Bejo Nuvance | Oppiplaas 10

02/2019

VOLUME

10

oppiplaas

’N VOLLEDIGE JOERNAAL VAN DIE NUVANCE GROENTESAAD-PRODUKREEKS A COMPREHENSIVE JOURNAL OF THE NUVANCE VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCT RANGE

| www.nuvance.co.za |

23 29 NUUS | NEWS 01 ideal location for a greenhouse production facility

BEDRYF | INDUSTRY

04 05

nisboere besoek nuvance

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bakker brothers focused on african market

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NAVORSING | RESEARCH

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production guideline for pole beans: seychelles cropalyser - the app to analyse your crop exploring natural resistance in vegetable crops never stops excellence in seed health

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seminis tomato SV4129TH* making its mark jou nommer een tamatie keuse vir die wes-kaap menzania - belowende groot kopkool vir die somer make the right choice, choose menzania bettollo - dié variëteit vir die winter SV9054YG* is uitvoergehalte salvador* staan uit long-time lowveld favourite: revelation the taste of carrots

index

editorial Editor Dr Q Muhl T: 012 943 0724 E: q.muhl@nuvance.co.za

Layout and design Y Botha T: 082 5787 547 E: yvonne@karbonmedia.co.za

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Publisher Nuvance (Pty) Ltd

PRODUKTE | PRODUCTS

STREEKSNUUS | REGIONAL NEWS

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onion seed production at de groot en slot african dream organix

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marlo nursery farmers’ day 2019 all work and some play… nuvance receives seminis awards award for the most dedicated committee member k2 appoints new key accounts and sales manager nuvance by nampo 2019 ons groet vir harry en marge bekendstelling: harry lindeque

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is presented in good faith and Nuvance (Pty) Ltd. does not accept any legal liability in terms thereof. Disease resistances referred to in this newsletter are indicative of the cultivar’s tolerance, not its resistance. Varieties listed throughout this newsletter, marked with *, indicate that the cultivar is currently undergoing trials and will thereafter be considered to be submitted for registration. The product information and descriptions in this newsletter are correct at the time of going to press. Pictures displayed in this newsletter only indicate the kind and not the actual specific variety.

ideal location for a greenhouse production facility

G

reenhouse agriculture is becoming a popular method to grow herbs and vegetables because the inside environment can be managed to fit plant needs. The greenhouse can be located on non-productive land if soilless culture is used. Moreover, plant production can be yearround and it is possible to have control over weeds, pests and diseases.

Simultaneously, energy, space, time, water and nutrients can be maximized in the greenhouse to produce high quality fruits and plants, achieving their maximum genetic potential. In order to do this, it is necessary to take into account the plant species and varieties grown (fruits, leaves, flowers, etc.), time from seed to harvest, proximity of potential customers, price fluctuations, market demand, return on investment and others.

No easy way Having the best greenhouse structures, unlimited resources and the latest equipment does not guarantee maximum plant quality and yield; however, it can be obtained through trained and experienced managers (in intensive plant production, engineering and computer control) to manage employees and address the needs of the plants at the same time.

Greenhouse agriculture is an intensive method of growing since plants grow 24/7. There is little place for failure; therefore, reliable employees are indispensable within your operation.

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news article by troy buechel

Location This is one of the most important considerations when planning to build a greenhouse for vegetable and herb production or growing them in your own facilities when the space is available. Factors to be considered are: • Light throughout the year: most plants require a specific quantity of accumulated light energy to produce growth and trigger flowering. Measured as the daily light integral (DLI), it provides the quantity of light energy accumulated per day. This is influenced by the geographical location and the time of year. The higher the quantity of light per day, the faster the plant will grow and produce fruit.

Tomatoes, for example, require about 1,000 mol.m-2 of accumulated light in order to start flowering.

• Relative humidity: a greenhouse can be cooled by adding water to dry air; therefore, it is desirable to build a greenhouse where the air during summer is dry to help with cooling and reduce foliar diseases.

• Temperature: this parameter can be controlled to reach the optimum plant growth and development.

It is desirable to have a greenhouse located in a mild climate since heating during the winter and cooling during the summer will require less energy.

• Winds: the greenhouse has to be built to withstand winds that are typical for the location; its effects can be minimized by installing physical barriers (fences) or windbreakers such as trees.

• Elevation: it has a great impact on air temperature during the year; high elevations are preferred.

• Water: the elements in the water should be within optimum ranges, including alkalinity and total dissolved salts, and free of chemical pollution.

Water supply should be sufficient to handle peak demands during hot summer days. For example, in the summer, tomatoes require 3-4 litres of water per plant per day. In addition, water can be used to cool the greenhouse. The volume of water for cooling can be as high as the water used for irrigation.

• Transportation: it is preferable to be close to paved roads or railroads because dirt roads are not smooth and cause fruits or flowers to shake, diminishing their quality. Also, close proximity to major highways will help get produce to market faster and at a lower cost.

• Market: nowadays, consumers are changing their mentality and are buying “locally grown” products because of the positive effects on the community, reduced carbon footprint from shorter transportation distances, and freshness of the products. However, there are some big vegetable greenhouse producers that expand their production facilities every year. These are two different business models that have to be considered. Other important aspects are: the window to get the maximum profit during the year, knowing the needs of customers, and the market where the product is going to be sold.

• Labour: in order to take full advantage of the greenhouse, it is necessary to produce year-round.

Workers have to work as a team seven days a week and sometimes they are expected to work overtime during the peak season. Workers have to know or learn different aspects of plant development and production.

• Utilities: electricity, natural gas (or other fuel sources for heat) and phone service have to be easily accessible. Electricity is essential as the majority of equipment runs on electricity, and natural gas, propane, heating oil, etc. are used as a heating source. Heating fuel choices will allow you to determine which fuel is the most economical to use.

