grensplaas naby Beitbrug. Oorkant, anderkant
Rudyard Kipling se great grey-green,
greasy Limpopo, broei Zimbabwe se
laeveldbos deinserig in die somerhitte.
Voor my, hier aan die voet van die koppie,
sny ons land se grens soos ‘n silwer letsel
deur die landskap. Dit bestaan uit ‘n dubbele
draadheining; hoog, dig en deurweef met
lemmetjiesdraad en elektriese geleiers. Tussen
die twee drade loop ‘n patrolliepad en op ‘n
heuwel staan ‘n wagpos en ‘n seintoring. Dis
PW se ondeurdringbare versperring, deel van
destyds se groter plan om Suid-Afrika se grense
te beveilig teen die Totale Aanslag.
Nou is die elektriese drade lankal afgeskakel.
Daar’s gapende gate in die heinings, met ‘n
uitgetrapte voetpad daardeur, dwarsoor die
grens. Ek luister hoe die boer vertel van die
Zimbabwiërs wat elke aand, maand na maand,
in hul dosyne langs sy plaas verbyloop van
oorkant af. Hoe die taxis wag om hulle op te laai
hier agter by die teerpad, hoeveel die mensesmokkelaars vra om hulle in Johannesburg te
besorg, selfs hoe die bokke wat jagters hier op
sy wildplaas skiet masels in hul vleis het van wei
waar ‘n onwettige immigrant se opgewondenheid hom laat hurk het.
Die volgende dag staan en kyk ek ‘n grys korrelbaard in die oë terwyl hy my in ‘n parkeerterrein
soebat vir ‘n paar rand. Hy kry nie werk nie, sê
hy in Venda Afrikaans. Die makwerekwere van
Zimbabwe hulle gekom vat al die job hierso.
Op die lang pad huis toe raak ‘n kelnerin in De
Doorns in die WesKaap skoon opgewerk toe ek
haar vra na die hele nuwe woonbuurt wat in die
laaste paar jaar hier ontstaan het aan die oorkant van die N1. Dis g’n hierdie plek se mense
nie, sê sy verontwaardig. Dis inkommers. Hulle
kom van die Transkei en van oraloor. Baie van
hulle is van annerland, hulle praat nie eers ons
taal nie. Eintlik moet hulle glad nie hier wees
nie. Hier’s klaar nie werk nie, dan kom vat hulle
nog die bietjie werk wat hier is en verder steel
hulle. Kyk hoe moet die mense nou toespan
hier, selfs die wingerde moet dan nou glad
lektriekdrade om kry!
By ‘n ander geleentheid staan en kyk ek weer
na ons landsgrens. Dié keer van buite. Ek staan
in Mosambiek en kyk na ‘n roeserige draad
wat platgetrap lê in die rooi riolietgruis van
die Lebombo’s. Ek kyk van twee treë weg af
ongehinderd in op die Kruger wildtuin. Van bos
na bos, want hier loop Mosambiek se woeste
wildernis aaneen met Kruger se geheiligde
wildernis. Aan die SA kant loop ‘n patrolliepad,
al langs die grens. Ek sien rooibokspore daar
en dié van buffels, maar nie ‘n motor- of
mensspoor varser as twee dae nie. Maar
dwarsoor sien ek ‘n voertuigspoor van seker
so twaalf ure oud. Uit Kruger se bosse kom hy,
lynreg oor die patrolliepad, hier bo-oor die
platlêdraad en dan weg in ‘n ou bospaadjie
Mosambiek in.
Drie dae later, skaars tien kilometer van daar
op ‘n afgeleë tweespoor tussen niks en nêrens
in Mosambiek, word ek amper te pletter gery
deur twee voertuie wat uit die grens se rigting
aangejaag kom. ‘n Nuwerige Land Cruiser
bakkie met ‘n Gauteng nommer en ‘n afleweringslorrietjie uit die Vrystaat. Net ‘n bestuurder
in elk, roekeloos haastig op pad na waar ‘n
koper van gesteelde Suid Afrikaanse voertuie
waarskynlik wag.
Nie ver daarvandaan nie, net voor die volmaan,
staan en kyk ek weer na spore. Skoenspore
dié keer, in ‘n olifantpaadjie langs die Rio
Shingwedzi in Mosambiek. Die spore volg die
paadjie en steek dan die grens oor, die Kruger
wildtuin in. Drie man. Die klassieke renosterstroopspan.
Nog ‘n paar dae later staan en kyk ek na waar
‘n hele vallei se eeue-oue hardekole afgesaag
is. Antieke bome, eerstehandse getuies van
Afrika se evolusie, lewende voorvaders van ons
veld. Afgesaag om op skepe na China geneem
te word. Dieselfde China waar die renosterVERVOLG OP BLADSY 6
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
AUG/SEPT
| SA FRUIT
| SPOEG
JOURNAL
'N PIT
5
HERMAN JONKER
SPOEG 'N PIT Rubriek
Vreemde spore . . .
SAFJ DIRECTORS
VERVOLG VAN BLADSY 5
KONANANI LIPHADZI
CEO, Fruit South Africa
horings wat uit die Kruger wildtuin gestroop
word eindig. Dieselfde China waarheen ons
geplunderde perlemoen gaan.
by tot ons gemeenskappe? Skenk hulle oóit
iets vir ons kerke? Gee hulle oóit werk vir ons
skoolverlaters?
En ek besluit te hel daarmee. Nou is ek ook
gatvol vir inkommers. Goed en wel as hulle
kom bydra tot ‘n land, maar te hel met hulle
as hulle net kom plak en plunder. Veral
China. Te hel met hulle neokolonialisme.
Los ons renosters uit. Los ons perlemoen en
olifanttande en leeubene uit. Los wat in ons
bos groei uit en los wat onder ons grond is
uit.
Nee, ek sien die vreemdelinge se spore en
dan dink ek; ons het alweer ‘n Uitlanderkwessie, net soos in Oom Paul se dae van ouds.
Wat doen al die China shops hoeka hier, tot
selfs op die kleinste dorpies? Watter voordeel
is daar vir ons ekonomie as China se goedkoop plastiekbakkies en spieëltjies hier van
die hand gesit word? Ons klerefabrieke sluit
terwyl hulle s’n floreer. En wat doen al daai
Chinese hier? Het jy al oóit gesien dat hulle
help brandslaan in die berge of pannekoek
bak vir ‘n bazaar? Wat dra hulle hoegenaamd
ANTON RABE
Executive Director, HORTGRO
ANTON KRUGER
CEO, FPEF
Maar dan sien ek ook die spore wat uitgaan.
Hulle lei Londen toe. Midde ooste toe.
Australië toe. Kanada toe. En ja, ook China
toe. Olieboorwerkers, au pairs, studente,
onderwysers, dokters, ingenieurs en ander
emigrante of trekwerkers uit ons bodem, op
hul lewenspaaie van ambisie. En ek sien Suid
Afrika se vrugte op Europa se markte en ons
wyne op China se tafels en ons blikkies op
Afrika se winkelrakke.
Dan besef ek, nee, xenofobiese vooroordeel
is nie die oplossing vir ons frustrasies nie. Ons
moet ons woede eerder mik waar dit hoort:
op die lakse skaapwagters wat die hekke laat
ooplê vir Jakkals.
SAFJ SHAREHOLDERS
WILLEM BESTBIER
CEO, SATI
FPEF FRESH PRODUCE
EXPORTERS’ FORUM
CGA
CITRUS GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION
Private Bag X5, Century City 7441
Tel: 021 526 0474 • Fax: 021 526 0479
www.fpef.co.za
PO Box 461, Hillcrest 3650 • Tel: 031 765 2514
Fax: 031 765 8029 • [email protected]
www.cga.co.za
SATI
SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY
63 Main Street, Paarl 7646 • Tel: 021 863 0366
[email protected]
www.satgi.co.za
JUSTIN CHADWICK
CEO, CGA
6
SASPA • SA STONE FRUIT
PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION
SAAPPA • SA APPLE & PEAR
PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION
Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915
258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620
[email protected] • www.hortgro.co.za
Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915
258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620
[email protected] • www.hortgro.co.za
Sitrusprodukte
wat werk
Philagro se beproefde reeks sitrusprodukte verseker topgehal te uitvoervrugte.
Dantop ® 20 SC is ’n sistemiese produk vir die beheer van blaaspootjies en witluis in sitrus.
Rugby® 10 ME of Rugby® 10 G is ’n langwerkende kontak aalwurmdoder wat sitrusaalwurm laat les
opsê! Hierdie aalwurmdoder het geen onthoudingsperiode nie wat beteken dat die produsent nie oor
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DiPel ® DF en Florbac ® WG is geskik vir organiese boerderye vir uitvoer na die VSA en sal
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Impact® 250 SC word aangewend om nawels teen nawelentverrotting te beskerm.
Sumimax® WP is ’n skitterende vooropkoms onkruiddoder van breëblaar- en sommige grasonkruide.
Sumimax ® WP het ’n goeie residuele werking en beheer selfs hardnekkige vaalskaalhans en ander
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Aurora ® 40 WG is ’n na-opkoms onkruidoder vir die beheer van ’n
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Praat gerus met jou naste Philagro-agent oor
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Tindrum 16/010
Philagro Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk
Reg nr: 1998/010658/07
Posbus 36213 Menlopark 0102
Pretoria Tel: (012) 348 8808
Somerset Wes Tel: (021) 851 4163
PRODUKTE WAT WERK
VAN MENSE WAT OMGEE
www.philagrosa.co.za
Raadpleeg die etiket vir volledige besonderhede. Aurora® 40 WG, reg nr. L 6794 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat karfentrasoonetiel, versigtig. Corasil® P bevat
dichlorprop, reg nr. L8441 (wet nr. 36 van 1947). Dantop® 20 SC, reg nr. L8612 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat clotianidien, versigtig. DiPel® DF, reg nr. L 6441 (wet nr. 36
van 1947) bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, versigtig. Florbac® WG, reg nr. L 5531 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, versigtig.
Impact® 250SC, reg nr. L 9064 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat flutriafol, versigtig. Meothrin®, reg nr. L 6385 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat fenpropatrien, giftig. Nemesis®,
reg nr. L 7099 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat piriproksifen, versigtig. ProGibb® 40%, reg nr. L 6777 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat gibberelliene, versigtig. Rovral® Flo, reg
nr. L1046 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat iprodioon. Rugby® 10 G, reg nr. L 4110 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat kadusafos, skadelik. Rugby® 10 ME, reg nr. L 6368 (wet nr.
36 van 1947) bevat kadusafos, skadelik. Sumimax® WP, reg nr. L 6358 (wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat flumioksasien. Corasil® P, reg nr. L 8441 (wet nr. 36 van 1947)
AUG/SEPT
2016 | SA handelsmerke
FRUIT JOURNAL
bevat dichlorprop-p, versigtig. Aurora® , Rovral® en Rugby®
is die gergistreerde
van FMC Corporation, VSA. Meothrin®, Nemesis® en Sumimax® is
Sumitomo Chemicals Co, Japan. DiPel®, Florbac® en Progibb® is die gergistreerde handelsmerke van die Valent Bioscience
die geregistreerde handelsmerke van
Corporation, VSA. Impact® is die geregistreerde handelsmerk van Cheminova, Denemarke. Dantop® is die geregistreerde handelsmerk van Sumitomo Takeda Chemical
Company, Tokyo, Japan. Corasil® P is die handelsmerk van Nufarm Agriculture (Edms) Bpk, Australië. Corasil® is die geregistreerde handelsmerk van Nufarm, SA.
7
Liefde is basis van sukses
Warren Bam, wat onlangs as direksielid van SATI gekies is,
gesels oor hoe hy gekom het waar hy vandag is.
CLAYTON SWART
“Jy kan op grond van liefde werk óf wat die wet
vereis. As jy op naasteliefde werk, vind jy dat
mense aan die ontvangskant die ekstra myl vir
jou sal stap,” sê Warren Bam, die nuutverkose
direksielid van die Suid Afrikaanse tafeldryfbedryf se produksie organisation, SATI.
Bam het homself reeds
bewys as ’n suksesvolle boer.
In 2013 het hy die Toyota
New Harvest of the Year
kompetisie se afdeling vir
mees belowende jong boer
van ’n voorheen benadeelde
agtergrond gewen. Hy besit
’n 100% bemagtigde besigheid wat hy op huurgrond
bedryf en het 16 ha tafeldruiwe in 2014 aangeplant,
waarvan hy vanjaar sy eerste
60 000 kartonne uitgevoer
het. Hy is ook in ’n vennootskap met Wessel Van Niekerk
op die plaas Wesland in
Saron, waar hulle so 53 ha
tafeldruiwe verbou.
Warren Bam (regs voor)
glo om te werk op die basis
vanliefde, veral met sy
werknemers.
As boorling van Saron, ’n voormalige sendingstasies, het Bam 12 jaar gelede “die liggies van
Kaapstad” en ’n “gemaklike bestuursposisie” in
’n konstruksiefirma verruil vir sy eerste liefde,
die landbou. Hy is sielsgelukkig om saam met sy
vrou Connie en twee kinders weer op die plaas te
woon, wat omring is deur sy tafeldruif wingerde.
“As kinders het ek en my broer Saterdae saam
met my Pa, Herman Bam, op sy lappie meentgrond ’n groentetuin versorg. My hoogtepunt
was om met my Pa op sy werkgewer, Ben Van
Niekerk, se trekker te ry. Dis waar my liefde vir
die landbou posgevat het,” verduidelik Bam
met ’n groot glimlag. Bam onthou hoe die Van
Niekerk gesin selfs in die ou bedeling hulle
“Ek glo vas in die landbou. Dit is wat ek geniet en stel my
in staat om ander mense se lewens te verander.”
8
BEDRYFSNUUS | AUG/SEPT 2016
altyd met respek behandel het. Dit is hierdie
wedersydse respek en geloof in God wat hierdie gesinne vir amper 45 jaar bymekaar hou.
Alhoewel hulle nooit of die Van Niekers se plaas
Lushof gewoon het nie, het hulle as kinders
saam met hul ma soontoe gegaan tydens
paktyd en met Van Niekerk se kinders, Breda en
Wessel, op die “groot groen grasperk” op die
plaas gespeel. Hulle paaie het egter geskei soos
wat hulle ouer geword het.
WYE DRAAIE
Alhoewel Bam se eerste liefde die landbou
was, het hy in 1988 besluit om eerder ’n kursus
in bemarkings- en verkoopsbestuur and die
destydes Skiereilandse Tegnikon te studeer en
later ook by Unisa. “Die landbou was te geslote
en dit sou finansiële selfmoord wees om my op
daardie tydstip daarin te begewe,” verduidelik hy.
Sy eerste werk was in kleinhandel. Hy het in
Kaapstad gewoon en was later tot die hoofkantoor van die kleinhandel groep bevorder. Na hy
“verveeld” geraak het daar, het hy by ’n konstruksie maatskappy begin gewerk. Hier het hy baie
oor administrasie, kostebepalings, tenders en
kontraktering geleer, vaardighede wat hom
vandag goed te staan kom in sy boerdery.
Sy Pa se dood het die geluk by die ongeluk
gebring, waar hy die vriendskap met een van
die Van Niekerk broers kon voortsit. “Tydens my
Pa se begrafnis het Breda my na sy huis genooi,
waarna ons gereeld oor ’n periode van so twee
jaar gekuier het,” vertel Bam. Breda het toe uit
die bloute vir Bam ’n aanbod gemaak om terug
te keer na Saron as plaasbestuurder van Lushof,
die plaas waar sy Pa vir 32 jaar gewerk het.
“Ek was bekommerd oor ek niks van landbou
geweet het nie, maar Breda het my gerusgestel dat hy my alles oor organiese boerdery
sou leer. Alhoewel die grootste gros van die
boerdery op organiese beginsels geskoei was,
het ons ook sekere tafeldruif kultivars konvensioneel geboer,” vertel Bam.
Warren Bam en sy vennoot
Wessel van Niekerk is besig
met hierdie sowat 13 hektaar
nuwe aanplantings van
tafeldruiwe wat onder spesiale
nette gaan groei.
NUWE GELEENTHEDE
Lushof was egter na twee jaar verkoop. ’n
Engelsman, Stephen Taylor, het die plaas
gekoop. Daar was ’n oes wat gehang het en
hy het vir Bam die kans gegee om homself as
plaasbestuurder te bewys. Bam het aangebly
en selfs meer by Taylor as Breda geleer, omdat
dié bykans alle supermarkte in die VK, elkeen
met sy unieke vereistes, voorsien het. So het
Bam gereeld plase in Engeland en Europa
besoek, en geleer oor alle aspekte, wat selfs
arbeid insluit.
“Ek het eerstehands gesien hoe ons produkte op
die rakke van supermarkte in dié lande letterlik
meeding met produkte van Peru, Chile en andere.
Daar is tot borde op rakke, veral in die VK, wat
aandui waar die produkte vandaan kom.”
Intussen het Bam in 2013 ’n buurplaas
gehuur en so in sy spaartyd begin tafeldruiwe
aanplant. “Na my eerste klein oes in 2014, op
ou bestaande wingerde, het ek in Julie 2015
besluit ek kan nie so oor die draad boer nie
en my voltyds op my eie produksie begin
toespits.”
• Arbeidsvriendelikheid
• Raklewe
• En seker die belangrikste, bemarkbaarheid
Hy het rooi kultivars aangeplant wat Jack
Salute, Sweet Celebration en Allison insluit. Sy
keuse van wit kultivars sluit in Arra 15 en Sweet
Globe, terwyl sy swart kultivars bestaan uit
Sweet Saphire, Melody en Sugra34, met nog
beplande uitbreidings vir die nuwe seisoen.
OMARM OUDITS
“As produsent moet jy oudits omarm en dit as
’n geleentheid sien om aan die vereistes van
’n snelveranderende wêreld mark te voldoen.
Die etiese vereistes, byvoorbeeld, het ten doel
om seker te maak dat die werkgewer voldoen
aan plaaslike arbeidswetgewing. As gevolg van
tegnologie is die markte nou nader as ooit aan
die produksie eenhede en billike arbeidspraktyke is baie hoog op die lys van ingeligte
verbruikers,” verduidelik Bam.
Warren Bam sê ’n mens wil
darem nie ’n paar dae na ’n
bui reën in ’n wingerd stap en
jou vrugte is gebars nie.
Sy harde werk is raakgesien en hy het oor die
afgelope paar jaar hulp vanaf die regering
ontvang. Dit is aangewend vir dienste, grondvoorbereiding, plantmateriaal, meganisasie,
produksieinsette en besproeiing. Bam neem
ook deel in SATI se voorkeur kultivar program
waardeur hy van die nuutste kultivars kon
bekom. Sy kultivar seleksie kriteria sluit in:
Hy is deeglik bewus van die rol wat die eindverbruiker, veral in die Britse mark speel, waar
hulle kwessies soos omgewingsbewustheid
aanhaal en antwoorde van produsente verwag.
“Ons oorsese kliënte wil goed wees, soos of jou
vrugte eties verbou word, of jy van omgewingsverantwoordelike lanboupraktyke gebruik
maak en of jou produkte veilig is. Hulle lewensstyl is om sosiaal verantwoordelik te wees. As
produsente moet ons hiervan bewus wees en
daarby aanpas,” sê Bam.
VERVOLG OP BLADSY 10
• Vrugbaarheid van die kultivar (jy wil nie ’n
kultivar soebat om te dra nie)
• Redelike reën bestandheid (die korrels moenie
bars na ’n paar dae se reën nie)
“Onthou my buurman is nie my kompetisie nie.
My kompetisie is ander lande wat in dieselfde tyd
as ons die mark bedien.”
AUG/SEPT 2016 | INDUSTRY NEWS
9
Bam verbou wyndruiwe op
sy plaas in Saron voor die
Roodezant berge.
RADE EN KOMITEES
As direksielid van SATI sal Bam graag
wil sien dat SATI meer relevant
en innoverend word.
“Daar moet gekyk word na watter
uitdagings produsente in die gesig
staar. SATI kan, byvoorbeeld, ’n
“helpdesk” daarstel wat veral
produsente kan bystaan met die
nakom van sekere standaarde soos
wetgewing op arbeidsverhoudinge,
beroeps en gesondheid veiligheid
en selfs van tyd tot tyd
opleidingsessies bied wat relevante
kwessies aanspreek,”
verduidelik hy.
Hy sê SATI moet op die voorgrond van
swart bemagtigingsprojekte wees.
“SATI moet pro-aktief wees en
daar wees vir alle tafeldruif produsente.
Daar moet geen groepe wees nie.
Onthou my buurman is nie my
kompetisie nie. My kompetisie is
ander lande wat in dieselfde tyd
as ons die mark bedien.”
Bam sê hy sal daarvan hou as suksesvolle
produsente bietjie tyd maak om van die
lesse wat hulle oor die jare geleer het met
medeboere te vertel:
“In baie gevalle het vandag se
suksevolle produsente ook met
niks begin nie. Hulle moet as
sulks die profete wees en ons
wat nou begin inspireer.”
10 SA VRUGTE JOERNAAL | AUG/SEPT 2016
KOSBAARSTE BATE
Bam glo daarin om op die basis van liefde
eerder as die wet te werk: “Wetgewing stel
minimum standaarde. Indien jy daaraan
voldoen het die regering en jou personeel vrede
met jou. Maar is die minimum dit wat jy vir jou
kosbaarste bate in jou besigheid wil gee? Ek
betaal my werkers bo die minimum loon, want
ek dink hoe gaan mense op daardie bedrag
soveel monde in hul huishoudings voer.”
“Ek help met skooldrag vir kinders. Indien van
hul naasbestaandes ontval, probeer ek ’n bydrae
maak. Dit is my geleentheid om aan hulle te
demonstreer dat ek omgee. En ek is nie die
enigste produsent wat sulke dinge doen nie,
daar is baie produsente wat selfs meer doen vir
hul werkers,” sê Bam.
Dít, verduidelik Bam, toon sy menslikheid en hy
wil weliswaar nie sy werkers anders behandel
as wat hy self verwag om behandel te word
nie. “Soos jy daardie liefde eerste vir mense
betoon, sal hulle ook jou belange op die hart
dra. As daar dan nou ’n pyp sou bars of werk is
wat oortyd verg, is jou werkers bereid om in te
spring en te help sonder om te kla.”
Bam beoog om een van die sogenaamde HOP
huise per jaar van sy werkers op te knap en
twee vetrekke aan te bou sodat hulle ’n bietjie
privaatheid kan geniet. Hy het tans 14 jongmense van die Saron omgewing wat vir ’n jaar
lank wye blootstelling op sy plaas ontvang. Dit
word aangebied in samwerking met die WesKaapse Departement van Landbou.
“Ek glo vas in die landbou. Dit is wat ek geniet
en dit stel my in staat om ander mense se
lewens ook te verander. Ek stel nie belang in ’n
weelderige leefstyl nie. Ek plaas 60% van my
winste terug in aanplantings. Ek wil graag in die
toekoms my eie produksie eenheid van so 25 tot
30 ha besit,” sê ’n vasberade Bam.
Elke luis se kruis!
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Omdat die boerdery bedryf een van Suid-Afrika se belangrikste hoekstene is en getrou die nasie voed, stel NexusAG elke boer se
belange hoog op prys. NexusAG neem met trots die voortou om te sorg dat Suid-Afrika se boere die hulp en ondersteuning verkry wat
hulle benodig.
Maak staat op NexusAG om jou deur dik en dun by te staan met persoonlike diens en optimale oes-beskermingsoplossings vir jou
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Kontak ons vandag nog vir ’n besoek van jou
naaste NexusAG-kundige en ontgin die volle
potensiaal van jou boerdery.
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11
New crop of entomologists
SEAN MOORE
Congratulations to three young entomologists who were recently awarded
post-graduate qualifications in entomology from Rhodes University.
C
andice Coombes graduated with a PhD, having completed a thesis
entitled “Field evaluation of the use of select entomopathogenic
fungal isolates as microbial control agents of the soil-dwelling life
stages of a key South African citrus pest, Thaumatotibia leucotreta
(Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)”. Candice, who was supervised by Prof
Martin Hill, Prof Jo Dames and Dr Sean Moore, is continuing with her studies
this year in a post-doctoral position with Rhodes University and simultaneously giving back what she has received, by co-supervising a couple of
promising young agricultural entomology post-graduates.
An MSc degree was awarded to Mathew Goddard for his study on “Developing an attractant for monitoring fruit-feeding moths in citrus orchards”.
Mat, who received support from the Citrus Academy during his studies and
was supervised by Prof Hill and Dr Moore, is now working as a Rhodes-NRF
funded research technician with CRI in the Eastern Cape.
Dr Candice Coombes (middle) and her supervisors
Dr Sean Moore (left) and Prof Martin Hill at Rhodes
University graduation.
HORTGRO
brei uit
“Elke streek se behoeftes,
kulture en persoonlikhede verskil . . .
’n Persoon in die direkte
gebied sal sulke
kwessies beter kan
uitken en oplos.”
Tumi Motsoeneng graduated with an MSc with distinction for her study
on “Genetic and biological characterisation of a novel South African Cydia
pomonella granulovirus (CpGV-SA) isolate”. She was supervised by Prof
Caroline Knox, Prof Hill and Dr Moore.
D
ie Langkloof en EGVV-gebied (Elgin,
Grabouw, Vyeboom, Villiersdorp)
sal binnekort hul eie HORTGROstreekskantoor hê ten einde die
vloei van kommunikasie en inligting in die
bedryf te verbeter. HORTGRO se uitbreiding
na hierdie twee streke, en later ook die Ceres/
Witzenberg-gebied, se einddoel is meer effektiewe dienslewering aan produsente en ander
bedryfsrolspelers.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Appel-en- Peerprodusentevereniging (Saappa) en die Suid-Afrikaanse
Steen-vrugte-produsentevereniging (Saspa)
is die afgelope jaar reeds in gesprek om
sigbaarheid en kommunikasie met produsente
te verbeter. Volgens Anton Rabe, uitvoerende
hoof van HORTGRO, bly kommunikasie met
alle produsente een van HORTGRO se hoofprioriteite: “Die streekskantore sal ’n verlengstuk
12 BEDRYFSNUUS | AUG/SEPT 2016
van sigbaarheid vir HORTGRO wees en sal
streek-spesifieke kwessies kan identifiseer en
aanspreek.
Rabe meen ook verskillende streke het verskillende behoeftes, wat in ’n gefragmenteerde opset,
nie doeltreffend hanteer word nie en dikwels
tot duplisering lei. Volgens hom sal dié kwessies beter hanteer word wanneer die bepaalde
funksies na die verskillende streke afwentel.
“Elke streek se behoeftes, kulture en persoonlikhede verskil. Dit kan wissel van algemene
beleids-en bedryfskwessies, inligting- opnames,
oesskattings, besproeiingsrade, die administrasie van landbou verenigings ensovoorts. Máár,
dit kan ook opleiding en sosiaalmaatskaplikekwessies uniek aan die gebied wees. ’n Persoon
in die direkte gebied sal sulke kwessies beter
kan uitken en oplos.”
Die kantore sal in elke gebied sentraal geplaas
CCC wins another award
The fruit and wine industries’ Confronting Climate Change Initiative (CCC) has recently won a
bronze award in the Climate Change category of Enviropaedia’s annual Eco-Logic Awards.
T
The award, sponsored by the Department of Environmental Affairs, gives recognition to organisations that achieve substantial reductions in Greenhouse Gas
emissions.
Last year, the CCC Initiative was also selected as the national winner for South
Africa in the Energy Globe awards. More than 1500 projects from a total of 177 countries
were submitted at the end of 2014 for this prestigious award.
These awards provide substance and credibility to the CCC Initiative that was started in
2008 in response to the growing international concern over climate change. Year-on-year
data generated by the carbon calculator is providing South African fruit and wine growers
with not only measurements of their carbon footprint, but also excellent consumption
benchmarks for electricity, diesel and other key inputs.
This creates the opportunity to initiate improvements that increase efficiencies while at
the same time lowering the carbon footprint.
Right: Anél Blignaut, CCC Project Manager and Eddie Vienings, Partner of Blue North Sustainability, which manages the CCC project on behalf of the fruit and wine industry at the
Eco-Logic award ceremony.
For more information visit the CCC website at www.climatefruitandwine.co.za
wees, en sal elk een persoon in ’n kantoorbestuurder
pos hê. Volgens Rabe sal hierdie persone die “gesig”
van HORTGRO in die onderskeie gebiede wees, en
nie nét HORTGRO nie, maar ook HORTGRO Science en
bedryfsdienste soos FruitFly Africa verteenwoordig.
“Die persone sal ’n kontakpunt vir die kanalisering en
hantering van navrae, ’n verteenwoordiger in streeksforums, en ook verantwoordelik vir die indentifisering
van gapings en behoeftes binne hul streek wees. Dít
sluit ook die ondersteuning van bedryfsinisiatiewe
soos Agri’s got Talent, FruitFly Africa en ander in.”