• Topography: it is more difficult to work in a greenhouse with slopes because the workers get tired more easily, bigger pumps may be required to move irrigation water uphill, plants can get uneven volumes of water and there can be spots where leached irrigation water can accumulate on greenhouse floors. Moreover, it is best to build on soil that has a good drainage capacity so water can quickly leach away.

• Future expansion: successful greenhouse companies like to expand their facilities by adding on greenhouse space. Therefore, look for a location where future expansion is possible. It is easier and cheaper to add another greenhouse than to build a new one in a new location. For example, some equipment and labour can be shared within newly expanded greenhouse ranges if they are connected. However, a second location may require investment in duplicate equipment and labour.

So, whether you choose to start a greenhouse operation or decide to grow vegetables and herbs in an existing one, the location is important.

Once the location has been decided upon, the next step is to lay out and design the greenhouse. In the next issue, we will discuss the factors that go into building a greenhouse production facility.

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nisboere besoek nuvance

nuus article by dr quintin muhl

Nisboere word weekliks om 20:30 op DStv-kanaal 147 (VIA) uitgesaai.

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n Maart 2019 het die Nisboere kameraspan besoek afgelê aan die Nuvance proefplaas buite Bapsfontein om kykers ’n blik agter die skerms te gee van waarmee die groente navorsingspan hier besig is. Aanbieder en hoof van plantvoeding by Laeveld Agrochem, Phillip Venter is tydens sy besoek aan Nuvance beide die oop land asook glashuis proefaanplantings gewys. Daar is aan hom verduidelik hoe ons te werk gaan om te verseker dat slegs die beste groente-genetika vir die Suid-Afrikaanse mark gekies word.

nisboerderye wat dikwels op ’n klein lappie grond en deur middel van minimale hulpbronne tot stand gebring word.

Hierdie episode is op 14 Mei 2019 as deel van seisoen 4 uitgesaai wat spesifiek gefokus het op SuidAfrika se groter kommersiële boere, hul nisspesialiteite en gepaardgaande tegnologieë, asook op verskaffers en hul bydrae tot boere se opbrengste. Nisboere is geïnspireer deur Laeveld Agrochem se toewyding tot werkskepping en voedselsekuriteit en die program fokus dus veral op

Episode vir episode dien die reeks steeds die stereotipering van die boer die nekslag toe met ’n eenvoudige boodskap: Ongeag jou agtergrond; Nisboere wys jou die pad vorentoe. Of jy 100 hektaar het, of net ’n balkon, beleggings vir Afrika of net ’n paar rand in die bank, daar is ’n geleentheid vir jou.

Soms ontdek Nisboere ook van ons land se grootste landbousuksesstories wat onlangs op ’n verbasende klein skaal begin het.

Uiteindelik is die gedagte om dit by kykers tuis te bring dat enige iemand ’n boer kan wees, en dat mens soms net ’n bietjie inspirasie en ’n nis-idee nodig het om ’n sinvolle en volhoubare bestaan te kan maak.

bakker brothers focused on african market

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akker Brothers from the Netherlands, one of the subsidiary companies in the Zaad group (of which Nuvance is also part), has been focused since 2010 to align their breeding programs with the focus markets of Africa, Middle East and Central Europe and Asia. They have three recognized brands in the market of which Bakker Brothers is available thought Nuvance. Marketing takes place mainly through distributors, several of which have been doing business with Bakker Brothers for many decades since its inception 90 years ago. A truly unique accomplishment in an era of multinational seed companies.

The benefit to Nuvance is that they have direct access to the latest genetics from their Dutch “sister company”.

The breeding programs focus on key crops such as tomatoes, onions (short, medium and intermediate days), carrots and green beans for the fresh and processing markets as well as sweet peppers done in conjunction with other research groups. Products that also form part of the portfolio but not necessarily for South Africa are chillies and eggplant which are bred mainly for the Middle East and North African markets.

Initially, the work from Holland was complimented with strong support in Amman, where Bakker Brothers also has a research unit. About two years ago, a similar research unit was established in Arusha, Tanzania to be closer to the focus area. The near-continuous growing seasons and high disease pressure in Tanzania together with

the country’s agricultural policies make it the ideal location to trial African-developed genetics.

Bakker Brothers also facilitates a project aimed at demonstrating the benefits of improved genetics to local farming communities. The Best Agricultural Practices (BAP) is focused on further empowering leading farmers so that they can truly exploit the benefits of focused genetics, the majority of which will be developed locally. The project consists of theoretical training sessions followed by a practical session at the research unit in Usa River, Arusha. Here, farmers are challenged to apply the newly acquired knowledge on their own farms. These open days are offered in conjunction with agriculturalists from associate companies.

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news article by gerrie reitsma

This is a unique recipe with the added support of well-known and experienced seed specialists from mainly South Africa such as Dr Piet Grobler (formerly at Hygrotech), Leon Grundling, (previously from Woolworths), who in addition to his seed background also gives guidance on value adding as well as Gerrie Reitsma (who until recently managed the South and East Africa business of Bakker Brothers). In future he will be responsible for product and technical support in Sub-Sahara Africa for Bakker Brothers. The BAP program as well as the development and management of the Usa River site is done in close collaboration with local agricultural specialists.

‘Bakker Brothers also facilitates a project aimed at demonstrating the benefits of improved genetics to local farming communities’ From the accompanying photos taken during previous open day training sessions the professionalism of the experts is evident. Such events will be more frequent in the future and will focus mainly on East and Southern African markets. Truly an investment with vision for Africa from Africa!

production guideline for pole beans: seychelles

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ole beans can be grown both indoor and outdoor. Due to its high quality however, most Seychelles plantings are indoor.