Die streekskantore sal deur middel van die bestaande
bedryfsheffing befonds sal word, verduidelik Rabe.
“’n Gedeelte van die bestaande bedryfsheffing sal afgewentel
word om dienskostes te dek. Die kantore sal deur die verskuiwing en her-aanwending van bestaande uitgawes en ook ledegelde soos
deur die streek bepaal, befonds word.”
Hortgro is besig om streekskantore oop te maak
in die Langkloof, EGVV en Ceres gebied.
’n Bepaalde datum vir stigting van die streekskantore is nog nie vasgemaak nie
en onderhoude vir die onderskeie poste is onderweg.
13
Minister thanks table
grape industry
CLAYTON SWART
Michael Laubscher (left),
chairman of SATI hands
a box of export grapes to t
he Western Cape Minister of
Economic Opportunities,
Alan Winde, at the
organisation’s recent annual
general meeting in Paarl.
T
able grape producers from across the
country were thanked for their hard
work and contribution to agriculture
by the Western Cape Minister of
Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, at the
recent SATI annual general meeting in Paarl.
“I wish to thank you in
agriculture as these are the
best of times and the worst
of times. It is not easy to
farm under these conditions especially with the
persistent drought,” Winde
said.
There were currently many
positive developments in
the industry, according to
him. “South African has
been granted Country of
Recognition Status by Indonesia and we have gained
access to the lucrative
Thailand market. This is exactly where government and industry bodies like SATI are working
together to achieve these results to the benefit
of industry,” he said.
IMPORTANT STATS
• South Africa is the 5th biggest producer and
exporter of table grapes in the world.
• Provides 11 000 full-time and 42 000 seasonal
jobs valued at R950 million in wages per year
• Additional R32 million in job creation, direct
suppliers
• Additional R600 million job creation, suppli-
ers in the value chain
• Significant contribution to downstream
production income – R3,2 billion other product
input providers, R720 million to packaging
material suppliers, R250 million to logistics
suppliers.
Winde said the numbers above were encouraging and added that the Western Cape
Government would continue to support the
industry to grow. He thanked SATI for the
contribution to transformation in the agriculture sector and job creation, but added that
it was crucial that the agricultural sector and
government did more to create at least 20 %
black owned farm, in line with the National
Development Plan.
“We have set aside R290 million, but need R20
billion to realise this goal. Government needs
projects from the private sector as we cannot
do it on our own,” Winde said. He added that
the Western Cape aims to ensure a 70% success
rate of all the land reform projects in which
it: “Over the next three years, we will support
4 195 new farmers to take their businesses to
the next level. The SA Table Grape Industry are
a valued partner in this mission.”
Winde said a key priority was improving local
agri-processing capacity to boost production
for domestic and key export markets. “To
develop more product for processing, including
grapes, we are continuing work on the Greater
Brandvlei Irrigation Project,” he stated.
Michael Laubscher, chairperson of SATI, said
the table grape industry is committed to
achieving the goals of the NDP:
“The table grape industry has a high growth potential and is labour intensive.
It is an ideal partner of government to pursue and achieve the critical NDP objectives,
namely job creation, rural development and the earning of foreign revenue,
crucially important for our quite vulnerable balance of payments.”
New Communications
Manager for SATI
T
he South African Table Grape Industry
is pleased to announce the appointment of Clayton Swart, as the new
Communications Manager. Clayton
started his career as a journalist at Bush Radio
and from there has worked at several newspapers, such as Die Burger, Sake24 and Rapport
and online for News24. He is co-author of the
book 90, The Nelson Mandela Years, Topco
Media. On former President Mandela’s death,
Clayton also penned an opinion piece for
Business Day, which was followed up by an BBC
World News.
He returned to Stellenbosch University in
2006 to work at the business school where he
progressed from a writer to Communications,
Social Media and Advertising Manager. While at
the business school he gained broad exposure
in corporate communications, management
education and events.
Clayton and his wife, Lindsay, together with
their son Claylin moved to Johannesburg in
2012, where their second child Ziva was born.
He worked for the business NGO, the National
Business Initiative (NBI). Through the NBI’s work
in climate change, education and being the
interface between government and business,
he organised events, workshops and engagements for top business leaders with several
Ministers, such as Science and Technology,
Public Enterprises and Treasury.
Before his return to Cape Town to take up the
position at SATI, he worked as Communications
Manager at the Council for Medical Schemes,
regulator of the over R140 billion rand medical
schemes industry. Clayton enjoys travelling
with his family and shouting for the Stormers
and Springboks. He is passionate about telling
people’s stories and believes education is the
best way out of poverty.
Clayton Swart is the new
Communications Manager
at SATI.
The FPEF launches Advanced Trade
Chain Manual for table grapes
I
t is often said that knowledge is power.
The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF)
subscribes to this philosophy and has thus
developed Trade Chain Manuals to assist in
achieving this goal of empowerment. These
manuals are part of a series of such publications, ranging from Basic and Intermediate to
Advanced manuals.
The Advanced manuals provide in-depth
knowledge of the various fruit types. Advanced
manuals were already developed for citrus
and pome fruit and an Advanced Table
Grape manual was recently released as the
third publication in the advanced series. The
manuals are used in the “Top-of-Class” train-
ing programmes of the FPEF, aimed at
pack-house workers, emerging exporters
and emerging producers. It is also used
by FPEF-members to “train” new staff
members.
This Advanced Table Grape manual
would not have been possible without the input and contributions of
various subject matter experts in the
value chain, as well as the guidance
and expertise of the editor, Karen du Plessis, in
combining all of these contributions in a userfriendly and professional manual.
The new Advanced
Table Grape manual can
be ordered from FPEF.
Contact Claudia Walklett for more information: [email protected] AUG/SEPT 2016 | INDUSTRY NEWS
15
Since 2006, the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund has been developing human resources
needed by growers, pack houses, export agents, research agencies, and other
organisations within the citrus industry. Here follows some of the heart-warming
stories fostered by the fund.
O
ver the past 10 years, the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund has awarded more
than 500 bursaries to 201 individuals,
studying towards a range of qualifications at a
variety of academic institutions all over South
Africa. Over R12 million has been invested
in the future of the citrus industry over this
period. Today, Citrus Academy Bursary Fund
graduates are working on farms, in pack houses, at agro-chemical companies, in research, at
universities, and in government departments
and agencies. The Stories of Mzansi Citrus
Magic highlight the journey of Citrus
Academy Bursary Fund students.
TENTH YEAR CELEBRATION!
The Citrus Academy Bursary Fund celebrated its 10th
anniversary at the University of Pretoria in May, in true #GoTeamCitrus style. Citrus Academy staff spent months tracking down
and contacting as many past and current students as they could,
and what initially looked to be a difficult exercise ended up
being a great deal of fun! We got to speak to so many different
people and hear their stories – encouraging stories of career
advancements, starting families and moving around the country,
or overseas. About 100 people - including students, staff, and
representatives from the CIT, AgriSETA, ANB Investments, CGA
and the CGA-GDC - came together
for our big celebration. The room was buzzing with chatter
and excitement as old friends reconnected and new
friendships were made.
Angela Phillips; Desiree
Schonken; Jacomien de
Klerk and Candice Burgin
were also there.
Above: Xolani Siboza, Melton Mulaudzi, Andrew Mbedzi and Takgoa Phalakatshela.
Right: Hildegard Witbooi; Rachel van der Walt and Londiwe Ngcobo.
“I have seen many students dropping out of university because of a lack of funding,
but they have made it possible for me to complete my studies.”
Dr Asanda Mditshwa is a lecturer in the
Department of Horticultural Sciences at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal. Asanda is from
Bizana in the Eastern Cape, which is part of
the former Transkei. His parents practice
small-scale farming, growing maize, cabbages,
pumpkins and potatoes. As a young boy, he
helped his parents with the farming, and at the
time thought he would be of greater help if he
studied agriculture.
Asanda registered for a BSc at the University of
Fort Hare in 2006, but was unable to access his
marks due to financial constraints. To continue
his studies, he applied for a loan from the
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
in 2007 – a loan he is still paying off. In 2008 he
joined the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund and
completed his degree in 2009.
From there he did an MSc, specialising in
postharvest management at the University of
KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He completed the two
year course at the end of 2011 and began his
internship at Stellenbosch University under
Professor Linus Opara in 2012, in the PostHarvest Research Laboratory of the Department
of Horticultural Sciences. During this time, he
was awarded with the AgriSETA Excellence
Runner-up Award for the Best Performing
Learner: Graduate Placement Program.
In 2013 he registered at Stellenbosch University
for his PhD. During the course of 2015 he
joined UKZN two months before submitting his
thesis, and has been a lecturer there since July
2015. He said it was a huge honour for him to
complete his PhD at the University of Stellenbosch: “At first it was a challenge to adjust to
the multiculturalism of the university, but the
state-of-the art technology and infrastructure,
such as laboratories and information, was in a
class of its own.”
He is very grateful to the Citrus Academy and
the National Research Foundation for their
assistance with his studies: “I have seen many
students dropping out of university, because
of a lack of funding, but they have made it
possible for me to complete my studies. They
also arranged for me to do vacation work at Du
Roi Nursery in Letsitele, which allowed met to
see the more practical side of horticulture.”
“The Citrus Academy provided me with
international industry exposure by sponsoring my attendance at the Fruit Logistica Asia
Conference in Beijing in 2011, as well as the
London Produce Show in 2014. This has helped
me a great deal with my career, and assisted in
identifying the area of interest for my PhD.”
Dr Asanda Mditshwa is a
lecturer in the Department of
Horticultural Sciences at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal in
Pietermaritzburg.
Asanda would recommend a career in agriculture to youngsters: “There is a big need to find
suitable storage methods to prevent decay in
crops after harvest.”
Asanda is 28 and recently married his girlfriend
who he met in Pietermaritzburg while doing
his MSc. His wife is currently doing her BComm
(Honours) at UKZN.
DR. ASANDA MDITSHWA
Citrus Academy Bursary Fund: 2008-2015
Qualifications: BSc, MSc and PhD in Horticulture
Academic Institutions: Universities of Fort Hare, KwaZulu-Natal
and Stellenbosch
Internship: 2012 - Post-Harvest Laboratory, Department of Science and
Technology, University of Stellenbosch
Industry Exposure: 2008 - Du Roi Nursery, Tzaneen
2011 - Fruit Logistica Asia Conference, Beijing
2014 - London Produce Show, London
2015 - Postharvest Conference, New Zealand
17
“My education has provided me with … knowledge that is invaluable
in my daily interactions with service providers.”
Johan Mouton completed his BSc at the
University of Stellenbosch and has been helping his father manage the family citrus farm,
Driehoek, in the Clanwilliam district since 2012.
The 880 ha farm has 26 ha under citrus production, as well as grazing for sheep, cattle and
wheat, irrigated by a centre pivot.
Johan Mouton completed
his BSc at the University of
Stellenbosch and is now
helping his father on their
family citrus farm in the
Clanwilliam district.
“I am a true farm boy and have two older
sisters. I grew up here and always knew that I
wanted to continue the family farming tradition. I attended Augsburg Landbou Gimnasium
in Clanwilliam, matriculated in 2008 and went
to Stellenbosch in 2009 where I completed my
BSc in Agriculture with Honours in 2012,” he
said.
Initially his focus was on Horticulture and Plant
Pathology. During his first year, however, the
lecturer told them about the Citrus Academy
Bursary Fund, so he applied and received a
bursary from 2010 until 2012. The bursary’s
financial contribution increased as his studies
progressed. He put a lot of effort into his studies, but after graduation returned to the farm.
10 years
“To make it as a farmer you need
to understand the financial side
of farming. Farming is capital
intensive. The return on investment can take several years, so
availability of capital for cash
flow and forward planning is
very important. Working with
Mother Nature also presents
a constant challenge as
nature is about balance and
sometimes this frustrates our
farming practices. I am lucky to have people
who can assist with both aspects – my father is
a great help, and my wife is an economist. We
have been married since October 2015. I am
grateful to my father for creating a place for
me on the farm.”
“My education has provided me with basic
background knowledge of my field of agriculture – knowledge that is invaluable in my daily
interactions with service providers, and with
the understanding and application of their
advice.”
In 2010 Johan was sponsored to attend the
CRI’s Citrus Research Symposium that was
held in the Drakensberg. “I learned a great
deal about the citrus industry and had the
opportunity to network with a wide range of
people within the industry. The Academy kept
in close touch with me while I was studying, to
check if I was progressing well, and also visited
regularly,” he said.
“My father taught me the following that I would
like to share with others: ‘If you do not work
hard while you are young, you will work hard
when you are old. You need to work and grab
opportunities as a young person so that you
can hand over something to the next generation. There is always an opportunity for those
who try harder than the next person.”
“I would say that no matter what your background, if you get access to tertiary education,
there is an opportunity for you within South
Africa. Organisations like the Citrus Academy
are there to assist youngsters, and I would
encourage them to enquire and apply.”
JOHAN MOUTON
Citrus Academy Bursary Fund: 2010-2012
Qualifications: BSc Agriculture
Academic Institution: University of Stellenbosch
Industry Exposure: 2010 – CRI Conference, Drakensberg
2010 – Global Citrus Conference
18 PROMOSIE | AUG/SEPT 2016
“The Citrus Academy has made it possible for me to focus on my studies
without having to worry about funding.”
Phumeza Sitole is currently completing her
Doctorate in Microbiology at Rhodes University
in Grahamstown. Her natural habitat, according
to her, is in her laboratory amongst a collection
of hand-labelled jars and bottles used by her
and her colleagues. “Yes, when you look around
you, you see me in my natural habitat. I am
truly a lab rat.”
Growing up in Mdantsane near East London,
and matriculating from Mizamo High School in
2004, Phumeza first applied to UKZN to study
Pharmacology, but did not qualify. She applied
to do a BSc degree at University of Fort Hare in
Alice, where she was accepted, and began her
studies in 2005. “It was a tough decision, as the
university was an hour and a half’s drive from
home and I was not used to living away from
home,” she said.
Phumeza coped with the course and took
Microbiology and Entomology as her major
subjects. After graduating she wanted to do
an Honours degree in Agricultural Entomology. But, as the course was not offered at
Fort Hare, she opted to study Environmental
Microbiology. “During my Honours year,
I applied to Rhodes University to do my
Master’s degree. I spoke to the Professor
of Microbiology at Rhodes and heard that
there was a citrus industry project underway
researching bio-controls for citrus pathogens.
I was interested, and so applied for a Citrus
Academy bursary, which I received, and I
started my Master’s degree at Rhodes in
2011,” she said.
“I took a chance and the Citrus Academy
supported and encouraged me. Candice
Burgin from the Academy could not finish
telling me that I had been granted the
bursary when she called, as I was so excited.
Moving to Rhodes from Fort Hare was a
big and interesting change in her learning
environment. She completed her Master’s
degree at Rhodes in March 2013 and started
with her Doctorate in May 2013. “Right now I
just want to complete my Doctorate in 2016,
and I hope to follow this up with research for
a while,” she said.
Phumeza’s parents paid for her first year of
studies, and thereafter she used NSFAS for
her second and third years. The Govan Mbeki
Bursary Fund sponsored her Honours year, and
Citrus Academy has assisted her from Master’s
level. “My parents are very proud of me. My
mom bought and sold goods and my father
works for Spoornet. I am one of five siblings. My
sister is doing a marketing course at Tech and
our other sister has a HR and nursing diploma.”
“At school we had very limited resources. We
did not have a school library or computers and
we even shared text books between five pupils.
When we were in Matric the advice we received
did not inspire us to go any further. We were
told to just get our Matric so that we could
apply for a job, perhaps just across the road at
the supermarket.”
Phumeza Sithole is currently
completing her Doctorate
in Microbiology at Rhodes
University in Grahamstown.
“I did not really receive career advice at school.
I did well in science and as a result was selected
to meet Mark Shuttleworth when he visited our
township during my Grade 10 year. This was
quite an inspiration for me. Of my matric class
of 29 pupils, 11 passed and 5 went to university. Taking this into consideration I still find it
difficult to believe that I am here completing
my PhD.”
“The Citrus Academy has made it possible for
me to focus on my studies without having to
worry about funding. Without this I probably
would not be where I am now. I am learning the
skills for my future. I want to finish my studies
before thinking about a family,” she said.
PHUMEZA SITOLE
Citrus Academy Bursary Fund: 2011 – 2015
Qualifications: MSc in Agricultural Microbiology PhD in Microbiology
Academic Institutions: 2005 – 2010 University of Fort Hare, Alice
2011 – 2015 Rhodes University, Grahamstown
Industry Exposure: 2012, 2014 – Citrus Research Symposium
AUG/SEPT 2016 | ADVERTORIAL
19
Watch out for these wasps
“Caustic and burning…Like spilling a beaker of hydrochloric acid on a paper cut…”
DANE MCDONALD
T
his is the description of entomologist
Justin Schmidt of what it feels like
when European wasps attach a human
being. And it is a nasty experience that
Western Cape farmworkers have to face, thanks
to two species of invasive stingers that have
upped their risk of being stung on the job.
The paper wasp (Polistes dominula) arrived
in the country in 2008. It has invaded primarily urban areas and has slowly spread from
the Cape metro to peri-urban areas such as
Durbanville and Stellenbosch. The German
wasp (Vespula germanica) also known as
yellowjackets, has established populations in
Wellington, Franschoek, and Grabouw.
Dr Ruan Veldtman, who leads the South
African National Biodiversity Institute’s invasive
wasp project, said these wasps can be a great
nuisance on farms, especially during harvest
time: “It’s not good for worker morale when you
get stung by things while doing your job. I have
been stung twice by the paper wasp and it
burns for a good 15 minutes and then swells for
up to three days during which time the stinged
area is hot and uncomfortable.”
While the stings are painful, there is also a risk
that workers might have an allergic reaction to
the sting. Veldtman has had to deal with many
cases where
farmworkers
were getting
stung during
harvest
time. Three
years ago he
received a call
from a farming operation
where contract
workers were
getting stung
in the face.
In 2002 a massive underground German wasp
colony was discovered at a farm in Somerset
West near Cape Town. Eleven black bags full
of nest were removed, which is more than two
fridges, according to Veldtman.
The wasps were generally limited to areas near
rivers, but agricultural areas increased their
capacity to spread by offering more resources
than natural habitat. These include food, such
as discarded fruit, and water via irrigation.
The German wasp entered South Africa in 1975,
most likely through the Cape Town harbour
via cargo from Europe. It was restricted to the
Cape Peninsula for about 25 years, but in 2000
the wasps “jumped over” the Cape Flats to the
Boland where the species is slowly spreading.
While both species presented a health risk,
Veldtman said the two should not be confused
with one another: “The German wasp love
orchards, because of the cool microclimates
provided, while the paper wasp would prefer the
warmer temperatures provided by vineyards.”
Veldtman cautioned that “unhygienic behaviour”, such as when farmers dispose of their
waste in a single pile, increased risks, as wasps
see it as a resource and “home in on it”.
On the brighter side, smallholder farmers with
a few orchard trees could benefit from pest
control by the wasp such as clearing off army
worm and eating vine hawk moth. However,
large-scale farmers were unlikely to derive any
benefits.
While the recent drought has taken a toll on
agricultural productivity, it has left Veldtman
and his team of wasp eradicators optimistic in
the battle against the European invader wasps,
which does not cope well with dry conditions.
“This year’s drought has really hammered them
and we think that there is quite a good chance
that we will drive the German wasp to extinction in the next two years,” he said.
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21
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FPEF gives first-hand experience in logistics chain
Thando Landu is one of the first interns participating in the pilot programme of the
newly established Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum Internship programme.
Thando and his mentor, Annalene Sadie, talked about this experience.
LOUISE BRODIE
“At home I was
taught to seize
opportunity with
both hands
and with the
internship I have
followed
this advice.”
T
he Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum
Internship programme is aimed at
facilitating entry and participation of
black South Africans into core commercial roles within fruit export companies in South
Africa. Thandolwethu (Thando) Landu started
his internship with Capespan in Bellville in March
this year and his mentor is Capespan Operations
and Shipping Manager, Annalene Sadie.
Since Thando has a National Diploma in Logistics, his placement at Capespan was within
the logistics department. As the chief mentor,
Annalene Sadie is responsible for planning and
supervising the internship programme and
guiding Thando through the process. Judging by
the enthusiasm that both Thando and Annalene
have for the internship process, it seems to be
working well. “From the day I received Thando’s
CV and spoke to him on Skype, I was happy to
have him as an intern in our department,” says
Annalene. “The internship initiative was something new and a big responsibility and I started
to plan the internship programme immediately.
Thando’s internship with Capespan is for a year
in which he will become familiarised with the
fruit industry logistical chain. The internship
would possibly lead to a permanent position, if
both parties are amenable to this.”
LOVE LOGISTICS
Thando is full of enthusiasm about the
programme. “At home I was taught to seize
opportunity with both hands and with the
internship I have followed this advice,” he says.
Thando is from Grahamstown and matriculated
at Gqebera High School in Port Elizabeth in
2011. He was head boy and student leader in
his matric year. Later, when he was in university
residence at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, he was
elected as student floor leader of the 50
students on his floor.
“While I was in Matric, our school attended a
careers expo and I heard about Logistics as a
career path. I needed to choose something
suited to my character and as I had always
wanted to be an active, on-the-move businessman, Logistics appealed to me.”
He discovered that one of his cousins had studied
Logistics and worked in Logistics at Volkswagen
South Africa in Port Elizabeth. She encouraged
him about the prospect of a career in logistics
and showed him around at Volkswagen. “From
then on I was sold on a career in Logistics,” Thando says. Thando completed his National Diploma
in Logistics at NMMU in 2014 and during his
course, did his in-service training at Volkswagen
in Port Elizabeth. “After graduation in April
2015 I applied for a post for a logistics
coordinator with Sundays River Citrus
Company at Addo. The appointment was
Annalene Sadie (left) and Thando Landu share their
done by the National Training Institute and
experiences of being part of the FPEF Internship programme.
Marianne Rousseau interviewed me. During
our discussions, she told me about the
shipping information. This is fundamental to
Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum Internship and
the company’s operations and finances as this
what this opportunity could mean to me. I was
information is linked to payment schedules.
immediately interested and she helped me to
Currently Thando is spending time in the
apply for the internship programme.”
operations department and his next move will
The first interview with Capespan was in
December 2015 and the final interview was
in February this year. Thando started with
Capespan in March 2016. “I was welcomed
at Capespan with open arms. In fact, when I
arrived at the office before office hours on the
first day, I was surprised that the cleaning staff
greeted me by name and offered me coffee.
When I later asked my supervisor how the
cleaners knew who I was, she said that everyone had been told that I would be starting with
the company and they wanted to make me feel
welcome,” he says.
“I am learning something new every day. My
colleagues ensure that I understand the tasks
they set for me and then have the confidence to
delegate this to me. I am proud to say that I am
currently doing vessel planning. I complete the
loading plan and then my colleagues check that
this has been done successfully. I have visited
orchards and fruit intake depots and have also
been to the port to see the vessels,” he says.
THE EXPERIENCE
The first division Thando spent time in was with
data processing in the Data Integrity & Log
Info department. The data is sent to Capespan
from various fruit intake depots or farms and an
important part of the administrative process is
verifying this information and aligning it with
be to the Claims department, also residing
under Operations.
Thando’s mother is a single mother, who works
for a retail company. He has one sibling, a
12-year-old brother. “When I grew up, we lived
in a home with my grandparents and a number
of aunts, uncles and cousins. The presence of
my elders in the home provided a remarkable
support structure for us through this time and
the motivation to pursue my dreams. My mom
is very proud of what I have achieved,” he says.
“I would like to thank Marianne Rousseau for
telling me about this internship. She saw something special in me and continued to contact
me and kept me motivated until the internship
commenced. I truly appreciate this experience
offered to me by Capespan and Fresh Produce
Exporters’ Forum through this internship.”
Annalene says that Thando has
been thrown into the deep end
and has fitted in well with their
personnel: “We have open plan
seating in our offices so he gets
to hear and see what everyone
does on an ongoing basis.
He has proved to be reliable,
trustworthy and hardworking.
He is close to my heart and,
to put it quite simply, Thando
is my star!”
The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) is
a voluntary, non-profit organisation
with more than 120 members, accounting
for about 90% of fresh fruit exported from
South Africa. www.fpef.co.za
The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF)
Internship Programme is managed by
Johannes Brand, Transformation
Coordinator for FPEF. For more
information, contact Johannes at
[email protected]
23
Fruit industry upholds ethics with SIZA
Labour in South Africa is a microcosm of historical and socio-political complexities
within the country – one that is a tinderbox easily ignited at huge social cost.
The debate is almost always a case of conflict within economic philosophies, and
rarely about the ethics of human interaction.
That’s why the SA fruit industry’s conscious move to use the law as its moral compass
and to focus on entrenching ethics, is worthy of more attention and analysis.
To ensure sustainability, the industry needed
clear guidelines around labour practices. And to
this end, Fruit South Africa has embarked on an
ethical trade program that’s been formalized as
the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA).
SIZA, which also means “help” in Zulu, has an
electronic data platform that provides full visibility of the ethical trade status of farms throughout
the value chain. This is a first for the industry, and
also the first of its kind in the world.
The program came about in response to a
need for a supply base that prioritises fair and
compliant labour practice. And it was important that it promotes alignment among all
industry role players, when it came to ethics in
labour practice: one set of ethical code requirements; one system; one audit for all.
SIZA is an online labour law benchmark that
growers use to prove compliance with South
African labour laws via independent verification and certification. It requires social ethical
audits that can only be done by third party
audit bodies. The electronic platform of SIZA is
a useful management tool that demystifies the
bureaucracy that comes with complying with
our labour laws. And its built-in preemptive
questions to users help them to proactively
assess themselves in terms of labour law.
But, what about the workers? SIZA auditors
regularly visit farms, addressing farmworkers
independently of farm-owners. This way, workers have an opportunity – in the absence of
potential intimidation – to speak freely about
labour practices on the farm.
SIZA is a not-for-profit, membership-based
organisation that is open to producers, exporters, importers, retailers and stakeholders across
the supply chain. The electronic platform of
SIZA was launched in March 2016.
Although SIZA is a boon for fruit growers,
it comes with its own set of teething problems – including upskilling growers digitally;
underscoring the importance of uploading
the required information; limited funding; and
introducing a structure that aligns with the
required leadership and governance. Having
one uniform audit for both government and
retailers also remains a hurdle that SIZA is
determined to cross.
However, once the growers have overcome the
challenges, they start to optimise the platform
and to truly see its value - in their and their
workers’ lives.
“SIZA seemed laborious at first, but now I
wonder how I ever got by without it. It’s a
brilliant management tool,” says Nicholas
Dicey, fourth-generation pear producer in the
Western Cape region.
Dicey finds SIZA invaluable in helping him
adhere to basic ethical standards, and presents
an opportunity to “fix things”. He also confirms
that visiting SIZA auditors give his workers an
opportunity to verify the soundness of labour
practices on his farm. These visits, continues
Dicey, have resulted in piqued confidence,
25
PHOTO BY GLENNEIS KRIEL
T
he South African fruit industry is worth
about R30-billion, and employs almost
300 000 people, whose families rely
on their income. These workers are
integral to the success of the fruit industry.
Therefore, reciprocity is key to this symbiotic
relationship. And our labour practices can only
be deemed fair if ethics are prioritized and –
importantly - the workers experience it as such.
Nicholas Dicey picks fruit with
his labourers.
CATHERINE
MILWARD-BRIDGES
“Our labour practices
can only be deemed
fair if ethics are
prioritized and importantly - the
workers experience
it as such.”
ADVERTORIAL
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
AND NETWORKING
FOR THE FARM INDUSTRY
Professional Agricultural Consulting
O
ur experience in the South African and
international agricultural environs for
the past 40 years has given us a holistic insight and approach to farming
and other plant orientated businesses. It is vital
for orchards, vineyards and all other plantings
to start on the right foot and thence also be
managed and handled correctly. Important
here are pro-active actions with sufficient planning and monitoring to provide healthy and
profitable practices and crops.
Our services include answering questions and
networking regarding investigations, services
and analyses within the industry:
• Investigations with regard to specialised
diseases, pests and diseases in plantings.
Ferdi van Zyl: +27 (0)82 879 1539
[email protected]
www.proagriservices.co.za
CONTINUED FROM PG 25
• Environmental science studies and analyses.
(The impending drought can only further
worsen the conditions of the coming year. )
www.siza.co.za
• Establishment problems on previously
planted soils - pro-active planning.
• Soil analyses for C:N ratio and composting.
• Optimal management support.
There has been a decrease in applied field- and
environmental scientists, plant pathologists,
nematologists, entomologists, botanists, plant
physiologists and experts on the levels of total
plant and soil biomes in recent years - we now
offer support for the following crops.
• Pome fruit - apples, quinces and pears;
• Stone fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines,
plums, prunes, cherries;
• Vines - table, dry and wine grapes;
• Berry fruits, guavas, pomegranates, figs;
• Pecan, pistachio and walnuts;
• Planning and implementation of new plantings and establishments with total analytical
• Vegetable crops - general.
positive morale and – ultimately – increased
output on the farm: a win-win for all.
stakeholder engagement.
In its quest for ethical labour practice on South
African fruit farms and pack houses, SIZA
constantly seeks to improve the status quo. And
its independent, third party audits ensure that
SIZA remains aware of relevant challenges in the
industry. It’s also a useful communication tool,
through which growers receive relevant updates.
For more information
contact Retha Louw,
SIZA Manager, at email
[email protected] or phone
her at 082 302 7507.
and environmental investigations.
SIZA currently boasts more than 1 300
members - comprising mostly fruit growers, but
also includes florists and fynbos growers. And
its practices are aligned to both local law, and
international standards.
It’s important to Fruit South Africa that SIZA
stands its ground as a beacon of ethics in
the industry – one that delivers value and
confidence to its members, through a credible information service; and for effective
Foreign consultations are also undertaken.
The objectives of the SIZA initiative are,
therefore, carefully selected to align with
relevant industry needs: ensuring ethical,
code-compliant labour practices on fruit farms;
creating awareness and pro-actively introducing training programmes; aligning with South
African labour legislation; adhering to a single
audit to comply with international trade/retailer
requirements (including the domestic market);
cultivating a reputation as a transparent, multistakeholder, independent programme that is a
free-standing entity.
Solving historical and social political challenges is not a mean feat. Therefore, we focus
on having ethics as the axle around which our
actions rotate. We hope that SIZA will make a
positive impact on how we view labour practices in South Africa.
27
Sweet outlook for lemons
JOHN EDMONDS
Prospects for lemon exports in 2016 look sweet in spite of the global
expansion in production.
A
fter the first teleconference of
the Lemon Focus Group on 1
June 2016, the national estimate for 2016 remained at 16.1
million cartons, seven percent
up on last year’s 15.1 million
fifteen kilogram equivalent cartons packed and
passed for export by PPECB inspectors.
At the end of May (week 21), a volume of seven
million South African, export bound cartons
had been captured; ten per cent up on the
equivalent period last year. (See table 1.)
Projections done earlier in 2016 by the CLAM
(Mediterranean group of exporting countries)
member countries for the 2015/16 lemon
season, indicated an export total of 1.1 million
tons of exports, a decrease of about eleven
percent on the previous year. Spain which
accounts for half of the CLAM member state’s
exports expected to be twenty-two percent
down on last year’s exports from 671 000 tons
to 525 000 tons. (See table 2.)
Up to the end of May 2016, a total of six million
cartons has been shipped from South Africa
compared to 5.1 million cartons in 2015 and 4.2
million cartons the previous year at the same
time. Looking at the graphs below of southern
hemisphere exports of lemons to Europe at
the end of May, one might be tempted to ring
alarm bells when observing the 190% increase
of shipments to Europe over the equivalent
period last year. (See graph 1 and 2)
TABLE 1: Table 1
Feedback from regional representatives
TABLE 2: CLAM members’ lemon exports expressed in 1000 tons. indicated
that
the Eastern Cape, which is the
Spain Morocco Tunisia
Italy
Israël Cyprus Greece Turkey* Egypt* Med Total South
2014/15 671 6 1 28dominant
3 exporting
4 region
3 in
459
Africa,
33 had
1 207
2015/16 525 6 1 40actually
3had
a
slower
4 start
3 than
459expected
32 due
1 074 Graph 1 Graph 2 to warm weather and the resultant poor colour
development. The Sunday's River Valley
which is responsible for over half of
South Africa’s lemon exports expects
that about half of their export
volume will be in the range of
small sizes with 162s and 216s
making up 35% of the current
volume. Another major lemon
producing region Senwes,
contributing about fifteen
percent of lemon exports,
similarly expect smaller sized.
On the face of it, the Far East and Asian markets
with China and Hong Kong a combined intake
six percent up on last year, look fairly stable.
However in the context of the northern hemisphere’s season closing, the data belies the
market conditions as we approach the half way
mark in the 2016 South African lemon export
season.
Reports from South East Asia indicated that
the market there was under stress, due to a big
Chinese crop and USA export volumes into this
market. The European market was however
robust due to Spain’s early exit and was absorbing the increased volume (190% up on 2015 at
end week 20) from Argentina and South Africa
with relative ease. In summary all markets with
the exception of South East Asia were strong.
Lemon exports has been particularly rewarding for South African growers since 2008. This
has resulted in a lot of new plantings and a
projected growth of the South African export
crop to over twenty million cartons in the next
five years. This growth in lemon production is a
8 - 9 MARCH 2017
Table
2: CLAM members’ lemon exports expressed in 1000 tons.
TABLE 2: CLAM members’ lemon exports expressed in 1000 tons. Spain Morocco Tunisia
Italy
Israël Cyprus Greece Turkey* Egypt* Med Total 2014/15 671 6 1 28 3 4 3 459 33 1 207
2015/16 525 6 1 40 3 4 3 459 32 1 074 worldwide
phenomenon and ultimately must be balanced by market demand. Whilst
Graph 1 To be held at the Boardwalk Hotel, Summerstrand, Port Elizab
there
are fears of potential oversupply in the future and efforts afoot to stimulate
TABLE : CLAM members’ lemon exports expressed 1000 tons. TABLE 2: C2LAM members’ lemon exports expressed in 1in 000 tons. demand inSpain
existing
markets
by means
promotions
and
as
well
as
ongoing
efforts
Spain Morocco
Morocco
Tunisia
Italyof Israël Israël Cyprus
Cyprus
Greece
Turkey*
Egypt*
Med Total Tunisia
Italy
Greece
Turkey*
Egypt*
Med Total 2014/15 or
671 access
6 6 to
1 untapped
1 28
28 markets,
4 prospects
4 3 3 for
the
459 South
33
2 07
1 207
2014/15
improve
671
3 3 the
459
33
1 to
access
African
2015/16 525
525 6 6 1 1 40
40 3 3 4 4 3 3 459
459 32
32 1 0 74
1 074
2015/16
lemon
exports in 2016
look sweet.
Graph Graph 11
1 Graph
Graph 2
SAVE THE DATE
Graph 2 8TH - 9TH MARCH 2017
TO BE HELD AT THE
BOARDWALK HOTEL,
SUMMERSTRAND, PORT ELIZABETH
Graph Graph 2 2 2 Proud Platinum Sponsor
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For more information contact Citrus Growers Association on 031-‐7652514 or info
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Increases uniformity
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Contains 50 different raw materials
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contact
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Available through:
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Contact Cosmocel on +27 15 307 1391 | Fax: +27 87 809 5342 | Email: [email protected] | www.cosmocel.com
29
Table Grape Industry survives tough season
Favourable market conditions helps to make up for
challenging production conditions.
SEASON
OVERVIEW:
TABLE GRAPE
PRODUCERS
ENDURED A
HOT AND DRY
SEASON IN
THE HEX RIVER
VALLEY
T
he 2015/2016 table grape season has
been labelled by many producers
as one of the most challenging in
years. Drought, amongst others, hit
four of the five table grape producing regions, while strong winds caused vessel
delays at Cape Town harbour. Better returns
due to short supply, nevertheless, supported
prices and led to better farm gate earnings
for producers, who were already struggling
to make ends meet due to rising input and
vineyard replacement costs.
At the end of April 2016 the final intake up to
week 19 was 57.95 million 4,5 kg equivalent
cartons, of which 56.63 million were exported.
During the initial crop estimate in October
2015, the industry foresaw a big crop in the
making. Vineyards were healthy and promising,
JOSEPH LOMBARD
although less rainfall during the winter was a
concern. SATI’s initial crop estimate of between
61.3 and 63.2 million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons
would have been the biggest crop on record,
but early seasonal realities soon proved that it
would not realise.
REGIONAL OVERVIEW
Hot and dry weather conditions led to a gradual
reduction in the initial crop estimate. The
Olifants River Region experienced even harsher
conditions, after a 40% water quota was
imposed on farmers. The hot and dry weather
conditions also led to sunburn damage in the
some vineyards.
Weather conditions in the Orange River Region
were good and bunch development looked
normal right up to the start of harvest. When
packing started, though, berry sizes were smaller
resulting in lower bunch weights and pack-outs.
The Northern Provinces experienced a better
than usual start to the season, as the usual
summer hail storms stayed away and berry and
bunch development was close to normal. The
Berg River Region faced the same problems as
the other regions with bunch weights being a
disappointment. Vineyards also suffered as a
result of the heat and lack of rain.
The Hex River Valley Region experienced the
same fate as the other areas in the Western Cape,
which encountered the worst drought in 75 years
according to Agri SA. The initial estimate was
therefore adjusted sooner to accommodate the
effect of the heat, the drought and the resulting
reduction in berry sizes and bunch weights.
drought as they also experienced lower yields
due to uneven berry sizes and delayed colour
development. (Table 1 shows crop estimate
adjustments throughout the season.)
Compared to the previous season, the total
Intake volumes were only 2.4% down from the
record intake of 59 million during 2014/2015.
(Figure 1 shows a comparison between the
2015/2016 and 2014/2015 season.)
MARKET CONDITIONS
The sea freight of table grapes had a slow
start this season, but a significant number
was airlifted during the early season. As the
season progressed the exports of table grapes
increased significantly and ran ahead of normal
trends. Exports, even so, almost came to a stop
as strong winds started to batter the Western
Cape seaboard and all ships were wind bound
CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
by week 4.
At the start of the harvest, producers in
the Northern Provinces, the Orange River
Region and the Olifants River Region were
still expecting an above average
Table 1
crop compared to the 2014/2015
REGION
2015/2016
2015/2016
2015/2016
2015/2016
season. By the end of December
Fourth
Estimate
Third
Estimate
Second
Estimate
First Estimate
2015 these three regions were way
23/02/201612/01/201617/12/201527/10/2015
ahead regarding volumes packed
4.5 Kg Equivalent Cartons
compared to the previous season.
4.5 Kg Equivalent Cartons Northern Provinces
4.3 - 4.5 4.3 - 4.5 4.3 -4.3 - 4.5 4.5 4.3 - 4.5 4.3 - 4.5
The Berg River Region was on par
Northern Provinces 4.3 - 4.5 4.3 - 4.5 18.0 - 18.5 19.5 - 20.0 regarding the packed volumes
Orange River Orange River 18.0 - 18.5 18.0 - 18.5 18.018.0 - 18.5 - 18.5
18.0 - 18.5
19.5 - 20.0
Olifants River 3.1 - 3.3 3.4 - 3.6 3.8 - 4.0 3.8 - 4.0 compared to the 2014/2015 season.
Olifants River
3.1 - 3.3
3.4 - 3.6
3.8 - 4.0
3.8 - 4.0
Berg River 12.25 - 12.6 - 13.1 13.8 - 14.3 13.8 - 14.3 The Orange River Region saw a reduction of
between 5% and 8% for its early varieties. The
Olifants River Region experienced colder nights
causing berry burst in some varieties. Producers
believed that these conditions were no cause
for alarm and the estimated crop was within
reach. The Berg River Region was still on target
to reach its estimated volumes, but rain during
the first week of February saw that expectation fade away. Producers in the Hex River
Valley were beginning to feel the effect of the
4.5 EQUIVALENT CARTONS Berg River
12.25 - 12.75
12.6 - 13.1
13.8 - 14.3 12.75 This picture changed dramatically at
Hex River Valley 17.5 - 18.0 18.5 - 19.0 19.9 - 20.4 19.9 - 20.4 Hex River Valley
17.5 - 18.0
18.5 - 19.0
19.9 - 20.4 the beginning of the New Year for
TOTAL 55.15 - 56.8 - 58.7 59.8 - 61.7 61.3 - 63.2 57.05 TOTAL
55.15
57.05
56.8
58.7
59.8 - 61.7
all regions, with the exception of the
Northern Provinces. The latter region
Figure 1 experienced an extraordinary season with hardly
Intake of all production regions 2015/2016 vs 2014/2015
any thunderstorms while some light rainfall,
25,000,000 during December, brought welcome relief to the
exceptionally hot weather.
20,000,000 13.8 - 14.3
19.9 - 20.4
61.3 - 63.2
15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 -‐
Northern Provinces
Orange River
Olifants River
Berg River
Hex River
2015/2016
4,730,931 18,642,606 3,157,059 12,599,726 18,849,217 2014/2015
4,510,726 17,686,725 3,788,287 13,062,449 20,331,091 Table 2 Figure 1
Market 2015/2016 2014/2015 AUG/SEPT 2016 | INDUSTRY NEWS
4.5 Kg Equivalent Cartons Africa 714 413 705 532 Canada 1 025 676 327 060 European Union 30 559 787 33 865 721 31
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32
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Table Grape Industry survives tough season
The SA protocol for Thailand was published
on 18 January and this granted South African
producers and exporters official market access.
This historic moment did not significantly
boost exports to the South East Asia Region,
as it came too late for the earlier production
regions. Overall exports to the UK and Europe
still accounted for over 80% of the total
exports. Exports to the UK increased by 13.7%
from last season. (Table 2 shows the volumes
exported to different regions.)
Sales were strong in Europe at the start of the
season and prices were expected to remain
stable. The Russian Ruble was weak against the
US Dollar. It was expected that this market was
going to be difficult to trade in, as Russia was
experiencing an exchange problem and it was
challenging to reach good prices.
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James: 082 213 7122
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email [email protected]
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
Overall the market was fairly stable with opportunities due to a good balance between supply
and demand. The demand for table grapes in
the Far East was good, although
limited volumes were packed
Table 2
due to stringent specifications
Market
and protocols.
Exports to the UK increased due
to better prices received during
this season as well as the favourable exchange rate. The stable
markets and consistent prices
throughout the season resulted
in fair compensation for South
African producers, who bravely
combatted the tough conditions
and challenges of the 2015/2016
season.
2015/20162014/2015
4.5 Kg Equivalent Cartons
Africa 714 413
Canada
European Union
Far East
Indian Ocean Islands
Middle East Russian 705 532
1 025 676
327 060
30 559 787
33 865 721
2 355 329
2 648 082
349 277
539 139
2 485 549
2 758 945
933 214
1 216 539
South East Asia
2 476 419
2 560 290
United Kingdom
15 738 916
13 837 417
21 300
86 268
56 659 880
58 544 992
USA
Grand Total
33
CGA Grower Development Company
STRATEGIC ROLES & OBJECTIVES
LUKHANYO
NKOMBISA
Since the launch of the CGA Grower Development Company with the blessing
from the Minister of Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana, a number of activities
have taken place within the company.
T
he company’s board of directors has
endorsed the corporate plan that was
developed with five strategic objectives:
The CGA Grower Development Company Corporate Plan Strategic Objectives:
working with and supporting our developing
citrus producers in the country. With their
experience and involvement in supporting our
growers they will fit well into this company as
it one of its core activities.
STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Build a financially sustainable
The post of Business Management Support has
been filled with the appointment of Ms Yolanda
Ntlakaza who holds a B Sc. in Agriculture from
the University of Fort Hare. She has more than 14
years of development sector experience having
worked in both the public sector and the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization,
specifically in research focused on communal
farming areas, skills development, poverty
alleviation, nutrition, youth development and
gender. Her previous notable achievements in
the public service include the mainstreaming
of youth development across government and
fostering partnerships with the private sector to
increase development opportunities for young
people and participating in the Standard Generating Body on Agricultural Extension towards the
development of new unit standards. In the FAO
she was involved in a project to build capacity of
small-holder farmers with a major focus on the
development of models for supporting smallholder farmers. She also played a significant role
during the 14th World Forestry Congress, the first
to be held in South Africa, facilitating the participation of youth and women. She has a strong
interest in enterprise development, capacity
development, advocacy, and gender and poverty
issues and strongly advocates the participation
of women and youth.
and high performing organisation to provide
high level support to Growers.
Andrew Mbedzi
STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Enhance grower’s technical
production capability to become successful,
profitable and to achieve financial sustainability.
STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Facilitate a more aggressive
national, regional and international market
access for growers.
Melton Mulaudzi
STRATEGIC GOAL 4: Provide business development and management support services to
growers to empower them to effectively and
efficiently manage their enterprises.
Andrew Mbedzi
STRATEGIC GOAL 5: Contribute to CGA’s transformation agenda and government priorities with
respect to empowering black growers, food
security and economic growth.
The above strategic objectives will guide the
company going forward, as all objectives are
in line with the structure of the company. This
corporate plan also was welcomed by the
Citrus Growers Development Chamber.
APPOINTMENTS AND TRANSFERS
Yolanda Ntlakaza
Immediately after the launch and board meeting, Andrew Mbedzi and Melton Mulaudzi,
previously providing extension services to the
citrus industry under the CRI umbrella, transferred to the Grower Development Company to
take up the positions of Manager - Production
and Technical support (Andrew) and Extension
Officer (Melton).
Both colleagues have a vast experience in technical, research and development and agriculture. For more than five years they have been
The position of Front desk executive support
to the General Manager, directors and staff in
providing administrative support, has been
filled by Ms Camille Khoza who has vast experience in administration and has moved to the
Development Company from Fruit SA. Now
that the team is in place all is going to move
smoothly in implementing the programme of
action that is our corporate plan and focus on
development of our emerging citrus producers.
QUICK WINS
In the strategic planning of the company some
quick wins were identified and the company
has already started to move quickly in ensuring
that there is something on the ground. Some
meetings with strategic stakeholders have
already taken place and positive progress has
been made thus far. There is also huge support
being shown by government departments and
some developing agencies in this regard.
REGIONAL STUDY GROUPS
All the growers are urged and encouraged to
please attend the planned study groups in their
respective areas during the year. It is important
to participate in these meetings as they assist
a great deal in terms of technical and production information. Also all growers who wish to
attend the CRI Symposium are encouraged to
contact the CRI offices for more details on how
to register to attend.
CITRUS CPAC-WC
The Citrus CPAC in the Western Cape is
continuing making progress, and the farmers in
the province are encouraged to keep up with
the dates for submission of business plans for
support. It is important that the farmers ensure
that they receive the necessary support from
their District before submitting the business
plans. If you need more information on how to
submit or the dates of the submission please
don’t hesitate to consult with our office or
email [email protected].
Nutrition according
to plant development
EARLY
VEGETATIVE
GROWTH AND
FLUSH
FLOWERING AND
FRUIT SET
FRUIT FILL / RAPID
FRUIT EXPANSION
AND POST-HARVEST
With Kynoch’s innovative and tailor-made products you can
apply fertilizer according to the needs and growth stages of
your plants. In this way, Kynoch ensures that your fruit get
what they need, when they need it the most. Furthermore,
you have peace of mind, because you know, with Kynoch on
your farm from the outset, you only get the best from your
fruit. In addition, you can be assured of enhanced efficiency
for quality and yield potential.
• At the start of the new growth
season, use Kynopop™ for a
rapid start and use Brio™ as a
blend specially formulated for
efficiency.
• At first flush of the new growth
season, use Nitrabor,
GreenGold™ and Brio™ to
ensure that the right elements
are available for use before
flowering.
• At first flush, Fruit Oemff®
Starter is a foliar feed for a
vigorous start.
• During flowering,
a combination of
GreenGold™, Achilles™,
Seniphos, Nitrabor and/
or Unika Calsium™ can
be used to promote flower
initiation and set.
• During fruit set, a
combination of Fruit
Oemff® Grow, Bortrac,
Stopit and Caltrac can be
used to improve yield and
inception for quality.
• During fruit fill/rapid fruit
expansion, apply Fruit
Oemff® Flower & Fruit
to improve the plant’s
performance and to keep
the plant green for longer.
Also use Foli-Grande™ or
Foli-Plus™ for better yield
and quality.
• During post-harvest stage,
apply Fruit Oemff® Grow
to maintain carbohydrates.
Farmisco (Pty) Ltd.
t/a Kynoch Fertilizer Reg. no. 2009/0092541/07
011 317 2000 | [email protected]
www.kynoch.co.za
Not trading in Western Cape.
Achilles™ Reg. No. K8967, Bortrac 150 Reg. No. B3626, Caltrac BZ Reg. No. B3715,
Foli-Grande™ Reg. No. K8045, Foli-Plus™ Reg. No. In process, GreenGold™ Reg. No.
K8034, KynoPop™ Reg. No. K9101, Nitrabor Reg. No. K6395, Brio™ Reg. No. K8046,
Seniphos™ Reg. No. K7682, Stopit Reg. No. B3625, Unika Calsium™ Reg. No. In process,
Fruit OEMFF® Flower & Fruit Reg. No. K9091, Fruit OEMFF® Grow Reg. No. K9090,
Fruit OEMFF® Starter Reg. No. K9088.
(All products are registered under Act 36 of 1947)
35
uppe marketing A12573
FRUIT
Kynoch – enhanced efficiency
through innovation.
ID: Plant SA DATE: 7/6/2016 WORDS: 1000 BY: Jacques Ferreira Illustration: 2 photos PlantSA1 with Plant SA information PlantSA2 with DPA logo TITLE: News from PlantSA INTRO: Plant Improvement SA (Plant SA) aims to promote the common interest of its members through plant improvement and certified plant material. Here’s what the association has been up to over the past year. STORY: Plant SA is constantly working towards an enabling environment to unlock and maximise sustainable benefits for all stakeholders in a unified Plant Certification Scheme value chain in a constantly changing global context. It also serves as the official statutory body and mouthpieces for the Plant Certification Scheme, the application of Plant Certification Scheme, including the standards to which propagation of Plant Material should apply. Certified plant material Certified pome fruit scion material issued by Plant Improvement Organisations (PIO’s) to registered nurseries increased from 3.42 million in 2014 to 3.54 million in 2015 (Fig.1.1). Certified pome fruit trees in nurseries ready to sell decreased slightly from 1.98 million in 2014 to 1.97 million in 2015. News from PlantSA
Plant Improvement SA (Plant SA)
aims to promote the common interest
of its members through plant improvement and certified plant material.
Here’s what the association has
been up to over the past year.
JACQUES FERREIRA
P
lant SA is constantly working towards an enabling environment to unlock
and maximise sustainable benefits for all stakeholders in a unified Plant
Certification Scheme value chain in a constantly changing global context.
It also serves as the official statutory body and mouthpieces for the Plant
Certification Scheme, the application of Plant Certification Scheme, including the
standards to which propagation of Plant Material should apply.
CERTIFIED PLANT MATERIAL
Certified pome fruit scion material issued by Plant Improvement Organisations
(PIO’s) to registered nurseries increased from 3.42 million in 2014 to 3.54 million
in 2015 (Fig.1.1). Certified pome fruit trees in nurseries ready to sell decreased
slightly from 1.98 million in 2014 to 1.97 million in 2015.
Certified stone fruit scion material issued by PIO’s decreased from 3.13 million in
2014 to 2.46 million in 2015 (Fig 1.2). Certified stone fruit trees in nurseries ready
to sell increased from 1.22 million in 2014 to 1.73 million in 2015.
Certified table and dried grape scion material issued to nurseries by PIO’s
decreased from 10.53 million in 2014/2015 to 9.20 million in 2015/2016. Certi fied table and dried grapevine combinations in nurseries increased from 2.91
Figure 1.1 Certified Pome fruit plant material issued, used and planted Figure
1.1
Certified
Pome
fruit
plant
material
million in 2013/2014 to 3.32 million in 2015. (the number of vines ready to sell in
million in 2015 (Fig 1.2). Certified stone fruit trees in nurseries ready to sell increased from 1.22 Certified stone fruit scion material issued by PIO’s decreased from 3.13 million in 2014 to 2.46 issued, used and planted.
million in 2014 to 1.73 million in 2015. 2015/2016 was not yet final in this report).
QUARANTINE MATTERS
After the DPA's project-based Fresh Producer Importers Association (FPIA)
membership in 2014, it was decided that the DPA and the Vine Improvement
Association (VIA) will continue a joint membership with the FPIA in 2015. The
FPIA work with existing forums in an ongoing effort to help create even more
effective plant quarantine systems. Specific projects for 2015 included:
a) the development of DAFF policies for imports of pollen and tissue culture;
b) the adoption and development of a high-risk post-import quarantine facility,
Fig 1.2 Certified Stone fruit plant material issued, used and planted. Fig 1.2 Certified Stone fruit plant material issued,
used and planted.
Certified table and dried grape scion material issued to nurseries by PIO’s decreased from 10.53 million in 2014/2015 to 9.20 million in 2015/2016. Certified table and dried grapevine combinations in nurseries increased from 2.91 million in 2013/2014 to 3.32 million in 2015. (the number of vines ready to sell in 2015/2016 was not yet final in this report). Figure 1.3 Certified table and dried grape
material issued, used and planted.
Figure 1.3 Certified table and dried grape material issued, used and planted. c) support with updating national pest list efforts for Malus spp, Prunus spp and
Vitis spp.
ONLINE DATABASE AND OPERATING PROCEDURES
A new online database, APP.PLANTSA, for recordkeeping and certification of
plant material and nursery trees and vines, although still in test phase, is partly
functional and in parallel operation with Plant SA’s current database up to its
clonal register. Plant Improvement Organisations already started to upload
foundation and mother block information online, while initial training sessions
were held for tree- and vine nurserymen.
Technical standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to clonal registers,
block units and nursery units for both vine, pome and stone fruit were reviewed
by two separate working groups. Previous separate SOPs for table and dried
grapes and wine grapes were consolidated into one set for vines. Other SOPs
that were reviewed included the registration of scheme laboratories and
registration of plant inspectors within the scheme.
Fig 2.1 Scion components of 2013 / 2014: Fig 2.1 Scion components of 2013 / 2014: Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status DPA BOARD MEMBERS AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE DECIDUOUS FRUIT PLANT IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION (DPA) FOR 2015 CONSISTED OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
Mr Anton Rabe SA Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (Chairman)
Mr DJ Z v Smit Dried Fruit Technical Services
Mr Wiehahn Victor Canning Fruit Producers
Mr Hugh Campbell
SA Stone Fruit Producers’ Association
Mr Altus Kirsten SA Table Grape Industry
Ms Eurica Scholtz SATI (since September 2015)
Dr Philip Fourie SAPO Trust
Ms Rachel Kriel Topfruit Pty (Ltd)
Ms Mariëtta Louw
Ernita
Mr Nico Spreeth
Vititec
Mr Michiel Prins Stargrow
Mr Jannie Bosman
Vine Nursery Association
Mr JD van Deventer
Deciduous Fruit Nursery Association
Fig 2.1 Scion components of 2013 / 2014: Pome and
Stone fruit
nursery returns per fruit type per status.
Fig 2.2 Scion components of 2014 / 2015 Fig 2.2 Scion components of 2014 / 2015 Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status CO-OPTED MEMBERS:
Mr Nolan Africander DOA, Forestry and Fisheries
Ms Joan Sadie DOA, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr Jacques Ferreira
Plant SA
THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:
Mr Hugh Campbell Fruitgro Science (Chairman)
Ms Rachel Kriel Topfruit Pty (Ltd)
Mr Michiel Prins Stargrow
Ms Sophie Malan SAPO Trust
Mr Christo Stemmet Deciduous Fruit Nursery Association
Ms Lolita Frazenburg DOA, Forestry and Fisheries
Ms Isabel du Toit DOA, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr Hennie Gerber BG Plant Inspection Consultants
Mr Jacques Ferreira Plant SA
Ms Mariëtta Louw
Ernita
Mr Nico Spreeth
Vititec
Mr Kristoff de la Querra
Vine Nursery Association
CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY
Fig 2.2 Scion components of 2014 / 2015: Pome and
Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status.
Fig 2.3 Rootstock components used for different fruit types 2013/2014: Fig 2.3 Rootstock components used for different fruit types 2013/2014: Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status Several discussion groups were held and amendments were made to the current
SA Plant Certification Scheme for Wine Grapes and the Deciduous Fruit Plant
Improvement Scheme, where after one scheme namely The SA Plant Certification
Scheme for Deciduous Fruit and Vines was approved by both boards of the DPA
and VIA at the end of 2015.
Fig 2.3 Rootstock components used for different
Fig 2.4 Rootstock components used for different fruit types 2014/2015: fruitPome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status types 2013/2014: Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status.
Fig 2.4 Rootstock components used for different fruit types 2014/2015: Pome and Stone fruit nursery returns per fruit type per status It was also suggested that it would be more effective to replace the current two
plant improvement associations (DPA and VIA) with one certification authority
(Plant SA). A process followed where a motivation for one certification authority was
drafted and circulated to which all DPA and VIA members agreed to in principle.
A concept memorandum of incorporation was circulated for comments where after several group discussions and one-on-one conversations were held in order to agree to a new MOI for Plant SA as one certification authority with one certification scheme for deciduous fruit and vines.
Fig 2.4 Rootstock
components used for different
fruit types 2014/2015: Pome and Stone fruit nursery
returns per fruit type per status.