You will find that the wider your spacing between the rows is the higher you can trellis the beans. If the between row spacing is too low then you might pick up slight problems with the bottom fruit with regards to set (flower drop). Too set fruit, beans need to have enough light on the flower trusses. Seychelles is a variety that supplies a truss of 6 flowers all of the same size and shape, if it gets enough light. This is essential for higher yield and uniform picking size.

Climate Pole beans can be grown under protection in tunnels or green houses. They can also be grown successfully in open fields during the warmer months or all year round in the tropics. The optimum temperatures are 22 - 27°C air temperature. The soil temperature should be high for the seed to germinate well.

Between 18 - 20°C is optimum for the soil.

Planting The bean seed can be either planted directly by hand or by machine or in seed trays that can be transplanted as soon as the first two leaves are formed. Sow the seed in rows from North to South if possible. The spacing in the row should be 20cm.

Plant the seed about 2 - 2.5cm deep, cover with soil and compact properly for good germination. Seed should emerge at about 7 days after planting if the soil is warm enough. What is important is that they are all planted at the same depth in damp soil and only watered once before they germinate. They should not be watered while they are germinating.

Trellising All pole beans are indeterminate and need something to attach to, to grow into a mature fruit bearing plant. Therefore, it is essential to trellis them. To trellis them you can either hang a plastic net down from a wire and let them vine up along the net or let them climb up 1 - 2 strings per plant. You can use the plastic netting that is sometimes used to wrap goods on pallets. Try to go up to at least 3.5 meters. Depending on the structure you are planting in.

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research Spacing Outdoor: Sow two rows per bed, 50cm between the two rows and 1.5 meters between the beds. Spacing in the row should be about 20 - 30cm.

Indoor: Only 1 row per bed.

Solution A/1000 liters Calsium nitrate

70kg

Potassium nitrate

7kg

Ammonium nitrate

7kg

Iron chelate (6%)

930g

or 3%

1860g

Watering Do not overwater. It is important to let the plants develop at least 2 leaves before watering and after this to water them only once a day or once every 2 days.

If the plants grow to vigorously the EC should be lowered (and some leaves removed). Too much growth and shadows will lead to flower drop (less light).

Beans form nodules that in cooperation with Rhizobium bacteria can fixate nitrogen. This will only happen in soil or medium that has been seeded with bacteria. This process only starts after a while so it is important to feed the plants with nitrogen (N) in the beginning of the growth cycle.

Insects Be on the lookout for white fly, spider mites and aphids. Spray insecticides that are available according to identification of the type of insect and registration guidelines for the remedy.

Fertilization Start with an EC of 1.5 mS/cm and increase gradually till flowering to 3mS/cm (pH of the water 5.5 - 5.7).

Lower the EC to 2 when flowering starts. Beans are sensitive to salt and chlorides should be used only when really necessary. You can use the following two standard solutions. It should work well for the beans in artificial media.

Solution B/1000 liters Potassium nitrate

35.9kg

MKP (Mono Potassium Phosphate)

17kg

Magnesium nitrate

5 kg

Magnesium Suphate

27.7 kg

Manganese Sulphate*

170g

Zinc Sulphate *

115g

Borax

190g

Copper Sulphate*

12g

Sodium Molybdate *

12g

* Micro elements can also be applied as chelates

Fungus Botrytis (Grey coloured mould on stems leaves and fruit) and Sclerotinia (thick wooly mould on fruit and leaves) are problems. Botrytis: Do not produce under too humid conditions. Pick some leaves to increase airflow. Remove wilting parts immediately. Spray Ronilan or other systemic fungicides. Use same fungicide for Sclerotinia and make sure planting substrate is clean.

Harvesting During the first five months, pole beans can be picked five times per 14-day cycle. This prevents the pods from becoming to mature and stringy.

Do not pick under too moist conditions early in the morning because this might create cell burst and brown flecking the next day. Keep beans at 6°C with RH of 90% after picking. Do not handle too roughly.

Flower drop This can be a problem if the plants are spaced to close or grow to vegetative due to over fertilization. Balance growth with EC or N control and leaf pruning (this is not recommended, only when absolutely necessary). Yield can be up to 200kg/ha if the plants are kept healthy over a long period. Production yields of 3 - 5 kg/m² can be achieved over a period of 5 - 6 months.

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cropalyser - the app to analyse your crop

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ejo’s Cropalyser is a practical tool to easily identify major pests, diseases and disorders in vegetable crops including peppers, tomatoes, leeks, celeriac and chicory. The App provides information about the health and growth of your crop.

The search function “Cropalyse” is a handy tool which guides you by means of answering questions about irregularities, analysing growth developments and recognizing symptoms. Cropalyser also contains advice on crop control and prevention of pests and diseases.

With the Cropalyser, the grower has functional crop information at hand, available offline and online. During several growth stages you can search by means of symptoms, pictures and questions as to which disease or pest is hindering the development of your crop.

Bejo has developed the Cropalyser as a service for customers and other contacts. Also in the area of analysing and recognizing pests and diseases in crops, Bejo is sharing knowledge and experience with their partners in the vegetable chain.

Download Cropalyser for iPhone and Android

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exploring natural resistance in vegetable crops never stops

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he most sustainable way to prevent diseases and pests in vegetable cultivation is to develop varieties that are resistant. Developing a new variety used to take more than twenty years, but thanks to new technologies, such as tissue culture, marker technology and bioinformatics, we can reduce that period to just four to eight years.

Natural resistance

All around the world, vegetable growers provide healthy and tasty products that meet the requirements of the consumer. These professionals are used to working with the possibilities and challenges that nature offers them.

Bejo has already developed varieties using these techniques, such as red cabbage, pak choi, Chinese cabbage, white cabbage and cauliflower, that are resistant to certain strains of clubroot.