37
DECIDUOUS FRUIT INDUSTRY LEADS
AGRI’S GOT TALENT ENTRIES ESTÉ BEERWINKEL
A
gri’s got Talent is a singing competition and life
skills programme for agricultural workers in the
fruit and wine industries, and is a joint venture
between HORTGRO, the VinPro Foundation, and
the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
This year the deciduous fruit industry is dominating Agri’s got Talent,
with eight of the Top 10 finalists chosen, being from fruit farms.
The competition received a total of 70 high quality entries, from
across South Africa. After a strenuous selection process the following
Top 10 finalists were chosen:
“Through Agri’s got Talent, these organisations recognise
that the individuals working on South African wine and fruit
farms, cellars and packhouses have other valuable talents
that they can use to effect change in their communities,”
said Unathi Mantshongo of the VinPro Foundation.
“The competition’s skills programme focuses on self-esteem
and self-confidence, leaving the entrants with a sense of
achievement. HORTGRO and the VinPro Foundation seek
to build an industry on the capabilities of its people and this
project supports us in doing that.”
The finalists attended a week long workshop in Paarl at the
end of July, which included voice and stage training. The
winner, who was announced at a gala evening on 29 July,
received a cash prize.
SINGING COMPETITION HEATS UP,
DECIDUOUS FRUIT FARMS DOMINATES
MEER AS 70 STROOIERS LANDSWYD VERKOOP IN 14 MAANDE . . .
• Kalibreer van die grond af, in die ry
toediening is hoër as 98% akkuraat en die
links regs uitset ook hoër as 98% akkuraat
- toediening spoed is dus so vinnig as wat
die terrein toelaat;
• Het akkurate, maklik en vinnige slinger
verstelling met 'n aanwysings lyn;
• Het onafhanklikke hoër kwaliteit nylotron uitgooiers;
• Het 'n afsluit sluis om die bemesting van buiterye moontlik te maak
sonder vermorsing;
• Koppel en ontkoppel met 'n hidroliese koppelaar;
• Is die enigste strooier met 'n vlekvrye staal bak, deksel en uitlaat pype;
• Strooi slegs die wortelgroei area onder die boom;
• Strooi met lugdruk wat 'n eweredige val van die korrels verseker;
• Het 'n 500 kg kapasiteit;
• Het 'n swaardiens raamwerk met 1.6 Ton as;
• Is 100% plaaslik vervaardig met alle parte maklik beskikbaar;
• Is slegs 1 215mm breed en loop in 'n boord trekker se spoor;
At the time of going to press, the Agri’s got
• Is verbind tot uitmuntende naverkoop diens en gee 'n 12 maande
Talent winner was not announced yet, but
waarborg op die raam, bak, aste en ratte;
keep an eye out for the full story on the new
• Bied dus die mees effektiewe en kostedoeltreffende bankie kunsmis
winner
in our
October/November
strooi opsie
vir wingerde
en boorde
tans op die mark. edition.
Sien die videogreep van hierdie briljante strooier in aksie by
www.YouTube breerivier engineering strooier
39
PhytClean Update
PAUL HARDMAN
PhytClean has
been launched to
enhance the
integrity of the
export and
phytosanitary
certificates.
Paul Hardman
reports on progress
during the first
five months of
2016 as it stood at
the start of June.
Regular readers of the SAFJ are in some or other way linked to the southern African fruit
industry, an industry that is predominately export oriented. These readers would also
likely know that the general goal of this sector is to maintain and grow exports given
the value and opportunities global markets represent. They are key to the sustainably
and future the fruit industry.
Y
et, for markets to remain open or to
grow, South Africa needs to consistently meet the requirements laid
down by our trading partners. From a
regulatory perspective, this means complying
with the import rules agreed with the receiving
country’s authorities – all the time! The ultimate
evidence of compliance shared between these
regulatory authorities are Export and Phytosanitary certificates.
Thus the primary objective of the PhytClean
project is to enhance the integrity of the
export and phytosanitary certificates. This is
essentially done by providing
electronic alternative evidence
for the all the prerequisite steps
in the certification process, and
to make this evidence available
to those that need it when they
need it. And hence the project
slogan has been: Sharing standardized data electronically to
support phytosanitary certification and to enhance the SA fruit
supply chain’s competitiveness
in a global market.
Microchem is now offering Pesticide Analysis
1st Floor Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Rd,
Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa, 8001
021 465-6996 or 061 394 1913
www.microchem.co.za
Sales: [email protected]
Pesticide lab: [email protected]
Since providing electronic
evidence means having to
focus on many of the processes
leading up the issuing of this
documents, PhytClean will
invariably also have a direct
impact on how these processes
are actually implemented. The
pilot project running in the citrus
sector in 2015 and 2016 have
provided good examples of
what can be done electronically
rather than in paper/manual
systems: online orchard registra-
tions for special markets, instant updated to
the status of orchards, instant verification of
orchard status, shared updates on the database
automatically, and loading inspection reports
for all to view immediately. In some cases these
improvements can go considerably further
and eliminate the paperwork altogether to
introduce significant saving in time and effort
by multiple parties along the chain.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
Since the start of the year to May 2016 the
PhytClean project has tried to focus on three
main areas:
• Make incremental improvements to the Citrus
Pilot project: Here we have seen additional
functionality and more users interacting with
the system in new ways. Some 1 230 users were
registered on the system at the end of May
2016. At least 100 of those are engaging the
system daily.
• DAFF - FSA Service Level Agreement (SLA):
Since the Department of Agriculture Forestry
and Fisheries (DAFF) and Fruit South Africa (FSA)
are joint partners in developing the PhytClean
data platform, it has been necessary to formalise
this arrangement, which is an SLA whereby
DAFF and FSA will jointly build the data platform
for use in the fruit export sector. The SLA laid
out a structure for formal DAFF and FSA participation in the leadership of the project, while
addressing aspects around intellectual property
and other legal and operational considerations.
• Secure appropriate additional resources to fund
and manage the project: The plan has always
been that the PhytClean data platform should be
self-sustaining and maintained on the “user-pay”
basis. Nevertheless, an injection of seed funding
was needed to start the development and to
provide initial momentum to launch the project
into the wider fruit sector. FSA has bought into
the project. It is pleasing to report that funding
has been secured to cover anticipated expenses
for 2016 and going well into 2017, when the
user-pay model will kick in. Any additional funding received will assist in making functionality
available sooner rather than later. This is important as the scope of the project has increased
and become slightly more complex with the
additional fruit sectors joining in.
PhytClean: Keziah Naidoo;
While parties were waiting for the SLA to be
finalized, there was very little gathering of the
PhytClean workgroups, although on the 13th
May 2016 a general stakeholder workshop was
held in Stellenbosch.
The PhytClean project will provide initial
secretarial support to ESAFI. It is possible the
composition of ESAFI will change over time
and after their first meeting towards the end of
June 2016.
MANAGEMENT
Keziah Naidoo was appointed full time from the
1st May 2016 to help FSA and DAFF build the
central data platform. Keziah joins us with both
coding, database design and IT project management experience, having previously worked in
the finance, logistics and insurance sectors. We
welcome Keziah to the team and trust her stay in
the fruit sector will be a memorable and enjoyable one. Keziah will be dedicated to the PhytClean project and play an increasing role in the
direction and deliverables around the project.
EDI STANDARD
For all IT systems to communicate via EDI
(electronic date interchange), it is important
that systems “talk the same language”, in other
words, the formats and content have to be
understandable, predictable and consistent. This
can be achieved by formalising EDI standards
(or what some term Master Files). A proposal to
form an institution to manage the EDI standards
for the fruit industry has been adopted, and
thus the EDI STANDARDS AUTHORITY FOR THE
FRUIT INDUSTY (ESAFI) is now established. Initial
organisational and individual representation on
this body has been proposed as follows:
DAFF: Food Safety & Quality Assurance: Willie
Madiba;
DAFF: Plant Health: Rejoice Muavhi;
DAFF: Inspection Services: Salamina Maelane;
DAFF: ICT: Maia Boois;
PPECB: John Gray;
FPEF: Werner Van Rooyen;
CGA: Paul Hardman;
HORTGRO: Jacque Du Preez;
SATI: Dawie Moelich;
Subtrops: Derek Donkin;
IT service provider/vendors: Four IT vendors
are to be confirmed;
AgriHUB: Carol Swarts.
One of the first tasks of ESAFI will be to endorse
the Citrus Cultivar EDI standards. Work has
been going on since mid-2015 to map and
“clean up” the different uses of citrus cultivar
terminology for EDI purposes. The inputs to this
process, including discussions at the workshop
on the 13th May 2016, have resulted in a single
excel file that shows how the future terminology for these citrus cultivars will be laid out.
Keziah Naidoo has been
appointed full time at the
PhytClean project.
The PhytClean Cultivar EDI Standard will be
used for phytosanitary market registration in
September 2016 and Phytosanitary Certification in 2017. A process has been agreed upon
on how to add new cultivars to the PhytClean
Cultivar EDI Standard, which is available from
the PhytClean project team.
LOOKING AHEAD
Over the next few months DAFF and FSA will be
building the central data platform in anticipation for the next production cycle for citrus.
This will be on a new database; with the existing citrus pilot system running until the end of
the export season. In the meantime work will
also be done to ensure that the systems functionality extends into the other fruit sectors.
What has emerged since the beginning of the
year is a real sense that PhytClean can truly
make a difference in the fruit sector. Readers
can anticipate these tools start to be rolled out
over the next six months and for them to bring
about efficiency and real value to their business
– no matter how they are linked into the SA
fruit export sector.
41
The citrus part of the PhytClean
project received partial funding
from the Department of Science
and Technology’s SectorSpecific Innovation Fund under
Research for Citrus Exports.
The International Maritime Organisation has amended the Safety of Life at Sea
Convention so that containers now need a verified weight to be loaded onto
a ship for exports. Here follows an update on the implications of these
new regulation for the fruit industry.
I
n terms of section 6 of the new Safety
of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS),
shipping agents will from now on
have to verify the gross mass of
packed containers and communicate
this in a shipping document before
the container will be allowed onto
a ship. This document can be part
of the shipping instructions to the shipping
company or a separate communication, such
as a declaration including a weight certificate
produced by a weigh station using calibrated
and certified equipment on the route between
the shipper’s origin and the port terminal.
In either case, the document should clearly
highlight that the gross mass provided is the
"verified gross mass" (VGM).
In South Africa, the container terminals are
operated by the state organisation, Transnet
Port Terminals (TPT). TPT uses the NAVIS
SPARCS N4 Terminal Operation System (TOS).
As part of the system upgrades TPT initiated
that all containers for export be pre-advised
to the terminals prior to the containers being
delivered to the terminals. Principally the
information contained in the NAVIS pre-advise
submission pertained to the line operator,
container number, seal number and the gross
weight of the packed container. The NAVIS
pre-advise function superseded the requirement that a Container Terminal Order (CTO) be
drafted and submitted to the terminals prior to
the delivery of containers.
Prepared by
MITCHELL BROOKE
AND ANDY CONELL
[email protected]
Comprehensive engagement with the
container lines in South Africa has established
that the pre-advise submission will be used as
an acceptable form of declaration of the VGM
of containers. In most cases the lines will not
require a hardcopy of a VGM declaration and
will merely deem that the VGM of the container
is accurate as contained in the pre-advise
submission. TPT will be updating the NAVIS
pre-advise fields to include the requirement, so
far it seems by the first or second week of June
2016. More details on the precise layout and
functionality of the pre-advise portal will be
distributed once TPT have made the amendment public.
It is foreseeable that two options be adopted
for pre-advising containers for export, which
will include the VGM of the container as per
the SOLAS regulations:
• NAVIS pre-advise: most lines have indicated
that shippers (or nominated service providers)
under proxy will be requested to manually
pre-advise directly to the NAVIS web portal or
establish EDI links to electronically transmit the
pre-advise information to NAVIS. In this case
the lines will obtain the VGM via NAVIS, or
• Lines pre-advise: certain lines will request
shippers (or nominated service providers) to
manually pre-advise on the lines dedicated
pre-advise web portal or establish EDI links to
electronically transmit the pre-advise information to the lines. In this case the lines will
receive the VGM submission and then transmit
the pre-advise information on to NAVIS. It will
have to be ascertained that the pre-advise
will be transmitted to NAVIS by lines within a
suitable timeframe to allow trucks to enter TPT
without being delayed.
NEW MODUS OPERANDI
There are two methods prescribed by the
SOLAS by which the shipper may obtain the
verified grass mass of a packed container: The
shipper may weigh, or have arranged that a
third party weighs the packed containers, upon
the conclusion of packing and sealing of a
container; or the shipper, or a third party, may
weigh all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other
packing and securing material to be packed
in the container, and add the tare mass of the
container to the sum of the single masses using
a certified method described in paragraphs
5.1.2.3 and 5.1.2.3.1 of the regulations.
SOLAS regulations requiring the Verified Gross
Mass of the container will alter the landscape of
the pre-advise modus operandi. Shippers will
be required to submit the pre-advise for ALL
containers being delivered to TPT. Therefore
shippers will be required to request lines to
issue access to NAVIS to submit the pre-advise.
Access to NAVIS will also be required in the
case where a third party will be appointed to
submit the pre-advise on shippers behalf.
There are some important aspects that
shippers need to consider here in lieu of the
amended NAVIS pre-advise requirements:
• The actual Verified Gross Mass will be required
to be submitted in the pre-advise.
• The VGM will in all accounts only be established upon final completion of packing the
container. The VGM of the container requires
that the mass be ascertained including the
actual verified mass of the container contents,
as well as the tare mass of the container. This
in all likelihood can only be determined upon
final completion of packing the container.
Therefore the pre-advise will more than likely
only be submitted once the container has
completed packing. In the case of obtaining
the mass of pallets as per method 2, the gross
cargo mass might be determined prior to
packing.
• The pre-advise should be submitted timeously
to NAVIS. The pre-advise submission should be
done as soon as the container has completed
packing. When the gross mass of the container
contents has been determined (as per method
1 or 2), the tare mass of the container can be
added to determine the VGM of the packed
container to be submitted on the pre-advise.
• Where method 2 has been used to determine
the VGM of a packed container, the shipper’s
SAMSA certification number and designated
signatory of the shipper must be included
in the pre-advise. Shippers will therefore be
required to ensure that designated service
providers submit the correct details pertaining
to this aspect of the pre-advise submission.
At this time there appears to be no formal
requirement within the pre-advise submission
in terms of obtaining the VGM under method
1 over and above the VGM of the container.
It is also recommended that the Q67 booking
form include the shippers VGM determination
to be used, including the shippers certification
number and shippers designated signatory;
when method 2 is used.
• The liability and
accountability for
“After much deliberation with the lines and
the accuracy of the
other stakeholders, it appears that the most
VGM declaration rests
beneficial point to submit the pre-advise is at the
with the shipper. It is
therefore imperative place at which the container was packed.”
that shippers appoint
competent service providers as proxy to submit
the pre-advise on their behalf. It is advisable
that shippers develop a process whereby the
pre-advise submissions made on shippers
behalf can be checked for accuracy.
It appears that the most beneficial point at
which to submit the pre-advise is at the place
at which the container was packed. Therefore
the most beneficial service provider to submit
the pre-advise on behalf of shippers, where
deemed so, is the appointment of the pack
station or place at which the container is
packed with fruit. This should be considered for
both merchant haulage and carrier haulage.
In most cases the pack station should have
the relevant detail to determine the VGM of
the container under method 1 or 2. The pack
station can submit the pre-advise as soon as
the container has completed packing using
either method 1 or 2 to determine the VGM.
The pack station can ascertain the shippers
SAMSA certification number and designated
signatory to the pre-advise submission under
method 2.
If it be that the pack station is not the preferred
or designated proxy to do the pre-advise
submission, it must be certain that whomever
is designated has the ability to identify the
correct VGM detail to pre-advise on behalf of
shippers, for example transporters. It would
be prudent to have a service level agreement
with the third party on shippers behalf. Once
the VGM pre-advise has been submitted to
NAVIS, the shipper may not alter or amend the
VGM. The shipper will have to consult with the
applicable line to make an amendment should
it be required.
43
It is highly recommended that a traceability
audit of the VGM of containers be catered for,
in case an audit is requested by an authority or
shipping line to establish the authenticity of
the declared VGM. It would be beneficial if all
systems be updated to include the VGM detail
in the final container packing list, commonly
referred to as the mates’ receipt. The VGM
detail can be carried through on the final
packing list to the shippers IT operating system.
The packing list should record the cargo specification as well as the VGM and the calculation
used to determine the VGM.
In terms of Section 9 of SAMSA MN25 of 2016, a
2% enforcement tolerance will be implemented
by SAMSA against the declared VGM.
Shippers should consider a form of disclaimer
to be incorporated within the shipping
instruction and/or the packing list against the
VGM declared. Consider the following:
• The mass of fruit will alter over time due to
moisture loss.
• Shippers are required to include the tare
mass of containers in the VGM submission.
There may be a discrepancy with the VGM
declared due to a variance in the tare mass of
the container being contrary to the tare mass
as indicated on the container. Shippers have
no means to determine the accuracy of the tare
mass of the container.
• Where the VGM of a container has been
detected to be mis-declared and deemed to be
inaccurate over and above the 2% enforcement
tolerance, before accepting liability shippers
must ensure that it can be determined if the
cargo mass and/or the mass of the container
has led to the VGM being erroneously misdeclared.
DUAL LOADS
In the case where a container is packed with
fruit at multiple packing stations, shippers may
consider submitting the pre-advise directly as
per the requirement of the respective lines. It
may be the most viable option as the shipper
can determine the sum total of the mass of the
container contents as provided by the respective pack points.
To determine the VGM of the packed container consider the following:
• METHOD 1 where certified weighbridges are
used: irrespective whether the container is
empty or partially packed, the pack station/s
can weigh the truck trailer loaded with the
container on arrival prior to packing any pallets
into the container to determine the mass of the
container. The truck and trailer loaded with the
container can be weighed as a single unit of
mass = mass (A). After the container has been
partially packed with pallets of fruit, the truck
and trailer loaded with the container can be
weighed again as a single unit of mass = mass
(B). To determine the mass of the pallets of fruit
packed into the container = mass (B) – mass (A)
= mass of the pallets packed in the container
= mass (C). The sum total of the mass of the
pallets packed at the pack station should be
systematically recorded and added to the
packing list.
• METHOD 2 where pallets are weighed using
certified methods: if the pallet masses have
been recorded systematically, the pallet masses
should be contained in the container packing
list. Each pack station can provide the shipper
with the packing list indicating the sum total of
the pallet masses packed in the container.
To determine the sum total of all the pallets
packed within a container the shipper can add
the masses as provided by each pack station
as should be contained in the packing list.
The shipper can then add the tare mass of the
container to the sum total of all the masses of
the pallets as packed at the various packing
stations to determine the VGM of the container.
The shipper can then submit the pre-advise
including the VGM.
• In the case of dual loads where containers are
packed at multiple pack stations where method
1 and 2 was used to determine the mass of the
pallets packed within a container, it seems best
practice that the shipper declares method 2 in
the pre-advise submission.
COMMENCEMENT AND TRANSITION
TPT has indicated that the NAVIS pre-advise
including the requirement for the VGM in the
pre-advise submission
45
will be implemented on the 27th June 2016.
This will allow containers being stacked for
loading on vessels departing on or after the 1st
July to have the VGM as required. Containers
shipped up to the 30th June will not require
the VGM submission where containers are to
be transhipped to final port of discharge, expiring on 30th September 2016. Containers that
will not be transhipped will be required to have
the VGM submitted with the NAVIS pre-advise
on the 27th June 2016.
It was foreseen that the requirements under
method 2 would require much time to implement and this was not deemed to be achievable by the 1st July 2016. The ordering and
installation of weighing devices, the calibration
and certification of the devises, the system
upgrades to record masses as well as the
SAMSA third party audit of fruit packhouses
and shippers will take some time to implement.
It must be emphasized that the VGM declaration is legally required for container shipped
onwards from the 1st July 2016 and any
containers that have been delivered to ports
without a VGM will be in contravention of the
regulation. Shippers are encouraged to read
section 16 of the SAMSA Marine Notice 25 of
2016 dated 27th May 2016.
Section 16.2 of the SAMSA Marine Notice 25
of 2016 states the following: SOLAS regulation
VI/5 requires that a container not be packed to
more than the maximum gross mass indicated
of the Safety Approval Plate under the International Convention for Safety Containers (CSC),
as amended. A container with a gross mass
exceeding its maximum permitted gross mass
may not be loaded onto the ship.
In researching the maximum permitted gross
mass of reefer containers it has been identified
that depending on the container type, reefer
containers have a maximum gross mass (MGW)
ranging between 30 250 kg’s to 34 000 kg,
depending on the type of material used in the
construction of the container. The payload
mass of a reefer container is therefore determine by the difference in the maximum gross
mass (MGW) and the tare mass of the container.
Researching the lines reefer container specifications, it indicates that there exists a range in
the payload mass of reefer container ranging
between 26 000kg to 29 500kg. It appears
that reefer containers are mostly rated on the
upper band of 29 500kg, however there are a
number of containers rated in the lower band
of 26,000kg’s that are presently in use.
It seems prudent that some critical elements
be considered here:
• When booking a shipment of heavy weight
fruit, such as Lemon and Valencia types with
heavy carton weights, that the booking be
made with an indication that the cargo weight
will require the correct equipment type,
• The container is not packed with cargo that
exceeds the payload mass of that container,
• The VGM does not exceed the Maximum
Gross Mass/Weight (MGW) of the container.,
and
• The container is not delivered to the terminal
for loading on-board.
Most of the container lines operating in South
Africa have communicated the VGM requirements in the form of a customer advisory.
Most of the lines have specific customer
advisories for South Africa and shippers
should request these from all lines used for
shipments. Some of the lines have developed
functional systems and tools to assist shippers with the VGM process.
Shippers must engage with the lines directly
to discuss the position of the VGM pre-advise
submission and request access to NAVIS
where applicable and under proxy from the
lines. Shippers or their designated shipping
agent may wish to designate a third party to
pre-advise on their behalf and therefore will
require permissions from the lines and TPT to
gain access to NAVIS or lines pre-advise portals.
Since Specialized Reefer Vessels calling South
Africa to load fruit call at leasehold berths
and not at TPT facilities, the VGM pre-advise
submission is not applicable. Although
the VGM declaration is applicable to these
vessels, the VGM declaration to the lines will
more than likely be made by submission
along with shipping instructions. Shippers
can consult further with the applicable lines
in this regards.
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Pioneering the Future
AUG/SEPT 2016 | INDUSTRY NEWS 47
Haifa South Africa
PO Box 1409, Brackenfell, 7561, South Africa | Tel: 021 982 0309 | Fax: 021 981 7637 | www.haifa-group.com
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Cluver kondig byvoorbeeld elke maand die drie
top-bestuurders aan.
Aangesien Cluver nou ‘n meer omvattende,
regstreekse (real-time) prentjie van die plaas
het, kan sy enige probleme gou uitwys en dit
vinnig regstel, eerder as om later rond te ry om
die probleem te probeer vasstel.
FarmTrack is deur Etse Electronics, in samewerking met die Stellenbosse sagtewaremaatskappy EMSS, ontwikkel. FarmTrack is tans
‘n wêreldleier wat betref oplossings vir
vrugteplase, spesifiek gesien in die lig van
99% van produsente wat, behalwe vir pen en
papier, nie ‘n manier het om hul spuitvolumes
te meet nie. (Hierdie statistiek word aangehaal
uit ‘n navorsingstuk deur Andrew Landers en
Bill Larzelere, gepubliseer in die New York Fruit
Quarterly in 2012.) FarmTrack se woordvoerder
Waldo van der Merwe verduidelik: “FarmTrack
is in sy wese eenvoudig en dís waarom dit
so effektief is. Dit gebruik GPS-tegnologie
wat skakel met ‘n rekenaarbediener (server)
waar die data outomaties gestoor, verwerk en
georganiseer word sodat die plaasbestuurder
die hele plaas se produktiwiteit kan meet deur
bloot die internet te besoek.”
Die stelsel verskaf ook gedetailleerde opsommings van spuitaktiwiteite, met daaglikse
verslae. Dit hou rekord van voertuie se bewegings tot op die naaste meter en wys sleuteldoeltreffendheidsindikatore aan soos gemiste
rye of verkeerde spuit-snelhede en of die
trekkers korrek bestuur word.
Cluver gebruik FarmTrack vannaf 2015. “Hierdie
is landbou-innovering op sy beste. FarmTrack
se tegnologie beteken ons herontwerp die
manier wat ons boer, sonder groot kapitale
insette. Ons weet dat mens nie kan bestuur wat
jy nie kan meet nie, en om tegnologie te hê
wat alles outomaties en regstreeks kan doen, is
revolusionêr.”
FarmTrack word versprei deur InteliGro ‘n
leidende gewasoplossingspesialis met depots
en verkoopskantore regoor die land.
FarmTrack help boere om geld op talle vlakke
te spaar, insluitend verlies aan inkomste te
danke aan siektes, die koste van spuitstowwe,
diesel, oortyd-rekeninge en trekker-onderhoud.
49
International Fruit Fly Symposium feedback
A total of 144 delegates
from 34 countries
attended the fruit fly
symposium recently held
in Stellenbosch.
Here follows some of
the highlights
of the event.
MATTHEW
ADDISON
T
here is a rapid increase in biological
invasions presenting a significant
threat to agriculture worldwide. A
better understanding of biological
invasions was needed and the field of invasion science was expanding rapidly. This was
the message from Prof Dave Richardson of
the Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch
University. Richardson was the keynote speaker
at the third international meeting of the Tephritid Workers of Europe, Africa and the Middle
East (TEAM) symposium that was held earlier
this year in Stellenbosch.
and dried fish, amongst others, were assessed as
attractants for fruit flies. Palm sap proved to be
highly attractive, thus allowing communities in
remote areas access to an effective attractant and
possibly a sustainable control method.
Dr Minette Karsten from Stellenbosch University
presented her research on the population
structure of Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis,
in Africa and elsewhere. Her industry-funded
research allows for a better understanding of
the movement of B. dorsalis within Africa and
more specifically Southern Africa. The invasion
of South Africa occurred via the east coast, while
B. dorsalis in West Africa has not moved south.
The use of genetic analysis in the latter study
revealed useful information about insect populations. The method relies on detecting small
differences in the genes of individuals and thus
determines the extent of gene flow between
differing populations or geographic areas.
Two papers were delivered on the use of automated fruit fly monitoring traps. The development of automatic traps is a game changer in
my opinion - such traps can be deployed and
managed remotely. Data is transferred automatically to a computer, and a large number of
traps can be managed on a single system. The
implications for area wide fruit fly management
programmes are obvious as one is then dealing
with real-time trap data.
AFRICAN EXPERIENCES
Reunion Island represents an interesting case
when it comes to fruit fly biology and invasions. Bactrocera zonata, the peach fruit fly,
invaded the island recently and the effects of
this species on other fruit flies were measured.
The invasive species displaced other fruit flies,
such as Natal fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit
fly. This has direct implications for South Africa
considering that it is currently being invaded
by B. dorsalis, which is also highly aggressive
and known to displace native fruit fly species in
other parts of Africa.
The control of fruit flies in Africa poses some
unique challenges. Current research from Mozambique illustrates how local resources can be used
effectively in monitoring programmes. Palm sap
The economic impact and management of
fruit flies in sub-Saharan Africa was presented.
Pre- and post-harvest issues were addressed.
The Kenyan research effort on fruit flies is
truly impressive with research being done on
local biological control agents, the use of local
attractants and the involvement of communities in area wide control programmes.
The manual inspection of traps over large areas
is often problematic and expensive. There are a
number of automated traps on the market, some
of which are highly sophisticated and include
image recognition software that can identify
trapped insects. It will be interesting to see the
development of this technology over time.
GENETIC TRANSFORMATION
The genetic transformation of insects in sterile
insect technology programmes is currently
a hot topic. Two papers of interest were
presented at the symposium that dealt with
current research on genetic modification. The
University of Florida is involved with genetic
modification that mitigates the effects of radiation on insects. The work is focused on increasing the amounts of mitochondrial antioxidants;
the effect was an increase in the performance
of radiated insects. As the author put it, he is
making “macho flies”.
The second paper on genetic modification
reported on new methods to produce sterile
2
1
5
3
4
We were there at the International Fruit Fly Symposium:
1. Team US-students: Velma Pieters, Monique James, Pia Addison, Vernon Steyn, Minette
Karsten, Matthew Addison and Gulu Bekker. 2: Marc de Meyer from Belgium and Pia Addison
3: Martin Gilbert and Aruna Manrakhan from CRI. 4: Tom Labuschagne (Chempac), Gustav
Groenwald (CERES Fruit Growers), Matthew Addison (HORTGRO) and Nando Baard (FruitFly
Africa). 5: Serge Lantsi (Cameroon), Yvonne Tema (Western Cape Dept. Agri) and Xolani Siboza
(HORTGRO Science) 6: Luis Bota (Mozambique) and Esperantos de Souza (Benin).
insects. The methods allow for sperm to be functionally sterile while the other cells in the insect
remain unaffected. Again, the performance of
the sterile insect in the field remains critical and
the avoidance of radiation has great benefits.