An important part of their work is to prevent diseases and pests. Sometimes a pesticide is necessary to keep a crop healthy, but growers prefer to use chemicals as little as possible. Treatment often demands energy from the plant and involves costs. Moreover, there are diseases and pests for which no pesticides are available at all, like clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), a soil-borne pathogen that can cause serious damage to brassicas, such as cabbage crops.

Nature often provides the solution. Some plants have a natural resistance to fungal or bacterial infections and some can even defend themselves against pests.

From these useful, inherited characteristics, breeders can make a selection and develop varieties that have acquired these resistance characteristics.

Traditional breeding is a process of selecting plants with the desired characteristics and cross-breeding them over many generations. It generally takes approximately twenty years before a new variety is ready to be introduced to the market using this classic method. Modern breeding companies can do this much faster thanks to ‘life sciences’, such as tissue culture, the use of DNA markers and bioinformatics, resulting in a reduced time frame of just four to eight years – depending on the variety.

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research DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANT VEGETABLE VARIETIES

Modern technology provides additional possibilities.

Resistance breeding starts with a disease test. We exppose the plants to an infection and continue with the plants that stay healthy.

Once we have resistant material, this is followed by a process of many generations of selecting, pollinating and extracting seed, until we have uniform lines with the right properties. Without the use of modern technologies, this process can take 10 to 15 years.

Start in the field How does this work in practice? Bejo begins in the field where their representatives visit vegetable growers on a daily basis. They are the first to notice an outbreak of a specific plant disease, e.g. a fungus, in a region. If a structural cultivation problem arises, this could be an opportunity for Bejo to start a disease resistance breeding programme.

Isolating pathogens It is important when breeding for resistance to know the pathogen and the variant concerned. For example, of the previously mentioned clubroot there are at least nine known strains. These variants are often specific to certain regions or climates. Breeding for resistance starts by identifying the cause, and Bejo’s researchers do that in the Phytopathology & Content Analysis department. They isolate the pathogen which is then cultured to reproduce it. This results in

a so-called isolate which is then used to carry out a ‘disease test’. In other words: they infect a population of plants. Any plants that remain healthy are selected by the breeders as the basis for a resistant variety.

Marker technology and bioinformatics In modern breeding, plant DNA is also researched.

Breeders are mainly interested in pieces of DNA that are typical of a certain characteristic, the so-called DNA markers. As soon as Bejo’s Marker Technology & Genomics department is aware of the marker for the relevant resistance, a disease test is no longer required.

This means they can select much faster, gaining a year in the process. Researchers only need a few plant cells to produce a DNA profile in order to determine whether a plant has the desired characteristics. This can be carried out when the plant is still very small, which also saves a lot of time.

Thanks to so-called bioinformatics, breeders can research multiple resistances simultaneously. They use selective marker tests to analyse a population of plants for resistance and then conduct further research on the strongest. The DNA tests also enable the ‘stacking’ of resistances, or breeding for resistance to three different disease pathogens at the same time, for example. By using automation and robotization, researchers can process samples in large quantities and analyse complex connections.

to start all over again. It’s an arms race.

Furthermore, every area in the world requires different resistances. A white cabbage in early spring, for example, can perform well in Eastern Europe, while the same variety in the sub-tropical climate of South Africa is sensitive to the Xanthomonas bacteria.

DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANT VEGETABLE VARIETIES

Tissue culture and embryo rescue In order to have the next generation of plants in a short period of time, Bejo uses tissue culture and embryo rescue in their Tissue Culture & Cell Biology department. Through these techniques they can propagate a selected plant or accelerate its uniformity.

Marker Technology Once we know which gene is responsible for the disease resistance, we can test plants using DNA analysis instead of the disease test.

Moreover, they can increase the chances of success of a unique cross-bred plant by using techniques from cell biology. Old varieties or wild varieties may have interesting resistance characteristics, but sometimes they are difficult to cross with common varieties used by vegetable growers. In many cases, it appears that the fertilisation is successful, but often the seed of such a combination is not strong enough to germinate and grow into a healthy plant. Sometimes it is possible to cultivate the seed of a unique crossbred plant under laboratory conditions and the plant produced from this seed is then cross-bred with quality lines. After cross-breeding and selecting for a number of generations, a new variety can emerge with the unique characteristic of the wild variety and with seed that is capable of germinating.

Cross-Breeding Distant Relatives In our laboratory we can cross-breed distant relatives. This enables us to exploit the resistance properties of wild variants, for example.

If, after selection, it appears that a cross-bred plant has potential, it is then extensively tested: breeders want to know how such a potential new variety copes in natural circumstances. Bejo assesses this first in its own fields, often in different places around the world.

They then carry out practical tests at our customers.

Only when it has become clear in practice that a new variety has added value do they start production for the introduction of the seeds as a commercial variety.

Resistance breeding never stops The development of new vegetable varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests never stops. In the field, pathogens can adapt to resistant crops, which can eventually affect the plant. The resistance is then broken down and the breeders and researchers have

Tissue Culture Through tissue culture, we can accelerate the seeding, cultivating, pollinating, selecting and seedcultivating process.

Insects Variable conditions in cultivation and changing regulations can also have an impact on the demand for resistant varieties. A ban on a pesticide used against insects often results in a change in disease levels.

Damage caused by the cabbage fly can increase the effect of secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

The possibility of making plants resistant to insects through breeding is a new and promising development, and one which Bejo pays a lot of attention to.

Sustainable cultivation methods At Bejo they believe that our scarce natural resources deserve protection so that we can continue to harvest, not only now but also in fifty years’ time.

Therefore, the development of resistant varieties is essential. In the Research Centre in Warmenhuizen, the Netherlands, they are constantly looking for ways to further improve breeding methods. Breeders and researchers work closely together with experts at various universities and during field trials.

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advancing beyond the basics seeds | science | service

SV 1514 SK*

Messenger* • •

• • •

Strong plant Ideal for the summer months, but does also perform well during winter in the Lowveld Very good disease package with no rust marks on plants High packout rate and good tip fill Average ear length 19 - 22 cm

| www.nuvance.co.za |

• • • • • •

Very high yield potential Excellent husk cover Strong root and stalk structure Ready to harvest 81 - 85 days after planting HR: RpG; IR: Pst,MDMV/SCMV

excellence in seed health

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research

S

eminis is committed to providing growers with healthy vegetable seeds. To ensure that we offer you the best options available when it comes to seed health, we developed our SHIELD program.

SHIELD is a comprehensive care program that unites seed sanitation, seed health testing and field inspection in a way that provides you with optimum seed health. SHIELD stands for:

Seed Health Innovation and Excellence through Leadership and Discipline SHIELD is committed to providing growers with healthy vegetables through: • Assurance that our customers are purchasing clean and high-quality seeds.

• Collaboration with national and international industry seed health groups to keep the worldwide seed supply healthy and robust for growers.

• Accessibility to information, technology, and seed health education and training to support growers’ knowledge of seed health standards, testing and field management.

• Plant pathology to ensure seeds are protected from both existing and newly developing diseases.

• Testing and tracking for seed-borne diseases to maintain healthy seeds.

• Technology, which is the foundation for promptly resolving seed health problems and for supplying clean seeds.

• Every Seminis customer can count on the added assurance provided by the SHIELD program with every unit of seed purchased.

• For more information on seed health and the SHIELD program, contact one of our global SHIELD Team members.

Seed Care Seeds are living organisms and improper handling or storage can greatly reduce their performance.

Seminis recommends that all seed, excluding primed and post primed seeds, should be used within two years of purchase and the following information should help ensure maximum shelf life potential: Seed temperature High temperatures and humidity may reduce seed vigour and germination. Therefore, seed should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and in closed containers. Seminis packs its seed at industry-recommended moisture percentages.

Containers must be kept closed to prevent humidity from damaging the seeds.

We recommend storing untreated seed, and seed treated with fungicide at 15°C. Seed that is either primed or treated with insecticide should be stored between 5°C-8°C. Generally, every 5°C decrease of storage temperature doubles the average shelf life of the seed.

Seed shipping When seed is shipped, it needs the same temperature conditions it requires when in storage. It should not be stored near a heat source or in direct sun. When on board a ship, seed should be stored below the deck and away from boilers and other sources of heat. While loading and unloading, avoid placing the seed in direct sunlight or in hot or humid places.

Seed handling Seed can be damaged by rough handling. Seeds have a hard, but fragile coating protecting the living organism within. Corn, pea and bean seed are especially susceptible to damage from rough handling. Bags of these seeds should not be thrown or dropped because the seed coats and embryos can crack, resulting in a seed that won’t develop properly.

Germination tests We recommend that each seed lot have a germination test every six months (every three months for primed seed). The germination test should be conducted by a laboratory test under ISTA or other nationally or internationally recognised rules. Germination results from field tests may vary from laboratory results and should not be used for labelling.

Seed Information The following list provides additional information about common concepts associated with care and storage of vegetable seed: Primed seed Some seed is primed, a process that brings the seed close to the point of germination. Priming the seed may help the seed grow, especially under stressful conditions. Because the priming process reduces the shelf life of seeds, primed seed should be planted in the same year it is primed.

Seminis recommends primed seed be stored between 1° – 5°C. It should also have a germination test every three months.

Post priming technology Post Priming Treatment is the latest innovation from Seminis. It’s a seed enhancement technology that extends the life of a farmer’s primed seed for months, not weeks. Not only will it improve seed longevity, Post Priming Technology also increases the potential for the seedlings to emerge faster, more uniformly and better equipped to withstand the stresses of a wider range of environmental conditions.

Seminis Post Priming treatment is available for tomatoes, peppers, onions and cucurbits.

Pelleting Seminis offers coating applications essential for optimum performance. Seminis pelleting is available on Seminis lettuce, onion, tomato and carrot seeds.

The powders used in our pelleting process combined with our advanced genetics, produce optimal performance in both harsh and normal climate conditions.

'Seminis designed the shield program to ensure seed health through meaningful innovation'

Seed Sanitation

Health Testing

Field inspection

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research Seed Health Technology at Seminis® Seed health testing is focused on seed-borne and seed-transmitted diseases. Like diseases in humans and animals, diseases in seeds are caused by microorganisms. In the case of seeds, the microorganisms are present on or inside the seeds.

Why do we test our seeds?

We test almost every single lot of seeds for critical pathogens because if the diseases go undetected, they pose a very severe risk to our growers’ economic returns.

What do we use to test our seed?

The technology we use ranges from traditional pathology, microbiology and plant biology, to highly sophisticated, advanced technology including molecular assays and whole genome sequencing that allows us to detect the presence of a disease and the threat associated with it.

What do we test for?

We test for a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi and even some nematodes.

We produce 20+ different crops and for each, there is a different set of pathogens we look at.

Plant diseases aren’t static.

There are common diseases as well as emerging diseases for any given crop. This is why it’s important for us to test those common diseases and, when there’s a new emergence, notify industry associations and academic societies of which we are members. Active collaboration across the industry enables us to design the best way to test and manage these threats.

1

How do we test our seed?

Our typical workflow starts with a test plan. The test plan uses scientific methods to detect the key seed-borne and seed-transmitted pathogens. Each crop only has a small number of high-risk pathogens and the tests are designed to target those pathogens specifically.

2

Our R&D team then develops the testing method using literature reviews, external collaborators, academia or other industry experts to seek out a reliable testing method.

3

When the product is harvested, the seed is processed and samples are pulled and sent to the seed health testing lab.

4

The lab results are posted, which show the presence or absence of pathogens.

Only the seeds that pass our seed health test plans are delivered to our growers.

Which experts do we collaborate with?