The local South Africa sterile fruit fly programme
was also reported on. Aerial release of sterile flies
is being used and the results of the programme
look very good. The production facility in Stellenbosch has been improved and it is currently
producing 25 million flies per week.
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT
The use of area wide programmes is well
known, however, the extensive use of decision support systems can transform such
6
programmes. The Israeli programme has been
highly effective over time and the collection
of very accurate monitoring data and fruit
damage data has allowed researchers to identify fruit fly hot spots within the treatment area.
The authors noted that access to good field
data has allowed for the effective treatment
of hot spots which has resulted in significantly
better control.
The concept is very appealing when one
applies it to our local situation. The access to
accurate real time monitoring data and field
data is key to effective management. In addition when one considers the threat posed by
invasive pests such as the Oriental fruit fly, such
programmes appear very attractive.
51
The abstracts of the oral
presentations and posters
are available online (http://
teamfly2016.co.za).
Better surveillance needed in Africa
DANE MCDONALD
Fruit fly expert Dr
Marc De Meyer from
the Royal Museum
for Central Africa in
Belgium talked to
HORTGRO Science
about research trends
in his field at the fruit
fly symposium.
Q
What is the focus of fruit fly research
being carried out at the Royal Museum
for Central Africa in Belgium?
We are mainly doing pure alpha taxonomy,
where describing new species is one of the
aspects. We also look at phylogeny, in other
words the relationship between species of a
certain group, like the genus Ceratitus, or the
link between the capitata and rosa species. So
we look at pure taxonomy and the relationships from a morphological and molecular
point of view. We are now embarking on a new
kind of research related to microbionts.
We have seen a pattern where some fruit flies
are specialists, so they only feed on one kind of
host, while others are generalists. The specialists often seem to use hosts that are not used
by generalist species. We want to find out why
this is so. What is the innovation or the advantage of the specialist over the generalist.
And the area we would like to explore, is the
role of bacteria. Whether bacteria is helping to
digest the nutrients in the fruit that the specialist is using. Perhaps the specialist has bacteria
in its gut that the generalist does not have.
Q
What regional research aspects should
Africa focus on?
One of the greatest dangers in Africa is invasive species. The main one being Bacterocera
dorsalis, which in less than 10 years has caused
havoc over a large area of the continent.
Regionally, we should focus on avoidance
measures. It means a lot more surveillance, a lot
more monitoring and detection capacity.
Research should therefore focus on two aspects,
recognition and attractions. Recognition is
about how you can make it easy for people to
recognise if something is new. It can be based
on morphology, to enable faster identification.
We are doing a lot of work with DNA barcoding, where we take a piece of the DNA of a fly
that is unique for that species and that differentiates it from all the other species. Larvae for
example in fruits are very difficult to identify,
even I cannot identify a fruit fly larvae up to the
species level – it is extremely difficult. But the
DNA in the fruit fly larvae and in the adult is the
same. So, by using the adults we can come up
with this unique identifier which a non-specialist
can use. You actually just have to take the larvae,
sequence it, and then you can tell which species
it is. You don’t have to be a taxonomist to do
that. So that’s where the research comes in.
Attractants on the other hand can play a valuable role in early detection, but we don’t have
attractants for all the species. So a lot of time
and research is being put into the development of novel attractants to attract a broader
spectrum of pests.
TOWARDS A FRUIT FLY FREE CONSIGNMENT
When your goal is to obtain a fruit fly free consignment of produce, you need a
plan of action. For Dr. Aruna Manrakhan, who coordinates fruit fly research for the
Citrus Research Institute, the plan is hinged on optimisation. “We are trying to optimise pre-harvest and post-harvest control methods for fruit flies to deal with the
complex of four different fruit fly species,” she told HORTGRO Science at the 3rd
International Fruit Fly Symposium.
Fruit fly infestations in commercial orchards can lead to significant fruit losses and
more crucially present a barrier to market access through the inability to meet
phytosanitary requirements in the global marketplace. Manrakhan said some
fruits have a bad reputation internationally of being a host, but what we produce
commercially – export grade – might be harvested at a time when the fruit might
not be susceptible to fruit fly infestation. The latter has been identified as a gap in the
research and is future project she hopes to tackle. “We should look at a list of commercial fruit going to the EU market where there is no disinfestation and see where we
have never recorded things, and focus on that to look at their host status with regard
to fruit flies so we can do away with those post-harvest treatments,” she said.
While research gaps exist, Manrakhan said much ground has been covered in
other areas like the efficacy of different commercially available baits, attractants,
and insecticides with a focus on their performance for different fruit fly species.
“We have quantified the efficacy of these attractants and insecticides and there has
also been quite a lot of development of post-harvest disinfestation treatments for
different species,” she said.
“Research on the optimisation of pre-harvest efforts was ongoing, but there are
recommendations based on our research and disinfestation treatment schedules
that have been adopted from the studies.” On research collaboration, she said the
industry could benefit from topics like the biology and ecology of fruit fly pests
that apply to or affect all fruit industries. And can be funded by the different fruit
industries.
Q
How do see the future in fruit fly
research?
I’m quite positive about the way the research is
moving on. If I compare it with ten years ago we
were not as far as we were now. I think there is
a lot more known about the flies and a lot more
incentive to actually study the fruit flies. There’s
also a lot more awareness of the impacts of fruit
flies. This is necessity, because there is a lot more
movement of commodities increasing the risk of
invasive species moving around to other regions.
We have to be proactive. I would like to see a
more regional approach to certain aspects and
certain problems. I find that a lot of it is done
on a national or even perhaps on a provincial
or even a local level. And I think there is a larger
need for having a more regional approach,
because the problems you have in South Africa
often originate somewhere else.
Q
How do you find collaboration within
the TEAM region?
Within the TEAM region it is fine, though there’s
always room for improvement. We have three
research networks operating in the region.
The international atomic energy agency is
sponsoring a large network with a number of
African countries where they actually try to bring
people together. TEAM believes in area wide
programmes and therefore have a networking programme with European and African
countries to share work and information and a
second one with our museum and a number of
partners in Tanzania, Mozambique and South
Africa. Where we try to say: “look we all are
doing work on those different things, can’t we
do some work together”.
REGIONAL APPROACH CRUCIAL IN FRUIT FLY BATTLE
Fruit flies know no borders, and don’t need a visa to move around, according
to Dr Sunday Ekesi who visited South Africa to attend the International Fruit Fly
Symposium. In a Fruit Fly Issue Paper commissioned by the World Bank in 2010,
Ekesi described Tephritid fruit flies as the most important threat to the horticultural
industry in Africa. In the Western Cape, crop losses and control amounts to more
than R20m per year.
A growing concern and a hot topic at the Tephritid Workers of Europe, Africa and
the Middle East (TEAM) symposium held in Stellenbosch, was the Oriental fruit fly
Bactrocera dorsalis. The “highly invasive” Oriental fruit fly was discovered in Kenya in
2003 and has since made its way down to the north-eastern regions of South Africa
including Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Ekesi, who currently heads the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (INCIPE) in Nairobi, said a regional approach is crucial in the battle against the
pest and its relatives: “You can’t be doing your own thing in Kenya, Tanzania or
Mozambique and think the fruit flies will not eventually move around.”
He said the exchange of surveillance data, mitigation measures, and pre-ventative
management measures are of particular importance. Preventative measures, according to him, is about monitoring. “Have you caught this insect in your area? At what
density is it? Is it already impacting on this particular crop? Which are these crops that
are major host plants,” he rattled off. Most Governments didn’t want to share this type
of information, because they are afraid that it might impact trade. “The problem is that
if we won’t be able to successfully manage fruit flies if we don’t share this information,”
Ekesi said.
Mozambican fruit fly expert, Dr Domingos Cugala, agreed with Ekesi. He called up
the case of how South Africa “received” the fruit fly from one of the neighbouring
regions and emphasized that management by individual countries “in silos” were
doomed to fail: “We need a regional approach. It is not going to help if South Africa is
doing their own programme, Mozambique its own and we don’t know what Zimbabwe and Swaziland are doing.”
Tanzanian fruit fly expert Maulid Mwatawala agreed, saying that efforts of TEAM
were not always well coordinated: “Sometimes you end up doing the same thing,
like the replication of research often with donor funds.”
Ekesi identified the need for a comprehensive database hosted somewhere within
Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs) “where this data is available to any
individual to be able to log into and know what each country is reporting”. He was
nevertheless optimistic about the future: “I think we are getting there, as there is
much better collaboration between countries than there was two to three years
ago.”
53
Does molasses, applied with granulovirus against
FCM, increase citrus thrips infestation and damage?
SEAN THACKERAY
SEAN MOORE
MATTHEW PARKINSON
AND MARTIN HILL
Sean Thackeray.
C
itrus thrips, Scitrothrips aurantii Faure,
is a major pest of citrus in South Africa
and neighbouring countries (Gilbert
and Bedford 1998). Feeding by both larvae and
adults causes superficial permanent scarring to
the epidermis of the fruit, resulting in five types
of damage: stem end ring, side-marking at
points of contact, navel-end marking, scribble marks and browning. This scarring often
prevents the export of fruit, which may then
only be considered for processing for juice.
Fruit remains vulnerable to thrips damage up
to about thirteen weeks after petal fall throughout all growing regions.
Another important pests of citrus in southern
Africa is the false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which requires stringent control due
to its endemism to sub-Saharan Africa (Moore
et al. 2004) and the exporting of the majority
of South Africa’s citrus. One method which
has proved effective in controlling FCM is the
Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV)
(Moore et al. 2004, 2011; Opoku-Debrah et
al. 2013, Moore et al. 2015). There are three
CrleGV-based products registered for FCM
control on citrus in South Africa, Cryptogran,
Cryptex and GraTham (Knox et al. 2015), all
of which are recommended to be applied as
a medium cover film spray until the point of
run off. Molasses is often applied with these
formulations to improve their efficacy. The
earliest time in the season that CrleGV-based
products are recommended to be applied is
late November or early December, when the
fruit are still vulnerable to citrus thrips damage
in the form of stem-end feeding under the
calyx or scribbling on the side of the fruit
(Gilbert and Bedford 1998).
Citrus thrips is known to be attracted to,
and feed on sugar (Munger 1942), and this
behaviour is used in control strategies (Grout
et al. 1996). Several pesticides registered for
use against citrus thrips include sugar baits:
tartar emetic, methiocarb, formetanate,
54 TEGNOLOGIE CRI | AUG/SEPT 2016
chlorfenapyr (AVCASA 2015). Sugar is added
to these pesticides to act as a phagostimulant,
promoting the ingestion of chemicals through
increased feeding. It was therefore considered
possible that the inclusion of molasses with
a granulovirus, targeted against FCM, may
promote feeding by citrus thrips on treated
citrus trees. This would result in the need for
increased application of thripicides, which
may then result in secondary pest outbreaks,
undermining the principles of integrated pest
management (IPM). The aim of this study was
to determine if the application of molasses,
as a spray additive, promotes infestation and
damage by citrus thrips.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Trial sites were located in the Sundays River
Valley (SRV) and Kat River Valley (KRV) in the
Eastern Cape. Four orchards were selected
for the field trial sites: SRV 3 and 5 (shared
coordinates: 33o26’19’’S, 25o42’16’’E), KRV
39 (32o50’10’’S, 26o37’45’’E) and KRV 34
(32o49’49’’S, 26o37’45’’E). All trial sites were
within orchards consisting of Palmer Navel
oranges, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, with the SRV
sites being within certified organic orchards
planted between 1997 and 1999. The KRV sites
were within conventional orchards with trees
planted in 1988.
Treatment blocks within each orchard
consisted of four rows of trees and were six or
seven trees long (24-28 trees). Each treatment
was applied to two blocks in each orchard, with
no two blocks of the same treatment being
adjacent to each other. Only the central 8-10
trees of each block were used for data collection which meant that the outer trees of each
orchard acted as borders, effectively countering
any edge effects due to the mobility of citrus
thrips (Grout et al. 1996).
The three treatments were molasses (0.25%)
plus Break-thru® (active ingredient: polyether–
polymethylsiloxane–copolymer 1000 g/l;
Evonik Industries, Germany), molasses (0.5%),
Different life stages of citrus thrips, Scitrothrips aurantii
on citrus. A – early instar nymph, B – late instar nymph,
C – Adult, D – perspective of the size of citrus thrips.
(PHOTOS: PETER STEPHEN CRI)
Types of damage on citrus fruit as a result of citrus
thrips feeding. A – stem end ring, B – side markings,
C – Scribbling. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)
water (only at the KRV sites) and an untreated
control. Break-thru® was added as a spray
adjuvant (at 0.005%) to the 0.25% molasses
treatment, as this is the registration of at
least one of the CrleGV products, Cryptogran
(Moore et al. 2015). Treatments were applied
as medium cover film sprays (until the point
of run-off) using a Janisch spray machine with
a 250 cc Honda motor. Hand held spray guns
were used with 2 mm diameter nozzle orifices
and pressure set at 20 bar.
TRAP CATCHES
Immediately after spraying, one yellow sticky
trap (Fig. 3) (140 mm by 76 mm) (Grout and
Richards 1990; Gilbert 1992; Moore et al. 2008)
was hung on the inward facing side of each of
the centre four trees in each treatment block.
Traps were collected and changed seven and
14 days after application of the treatments.
Citrus thrips were counted and sexed under a
dissecting microscope at 20X magnification.
The total numbers of adult citrus thrips caught
on sticky yellow traps (both sexes combined)
were compared between treatments at each
study site using a Pearson Chi-squared analysis.
A p-value < 0.05 was considered to indicate
significant differences.
FRUIT INFESTATION
Evaluation of the presence of adult and larval
citrus thrips on fruit was conducted seven
and 14 days after application through visual
scouting. In each block, 10 fruit from each of
the central eight trees were inspected using
a 5X magnification hand lens. The proportion of fruit infested with citrus thrips larvae
(Fig. 2A &B), adults (Fig. 2C) and predatory
mites, Euseius addoensis (van der Merwe &
Ryke) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), was recorded.
Data from the two blocks of eight trees per
orchard were combined. Linear mixed effects
models, with random intercepts, were fitted
to the scouting data using the package nlme
(Pinheiro et al. 2015) in R (R Core Team, 2014)
with each region’s (SRV and KRV) data analysed
separately. Results from the models were used
to investigate the influence of the spray-treatments on the insects’ presence on fruit.
TOTAL DAMAGE
One month after treatment application (30-40
days), citrus thrips damage was evaluated by
inspecting fruit (10/tree at SRV 3 and 5; 20/tree
at KRV 34 and 39) on each of the same eight
trees which were scouted within each treatment block. Only 10 fruit were evaluated at
the SRV sites as there were too few fruit on the
organically grown trees. Fruit were determined
to be scarred (but not downgraded for export),
culled (downgraded for export) or clean (most
favourable for export). The damage standards
used for differentiating between scarred and
culled were obtained from the citrus industry’s
AUG/SEPT 2016 | TECHNOLOGY CRI
55
Yellow sticky trap used to
monitor adult citrus thrips
in orchards.
official colour prints for blemish standards.
A General Linear Model was used to test for
significant differences (p < 0.05) between the
means for each of the treatments, with ‘Type
of Damage’ being the dependent variable and
‘Treatment’ the categorical predictor.
3.2. Fruit infestation
The fruit infestation by citrus thrips adults and
larvae in both the SRV and KRV orchards did
not differ among treatments (Fig. 5). However,
there was some variation in the proportion of
infested fruit between the two scouting events.
The number of fruit infested with citrus thrips
RESULTS
was much higher in the organic SRV orchards
Trap catches
than the conventional KRV orchards. There
was no difference in predatory mite numbers
Yellow sticky traps used to monitor the number
on fruit between any of the treatments at any
of adult thrips in flight between treatment
mite numbers on fruit between any of the treatments at any of the sites. However, predatory mite
of the sites. However, predatory mite numbers
applications over the scouting period, revealed
numbers w
ere g
enerally l
ow. were generally low.
no obvious trends between treatments
(Fig. 4). For KRV 39 it was clear that
the unsprayed treatment showed a
significantly lower number of citrus
thrips than the other treatments (χ2 =
Results 62.1 df = 42 P < 0.05). However, at the
Trap catches SRV sites, the unsprayed treatment
yielded the highest counts of adult
Yellow sticky traps used to monitor the number of adult thrips in flight between treatment thrips, although this was not statistiapplications over the scouting period, revealed no obvious trends between treatments (Fig. 4). For cally significant for SRV 3 (χ2 = 49.6
df =treatment 36 P > 0.05)
or SRV
(χ2 = 49.6lower number of citrus thrips KRV 39 it was clear that the unsprayed showed a s5ignificantly df = 38 P > 0.05) when compared to
than the other treatments (χ2 = 62.1 df = 42 P < 0.05). However, at the SRV sites, the unsprayed the other treatments. KRV 34 sticky
treatment yielded the highest counts of adult thrips, although this was not statistically significant for trap catches were numerically similar
2 = 49.6 df = 38 P > 0.05) when compared to the other SRV 3 (χ2 = 49.6 df = 36 P > 0.05) or SRV 5 (χ
for all treatments
with no significant
Fig.
5.
Mean
proportion
of
fruit
infested
by
citrus
thrips
larvae
and
5. Mean pw
roportion f fruit infested by citrus thrips larvae and adults during the first (Week 1) and
difference
among treatments
treatments. KRV 34 sticky trap catches were numerically similar for all tFig. reatments ith no soignificant adults
during
the
first (Week 1) and second (Week 2) sampling periods
second (Week 2) sampling periods at the Kat River Valley (KRV) and Sundays River Valley orchards
26
P > 0.05).
3.3 =df 33.3
= 26 dfP =
> 0
.05). difference among treatments (χ2 = 3(χ2
at
the
Kat River Valley (KRV) and Sundays River Valley
(SRV). Error bars represent standard deviation from the mean. orchards (SRV). Error bars represent standard deviation
3.3. Total Damage from the mean.
SRV orchards had very high levels of citrus thrips damage, with 30-‐40% fruit culled and a further 40
SRV orchards had very high levels of citrus
thrips damage, with 30-40% fruit culled and a
type and amount of damage to fruit at SRV sites (F 6, 86 = 1.03 P > 0.05). KRV 34 and 39 fruit had much
further 40-60% scarred (Fig. 6). Statistical analysis
less citrus thrips damage with only 20 -‐ 25% of fruit scarred and 6 -‐ 16% showing levels of damage that
revealed no significant differences between treatwould result in the fruit being culled export 6). amount
At KRV 34 tof
here were no to
significant ments
infor the
type(Fig. and
damage
fruit differences
between treatments for all damage categories (F 6, 86 = 0.4 P > 0.05). Damage in the form of scarred
at SRV sites (F 6, 86 = 1.03 P > 0.05). KRV 34 and
and culled fruit in orchard was much
marginally highest for damage
the 0.5% molasses 39KRV fruit39 had
lessthe citrus
thrips
with treatment
However, there were no statistically significant differences between the levels of damage to fruit in
only 20 - 25% of fruit scarred and 6 - 16% showing
1.9 damage
P = 0.05). that would result in the fruit
the different treatments (F 9, 141 = of
levels
being culled for export (Fig. 6). At KRV 34 there
were no significant differences between treatments for all damage categories (F 6, 86 = 0.4 P >
Fig. 4. The mean number of male and female citrus thrips collected on
0.05). Damage in the form of scarred and culled
Fig. 4. The mean number of m
ale aseven
nd female hrips treatments
collected owere
n yellow sticky traps seven yellow
sticky
traps
and 14citrus daystafter
applied.
fruit ainnd orchard KRV 39 was marginally the highest
Application
to
Sundays
River
Valley
(SRV)
sites
took
place
in
December
for the 0.5% molasses treatment. However,
14 days after treatments were applied. Application to Sundays River Valley (SRV) sites took place in 2013
and
Kat
River
Valley
(KRV)
sites
in
January
2014
(A
–
SRV
3,
B
–
SRV
5,
there
December 2013 and Kat River Valley (KRV) sites in January 2014 (A – SRV 3, B – SRV 5, C – KRV 34, Dwere
– no statistically significant differences
C – KRV 34, D – KRV 39). Grey shading indicates males and white shading
between the levels of damage to fruit in the
KRV 39). Grey shading indicates males and white shading indicates females. Error bars represent indicates females. Error bars represent standard error of the mean.
different treatments (F 9, 141 = 1.9 P = 0.05).
60% scarred (Fig. 6). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between treatments in the
standard error of the mean. 3.2. Fruit infestation 56 TEGNOLOGIE CRI | AUG/SEPT 2016
The fruit infestation by citrus thrips adults and larvae in both the SRV and KRV orchards did not differ damage between treatments within
orchards indicated that molasses
did not act as a phagostimulant to
citrus thrips. Carbohydrates stimulate
feeding in many herbivorous insects,
as these play a role in providing
important nutrients to synthesise
body tissue and energy (Gullen and
Cranston 2010; Chapman 2013).
When looking at the breakdown of
total carbohydrates in molasses and
white sugar, it is clear that they vary
Fig. 6. The ean pmean
ercentage of fruit exhibiting amage by citrus thrips at Sundays Valley (SRV) Fig.
6.mThe
percentage
of dfruit
exhibiting
damage
byRiver citrus
significantly, with white sugar consistand Kat River alley (KRV) trial sites Valley
approximately month treatments ere applied thrips
atVSundays
River
(SRV)one and
Katafter River
Valleyw(KRV)
trial(A – SRV ing of 99.8/100g, of which all are
3, B – SRV 5, C – KRV 39, D – KRV 34). Black shading indicates culled fruit (downgraded for export), sites approximately one month after treatments were applied (A
sucrose. Molasses contains considergrey shading indicates scarred fruit (but not downgraded for export) and white shading indicates clean – SRV 3, B – SRV 5, C – KRV 39, D – KRV 34). Black shading indicates ably less carbohydrates: 74.7/100 g
fruit (most favourable for export). Error bars represent standard error from the mean. culled fruit (downgraded for export), grey shading indicates
comprising: sucrose (29.4 g), glucose
Discussion scarred fruit (but not downgraded for export) and white shad(11.9 g) and fructose (12.8 g) (Damon
This study has shown clean
that molasses t two different concentrations, applied aError
s a medium ing
indicates
fruit a(most
favourable
for export).
barscover spray & Pettitt 1980). Although many insects
until the point of runoff, had no significant influence on the presence of citrus thrips and the damage represent standard error from the mean.
require some sort of carbohydrates
inflicted by their feeding on the fruit surface. Yellow sticky trap catches showed that adult citrus thrips within their diet, the proportions
did not preferentially fly to molasses treated trees. This may be due to molasses not being an effective DISCUSSION
attractant for citrus thrips. At KRV 39, the unsprayed treatment trap catches showed a significantly at which these occur can influence
lower number of citrus than other However, this difference is not biological This
study
hasthrips shown
thattreatments. molasses
at two
theof ability
of some species to hydrolyse certain
significance due to the lack of differences among treatments at other sites. different concentrations, applied as a medium
sugars (Chapman 2013). It is thus possible that
Molasses being an effective attractant thrips ihad
s supported by there being no significant covernot spray
until
the
pointfor ofcitrus runoff,
these
differences in total carbohydrates, and the
differences between treatments in the pon
roportion f fruit with larvae the surface no significant
influence
the opresence
of and adults infesting proportions or presence of sucrose, glucose and
of fruit during scouting events. However, infestations of citrus thrips were generally higher than action citrus thrips and the damage inflicted by their
fructose, could account for the apparent differthresholds for this pest, especially at the SRV sites where numbers were twice that of the threshold feeding on the fruit surface. Yellow sticky trap
ences in performance of molasses and white
level, which resulted in up to 40% of the entire crop within the sample area falling into the ‘culled’ catches
showed
that
adult
citrus
thrips
did
not
sugar as phagostimulants for citrus thrips.
damage category, and likely to only be suitable for juicing. preferentially fly to molasses treated trees. This
The incorporation of molasses in the CrleGV
may be due to molasses not being an effecformulation improves the efficacy of the virus
tive attractant for citrus thrips. At KRV 39, the
against neonate FCM larvae and reduces the
unsprayed treatment trap catches showed a
percentage of successful fruit penetrations
significantly lower number of citrus thrips than
(Moore et al. 2015; Hilliar 2013). This study has
other treatments. However, this difference is
shown that the inclusion of molasses in spray
not of biological significance due to the lack of
treatments in no way exacerbates damage to
differences among treatments at other sites.
fruit by citrus thrips. Molasses can therefore
Molasses not being an effective attractant for
citrus thrips is supported by there being no
significant differences between treatments in the
proportion of fruit with larvae and adults infesting the surface of fruit during scouting events.
However, infestations of citrus thrips were generally higher than action thresholds for this pest,
especially at the SRV sites where numbers were
twice that of the threshold level, which resulted
in up to 40% of the entire crop within the sample
area falling into the ‘culled’ damage category,
and likely to only be suitable for juicing.
The absence of significant differences in feeding
safely be included with CrleGV applications.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to Mat Goddard and Wayne Kirkman for
field assistance, Dr. Martin Gilbert and Dr. Tim
Grout for providing early literature, Professor
Martin Villet and Dr. Wilbert Kadye for assisting
with data analysis, Peter Stephen for providing
photos of citrus thrips, Rhodes University and
the NRF THRIP (TP 13080826508) for providing
funding for this study. Lastly, thank you to the
growers for allowing this research to take place
within their orchards.
57
PEASE SEE REFERENCES
ON PAGE 58
EXTENSION
BRIEFS
FOR
AUGUST &
SEPTEMBER
2016
J.J. BESTER &
M.C. PRETORIUS
Citrus Research International
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
CITRUS THRIPS TIM GROUT
Suppressing citrus thrips populations on the
spring growth flush will assist in lowering
populations experienced at petal fall. On
younger trees a methamidophos stem treatment is a useful option for this. An alternative
may be an organophosphate that cannot be
sprayed after petal fall, but sprays should be
completed before flowers open to reduce the
potential impact on honey bees. If mealybug
requires control, the organophosphate could
be sprayed at full cover. These treatments will
also reduce developing populations of citrus
psylla. Avoid using abamectin at this time,
because it will be needed for citrus thrips
control in summer and only three applications
are permitted per season.
at the start of a season, is to diligently orchard
sanitasation until the previous season is truely
over. Growers have to ensure that no fruit,
whatsoever, remains on trees or on the orchard
floor after harvesting.
BOLLWORM SEAN MOORE
Depending on the region of the country, which
influences temperature and blossom phenology, bollworm may begin invading orchards
as early as September or even August. Growers
should therefore start weekly blossom inspections for bollworm eggs and larvae no later
than early September. Particularly if a biological
product, such as DiPel, Helicovir or Bolldex, is
going to be used, sprays should be applied as
soon as eggs begin to hatch. This can only be
determined by vigilant and regular scouting.
FALSE CODLING MOTH SEAN MOORE
CITRUS FLOWER MOTH SEAN MOORE
It might be tempting to neglect orchard sanitation in winter, as FCM levels are usually low
and Valencias being harvested at this time are
generally less susceptible to FCM than some of
the earlier cultivars. This would however be a
big mistake, as it has been shown that Valencias can fulfil an overbridging role for FCM from
one season to another. The most effective way
to ensure the lowest FCM inoculum possible
Moths of the citrus flower moth (also known as
the lemon borer moth), Prays citri, are attracted
to lemon blossoms. Growers should inspect
these blossoms in spring to determine whether
they are infested with larvae or pupae. These
can be identified by their colouration, which
is usually greenish and the association of
webbing with pupation.
REFERENCES
FROM PAGE 57
Even if the damage to and loss of blossom is
Glucose and Sucrose in Molasses. J. AOAC Int. 63(3), 76-480.
Association of Veterinary and Crop Associations of South Africa
(AVCASA)., 2015. http://www.avcasa.co.za/images/Avcasa/homepage/InsecticidesFeb2015.pdf [Accessed 13/4/2015)
Gilbert, M.J., 1992. The ecology of the South African citrus thrips,
Scirtothrips aurantii Faure, and its economic implications. Ph.D.
thesis, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
Anonymous., 1995. Colour prints for blemish standards. Outspan
International, South Africa.
Gilbert, M.J., Bedford, E.C.G., 1998. Citrus thrips Scirtothrips aurantii
Faure. pp. 164-170. In: Citrus pests in the Republic of South Africa.
Second edition. Eds. E.C.G. Bedford, M.A. van den Berg and E.A. de
Villiers. Agricultural Research Council, South Africa.
Bedford, Ec., 1998. Introduction (Part I), Methods of controlling
citrus pests (Part II), Pesticides (Part III) Biology and control of citrus
pests (Part VI). In: E.C.G Bedford, M.A. Van den Berg & E.A. de Villiers
(Eds.) Citrus Pests in the Republic of South Africa. 1-22 & 162-180.
Dynamic Ad: Nelspruit, South Africa.
Bernays, E.A., Simpson, S.J., 1982. Control of food intake. Adv. Insect
Physiol. 16, 59-118.