Only the seeds that pass our seed health test plans are delivered to our growers.

We are participating members of industry associations and academic societies such as: • The International Seed Health Initiative for Vegetable Crops • The International Seed Testing Association • The American Phytopathological Society

We are committed to seed health testing.

The well-established systems and testing capacity for Seminis® seed around the globe make us a seed health leader in the industry. We have testing Centers of Excellence in California and Netherlands, with additional test capabilities in India, China and Thailand. We’re also actively committing a significant amount of money to researching and developing new test methods and then publishing those methods. This helps give growers, as well as other in the industry the benefit of managing these diseases with confidence in a more cost-effective way.

seminis tomato SV4129TH* making its mark

A

mongst the numerous vegetable varieties on offer by Nuvance, a significant segment of our product portfolio are the tomato varieties from Seminis. With an assortment of indeterminate varieties such as SV6112TH*, SV3725TH, SV7846TH and SV4129TH*, Nuvance has a tomato variety best suited for different areas, production methods and target markets based on the grower’s preferences. In consultation with Nuvance, the correct variety is identified for each grower to ensure the highest returns with minimal input costs.

One such partnership was with a small-scale grower just outside Bathurst in the Eastern Cape. The grower, Mr Samuel Chitura was looking for a tomato variety that could consistently produce similarly sized fruit throughout its production cycle for the retail market. He also wanted a variety that could withstand the harsh elements, has a good disease package whilst being vigorous enough to grow with minimal fertiliser application. Based thereon, the variety SV4129TH* was recommended to best fulfil his wishes.

SV4129TH* during one of the initial harvests

This specific Seminis variety (SV4129TH*) is an indeterminate tomato which reliably produces a 120-160g fruit. It is early maturing, thus during the summer months growers can expect to start harvesting the first fruit in a mere 60 days after transplant. Its comprehensive disease package includes high resistance against, Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Leaf mould (Ff), Fusarium wilt (Fol), Fusarium crown and root rot (For), Verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum (Va) and Verticillium dahlia (Vd)) and intermediate resistance against Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV).

Mr Chitura, transplanted the seedlings directly into the soil inside his plastic tunnels with only minimal soil preparation and no basal fertiliser due to a strict planting deadline. Fertilizer was applied post-planting by hand after the seedlings had been well-watered. Irrigation was applied via drippers onto a double ridge. Once the seedlings were established after two days of monitoring and frequent irrigation, watering was withheld for the subsequent 10 days. Then a basal cup (30 g) of 2:3:4 was applied in a small shallow hole roughly 50 mm from each plant. The standard irrigation schedule was followed, with one heavy watering per day at/or after 11:00 am.

Stems of SV4129TH* after numerous harvests

20

products article by howard champ

In an attempt to reduce cost, crop scouting was at the order of the day as Mr Chitura opted not to spray on a preventative basis but rather react on a curative basis. Regular scouting proved to be very effective and allowed Mr Chitura to reduce the spaying instances to less than 10 days on average. When he did however spray, he used a mixture of Chlorothalonil and Pegasus.

SV4129TH* received a daily mix of the following: Potassium Nitrate

Mono Ammonium Phosphate

0.26g/plant

0.08g/plant

Sulphate of Potash

Calcium Nitrate

0.04g/plant

0.4g/plant

At 32 weeks, each plant received 650ml twice per day, effectively delivering 1300ml/day/plant on weak sandy-clay-loam soils. Plant were trellised to a height of 2.5m and then de-leaved up to the 5th truss from the bottom. After approximately 26 weeks the main stems were dropped to allow further aerial growth and truss production. To date, the average plant produced 13 trusses whilst being remarkably healthy and showing no signs of slowing down. Mr Chitura was confident that he would be able to extend the production period of the SV4129TH* to at least 40 weeks after transplant. An outstanding result, even more so, given the suboptimal growing conditions. For the last months, the average fruit size was ±130g, with very little variation. It is important to note that fruit are being picked slightly early to avoid theft temptation, if left a little longer however, the fruit could easily reach ±150g.

From these images, it becomes evident how resilient and productive SV4129TH* can be. This is a great measure of the Seminis tomato varieties and what they have to offer grower across South Africa. Please visit www.seminis.co.za for more information on all the available varieties and contact your nearest Nuvance sales office/representative to get the best suited Seminis tomato variety for your area.

advancing beyond the basics seeds | science | service

SV 3725 TH • • • •

Excellent fruit quality High yield potential Good shelf life Suitable for fresh market

SV 7846 TH •

•

•

Suitable for undercover production Good tolerance of TYLCV and Powdery Mildew Suited for year round production

SV 6112 TH* • •

• •

Indeterminate tomato Suitable for open field and undercover production Excellent maturity and fruit quality Good disease package

SV 4129 TH* •

• •

Well suited for undercover and open-field production Vigorous plant growth and a high fruit set Good fruit size with very good quality

| www.nuvance.co.za |

22

jou nommer een tamatie keuse vir die wes-kaap

A

s dit kom by oopland tamatie produksie in die Wes-Kaap is SV6112TH* tans die nommer een keuse. SV6112TH* is `n onbeperkte groeier wat tot twee weke vroeër in produksie is as enige ander kompeterende variëteit. Nie net behou SV6112TH* sy vruggrootte tot by sy laaste trosse nie, maar lewer hy steeds vrugte van uitstekende kwaliteit en fermheid.

Hoë weerstand teen: • • • • •

Wat SV6112TH* verder gewild maak onder boere is sy uitstekende siektepakket.

ToMV: Tomato Mosaic Virus TSWV: Tomato Spotted Wilt Fol: Fusarium Wilt Va: Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium albo - atrum) Vd: Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium dahlia)

Intermediêre weerstand teen: •

SV6112TH* word reeds geplant vanaf Robertson tot by Vredendal/ Lutzville en Vioolsdrift / Noordoewer.

artikel deur richard hansen

• • •

TYLCV: Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Ma: Root Rot Nematodes (Meloidogyne arenaria) Mi: Root Rot Nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) Mj: Root Rot Nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica)

produkte

menzania - belowende groot kopkool vir die somer

24

produkte artikel deur anina meyer

O

p Nuvance se proefplaas buite George is daar gedurende die afgelope somer op ’n maandelikse basis kopkoolproewe geplant. Uit hierdie aanplantings het Menzania duidelik gewys dat dit ’n ideale kopkool vir die smousmark/bakkiemark is, met sy groot (4 - 5kg) kompakte koppe gedurende die warmer somer maande, met ’n gemiddelde groeiperiode van 90 – 95 dae.

Hier teenoor het Menzania egter gedurende die kouer wintermaande nogsteeds relatief groot koppe (gemiddelde gewig van 3.6kg) gelewer, alhoewel die koppe nie so kompak is as vir dieselfde groeiperiode in die warmer maande nie.

1

Voortspruitend uit hierdie resultate kan Menzania met groot gemoedsrus aanbeveel word vir lente/ somer en herfs aanplantings. Sou jy Menzania egter gedeurende die kouer wintermaande wil plant moet jy bereid wees om die groeiperiode met ten minste 3-4 weke te verleng.

Menzania word met groot sukses so wyd as Abberdeen in die Karoo tot en met George en Hebertsdale in die Suid-Kaap geplant.

2

3

1. Louis Slabbert - Abberdeen | 2. Aanplanting: Desember | 3. Aanplanting: November Teenoorstaande bladsy: Orgie Terblanche - Herbstdale

nuvance vegetable sowing guide AREA* CROP 1

2

3

4

5

6

Bean (Dwarf)

Aug - Jan

Aug - Feb

Feb - Sep

Sep - Jan

Aug - Jan

Oct - Jan

Sep - Jan

Bean (Runner)

Aug - Dec

Aug - Dec

Feb - Aug

Sep - Dec

Aug - Dec

Oct - Dec

Sep - Dec

Beetroot

Aug - Mar

Aug - Apr

Feb - Jul

Feb - Mar

Aug - Apr

Jul - Feb

Jan - Dec

Eggplant

Aug - Oct

Aug - Nov

Jan - Sep

Aug - Oct

Aug - Oct

Aug - Oct

Aug - Nov

Broccoli

Dec - Feb

Dec - Feb

Mar - Apr

Dec - Feb

Dec - Mar

Dec - Mar

Dec - Mar

Butternut

Sep - Nov

Aug - Jan

Feb - Aug

Aug - Nov

Sep - Nov

Sep - Dec

Aug - Jan

Cabbage

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Oct - Nov Jan - Mar Dec - Feb Sep - Oct

Jan - Mar Sep - Oct

Feb - Aug

Jan - Mar Aug - Oct

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Dec - Feb

Feb - Mar

Dec - Feb

Dec - Mar

Dec - Mar

Dec - Mar

Cucumber

Sep - Dec

Aug - Jan

Feb - Sep

Sep - Dec

Sep - Dec

Sep - Jan

Sep - Jan

Lettuce

Jan - Mar Aug - Dec

Jan - Sep

Mar - May

Jan - Mar Aug - Sep

Jan - Mar Aug - Sep

Jan - Dec

Jan - Dec

Melon

Oct - Nov

Aug - Dec

Jan - Sep

Sep - Nov

Sep - Oct

Sep - Nov

Sep - Dec

Onion

Feb - Mar

Feb - Mar

Mar - Apr

Mar - Jul

Feb - Mar

Mar - May

Apr - May

Parsley

Feb - Apr Sep - Oct

Aug - Oct Mar - Apr

Feb - May Jun - Sep

Feb - Mar Aug - Sep

Aug - Sep Dec - Jan

Aug - Feb

Mar - Nov

Pea

Jul

Mar - May

May - Jun

May - Jun

Apr - Jun

Apr - Jun

Mar - Jul

Pepper (Hot/Sweet)

Aug - Oct

Aug - Oct

Jan - Apr

Aug - Nov

Sep - Oct

Aug - Oct

Sep - Nov

Pumpkin

Oct - Nov

Aug - Dec

Feb - Aug

Sep - Dec

Sep - Dec

Sep - Nov

Sep - Nov

Swiss Chard

Aug - Oct Jan - Mar

Jul - Oct Jan - Apr

Feb - Aug

Jan - Mar Jul - Oct

Jan - Mar Aug - Oct

Jan - Mar Jan - Mar

Mar - Apr Aug - Sep

Squash

Sep - Nov

Aug - Jan

Feb - Aug

Aug - Nov

Sep - Nov

Sep - Dec

Aug - Jan

Sweetcorn

Sep - Dec

Aug - Jan

Mar - Oct

Aug - Nov

Sep - Nov

Sep - Dec

Sep - Jan

Tomato

Sep - Nov

Aug - Dec

Jan - Jul

Aug - Nov

Aug - Nov

Aug - Oct

Aug - Dec

Watermelon

Sep - Nov

Aug - Sep

Jul - Aug

Sep - Oct

Sep - Oct

Sep - Oct

Sep - Nov

Carrot Cauliflower

7

01

GAUTENG

02

FREE STATE

03

LIMPOPO

05

KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS

06

EASTERN CAPE & LITTLE KAROO

07

WESTERN CAPE & SOUTH COAST

26

SEED / g 8

PLANTS PER HECTARE

SOW DEPTH (mm)

DISTANCE IN ROW (cm)

BETWEEN ROWS (cm)