Brown, A.S., Simmons, M.J., Blaney, W.M., 2002. Relationship between
nutritional composition of plant species and infestation levels of
thrips. J Chem Ecol. 28(12), 2399-2409.
Chapman, R.F., 2013. The insects: structure and function. 5th Edition.
S. J. Simpson & A. E. Douglas (Eds.). Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge.
Citrus Growers Association., 2015. Key Industry Statistics; Citrus
Growers’ Association: Durban, South Africa.
Damon, C.E., Pettitt, B.C., 1980. Sugars and Sugar Products: High
Performance Liquid Chomatographic Determination of Fructose,
Grout, T.G., Richards, G.I., 1990. Monitoring citrus thrips, Scirtothrips
aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera, Thripidae), with yellow card traps
and the effect of latitude on treatment thresholds. J. Appl.
Entomol. 109, 385-389.
Grout, T.G., Stephen, P.R., La Croix, N.J.S., 1996. Citrus thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Swaziland develop resistance to tartar emetic
bait. Afr. Entomol. 4(1), 15-20.
Grout, T.G., Moore, S.D., 2015. Citrus. In Insects of cultivated plants
and natural pastures in Southern Africa; Prinsloo, G.L; Uys, G.M.
Eds.; Entomological Society of Southern Africa, Pretoria, South
Africa; pp. 447-501.
Hilliar, S. 2013. The influence of molasses on neonate FCM.
Unpublished undergraduate project. Department of Zoology and
Entomology, Rhodes University, South Africa. pp 34.
Knox, C., Moore, S.D., Luke, G.A., Hill, M.P., 2015. Baculovirus-based
strategies for the management of insect pests: a focus on the
not considered sufficiently severe to justify
control measures, the absence of intervention may allow the development of a second
generation. It is the moths of this second
generation that lay their eggs on the lemon
fruitlets. Hatching larvae can potentially cause
severe damage. It is therefore more effective to
control the first generation. No plant protection products are registered for use against
the lemon borer moth. However, there are a
number of pesticides which are registered for
other pests on citrus that are effective, including Bt (DiPel) and mevinphos.
CROP & FRUIT QUALITY MANAGEMENT
JAKKIE STANDER & PAUL CRONJE
It is important to keep managing and monitoring fruit pickers throughout the harvest season
to reduce fruit culls caused by picking injuries.
Pruning of early-and mid-season cultivars should
commence as quickly as possible after harvest to
allow enough time for flower induction.
MATURITY INDEXING
Maturity indexing is done to predict the rate
of change in fruit maturity to harvest fruit at a
maturity that would maintain optimal commercial shelf life. The aim is to define changes or rate
of change in acids and sugars and to build up a
development and application in South Africa. Biocontrol Sci.
Technol. DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2014.949222
Moore, S.D., Kirkman, W., Stephen, P., 2004. CRYPTOGRAN, a virus for
the biological control of false codling moth. SA Fruit J., Dec/Jan,
35-39.
Moore, S.D., Grout, T.G., Hattingh, V., Hofmeyr, J.H., 2008. Thresholds
and guidelines for intervention against citrus pests. SA Fruit J.,
7(4), 77-81.
Moore, S.D, Kirkman, W., Richards, G & Stephen, P. 2015. The
Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus – 10 years of commercial
field use. Viruses 7, 1284-1312.
Munger, F., 1942. Reactions of citrus thrips to sugar poisoned baits.
J. Econ. Entomol. 35(1), 51-53.
Opoku-Debrah, J.K., Hill, M.P., Knox, C., Moore, S.D., 2013. Overcrowding of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) leads
to the isolation of five new Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus
(CrleGV-SA) isolates. J. Invertebrate Pathol. 112, 219-228.
Pinheiro, J., Bates, D., Debroy, S., Sarkar, D., R Core Team., 2015. nlme:
Linear and Nonlinear Mixed Effects Models. R package version
3.1-120, http://CRAN.R-project.org/package=nlme.
R Core Team., 2014. R: A language and environment for statistical
computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna,
Austria. URL http://www.R-project.org/.
database over a number of years for comparisons.
Random sampling of fruit every week from each
of ten representative trees should start four to
six weeks before the expected harvest date.
Titratable acidity is determined by titration with
sodium hydroxide, sugar content (Brix) is determined using a refractometer, the sugar:acid ratio
calculated and fruit colour should be read from a
colour chart. All these data should be plotted on a
graph to determine the optimal picking window.
Growers should adhere to the time and temperature protocols for each citrus type to ensure
optimal shelf life of the fruit (Cutting Edge No.
99). It is important to maintain good records of
the maturity indicators over a number of years,
to identify and possibly manipulate possible
problems associated with internal and external
quality parameters.
DEGREENING AND POSTHARVEST RIND
DISORDERS
The two publications “Common Defects
Associated with Degreening of Citrus” by Andy
Krajewski and Tim Pittaway and “Postharvest
Rind Disorders of Citrus Fruit” by Paul Cronje
are a must for any grower. Both are available
from CRI. Contact Bella Thulare at 013 759 8000
or [email protected].
PRUNING TO FRUIT SET
Pruning of early and late cultivars should be
done as soon as possible after harvest. All of the
following should be removed during pruning:
old, broken and dead shoots/twigs; weak and
entangled shoots crossing each other; and
rootstock regrowth (water shoots). Removal
of all dead wood is important to reduce fruit
blemishes and reduce the inoculum of latent
pathogens which cause postharvest decay.
Light levels of at least 30% of full sunlight are
necessary for optimal photosynthesis, and
sufficient light levels also improve fruit colour
development.
In dense and old trees, light levels inside
the tree canopy can drop to below 30% and
adversely affect fruit set and size. At least one
“window” cut should be made to allow for
adequate light distribution to improve bearing
wood within the tree canopy. An increase in
59
photosynthesis and light distribution will lead
to increased fruit size and internal fruit quality,
better fruit colour, increased rind condition and
less variation in fruit quality within the canopy.
Pruning should be used as a thinning technique
by pruning more heavily after a light crop (if
a heavy crop is expected in the subsequent
season) and when the orchard has a history
of alternate bearing. A follow up of regrowth
management in the summer is critically important to maintain light management throughout
the season.
Proper pruning also improves spray penetration and effective control of pests and diseases,
and is especially important for the effective
control of phytosanitary pests and diseases.
Pruning tools should always be sanitised on a
regular basis with 10% Jik to prevent spreading
of viral diseases, and should be done at least
after each row, and when moving from one
orchard to another.
One or two pre-bloom foliar urea applications
(low biuret urea at 1%) should be applied for
uniform flowering and fruit set, especially when
leaf nitrogen (N) levels are low and a light blossom is expected. If leaf N levels are sufficient,
consider replacing the foliar urea application
with a 1.5% KNO3 application, only if leaf potassium (K) levels are below optimum.
Fruit set treatments according to cultivar
requirements need to be applied. A general
guideline cannot be given as fruit set treatments differ by cultivar and, in many cases, by
orchards depending on the previous crop load.
Specific treatments include the application
of gibberellic acid (GA3) and trunk or branch
girdling, especially for weakly parthenocarpic
cultivars that have a poor set. Girdling during
full bloom improves set, as the removal of bark
temporarily restricts carbohydrate allocation to
roots and allow for utilization by flowers.
Be careful not to girdle too deep into the trunk,
or to remove a strip of bark. Moisture stress
should be avoided at all costs during full bloom,
fruit set and early fruit growth, as these periods
are characterized by the cell division stage of
fruit development, during which water supply
is of critical importance.
GRONDGEDRAAGDE SIEKTES
M.C. PRETORIUS & JAN VAN NIEKERK
AALWURMS EN PHYTOPHTHORA
Grond- en wortelmonsters kan in die lente
getrek word en na die Diagnostiese Sentrum in
Nelspruit gestuur word vir ontleding sodat die
aalwurmpopulasie in die wortels bepaal kan
word. Die resultaat sal dien as ŉ bestuurshulpmiddel om ŉ koste doeltreffende aalwurmbeheerstrategie daar te stel.
Die gebruik van chemiese aalwurmdoders vir die
beheer van die sitrusaalwurm word nie aanbeveel alvorens ten minste 30 mm reën geval het
nie. Elke aalwurmdodertoediening behoort met
ŉ behoorlike besproeiing opgevolg te word
om te verseker dat die middels deeglik deur die
grondprofiel gewas word.
Toedienings moet slegs volgens etiketaanbevelings toegedien te word. Afwykings van die
geregistreerde dosisse, om kostes te bespaar,
lei tot oneffektiwiteit. Dit is belangrik om ’n
program te volg, een aalwurmdodertoediening per seisoen is ’n mors van geld!
Die gebruik van fosfonaatprodukte is ’n uiters
effektiewe en bekostigbare beheermaatreël vir
phytophthora wortelvrot. Bestuudeer die etiket
en waarskuwings deeglik voor produk gebruik
om effektiwiteit te verseker en fitotoksisiteit te
voorkom.
Indien kraagvrotletsels voorkom kan ’n stamverf
of blaarbespuiting aangewend word, drie
aanwendings per seisoen met ag weke intervalle. Vir wortelvrotbeheer word drie blaarbespuitings, met ag weke intervalle aanbeveel. Dit
word sterk aanbeveel om nuwe aanplantings en
nie-draende bome op ’n fosfonaat-program van
drie aanwendings per jaar, twee maande uitmekaar, te hou om gesonde wortel-ontwikkeling te
verseker. Prosusente word gemaan om seker te
maak dat bome nie oorbesproei word nie.
FRUIT AND FOLIAR DISEASES
TIAN SCHUTTE
ALTERNARIA AND BOTRYTIS
Alternaria core rot, also known as navel-end
rot and black rot, occurs in all areas of southern
Africa. The disease is most prevalent on cultivars
such as navels and Clementines characterised
by the presence of a secondary fruit called the
fruit-navel, which varies in size and develops at
the stylar end of the primary or main fruit. These
fruitlets are extremely sensitive to environmental
stress during early stages of development and
are therefore also prone to diseases such as
navel-end rot and physiological disorders.
Alternaria core rot is linked to large fruit-navels
or to the abnormal growth of the secondary
fruit into primary-fruit locules, which lead to the
formation of points of entry through which fungi
can penetrate to form infections that remain
quiescent until favourable conditions stimulate
further fungal growth.
The style and stigma of navel blossoms are milky
white at first and then turn light brown in colour
and abscise cleanly. This happens one week after
petals have dropped and young fruit are about 8
mm in size. The two sets of stylar tissue present
in the primary and secondary fruit locules can
be injured during the blossom period if harsh
weather conditions prevail for one or more
days (hot days >25°C), and low relative humidity (<20%) followed by heavy dew during the
evenings.
This causes the outer or primary style to turn
brown and dry out, while the inner or secondary style remains unaffected inside the outer
style and continues to develop and swell in
size to result in longitudinal cracks in the outer
tissue. The longitudinal cracks enlarge as the
orange increases in size. The inner ovary projects
even more as the orange approaches maturity
resulting in a large, irregular-shaped navel-end,
creating an ideal site for Alternaria infections.
Score (50 ml/100 L water) and Folicur (80 ml/100
L water) are registered for control of the disease.
The role played by Botrytis and the damage that
it can do to lemon fruit drop and the formation
of ridging of the rind is still not clear. Damage
can be caused during blossom on lemon petals
when prolonged wetting and cool weather
occur simultaneously. Producers in the Eastern
Cape enlisted on the Adcon system can make
use of their early warning forecasts for Botrytis.
Benomyl is the most effective fungicide to
control this fungus and should be sprayed at the
balloon stage during blossom, which can also
form part of the black spot control programme.
61
RESEP VIR STIKSTOF BEMESTING
BLAARBESPUITINGS:
TEUNIS VAHRMEIJER
1. Dien ureum toe as ŉ blaarbespuiting
in Julie om vrugset te bevorder of na
Oktober vir stikstof-aanvulling.
Aan die einde van die groei-seisoen:
1. Blaar en grondmonsters moes aan die einde van die
groei-seisoen geneem gewees het (Februarie tot Mei).
2. Resultate van die blaar- en grondontledings tesame
met boordinligting (ouderdom van bome, onderstam,
kultivar, verwagte opbrengs, ens.) word gebruik vir
bemestingsaanbevelings.
2. Die kritiese vereistes vir suksesvolle
blaarvoeding is die kontaktyd wat die
blare nat bly, druppelgrootte en die
konsentrasie van die voedingselement
in die spuit-oplossing.
Waar mikro-spuite of enige ander stelsel behalwe
druppers gebruik word:
OM DIE LOGING VAN STIKSTOF
TE BEPERK:
1. Begin met stikstoftoedienings in Julie met die
uitsondering van die Wes-Kaap en Hartswater wat in
Augustus begin.
1. Dien stikstof in die middel van of aan
die einde van die besproeiingssiklus toe.
2. Afhangende van die klei-inhoud van die grond word
die stikstof tussen een en vier toedienings verdeel.
Waar druppers gebruik word:
1. Begin met die stikstoftoedienings in Julie met die
uitsondering vandie Wes-Kaap en Hartswater wat in
Augustus begin.
2. Verdeel die volumes wat per maand aanbeveel is in
ten minste weeklikse toedienings.
3. Stikstoftoediening geskied volgens die phenologiese
stadium van die boord. Maak seker dat die water nie
dieper as die boonste wortels afsak nie (30 tot 40 cm).
As breë riglyn kan die volgende gebruik word:
Periode
Phenologie
N (% van
totale toediening)
Julie
Seldifferensiasie en seldeling
25
Augustus
Knopbreek, blom en vrugset
25
September
Vrugset en selgroei
25
OktoberVrug-groei
15
November/DesemberVrug-groei
10
Notice of
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
31st AUGUST 2016
Intercontinental Hotel, ORT, Johannesburg @ 16h00
2. Voorkom ŉ oormaat van stikstof in
die grondoplossing. Stikstofkonsentrasies wat hoër is as 150-200 mg/L
het geen addisionele voordeel nie.
Oormaat stikstof lei tot moontlike
loging van die stikstof en moontlike
probleme met vrugkwaliteit.
3. Stikstoftoediening moet verkieslik
aan die einde van die groeiseisoen
gestaak word sodat die stikstofinhoud
in die grond gedurende die wintermaande kan afneem.
4. Die regte hoeveelheid water moet
toegedien word tydens besproeiing. Dit is onvermydelik dat ŉ sekere
hoeveelheid stikstof geloog word
tydens besproeiing, maar oorbesproeiings versnel die proses en ŉ
groot hoeveelheid stikstof kan verby
die wortelsone geloog word. Reënval
moet ook in ag geneem word tydens
besproeiingskedulering.
PREVENT WASTE POST-HARVEST
ARNO ERASMUS, KEITH LESAR &
PAUL FOURIE
By this time of the citrus season all processes
are in full motion. The strain of the season may
be taking its toll on management and this may
lead to poor management of critical control
points. Below are a few suggested critical
control points that should be well managed.
Critical control points for improved postharvest disease management
• Monitor the incidence of insect activity in the
orchards and institute appropriate measures to
reduce their populations, especially fruit fly and
FCM moth numbers that could increase with
hotter weather
• Monitor orchard sanitation. Advise the
orchard managers and producers if sanitation
is being improperly managed or neglected, as
this can also fulfil an overbridging role for FCM
from one season to the next. The most effective
way to ensure the lowest FCM inoculum possible at the start of a season, with associated fruit
damage and decay, is to diligently continue
sanitising orchards until the previous season is
truely over.
• Monitor injuries to fruit during picking,
handling and transport to the packhouse.
Advise orchard managers and producers
accordingly. Keep the time from harvest to the
first fungicide treatment to a minimum, it is
strongly recommended to treat at least within
24 hours after picking.
• Ensure that all fungicide applications are
replaced frequently as per protocol and kept
clean
• Keep the fruit dumping site where fruit will
enter the packhouse as clean as possible
• Ensure proper removal of any rotten fruit
before sanitising and treatment of the fruit
• Have a sanitation action (total loss chlorine
spray) between fruit sorting and the first
fungicide application
• Manage the concentration of imazalil in the
fungicide dip tank by doing regular titrations
• Do not wax wet fruit – this could result in a
severe risk to fruit quality
• Apply the correct amount of wax onto the
fruit (i.e. 1.0 – 1.5ℓ per ton of fruit) and ensure
even spread of the wax over the whole fruit
• Reduce the time from harvest to cold chain
storage
• Packhouse sanitation should be a continuous process and not just a once a day or week
activity
• Store fruit destined for the juicing factory as
far away from the packhouse as possible and
have them removed as soon as possible
CHECKLIST FOR CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS
• Chlorine application
- Solution pH: 6 - 7
- Chlorine concentration: 75 – 100 ppm (free
active chlorine)
- ORP: 800 mV
• Fungicide dip tank
- Imazalil concentration: 500 ppm
- Solution pH: not higher than 6
- Exposure time: 1 – 3 minutes in a solution at
pH3 or not longer than 45 seconds in a solution
at pH6
- Maintain the concentration by following the
advised imazalil top-up protocol
• Wax application
- Fruit should be dry when they reach the wax
applicator
- Wax load should be between 1.0 and 1.5 litres
per ton fruit depending on manufacturers’
recommendations
Over application can lead to MRL exceedance
Under application will lead to poor fruit quality and poor disease control
- The wax solution should be agitated continuously (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Thiabendazole tends to precipitate to the bottom of the wax drum and cannot be fully re-suspended
- Drying tunnels after the wax applicator should
not be overheated
Obtain the optimal temperature for the specific wax from the wax manufacturer
The correct drying of the wax is crucial to ensure that the desired effect
63
Identifikasie en bestuur
van wingerd-margarodes
DR ANDRÉ DE KLERK
M
argarodes is ’n insekplaag wat
ondergronds voorkom en die
wortels van plante aanval. Die
naam is afkomstig van die familienaam Margarodidae waaronder
hierdie tipe dopluise resorteer. Die larwe wat
die wortels aanval skei ‘n harde, glansagtige
waslaag af waarmee die hele liggaam bedek
word om ’n sist te vorm wat rond of ovaalvormig is. Die verskillende spesies varieer in kleur
sowel as grootte. In die Bahamas word die siste
soos krale ingeryg om halssnoere te vorm,
vandaar die algemene naam van “grondpêrels”.
Ongeveer 70 spesies
van Margarodes kom
feitlik oor die hele wêreld
voor met ’n baie wye
reeks gasheerplante.
Die spesies wat wingerd
aanval kom egter slegs in
Amerika, Suid-Afrika en
Namibië voor. In Suid-Afrika is tien spesies bekend
waarvan vyf wingerd
aanval en die res kom
meestal op grasse voor.
Fig. 1: Margarodes kom in
die meeste wingerdbou-areas
voor en ernstige skade word
deur vyf spesies aangerig.
Identifikasie en verspreiding
Die vyf Margarodes spesies wat plaaslik op
wingerd voorkom is almal inheems en kom nie
in ander lande voor nie, behalwe Margarodes
prieskaensis wat onlangs op tafeldruiwe in
Namibië gevind is. Die siste kom gedurende die
hele jaar voor en kan enige tyd met die blote
oog op die wortels of los in die grond waargeneem word.
Margarodes greeni Brain is klein (maks. 2,5 mm),
rond met ’n sagte sist wand en wit van kleur.
Dit kan maklik met kunsmiskorrels of selfs
slakeiers verwar word. Die spesie kom in die
omgewing van Vredendal, Malmesbury, Ceres,
Paarl, Stellenbosch, Worcester, Robertson en
Montagu voor.
Margarodes trimeni Giard is redelik groot (maks.
6.3mm), ovaalvormig, baie hard met duidelike
64 TEGNOLOGIE HORTGRO | AUG/SEPT 2016
skubbe wat mekaar oorvleuel. Die buitenste
lae is glad, geel tot brons en dit is die enigste
van die Suid-Afrikaanse spesies met ’n helder
metaalagtige glans en wat ovaalvormig is.
Hierdie spesie kom in die omgewing van Paarl,
Stellenbosch, Worcester, Robertson, Montagu
en Ceres voor.
Margarodes capensis (Giard) se siste is rond en
wissel in grootte tot ’n maksimum van 6,3 mm.
Die sistwand is dik en hard met ’n basagtige
voorkoms en ligbruin van kleur. Hierdie spesie
kom algemeen in wingerde voor in die omgewing van Malmesbury, Paarl, Stellenbosch,
Worcester, Robertson en Montagu.
Margarodes vredendalensis De Klerk kom slegs
in die Olifantsrivierbesproeiingsgebied naby
Vredendal en Lutzville voor. Die siste is rond en
wissel in grootte tot ’n maksimum van 8,6 mm.
Die wande is hard, lig- tot donkerbruin en die
buitenste oppervlakte is grof en lyk soos die
oppervlakte van ’n vrat.
Margarodes prieskaensis (Jakubski) kom algemeen in die Oranjerivierbesproei-ingsgebied
by Kakamas, Keimoes, Upington, Groblershoop,
Prieska, Douglas en Hopetown voor. Dié spesie
is ook onlangs op tafeldruiwe in Mpumalanga
in die omgewing van Lephalale (Ellisras), Mokopane (Potgietersrus) en Groblersdal gevind
sowel as in die suide van Namibië naby Noor-
Fig. 2: Siste van die onderskeie spesies verskil veral
in grootte en is maklik met die blote oog waarneembaar.
Fig. 3: Wyfies het sterk ontwikkelde voorpote om in die grond te beweeg.
doewer. Die siste is sferies en wissel in grootte
tot ’n maksimum van 6,0 mm. Die wande is dik
en hard met ’n dowwe geel kleur en lyk soos
die dop van ’n skilpad.
Lewensloop
Die larwe (nimf) wat binne die sist voorkom het
geen pote nie en kan dus nie rond-beweeg nie.
Dit het wel lang suiende monddele wat deur
‘n gaatjie in die sistwand gesteek word om die
wortels te penetreer vir voeding. Die monddele
is baie prominent en in die meeste spesies is dit
selfs langer as die hele liggaam.
Binne die sist ontwikkel die larwe tot ‘n
volwasse wyfie wat ‘n opening in die wand van
die sist maak en na buite beweeg. Die wyfies
het kenmerkend sterk voorpote wat spesiaal
aangepas is om in die grond te beweeg. Hulle
beweeg vir twee tot vier dae aktief in die grond
rond, bly daarna op een plek en begin met
eierlegging. Tydens eierlegging word talle wit
wasdrade afgeskei wat ‘n eierpakkie vorm om
die eiers te beskerm. Die gemiddelde leeftyd
van wyfies is 24 dae en tot 1200 eiers kan per
enkele wyfie geproduseer word.
Die larwes wat uit die eiers broei is mikroskopies
klein en besit pote om na die naaste wortels
te beweeg waar hul suiende monddele in die
plantweefsel gesteek word vir voeding. Daarna
word die vrylewende larwe ronder en dikker
en begin om lae was af te skei wat die wande
van die sist vorm. Dit vervel om ‘n tweede instar
larwe sonder pote binne die sist te vorm. Op
hierdie stadium is die sist slegs so groot soos ‘n
speld se kop. Daarna word die sist al groter en die
larwe vervel ‘n onbekende aantal kere om weer
Fig. 4: Bogrondse simptome is swak groei met kleiner blare wat na
onder krul.
‘n volwasse wyfie te vorm. Die tydsduur vir die
hele proses is onbekend, maar dit blyk dat dit nie
binne een jaar voltooi word nie. Margarodes kan
dus slegs op meerjarige gewasse aanteel.
Wyfies bly ondergronds en lê vrugbare eiers
sonder paring met mannetjies. In die geval
van M. prieskaensis vind paring wel plaas met
gevleuelde mannetjies wat bogronds voorkom.
Manlike pre-papies ontwikkel uit siste en lyk
baie soos die wyfies met goed ontwikkelde
pote. Hul beweeg tot net onder die oppervlakte en vervel om ‘n papie te vorm. Wanneer
wyfies uit die siste ontwikkel beweeg hul ook
na die oppervlakte. Terselfdertyd ontwikkel
gevleuelde mannetjies uit die papies en paring
vind plaas. Daarna vrek die mannetjies en die
wyfies beweeg weer af in die grond om hul
eiers op of naby die wortels te lê.
Simptome en bepaling van ’n besmetting
Die eerste simptome van ’n Margarodes
besmetting is swak groei wat gewoonlik in
kolle binne ’n wingerdblok voorkom. Die lote
word korter en dunner met kleiner blare wat
na onder krul en later gaan een of meer arms
van die stok dood en later die hele stok. Die
besmette kolle word geleidelik groter en stokke
kan binne vier jaar gedood word. Geen tipiese
simptome kom voor nie en die swak groei
kan dus ook wees as gevolg van filloksera,
aalwurms of ander organismes.
Geen kenmerkende galle of ander simptome
kom op die wortels voor nie. Soos reeds
genoem, is die siste wat op die wortels
voorkom of los in die grond lê, maklik met die
VERVOLG OP BLADSY 67
blote oog waarneembaar.
AUG/SEPT 2016 | TECHNOLOGY HORTGRO
65
Indien die siste stukkend
gedruk word, kom slegs ‘n geel vloeistof
tevoorskyn en die larwe binne die sist kan nie
met die blote oog waargeneem word nie. Siste
kan tot 1,2 m diep in die grond voorkom, met
die hoogste populasie waar die meeste wortels
gekonsentreerd is.
Wyfies wissel in kleur van vaalwit tot geel
en groot variasie in grootte kom selfs binne
dieselfde spesie voor, van 3mm tot 12mm.
Wyfies van spesies wat nie paar nie kom vanaf
middel Desember tot einde Mei ondergronds
voor. Met uitgrawings gedurende hierdie periode is die wyfies sowel as die wit eierpakkies
maklik met die blote oog waarneembaar.
In die geval van M. prieskaensis wat in die
Oranjerivier-besproeiingsgebied voorkom, kom
wyfies baie opsigtelik op die grondoppervlakte
voor vanaf Junie tot Augustus. Mannetjies kom
terselfdertyd voor maar is minder opsigtelik
en lyk soos klein swart muggies wat naby
die grondoppervlakte vlieg of op die grond
loop. Die manlike pre-papies is gedurende
April en Mei net onder die grond-oppervlakte
(ongeveer 2 cm) teenwoordig. Hulle ontwikkel
tot papies wat met wit wasdrade bedek is en is
ook op hierdie diepte duidelik waarneembaar
vanaf April tot Mei.
Chemiese beheer
Met onlangse studies is gevind dat M.
prieskaensis baie goed beheer word met die
volgende middels:
Actara (thiamethozam) 25% suspensie konsentraat teen 2 ml/m²
Confidor (imidacloprid) 35% suspensie konsentraat teen 3 ml/m²
Telone II (dichloropropeen) 100% onverdun
teen 15 ml/m²
Rugby (cadusafos) 10% emulsie teen 25 ml/m²
Actara en Confidor is sistemiese middels wat
kort na oes as ‘n gondbehandeling toegedien
moet word wanneer die jaarlikse nuwe populasie siste begin voed en translokasie in die
stokke nog aktief is. Aangesien slegs ‘n sekere
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67
persentasie siste jaarliks
tot wyfies ontwikkel en siste vir jare in die grond
kan voorkom sonder om te voed, moet opvolg
behandelings gedoen word.
Telone II is ‘n grondberokingsmiddel wat vir
die beheer van M. prieskaensis gedurende die
eerste week van April toegedien moet word
om ook die manlike pre-papies te dood. Vir die
beheer van die ander spesies moet dit direk
na oes toegedien word. Telone II is fitotoksies
en kan dus slegs gebruik word wanneer ‘n
besmette blok vervang moet word of wanneer
enkele besmette stokke verwyder kan word.
Goeie beheer van manlike pre-papies van
M. prieskaensis is ook met Rugby verkry deur
toedienings gedurende die eerste week van
April. Swak beheer is egter teen wyfies verkry.
Rugby sal dus nie vir beheer van die ander
Margarodes spesies aangewend kan word nie.
Actara en Confidor is geregistreer vir beheer
van witluis op wingerd terwyl Telone II en
Rugby vir beheer van aalwurms geregistreer
is. Nie een van hierdie middels is egter tans
vir beheer van Margarodes op wingerd geregistreer nie en kan dus nie op hierdie stadium
aanbeveel word nie.
Bestuur
Geen onderstok kultivar is tans bekend wat
weerstandbiedend teen Margarodes is nie. Dit
is gevind dat 99 Richter, 101-14 Mgt en Rupestris du Lot deur die insekte vernietig word.
Verwysings
De Klerk, C.A., 1980. Biology of Margarodes vredendalensis De Klerk (Coccoidea: Margarodidae) in South Africa.
S. Afr. J. Enol. Vitic. 1 (1), 47-58.
De Klerk, C.A., 1983. Two new species of Margarodes Guilding (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Margarodidae) from South
Africa. Phytophylactica 15, 85-93.
De Klerk, C.A., 1985. Occurrence of South African species of Margarodes Guilding (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Margarodidae) with special reference to vine infesting species. Phytophylactica 17 (4), 215-216.
De Klerk, C.A., 2010 (a). Chemical control of male pre-pupae and adult females of Margarodes prieskaensis
(Jakubski) (Coccoidea: Margarodidae) on grapevines. S. Afr. J. Enol. Vitic. 31 (2), 160-164.
De Klerk, C.A., 2010 (b). Acacia erioloba: Natural host plant of Margarodes prieskaensis in South Africa. Abstract of
research poster delivered at the 32nd SASAV congress, November 2010.
De Klerk, C.A., Ben-dov, Y & Giliomee, J.H., 1980. Biology of Margarodes capensis Giard (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Margarodidae) under laboratory and controlled conditions in South Africa. Phytophylactica 12 (3), 147-157.
De Klerk, C.A., Ben-dov, Y. & Giliomee, J.H., 1982 (a). Redescriptions of four vine infesting species of Margarodes Guilding (Homoptera: Coc-coidea: Margarodidae) from South Africa. Phytophylactica 14 (2), 61-73.
De Klerk, C.A., Ben-dov, Y. & Giliomee, J.H., 1982 (b). Redescriptions of three Margarodes Guilding species (Homoptera:
Coccoidea: Margarodidae) found on grasses in South Africa. Phytophylactica 14 (2), 77-83.
De Klerk, C.A., Giliomee, J.H. & Ben-Dov, Y., 1982. Biology of Margarodes capensis Giard (Homoptera: Coccoidea:
Margarodidae) under field conditions in South Africa. Phytophylactica 14 (2), 85-93.
De Klerk, C.A. & Vermeulen, A.K., 2007. Life cycle of Margarodes prieskaensis (Jakubski) (Homoptera: Coccoidea:
Margarodidae) on table grapes in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Extended abstract of research poster delivered
at the 5th International Table Grape Symposium, November 2007, pp 139-141.
Margarodes kan maklik deur grondbewerkingsimplemente binne ‘n wingerdblok of selfs na
ander blokke versprei word. Trekkerbande en
ander implemente moet skoon gespuit word
van grond wanneer dit van besmette blokke
na onbesmette blokke beweeg. Dit is dus
belangrik om ‘n Margarodes besmetting so gou
moontlik te identifiseer en te elimineer deur
beroking van die besmette deel en vervanging
van die stokke. Jaarlikse ondersoeke is nodig
om oor opvolgbe-handelings te besluit.
Wisselbou met eenjarige plante kan moontlik
toegepas word om die probleem te bestuur.
Siste kan egter tot vier jaar of langer onaktief
sonder voeding in die grond bly en dan
weer tot wyfies ontwikkel wat van nuuts af ‘n
besmetting kan laat ontstaan. Wisselbougewasse sal dus oor ‘n lang periode afgewissel moet
word. Eenjarige gewasse kan wel gebruik word
om die jaarlikse nuwe besmetting te verminder.
Met die ontwikkeling van veral nuwe gronde
is dit belangrik om te weet watter gewasse as
natuurlike gasheerplante van die onderskeie
spesies dien. Sodoende kan ‘n moontlike
natuurlike besmetting voor plant bepaal en
bestuur word. Die kameeldoringboom (Acacia
erioloba), wat wydverspreid in die Oranjerivierbesproeiingsgebied en Mpumalanga voorkom,
is onlangs geïdentifiseer as die natuurlike
gasheerplant van M. prieskaensis. Die natuurlike
gasheerplante van die ander Suid-Afrikaanse
spesies is egter nog onbekend.
’n Verdere belangrike bestuursaspek is om
alle groei-dempende faktore soos droogte
en veral oorbesproeiing reg te stel sodat
maksimum groeikondisies geskep kan word.
Die terugsterwing van stokke as gevolg van
Margarodes is baie vinniger in geval van stokke
wat onder ongunstige toestande groei. Vir
verdere inligting kontak Dr André de Klerk by
[email protected]
Bedankings
LNR Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Winetech, Droëvrugte
Tegniese Dienste, Suid-Afrikaanse Tafeldruif
Industrie vir finansiële ondersteuning van
verskeie navorsingsprojekte ten opsigte van die
Margarodes probleem. Mnr A. Vermeulen, LNR
Infruitec-Nietvoorbij vir gereelde bystand met
fotografie vir publikasies en lesings.
69
ADVERTORIAL
MARIUS RAS (M.Eng)
Group Marketing Director
ROVIC LEERS
[email protected]
Trellised, Spindle Orchard spraying – can we go faster?
P
ome & Stone Fruit orchard structures
have changed rapidly over the past two
decades. Lately the advancement to
trellised spindle type systems has taken
the tree structure to a stage where the
depth of the tree has decreased to as little as
0.5 m – 1 m.
If we make the assumption that, in these
spindle trees, the main objective now becomes
the ability to transport spray laden air from
the sprayer just to the point of impact on the
outer surface of the tree wall, without any need
to drive it through a foliage volume, then the
whole approach to spraying effectively should
be reconsidered:
Spraying THROUGH the target is now the
biggest contributor to bad recovery and drift.
The single biggest contributor to
this problem will be the mismatch
of the AIR MOMENTUM and AIR
VELOCITY PROFILE supplied by the
spray apparatus with the tree
structure.
The machinery requirement will be:
• To supply just ample AIR MOMENTUM in total at a given ground
speed to just reach the outside leaf
wall area.
• To reach the outside leaf wall
area at a uniform air velocity from
top to bottom, approaching
stagnation.
1. Du Toit Group – Paardekloof
2. Bekker Wessels – Procrop
3. Gideon van Zyl – Agchem
4. Kosie Human – Rovic Leers
Tree Height: 3,5 m
Row Width: 3,5 m
Tree Depth: 0,75 m
Fan capacity: 26 000 cub m/hr. (actual)
Calculated “optimum” spraying speed =
9,9 km/hr. (!)
What will happen to recovery of
the active ingredient?
The only sprayer that has a measured and
proven linear horizontal air velocity profile with
a variation of less than 15% in air velocity is the
ATASA EVENFLOW® turret sprayer from ROVIC
LEERS.
The benchmark application is the conventional
axial fan as used normally on the farm and two
other sprayers were also added.
Spraying was done at 4 km/h (Low speed) and
8 km/h (High speed) with some machines, and
volumes of 237 l/ha (3× product concentration)
(Low volume) and 724 l/ha (1× product concentration) (High volume) were applied. Droplet
sizes were calibrated in the 80 – 150 micron
VMD categories for those machines where
information was available.
Results: (4 = Perfect)
Figure 1. Qualitative deposition realised by
pigment sprays with an Nobili, CIMA, ATASA and
Martignani at different calibrations in an high
density spindle type orchard as determined by a
random panel.
HH = High Volume, High Speed
ATASA “EVENFLOW”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
On a spindle orchard with the
following dimensions:
Assuming that the above principles are
correct, the question now arises around the
spraying speed and air momentum balance.
If the machine can deliver a linear horizontal
air velocity profile (cross flow), how do we
determine the ground speed / air momentum
balance?
Applying the Tree Row Volume calculation for
air momentum / ground speed balance:
Air Volume required = 1000 x Spraying speed
(km/h) x Tree Depth (m) x Tree Height (m)
HL = High Volume, Low Speed
LH = Low Volume, High Speed
LL = Low Volume, Low Speed
A sprayer with a turret that can deliver a
(proven) linear horizontal air velocity
profile (ATASA EVENFLOW®) seems to
outperform all other machine geometries
and could have the ability to be used
at higher ground speeds in spindle tree
structures with excellent results.
71
fruitlook
JORISNA BONTHUYS
“Although FruitLook
cannot tell you what
causes lower biomass
production on your
farm, it can give
you a very good idea
where to look for
reasons for your
problems.”
SAVES YOU MONEY
: Images generated by satellites orbiting earth's stratosphere, so-called
“eyes in the sky”, have become really useful tools to keep watch over fruit crops
and monitor orchard conditions.
F
ruitLook, an online tool with satellite
derived data that helps producers
improve crop productivity and water
use, could potentially save farmers
thousands of Rand. This is because the satellites
use information that is not visible to the naked
eye.“FruitLook provides producers with spatial
data based on the latest satellite information
to analyse crop growth and water status, over
time and space, as well as in different seasons,”
explains independent researcher Dr Caren
Jarmain. “As such it allows producers to identify
poor growth, crop stress and water shortages.”
This is possible thanks to the way FruitLook
combines satellite derived data with complex
algorithms as well as weather data. The tool
then “translates” the information into userfriendly maps, which is available for free thanks
to a subsidy from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. FruitLook currently covers
an area of 170 000 ha.
FruitLook's datasets (growth, water and nutrient related) have proven valuable to many
producers, according to Jarmain. Some use it to
shows farmers three growth parameters - Biomass Production, Vegetation
Index and Leaf Area Index - every week, to help them measure the growth of their crops
0.75
Biomass Producton
0 - 2500kg
How many kilograms of dry plant matter are
produced per hectare each week? Includes leaves,
stems, new shoots, fruits, roots, as well as cover
crops and weeds.
SPRING
0.25
Vegetation Index
Shows how vigorously your
crop is growing; higher values
mean stronger growth.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SUMMER
This information
helps farmers
understand:
The seasonal
development
of their block
Leaf Area Index
A snapshot of the area of
leaves on plants compared to
the area of soil.
AUTUMN
The standard for
good growth
on the farm
The effects of climate
and management
decisions on crop growth
Graphic by
detect disease-ridden spots in orchards. Others
employ it to evaluate water use efficiency.
Many testify that it is helping them save on
production costs, including what they spend
on pesticides and irrigation. Almost half of the
producers using FruitLook indicated that the
tool has helped them to cut their water use by
a tenth.
affected plant growth. We also targeted our
sampling and pesticide treatment in that
area. In 2012 FruitLook showed relatively low
biomass production in a specific block which
corresponded with nematode infection. This
helped us to only treat the affected area resulting in savings of 75 to 80 per cent,” says Kobus
Swanepoel from Môreson Trust.
FruitLook derived data is provided at a 20m x
20m spatial resolution, showing detailed variation across orchards and vineyards. It measures
different features that basically visualise the
growth and status of your crop. (See graphic
1 for more information). FruitLook's data on
biomass production for example, presents
the total dry matter increase of your crop in
kilograms per hectare during a specific week.
This includes the growth of roots, shoots, fruits,
leaves and even the cover crop or weeds in
your field. Biomass production will be strongly
influenced by crop management, block
characteristics, the weather and the age of the
crop. Younger crops will produce less biomass
than full bearing crops. Biomass production is
also normally lower at the beginning and end
of the season.
By keeping an eye on biomass production and
other FruitLook datasets, Môreson's employees
are monitor seasonal changes, impact of treatments, as well as growth in different areas. (See
graphic 2 for more information.)
FruitLook's index of biomass production of a
single block should have a uniform outlook
throughout the season. “Strong variation in a
block might indicate part of your block is not
responding well to your block management,”
Jarmain says. “This could be due to underlying
variation in soil conditions or irrigation issues or
even diseases and pests.”
Producer experience
But what are the producers saying? FruitLook
is used at Môreson Trust near Villiersdorp to
inform irrigation practices and tackle pest
problems in some orchards. “We have used
FruitLook to delineate areas where diseases
This is the second article
in the FruitLook series.
about FruitLook visit
www.fruitlook.co.za
Jacques Crous, a horticulturist from First Fruits
Consulting, has had a similar experience with
FruitLook helping to identify problems in his
citrus orchard. Crous experienced problems
within a particular Eureka orchard in 2013 on
a family farm in the Nuy Valley: “The biomass
in the orchard dropped for no apparent
reason. We investigated and discovered high
infestation of thrips. Although we immediately
applied a pesticide, the biomass production
according to the FruitLook parameters, was
still down for about three weeks after the
treatment. This was because of the loss in
new growth as well as permanent damage
to the remaining young flush. FruitLook
definitely helped unravel the mystery behind
the biomass loss at the time. It also helped to
quantify the long-term effect of this pest if not
controlled in time.”
“Although FruitLook cannot tell you what causes lower
biomass production on your farm, it can give you a very
good idea where to look for reasons for your problems, he says.
“FruitLook enables producers to compare orchards or vineyards
with similar profiles at different times with each other.
Monitoring is key and this is why looking at growth data
weekly is useful to show any outliers.”
73
Every crop also has a unique seasonal growth
curve and this is reflected in the FruitLook data.
If this curve changes there must be a reason
why the tree cannot photosynthesise to its
optimum capacity, says Crous.
“Farmers generally strive for homogeneity within a block, since this would
suggest uniformity in production. FruitLook helps identify the extent of spatial
variation in an orchard. However, it
cannot directly explain the causes for
the variations. The user has to come up
with his or her own interpretation.”
Crous therefore considers FruitLook “particularly
useful” to help eliminate variation in orchards.
Water use and biomass
Another application of FruitLook's data on
biomass growth is to use this information in
combination with its datasets on evapotranspiration deficit (an indicator of plant water
stress). This is useful for the placement of for
instance soil moisture probes.
Jaco Engelbrecht, viticulturist from Boland
Cellar, looks at FruitLook's evapotranspiration
data related to water use in addition to its
growth features. He uses it to identify eventbased problems within the vineyards:
“FruitLook helps us to adjust our
management practices at the time
when the plants need it the most. We
try to adjust our irrigation scheduling
to avoid spikes or drops in biomass
production. FruitLook can also help
clarify why yields in one orchard or
vineyard are higher than in the other
or what the effect is of irrigation
scheduling on crop growth.”
Karin Cluver, manager of the fruit section
on the De Rust farm near Grabouw, employs
FruitLook's parameters for biomass production,
water use efficiency and evaporation deficit.
“These are often related to each other and
influence each other,” she says. “For example,
a strong increase in evapotranspiration deficit
will lead to a reduction in biomass production
due to water stress.”
Cluver compares these datasets weekly and
uses it to identify any emerging problems,
including non-efficient growth in blocks
throughout the season: “I find it particularly
useful to look at historic data from previous
seasons and compare blocks and the effect of
different management practices in it. If you
understand your farm and monitor it regularly,
it is easier to find reasons when something
chances significantly.”
Using biomass and water use parameters have
enabled De Rust's team to use about 20% less
water than before. “The data enables us to
constantly re-evaluate our crops' growth development and how much or how little water we
are giving,” Cluver said.
Cluver considers FruitLook useful to help
interpret direct farm observations and to
inform management decisions when it comes
to disease control and irrigation scheduling.
“It has given us access to a bigger
picture. But you still have to interpret
the data. You have to go into the field
to ascertain why particular results were
achieved.”
**In the next edition, we will look at how
FruitLook is used to guide water management decisions.
Visit www.fruitlook.co.za or contact the
project team at [email protected] for more
information.
75
‘New era’ for HORTGRO Science
Technical Symposium
THE
HORTGRO SCIENCE
REPORT TEAM:
ENGELA DUVENAGE,
JORISNA BONTHUYS,
DANE MCDONALD,
ELISE-MARIE
STEENKAMP
W
ith five days, 55 speakers,
28 sponsors and exhibitors,
and more than 711 people
attending six events – records
were yet again shattered at
the annual HORTGRO Science
Technical Symposium that took place at Allée
Bleue, Groot Drakenstein, during the first week
of June this year.
The symposium themed ‘Increasing Efficiency
along the Value Chain’ focussed on industry
problems, technical challenges, opportunities and new research in the deciduous fruit
industry. This year delegates from as far as
Botswana, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State,
Eastern Cape and Western Cape attended the
event which has its roots in the Cape Pomological Association. It has grown into its current
format over several decades, this year slightly
changing with two new attachments: a ‘new
era grower’ day and a postharvest day. This
is the fifth year it has run under the banner of
HORTGRO Science, previously known as DFPT
Research and Fruitgro Science.
Hugh Campbell, HORTGRO Science General
Manager and the Technology Transfer Advisory
Committee Chair, said it has been a privilege to
oversee the evolutionary process of the symposium. “This year we decided to consolidate our
different events into one focussed action with
the objective of growing the symposium into
the premium event of the year, creating opportunities for growers from other regions to get
the full package from pre-harvest to postharvest, increasing the exposure for exhibitors and
sponsors, showcasing our research, broadening
the attendance and increasing the interaction
between the different role-players.”
“A year ago the seeds were planted by Dr Ilse
Trautmann from the Western Cape Government’s Department of Agriculture, who said
that it would be good to
Anton Rabe, HORTGRO Executive Director, Prof
Stephanie Midgley (Dept Horticultural Science US),
Prof Roland Schulze (Centre for Water Resource
Research, UKZN) and Hugh Campbell, HORTGRO
Science General Manager.
Cap tion for pic on right
ALKJF ;KADFJAJDFJAJDFkjfal;sdjfl ajdj;aldj;ajd;ja djfdjf
alkjasf askd jf akd fkjaksj dfkjas;ldkjf;kja;kdjf;lkj;a
alkf ja;lkjdf;lkjas;ldkfj; aksj;dfjk ;asf
“We are here today for one reason only
and that is to grow our profit…”
PITSO SEKHOTO, FREE STATE GROWER & DFDC CHAIRMAN
Job Mthobeni (DFDC), Bongani Shabangu (Sinalo), Ntandazo Mlata (ChilternVilliersdorp), Sibonokhule Konyashe (Dutoit Agri- Ceres) and Evidance Mthombeni
(Mthombeni's).
The Daantjie Strydom Award for the Best Fourth
Year Horticulture Student went to Trevan Flynn.
Captions for pics
on the leftm
ak adfajdf ;laj;ldfj;lakjdf
alkjf ;akljdf;lkj;fkj;j fa
alkj ;kj; lkaj;fj;ajf;jfd
alfa j;lakj;lfj;lkaj;jf mfas
alkj fjl;aj;lfj;lkj;dj
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
6102
’niahC eulaV eht gnola ycneicfifE gnisaercnI‘
MARGORP
PO
SIU
M2
016
6102 enuJ 3 ‒ yaM 03
euelB eéllA
nietsnekarD toorG
H
77
R
O R TG
O SC
IE
T
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N
L
ICA
SY
M
have the first day of the symposium dedicated
to new era growers of the deciduous fruit
industry. After several meetings and a needs
assessment, it was decided to create the first
day of the symposium especially for emerging
growers, with the focus on the basic principles
of fruit farming and on doing the right thing at
the right time.”
Joyene Isaacs, Head of
Western Cape Government's
Department of Agriculture.
“We were hoping to get about a hundred
delegates for the day and were completely
overwhelmed when our numbers climbed to
just below 300. It was clear that there was a need
and for some it was an opportunity to refresh
their existing knowledge and for others to gain
new knowledge and grow their Fruit IQ.”
The symposium also provides a platform where
interaction can take place – where you can
meet with people in the industry. “This year
with the drought and undesirable weather
conditions we introspectively focussed on
technical matters, but strategically kept our eye
on the future and where we should be aiming
at as growers and as an industry.”
According to Campbell, the very best speakers
were selected on each topic that could possibly
be found. The three international speakers were
Dr Walter Guerra, a cultivar researcher from
the Laimburg Research Centre in South Tyrol,
Prof Elias Fereres an irrigation expert from the
University of Cordoba in Spain, and postharvest
internal browning expert, Prof Michael Reid from
UC Davis in the United States.
Head of the Western Cape Government’s
Department of Agriculture, Joyene Isaacs, said
industry needed more ‘back to basics’ symposiums catering for new era growers. “I want to
congratulate HORTGRO for listening to us. With
this symposium an environment was created to
share knowledge - thereby creating an enabling
platform for new era growers. In agriculture
partnerships are important, also partnerships to
share knowledge. Without knowledge we can’t
expect innovation and growth.”
Pitso Sekhoto, Free State grower and Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber Chairman,
said that it was a pleasure to be at an agricultural event and see such a good mix of black
and white together. “The Chamber’s goal is
to transform the industry and when we mix
like this we share experiences, learn and make
business. We are not here today for the food
or for social services, we are here today for one
reason only, and that is to grow our profit and
grow our businesses.”
Tobie van Rooyen, kjf j;lfaj
d;lkj dfja;jdf ;ajd;fja;djf;asjdf;
Climate Change
C
limate change experts were more conservative in their assessment of environmental challenges facing the sector. Prof
Roland Schulze from the Centre for Water
Resource Research at the University of KwaZuluNatal said that 2015 was the hottest year on
record globally, while April 2016 was the hottest
April on record.
Dr Cheryl Lennox, kjf j;lfaj
d;lkj dfja;jdf ;ajd;fja;djf;asjdf;
He said there was an urgent need for localised
climate models and that farmers needed to
consider what they would grow and where.
“Push” events would see a shift in the timing and
geographical range of rainfall and temperature,
while “pulse” events would reduce days with
frost, alter times when the critical number of chill
units are reached, and cause additional hot days.
The Western Cape would see warming of
between 1.5°C to 3°C by 2050, according to
Prof Stephanie Midgley from the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch
University. She said growers in the region could
experience “more hot days, fewer cold days,
reductions in winter rainfall, and a decrease in
positive chill units.”
This could have consequences for fruit growers who would need to plant heat resistant
cultivars and use scarce resources, like water,
more effectively. Midgley said fruit production
would remain viable in the Western Cape, but
water was a key issue.
Intelligent irrigation
T
he role of the modern irrigation system is
much more than just giving water to fruit
trees, according to irrigation consultant,
Gerhard Mostert. He said the implementation of novel technologies to stay in the black
and exceed the bottom line is a continuous
effort for any innovative fruit grower - and
water management is key.
Mostert said growers should seriously consider
implementing a Centralised Low Flow Irrigation
System (CLFIS), which would give the grower
‘centralised control’, ‘dedicated mainlines’, ‘low
flow drippers’, and full automation. The low
flow dripper is the key aspect of the system,
characterised by an emitter with the ability to
release water at a rate of less than on litre per
hour or 3 m³ per hectare per hour.
Mostert said CLFIS provides water at the same
rate the plant is using it and brings a whole new
dimension to irrigation. The type of soil also
becomes one less factor to be concerned with
in the grower’s irrigation plan.
Growers who implement a CLFIS can achieve
flexibility in supply by installing three pumps.
Despite contrary advice growers may receive
from conventional irrigation system designers
that using a single pump is more efficient,
Mostert said that he only uses multi pumps.
“The third pump only runs 20% of the time, the
second 40% of the time, and the first 100% of
the time,” says Mostert.
Gerhard Mostert
He said the system worked well in an operation
with “dry blocks” and “wet blocks” or fields
situated on slopes as opposed to being situated
alongside rivers, where different water requirements were needed after rainfall.
Make every drop count
As far as the future of irrigation in the Western
Cape and the water sources that will be avail-
M2
016
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
6102
SIU
“Our soils and catchment areas are simply too
dry to allow runoff,” says Roux, who highlighted
that the current drought was the worst experienced in South Africa in 112 years. “We need
significant rain over a long period to impact our
water supply situation.”
able to fruit farming by 2035 are concerned,
he said it would very much depend on the
percentage of the total water supply that is
available that government will allocate to
agriculture, especially in times of drought:
“South Africa is a semi-arid country, where
niahC eulaV Itehhas
t gn
water is of critical strategic ’importance.
a ola ycneicfifE gnisaercnI‘
potential limiting impact on all future developDR ANDRÉ ROUX
ment of the country. High population densities
Western
Cape Department
and significant competition of available water
MARGOR
P
of
Agriculture’s
Director:
resources exacerbates the situation.”
Sustainable Resource
According to Roux, agriculture is at 60% by far
6102 enuJ 3 ‒ Management.
yaM 03
the biggest water user in the Western Cape.
euelB eéllA
Urban development uses another 24%. “IfnietsnekarD toorG
there is water shortage, agriculture is the sector
where government will come looking first to
cut back supply,” he said. He therefore urged
YM
LS
A
the audience to work better with the resourcC
NI
ECH
es at hand, to react timeously and
T
NCE
CIE
to be innovative in their
S
O
TG R
approach to
HOR
PO
P
ercentage wise the rains received since
Easter 2016 have done little to the
drought situation in the Western Cape,
according to André Roux, the Western
Cape Department of Agriculture’s Director:
Sustainable Resource Management. The
Clanwilliam dam is one of the few that saw an
increase of almost 7% in its water levels within
a few weeks. This is thanks to some good rain
in the Cederberg, but also the fact that the
dam’s storage capacity is only 25% of the mean
annual runoff. By the end of May, however,
Clanwilliam dam was still only 15.3% full.
79
water usage and management.
Roux added that according to the Water Act of
1998, a certain amount of water must always be
set aside as an ecological reserve to ensure that
environmental processes are able to function
well. “By 2025, all our water resources will be
fully utilised. This includes all water that will
be stored up in the newly planned dams and
transfer schemes.”
“Remember, no new water sources are ever
created,” Roux cautioned.
“In fact, we are using the same water than was
available since the time of the dinosaurs, and
this limited supply is recycled all the time.
We need to improve efficient resource management and the way we use water to mitigate the
impact of change,” he said.
DID YOU KNOW?
• South Africa on average receives 465 mm of rain per year. The annual world average is 857 mm.
• 90% of rain in the Western Cape falls in winter, when the demand is actually for only 25%. The rest falls in summer, when the
demand is 75%.
Therefore winter runoff need to be stored in dams to ensure availability for irrigation in summer – and all the more so as the
impact of changing weather patterns are being felt.
• Only 1% of all water on earth is available for use. This needs to be shared across all water user sectors, such as agriculture, industries, domestic, electricity generation and the ecology. The rest is sea water (97%) or trapped in the polar caps (2%).
• The highest temperature ever recorded on earth for the month of October - a sweltering 48.3 degrees Celsius - was measured in
Vredendal on 27 October 2015. It caused an estimated R10 million loss to the local wine and table grape industry.
• carry out irrigation scheduling as accurately as
possible.
• increase the beneficial consumption of water, in
other words the water used for crop transpiration; and
reduce the non-beneficial consumption of water, such
as surface runoff and deep percolation.
• understand the water yield relationship of crops,
which will allow deficit irrigation.
• consider a combination of minimum or no-tillage,
retaining crop residue on the soil surface, using mulch
and crop rotation. These methods help to hold water
in the soil and reduce evaporation.
• try to produce more crop per drop.
• work carefully with the resources at hand and not
pollute these by simply dumping unwanted materials
into rivers or streams.
• save on your electricity consumption. At least 1.35
litres of water is needed to produce 1 kWh of electricity.
• keep infrastructure in good order. Leaking pipes or
broken channels come at a price.
• remove alien plants in catchments and rivers. These
plants use up to 7% of our available water resources.
• protect our wetlands. More than 50% of wetlands
have already been destroyed due to irresponsible
human activities. Wetlands are important to help
clean water. They temporarily store water that is
released over time into streams and rivers.
• become involved in implementing SmartAgri, a
combined effort of the Western Cape Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Environmental
Affairs and Development Planning.
SmartAgri aims to inform the agricultural sector
about the possible impacts of climate change and
mitigating measures. For more information, visit
www.greenagri.org.za.
He went on to list several “assets” that
put SA in a favourable position: “We
don’t have tribal, ethnic, or regional
conflict; no terrorism; no religious
fundamentalism; remarkable infrastructure; our constitution is intact; our
judiciary is independent and functional; and, our military is apolitical and
serve the government of the day.”
Max Du Preez.
Du Preez said South Africans were
“overreacting” to the Land Expropriation Bill: “We are a constitutional
democracy. You cannot make an Act
in Parliament that is contrary to the
spirit and letter of the constitution.”
According to him, the bill might go
through the constitutional court
where a few definition changes would
be a likely scenario.
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
6102
He emphasized that
’nialand
hC ewas
ulaVnot
ehtan
gnola ycneicfifE gnisaercnI‘
agricultural problem, but a political
one and that the “give our land back”
narrative, was a myth, as only a third
MARGORP
of black South Africans expressed a
desire to own agricultural land.
He said the economic shockwave
6102 enuJ 3 ‒ yaM 03
brought by the 9 December 2015 euelB eéllA
nietsnekarD toorG
shuffling of finance ministers was
a “bad day for our economy, but a
brilliant day for our democracy”, as it
YM
“brought about the realisation that
LS
A
C
NI
the economy is real, and if you
ECH
T
upset it you will feel
NCE
CIE
S
O
it the next
TG R
HOR
day.”
016
• measure water usage. You cannot manage what you
do not measure.
I
M2
• optimise irrigation water to mitigate the impact of
climate change against the need to expand enterprises.
n South Africa, good news lurks
behind bad news,” political analyst
Max Du Preez said at the opening day of the HORTGRO Science
technical symposium. Du Preez gave
broad insight into the major political
and economic issues currently facing
the industry and South Africa. South
Africa’s greatest asset, according to
him, was that it was still an open society
“on the level of big Western democracy.
SIU
Innovation holds the key to mitigating the possible
impacts of climate change and pressure on our
limited water supply. Roux advised the agricultural
sector to:
Land Expropriation
PO
TIPS FOR SAVING WATER
81
The rain in Spain stays mainly on the Plain
W
e need new ideas to do more with
less.” That was the message from
irrigation specialist and agricultural
engineer Prof Elias Fereres of the
Department of Plant Production at the University of Cordoba. Fereres believes that modernisation and improvements in the efficient use
of water not really “saved” any water on a
global scale. “Water is recycled better within the
agricultural sector, but it has not made greater
volumes available to other water users,” he said.
In his presentations, Fereres highlighted how
changing irrigation methods and improving
distribution uniformity can improve water use
efficiency, as well as the way in which remote
sensing technology with for example, the help
of drones or aeroplanes, can help farmers to
irrigate more smartly.
Fereres works for the Spanish Research Council’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, and
has done extensive research in places such
ADVERTORIAL
as California and North Africa. Spain is water
scare country where water volumes available to
agriculture is strictly controlled by government
and is often easily restricted in times of drought.
Up to 3.5 million ha of land is irrigated in this
Mediterranean country. Its producers have over
the past 35 years changed how they use water
on farms, and have dropped their reliance on
surface irrigation from 90% to just below 30%.
Drip irrigation is now used on 47.8% of all
farms and sprinkler systems on another 22.5%
of land. Spain is only beaten by Israel when it
comes to the percentage of land it has under
drip irrigation.
This shift has been in reaction to increased
water scarcity and greater demand by other
sectors, a realisation that farmers have to work
more wisely with the limited resources to their
disposal, and better technology options. This
shift has however seen a rise in energy costs.
“The trade-off is that pressurised systems and
Moderne Boordstaander het almal
aan die praat!
S
onderend Fabrikante(Edms) Bpk is ‘n
innoverende ingenieurswerkswinkel in
Riviersonderend wat in die verlede reeds
bekendheid verwerf het met nuwe inisiatiewe
vir die die tyd wat ontwikkel is en in die mark
geplaas is. Die nuutste toevoeging tot hierdie
innoverende bydraes is die boordstaander
/ boordplatvorm wat ontwerp is deur mnr
Wouter Metcalf, Uitvoerende Hoof van Sonderend Fabrikante (Edms) Bpk.
Vir baie jare het dit my geprikkel hoe om
snoei- en oeswerk in boorde se effektiwiteit te
verbeter sonder om veiligheid in te boet.
Hierdie implement word gebou met twee
vlakke van verskillende hoogtes waar daar
8 tot 12 mense op die platform kan staan.
Die hidroliese boordstaander kan oop en toe
geskuif word terwyl dit agter die trekker gehaak
is. Wanneer dit toegetrek is, is die wydte 1.6
meter en wanneer dit oopgestoot is, beloop
die wydte 3.2 meter. Dit word gemaklik deur ‘n
boordtrekker in die boorde rondgesleep .
Volgens Metcalf was die idee tydens ontwerp
om beter en netjieser snoeiwerk te kan bewerkstellig en ook die produktiwiteit per dag te
verbeter. Juis daarom kan die boordstaander
gestel word om gelyk te staan met die hidroliese sillinders. Verder kan dit ook volgens die
klant se behoeftes aangepas word.
Kliënte kan ons kontak by die volgende
nommers:
Wouter Metcalf: 082 631 5961
Louis Metcalf: 074 795 8260
Corine Metcalf: 082 871 1533
E-pos adres:[email protected]
the use of sprinklers require more energy. We
have gone through an extreme case of modernisation and investment in Spain, and have most
probably overinvesting with the changing of
systems,” he said.
CREDIT: CLIU J, FOLBERTH C, YANG H,
RÖCKSTRÖM J, ET AL. (2013)
A GLOBAL AND SPATIALLY
MARGOREXPLICIT
P ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE
CHANGE IMPACTS ON CROP
PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTIVE
WATER USE. PLOS ONE 8 (2):
6102 enuJ 3 ‒ E57750.
yaM 0DOI:10.1371/JOURNAL.
3
PONE.0057750
sense for larger-scale production units, than
small operations. He believes that one year’s
worth of regular remote sensing data will
give a producer sufficient information about
the state of affairs in a particular orchard, euelB eéllA
nietsnekarD toorG
after which more informed decisions without
the need for such regular monitoring will be
possible. He added however that a good pair
YM
of eyes on the ground to see what is really
LS
A
C
NI
happening in an orchard will always
ECH
T
be needed, no matter what
NCE
CIE
S
O
technology becomes
TG R
HOR
available.
016
Technology is becoming increasingly advanced
making it easier to monitor how much water
different sections of an orchard is using, and
to adjust irrigation scheduling based on these
results for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Aerial remote sensing techniques with the use of
drones, small aeroplanes and satellites have made
great strides in this over the past few years.
Cost however is still an issue. Fereres believes
the use of such technology only starts to make
economic sense if you are able to combine it
with other assessments, such as the nutrient
state of a piece of land. It will also make more
Change of irrigation water proportion in the 2030s in relation to water scarcity.
M2
REMOTE SENSING
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
6102
SIU
“If you know the response function, you can
find the economic optimum that would meet
the needs of the farmer and society in terms of
production and of water productivity, but there
will always be trade-offs,” he said. Fereres and
his colleagues have done much research on the
topic over the past fifteen years, to work out the
water production function of for instance citrus,
almonds, loquat and olives and how deficit
irrigation can be used for these crops. “It is better
to withhold water in an orchard and to enforce
water stress at times when no fruit growth is
occurring. If you reduce irrigation during sensitive periods, you could knock your yield with
up to 40%,” he noted. Research on citrus has for
instance shown that especially mandarin oranges
are sensitive to water stress, and that water stress
could reduce fruit size considerably.
Peter Dall, Martin Butler (Stellenbosch University Business School), Prof Elias Fereres (University Cordoba, Spain) and Dr Walter Guerra (Laimburg Research Centre, South Tyrol).
PO
In times of drought, fruit producers cannot
reduce the area under irrigation, but have to
use deficit irrigation to manipulate the limited
supply for the best possible results. “The objective when making such decisions should be
to enhance the productive flow of water, yet
minimise possible crop losses and maximize
yield,” Fereres said.
83
ADVERTORIAL
TWO NEW
REDUCED
RISK
FUNGICIDES
WITH
FAVOURABLE
MRL PROFILES
FOR THE
FRUIT
INDUSTRY
Tutor 500 SC is a pre-harvest fungicide (Reg.
no. L9948 of Act 36 of 1947) for the control
of post-harvest Botrytis and Monilina fruit rot
and the suppression of Rhizopus rot in stone
fruit (Apricots, Nectarine, Peach, Plums). It is
a unique and newly registered formulation
of two actives from different FRAC groups (9
and 12) and contains 400 g/L pyrimethanil
and 100 g/L fludioxonil. It is a translaminar
and contact protective and curative fungicide.
Besides improved control, this combination is
ideal in a pathogen resistance management
strategy relieving the resistance pressure on
FRAC Group 3 fungicides used extensively on
stone fruit. Tutor 500 SC has a South African
IP Coding of 1 (Low Risk) and poses no risk for
honeybees. The combination also protects
Teacher 230 SC against pathogen resistance
where used post-harvest.
Always refer to labels and “Directions for
Use” for full instructions, before applying
any of the products.
Teacher 230 SC is a post-harvest fungicide
(Reg. no. L9919 of Act 36 of 1947) on a range
of crops (pome fruit, stone fruit, citrus, pomegranate, kiwi, litchi, mango, papaya and sweet
potato).
The favourable profile of the active, 230 g/L
fludioxonil (FRAC Group 12), and its efficacy
makes it the preferred choice for the control of
Blue and Grey Moulds on apples and pears, as
well as Grey Mould, Brown Rot and Rhizopus
rot on stone fruit (nectarines, peaches, apricots
and plums) and cherries.
It is the only active registered for the control
of Grey Mould on pomegranate and kiwi fruit.
Teacher 230 SC is the only fludioxonil containing fungicide, which has a test kit available to
determine its concentration in dip and drench
tanks in order to maintain the required concentration. In apple and pear pack houses, the
international long term pathogen resistance
control strategy is to rotate between seasons
with the actives of Teacher 230 SC and Protector 400 SC (400 g/L pyrimethanil) – Reg. no.
L8606 of Act 36 of 1947.
ICA INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS (PTY) LTD
1 Planken Street, Plankenbrug Industrial, Stellenbosch, 7600
Tel: +27-21-886-9812 | Fax: +27-21-886-8209
Email: [email protected] | Web: www.icaonline.co.za
In search of THE apple
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
6102
’nia•hThe
C e18,400
ulaV ehha
t gconsists
nola ycnof
eiabout
cfifE g8,000
nisaerfamily-run
cnI‘
farms with an average farm size of about 2.8 ha.
• Production areas lie from 200m above sea
level to 1200m,Mwith
very
ARGO
RP cold winters and
hot summers of even above 40 ºC in the low
valley.
6102 enuJ 3 ‒ yaM 03
• Because of
this variation, there is a
euelB eéllA
need to testnithe
performance of new
etsnekarD toorG
cultivars/mutants on different
sites, and to find out which
ones will be the most
YM
LS
A
suited.
NIC
ECH
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IEN
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O
TG R
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016
No significant differences between Gala
clones have been observed in terms of
harvest maturity, inner quality or storability,
if harvested at the correct harvest maturity,
he indicated. “However, the newest generation of Gala mutants starts to colour much
earlier, which can make it tricky to assess the
maturity of individual fruit on the tree,” he
cautioned.
M2
For the market, the redder the better as far as
Gala mutants are concerned. “Old fashioned
clones like Royal Gala and Mondail Gala are just
not producing enough colour,” Guerra said.
Newer, redder clones are therefore favoured.
Guerra and his team not only evaluate cultivars
and selections, but are also actively involved
in apple breeding. Apart from breeding for the
mainstream market, they are also interested
in some niche markets, like those for hypoallergenic apples (2% of the population is allergic
to apples), sweet but low sugar apples that
could be more suitable for diabetics or people
who are fructose-intolerant, and genetically
small (50mm) “minisnack” apples that are
ideal for packing in
APPLE PRODUCTION IN
children’s lunch boxes.
SOUTH TYROL
Guerra sees a gap for
red-fleshed apples –
• South Tyrol lies in the Alps in northern Italy and
up to 80% consumers
boarders on Austria and Switzerland – think Heidi
indicated a willingness
• One in every 10 apples produced in the EU and
to try such apples – as
30% of all organically produced apples in the EU
well as scab resistant
comes from South Tyrol.
apples.
• The main cultivar is Golden Delicious at 42% of
production followed by Gala at 16%.
SIU
Up to 200 new selections and cultivars are
screened and tested at Laimburg every year,
mainly to see how well they will potentially
perform in the different production regions in
South Tyrol. This includes over 30 Gala mutations, which are screened for genetic stability,
percentage red colour, ripening and so forth.
When it comes to genetic stability, not all the
clones in the Gala family are equal. Systematic
evaluations since 2014 on more than 2000
Gala orchards in South Tyrol have indicated
considerable differences in stability. “Some
clones such as Simmons Buckeye, Gala Decarli,
Fendeca and Galava are considered 95% stable
and can be recommended for planting, while
some others are more unstable,” he said.
PO
N
ot all apples are created equal and it
is only through rigorous testing that
the best adapted and potentially most
profitable ones can be identified, said
Dr Walter Guerra, head of the Pomology Department at Laimburg Research Centre
in South-Tyrol.
85
An apple producer’s worst nightmare
I
Bibbie Potgieter,
Ceres Fruit Growers.
n 2015, Ceres Fruit Growers’ Bibbie Potgieter
had an apple producer’s worst nightmare
play itself out in waking day: “Our Fuji apples
were packed and shipped on the 2nd of April
2015 and arrived in the Far East on the 25th
of the same month. On arrival the fruit was in
good condition internally and externally, we
even received complementary mails to say that
this was fabulous fruit. However, within three
days after the fruit was sold we received absolute horrific photographs,” Potgieter said and
proceeded to show stunned delegates cartons
of what looked more like raw two-dimensional
kidneys in a butchery than half cut Fuji apples.
This event set her off on an arduous journey to
determine the possible causes for her ruined
consignment. Despite all her efforts, Potgieter
was unable to replicate the extent of internal
browning found in that April 2015 consignment,
but had a strong hunch that CO2 was to blame.
According to Prof Michael Reid from the University of California Davis, the problems inside
apples could have been solved long ago in the
1800s: “If Sir Isaac Newton, instead of worrying
about the force of gravity when the apple fell
on the ground, had worried why the apple
went brown in the bruised area,” Reid quipped
in his talk on the causes of internal browning.
Low chill adds costs
C
urrently only 30% of our apple orchards
are adequately chilled, according to Dr
Nigel Cook, horticulturist from Prophyta.
This has a significant effect on bud burst
and tree growth in the warmer apple producing regions. Cook pointed out that many of
South Africa's apple trees already suffer from
chronic 'sleep disorders' due to our mild winter
conditions. In the absence of enough chill,
more than two thirds of our apple trees need to
be chemically manipulated out of dormancy.
Dr Nigel Cook,
Prophyta.
He highlighted the results of a five year long
dormancy progression study of “Granny Smith”
and “Royal Gala” trees in all our different
production regions. The low chilling conditions are having a “significant effect” on the
progression of bud dormancy. “This is because
sufficient winter chilling is needed for plant
growth and to ensure synchronised bud break
in spring,” he explained.
There are all sorts of knock on effects if the chill
requirements of the trees are not met in winter.
The bud burst percentage is low, the trees are
flowering unevenly and this causes uneven fruit
set as well as mixed maturity of fruit on the tree
later on, according to him. It also causes the
start of a basal dominant apple tree, because it
affects which spurs and shoots are dominant. “If
left untreated in spring, we would have apples
developing while some flowers only bloomed
last week and some buds are still waking up –
and all of this in the same tree,” he said.
Currently producers use oil and Dormex
(cyanimide) as rest breaking agents to try and
“synchronise” the trees in and out of winter.
Dormex, can be hazardous and toxic to both
man and plant if not applied correctly, and may
in future not be available for use. Many producers changed the way they train the trees as an
adaptation to the lack of chilling conditions.
Solaxe-training enhances the reproductive
efficiency of the tree in warmer areas. “It is all
about creating dominant terminal buds on
the branches, also known as spur autonomy.
By bending the branches we are developing
more, stronger spurs,” Cook said. Given that
Dormex may not be on the market for ever
a breakthrough is needed in rest breaking
technologies, Cooks said. “We urgently need
cultivars suited for low chill conditions that
will grow normally, have proper colour and be
sunburn-resistant”.
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
Reid nevertheless suggested that
6102
flesh browning may also result
from other stressors, particularly
between orchards and seasons.
MARGORP
STRATEGIES TO MINIMISE RISK OF INTERNAL BROWNING
• Identify high risk areas and seasons – monitor risk!
6102fruit
enuJ 3 ‒ yaM 03
• Good crop load management – optimal
euelB eéllA
nietsnekarD toorG
016
• Correct CA management
M2
• Ensure good air circulation in storage rooms
SIU
Reid turned to the mathematical concept of
‘calculus’ to explain how CO2 causes mayhem
on the inside of an apple. He likened the apple
to a bathtub with water as CO2, entering at
a faucet and leaving at the drain. The main
question then is, what would increase “water”
levels? In Reid’s apple-bathtub analogy water
levels will increase through increased flow into
the tub (increased C02 production through
temperature and ripening), impeded flow from
the drain (the peel is a major barrier to gas),
and a flooded floor (high external CO2 through
controlled atmospheres and sealed containers
or bags).
• Postharvest treatments and packaging
PO
However, a lot more than Newton’s physics is
needed to pin down the cause of this postharvest fiend. Biochemistry, Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology, Cell Biology, and Calculus are
all needed to describe the complex process. In
accordance with Potgieter’s gut feeling, previous studies in the United States suggest that
CO2 could be to blame for internal browning
in Fuji apples. According to Reid, CO2 was toxic
for a range of reasons including its ability to
alter pH, affect enzyme function, inhibit aerobic
respiration, and an its ability to stimulate
production of alcohol and acetaldehyde. Fuji
also appears to be very sensitive to as little as
0.4% external CO2 in contrast with other apples
that are often stored at 0.5 to 1.5 per cent CO2.
• Test new storage regimes and procedures –
Conditioning of fruit
• Use of SmartFresh
(1-MCP)
TG R
HOR
87
O SC
IE
T
NCE
ECH
N
L
ICA
SY
M
Hoe rooier
hoe mooier...
Zinfruit korrigeer
Sink-tekorte wat
die verkleuring
van rooi appel en
rooi pitlose tafeldruif variëteite
beÏnvloed.
Tel: +27 21 860 8040
Epos: [email protected]
Web: www.nexusag.net
www.arystalifescience.co.za
Sunbury Kantoorpark 7, Douglas Saunders Rylaan
La Lucia-rif, 4019 | Tel: 031 514 5600
Verwys altyd na die etiket vir volledige instruksies
88
Zinfruit®: Zink 30 g/kg / 35.5 g/ℓ | Sulpur 14.4 g/kg / 16.1TEGNOLOGIE
g/ℓ. Reg: B 4462
(Wet No
36 van 1947).
HORTGRO
| AUG/SEPT
2016Geregistreer deur Arysta LifeScience South Africa. Posbus 1726, Mount Edgecombe, 4300 | Tel: 031 514 5600
Technology will never replace a farmer
Butler challenged the audience to not see new
technologies, such as drones or tablets, as mere
status symbols or playthings, but to use the
full potential of these tools to the
benefit of the agriculture
sector. 6:16 PM
1
2014/06/05
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
89
M2
016
MUISOPMYS LACINHCET
6102
SIU
Butler highlighted a major recent global study
done by MIT, which showed that companies who
invested smartly in ICT generated more revenue
and were more profitable than others. He said it
was not possible to predict what the future for
most sectors will hold: “The reality is that you will
help shapeBuffulo
the future
and decide what it is.”
Fruit Advert Horizontal 194 x 122mm.pdf
The way organisations embrace technology
goes hand in hand with its leadership, and the
tools available to a particular sector. Adopters
of technology are classified into four groups:
beginners, conservatives, fashionistas and
digital masters.
Beginners are not interested in new technologies, while the conservatives are careful about
making investments if they do not first know the
Martin Butler.
MARGORP
possible impact it could have on their business.
Fashionistas eagerly try out new things, but tend
to be very fragmented in their approach. Digital
6102 enuJ 3 ‒ yaM 03
masters have invested in technology, have a euelB eéllA
clear application strategy and have invested
niein
tsnekarD toorG
the capabilities of deploying these.
PO
T
echnology would never replace a farmer.
It is the tech-savvy farmer who will replace
those who still shy away from using new
innovations that can make working in
agriculture more efficient,” according to information and communications technology (ICT)
specialist, Martin Butler, from the Stellenbosch
University Business School. Butler believes
that some of the most exciting applications of
technology worldwide are found within the
agricultural sector. Even so, technology should
not be seen as a solution per se, but a package
that includes good agricultural practices and a
sound knowledge base.
H
R
O R TG
O SC
IE
T
NCE
ECH
N
L
ICA
SY
M
The Power of
Branding Fruit
T
he aim of branding a fruit is
quite simple: to introduce a
branded superior product within a
commodity line and diligently and
proactively grow it as the standard
preferred choice for discerning consumers.
Achieving this should create a win-win concept
for consumer, retailer, grower and brand
builder alike.
Despite the strong international competition
within the fruit sector, there are a number of
successful fruit brands, managed by TopFruit,
that are making excellent progress within
the market. These include Pink Lady®, JOYA®,
Gemstone Fruit®, JAZZ™, KIKU® and Opal®.
Branding of fruit was recognised as a crucial
strategy for fruit varieties many years ago when
TopFruit became the managers of the Pink Lady®
apple brand in South Africa. The Pink Lady®
apple brand has proved to be highly successful
and the brand’s marketing initiative has been
running internationally for more than two
decades. In South Africa the Pink Lady® brand
is well established, well-known and loved by
consumers, due to TopFruit’s ongoing successful
management and marketing of the brand.
In supermarkets the logo
of branded fruit is clearly
displayed on all packaging
taking the guesswork out of
shopping. Through successful branding the consumer
recognises the product at
a glance and knows that
they can expect consistent
quality every time. This
hassle-free shopping experience combined with quality
assurance is what makes the
discerning consumer buy
branded fruit time after time.
Consumers are more likely to pay a premium
for a superior product. This has the potential to
generate increased returns to dedicated growers
and retailers who have partnered with the brand.
The Pink Lady® brand logo is a pink heart
emblazoned with the words Pink Lady®. The
flowing heart logo reflects love and excellent
quality. It is instantly recognisable and appealing to both young and old worldwide. The logo
colour matches the blush colour of the Pink
Lady® apples which further reflects warmth,
sunshine and health.
Branding and building brand awareness goes
far beyond simply selling the product. It is a
marketing initiative which promotes the product through the appearance, taste and health
benefits of the fruit plus sharing consumer
information about the product for example the
nutritional value, recipes for use and consumer
competitions. In addition to this there are
people and communities behind the brand that
publicise the story of the branded product in
the media, through print and digital media as
well as social media. These include the origin
of the brand as well as the sustainable farming
practises and corporate social responsibility
activities endorsed by the brand.
Pink Lady® is not a variety, but a title of honour
for only the very best crop from the Cripps
Pink and Rosy Glow varieties of apples. Only
Cripps Pink and Rosy Glow apples that meet
the stringent colour and quality standards, as
established by brand owners Apple and Pear
Australia Limited (APAL), can make the grade
and be sold as a branded Pink Lady® apple.
Brand loyalty is fostered in consumers with the
knowledge that by buying and taking home a
pack of branded fruit such as Pink Lady® apples,
not only are they assured delicious good
quality fruit with great health benefits but they
are also supporting the good environmental
practices and Corporate Social Responsibility
activities.
91
LOUISE BRODIE
021 874 1033
ADVERTORIAL
AT THE KITCHEN TABLE 30 - WINTER
PART 1
Egypt was the birthplace
of medicine, perfumes,
and pharmaceuticals
thousands of years
ago and these
ancient civilizations
understood the aromatic
use of essential oils for
health enhancement.
The Lure of Aromatherapy
T
he use of aromatics spread from
Egypt to Israel, Greece, Rome, and
the entire Mediterranean world.
Every culture developed practices
of perfumery using oils, but with the
Dark Ages, much of this knowledge was lost.
India is the only place in the world where this
tradition was never lost. Essential oils arrived
in Europe from these ancient countries via the
Crusaders. They brought back the basic knowledge of essential oil production. The Europeans
applied this knowledge to their native plants,
such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme. These
oils were not available to the average person,
because they were so expensive.
The advent of modern science in the 17th and
18th centuries marked the decline of most
forms of herbal therapy. Physicians fell in love
with the ease of powerful chemical medicines.
ELMARIE DE BRUYN
Cell: 082 562 2343
[email protected]
With the influence of science during the Age
of Enlightenment researchers in the medical
field became interested in the active principles
of natural medicine, as well as their synthetic
substitutes, instead of using the whole herbs
and essential oils. Essential oils came to be
mostly considered important as ingredients in
fine perfumes and colognes.
But fortunately, in 1928, right at a time when
people were beginning to see some limits to
chemical medicine and starting to search for
natural remedies that worked, a French cosmetic
chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was
working in his family's perfume business and
severely burned himself in an accident. He
had third-degree burns covering his hand and
forearm, and thrust his arm into the nearest vat
of cold liquid to relieve the pain. The liquid was
lavender oil. He was surprised to find his pain
lessened and there was no redness, inflammation, or blistering. He realized that the lavender
oil had begun to heal the burn and continued to
use it. The burn healed without a trace of a scar.
For Gattefosse, this began a lifetime of discovery for him learning about volatile oil – that
he called essential oils. He started with an
analysis of lavender oil and continued analysing many other oils from various plants and
parts of plants. He discovered that the healing
properties of plants originated in their essential
oils. In 1937 he published a book about the
anti-microbial effects of the oils, and published
many others works over his lifetime
A colleague of his, Dr Jean Valnet, who was a
medical doctor, began his own research on the
properties of essential oils during the years after
World War I, also working in military hospitals
and elsewhere. There was a shortage of supplies
and the standard medicines ran out, including
antibiotics. He tried essential oils, the wounds
healed rapidly and infection was reduced and
often completely arrested. Many soldiers were
saved because of his treatment with essential oils.
Dr. Jean Valnet has written extensively about
essential oil therapy and in 1964 published
The Art of Aromatherapy and the movement
in Europe had rebirth. Around the same time
A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDICINE
"Doctor, I have an earache."
2000 B.C.
"Here, eat this root."
1000 B.C.
two occurrences established the platform for
modern day aromatherapy: a Frenchman, Albert
Couvreur, published a book on the medicinal
uses of essential oils and also Madame
Marguerite Maury, a French bio-chemist,
developed a unique method of applying
essential oils to the skin with massage. She
established the first aromatherapy clinics in
Europe. Micheline Arcier studied and worked
with Maury and Valnet and their combined
techniques created a form of aromatherapy
that is now used around the world.
I summarise what the aromatherapy association
believes: As we all search for good health, and
revise our information, we seem to have come
back to the beginning of a circle. Our ancestors
gathered medicinal plants and herbs to create
home remedies for all kinds of illness.
Then with scientific advancements and the
introduction of all sorts of chemical drugs we
started placing our well-being in the hands of
the medical establishment. With a pill or drug
of some sort for almost any ailments. We try to
repair our bodies when they
are broken instead of keeping them from braking in the
first place.
"That root is heathen. Say this prayer."
1850 A.D.
"That prayer is superstition. Drink this potion."
1940 A.D.
"That potion is snake oil. Swallow this pill."
As a result, we lost touch
with ourselves and with
1985 A.D.
nature and what can really
"That pill is ineffective. Take this antibiotic."
help us maintain our health
2000 A.D.
and our mental and physical
"That antibiotic has side effects.
well-being. Our bodies can
Here, take this root!"
often prevent illness and
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
disease if we take care of it.
Our bodies were not made to
process chemicals, but they
can use these same chemicals in natural form to
keep us going without the side effects.
The poem, right, published in the Aromatherapy
journal, kind of says it all - we've been travelling
in a big circle, now we're back at the beginning.
Next, we will be looking at the benefits of
aromatherapy, how to use essential oils in
aromatherapy, as well as some of my favourite
essential oils.
93
THE LAST WORD . . .
New Manager for National Extension at the CRI
After several years as the Area Extension Manager: South for CRI,
Hannes Bester has recently been appointed as the National Extension Manager
for CRI. Extension is fundamental to the support of the citrus industry. Hannes is well
suited to this position as over the years he has gained invaluable experience and
made a considerable contribution in this respect. Hannes is based in Port Elizabeth.
Hannes Bester has recently
been appointed as the National
Extension Manager for Citrus
Research International (CRI).
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
AND WHO ARE THE CITRUS INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS WITH WHOM YOU INTERACT?
My main responsibilities will be to oversee the
functioning of the South African citrus industry
extension network, including the CRI Postharvest Technical Forum. This includes determining the research and technical needs of the
growers, pack house managers and exporters.
Based on these findings, it is then also my
responsibility to package and channel the
relevant technical information into the extension network for effective technology transfer.
The functions that CRI performs are crucial to
the success of the South African citrus industry
and the knowledge transfer part of extension
is really at the heart of this process. How is the
CRI’s extension function coping with the citrus
industry’s ongoing rapid growth?
We are achieving this by making use of different extension channels, which include group
extension by means of the CRI Citrus Research
Symposium and CRI Regional workshops.
We also have Technology Transfer Groups
(study groups) which function per production
area. The extension function is also achieved
through articles in scientific publications, in the
South African Fruit Journal, CRI Cutting Edge
and through CRI Production Guidelines. In
some cases we also perform one-on-one extension, especially in the case of pack house visits.
HOW DOES CRI’S EXTENSION SERVICE
ASSIST GROWERS WITH THE MAJOR
PHYTOSANITARY RISKS TO MARKET ACCESS?
To assist growers in this regard, CRI Exten-
sion is responsible to make all phytosanitary
regulations available to industry stake holders on a regular basis through our extension
network.
We also cooperate very close with various
role players in the industry like Department of
Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Citrus
Growers Association (CGA), Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) and other
relevant institutions.
AFTER SO MANY YEARS WORKING IN THE
FIELD YOU PROBABLY HAVE SOME PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE OR AMUSING MEMORIES TO RECOUNT. IS THERE ANYTHING IN
PARTICULAR YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
I have done a lot of travelling over all these
years and it is really special to have been in a
position to make so many friends all over the
country and even overseas.
I also agree with many people’s view that the
citrus industry operates as a big family. The
opportunities I have for ongoing exposure
within the citrus industry as well as to learn
from a few mentors who became legends in
the industry I truly consider a privilege.
FROM YOUR POSITION IN THE ENGINE ROOM
OF THE CITRUS INDUSTRY, DO YOU HAVE ANY
COMMENT ON THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE?
I am very positive about the future of our
industry in South Africa. We have extremely
good structures in place to ensure a profitable
and sustainable industry, and it is encouraging
to see how all the various role players and stake
holders cooperate to achieve this.

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Transcription

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