SOIL TEMPERATURE FOR GERMINATION MINIMUM °C OPTIMUM °C

Sep - Nov

4-6

60 - 80 kg

40

7

50

16

16 - 29

Feb - Aug

4-6

50 kg

40

10

100

16

16 - 29

Feb - Jul

50 - 60

170 000 - 350 000

20

7

20

4

10 - 29

Jan - Sep

230 - 250

10 000 - 16 000

20

50

75

16

24 - 32

Mar - Apr

280 - 330

30 000 - 36 000

10

45

60

4

7 - 30

Feb - Aug

8 - 10

10 000 - 18 000

20

50

100

16

21 - 35

Jan - Dec

280 - 350

25 000 - 30 000

10

45

60

4

18 - 35

Feb - Aug

800 - 1100

1 200 000 - 2 500 000

20

3-5

20

4

7 - 29

Feb - Mar

280 - 350

20 000 - 35 000

10

45

70

4

7-30

Feb - Sep

30 - 50

2 - 2.2 plants/m2

20

40

130

16

16 - 35

Mar - May

800 - 1000

55 000 - 75 000

20

25

40

2

4 - 27

Jan - Aug

30 - 40

12 000 - 13 000

20

25

150

16

24 - 35

Feb - Mar

250 - 280

700 000 - 850 000

10

8

20

2

10 - 35

Mar - May Aug - Sep

550 - 800

300 000 - 450 000

20

10

30

4

10 - 29

Apr - Jun

4-8

70 - 90 kg

30 - 70

7

60

4

4 - 24

Jan - Apr

120 - 150

25 000 - 35 000

20

50

80

16

18 - 35

Feb - Aug

3-5

6 000 - 8 000

20

70

250

16

21 - 32

Feb - Aug

50 - 60

7 kg

20

20

60

4

10-29

Feb - Aug

8 - 10

15 000 - 18 000

20

50

50 - 75

16

21 - 35

Jan - Dec

7 - 11

55 000 - 65 000

25

25

75

5

20 - 30

Jan - Jul

350 - 400

10 000 - 14 000

20

45

120

10

16 - 35

Jul - Aug

10 - 25

5 000 - 6 000

50

100

175

16

21 - 35

04

NORTHEN CAPE & GREAT KAROO

08

KWAZULU-NATAL, LOWVELD & COAST

Technical variety information provided in this document is applicable to climatic conditions in RSA. Nuvance (Pty) Ltd supply quality seed within the tolerances laid down by the Law in South Africa. The full text of the company's conditions of sale will be supplied on request.

success is in the detail seeds | science | service

• • •

Capture

Green Sunrise

A medium sized cabbage Good heat and black rot tolerance Average head mass between 3 to 5 kg

• • • •

Dark blue-green Uniform cabbage Good standability Medium tolerance of black rot

Pandion •

•

•

Baby cabbage suitable for year round production Ideal for the fresh and prepacked markets Ready to harvest 60 days after planting

Omero* • • •

Red baby cabbage Suitable for the fresh and pre-pack markets Average head mass of 0.5 – 1 kg

| www.nuvance.co.za |

28

make the right choice, choose menzania

article by rajen raycoomher

J

ust like Hoek Seedlings in Pongola, more and more seedling nurseries and growers are choosing the popular cabbage variety Menzania due to its excellent characteristics.

This variety has a very strong frame whilst the first wrapper leaves are high above the ground, this allows for excellent drainage of excess water. It also offers good uniformity with an excellent cut rate.

Menzania is a round semi flattened head type cabbage. It has large strong wrapper leaves with good uniformity and high quality. It’s leaf colour is medium to dark green with very compact leaves.

Planting times are mainly during summer going into winter. It takes approximately 90 - 100 days in the warmer areas and 110 - 130 days in cooler areas. The average head mass is 3.5 - 6kg. Menzania makes a perfect bagging cabbage as well as for the loose head hawker market.

Jeanie Welken of Hoek Seedlings with a table of Menzania seedlings

products

bettollo - dié variëteit vir die winter

M

et die winter wat op hande is, is daar steeds ’n groot aanvraag vir beet op die plaaslike markte.

En met die laaste paar jaar se proefaanplantings wat gedurende die winter gedoen is, het daar een variëteit uitgestaan wat die koue kon trotseer en nogsteeds ’n kwaliteit bol gelewer het.

Bettollo is een van Bejo se variëteite wat goed geskik is vir winter-aanplantings. Die variëteit het ’n uiters sterk kieming en danksy ’n dik waslaag op die blare kan hy koue goed hanteer terwyl die blare groen bly.

Mnr Drias van Rensburg plant al vir die afgelope vier jaar beet en het laas jaar besluit om Bettollo te plant omdat die blare reg deur die winter groen bly wat noodsaaklik is vir goeie bolvorming.

Wat die variëteit verder uniek maak is dat hy ook in die somer verbou kan word vir die vars bossie-mark a.g.v sy ongelooflike blaar struktuur en groen loof.

Mnr van Rensburg plant dus ook Bettollo in die somer en wat vir hom opvallend was is die groeikragtigheid van die plantjies en dat hy minder “damping off” gekry het op Bettollo as op die ander variëteite.

Bettollo kan vannaf middel Maart tot einde Julie geplant word.

30

produkte artikel deur olav lange

Saai digtheid • Somer: 500 000 - 520 000 sade/ha • Winter: 430 000 - 450 000 sade/ha

Kunsmis behoefte Beet se algemene behoeftes is soos volg: • 300-400kg/ha kalksteen, ammo­nium nitraat of ammonium sulfaat wat in 3 toedienings opgedeel kan word gedurende die groei seisoen.

• 150kg/ha stikstof wat met plant toegedien word en die res as die plantjies ongeveer 10 - 15cm hoog is.

Tussen 500-600kg/ha super­ fosfaat en 200-300kg kalium chloried kan net voor plant toegedien word. Alternatiewelik kan ’n mengsel van 2:3:2(22) teen 1000 - 1200kg/ha toegedien word.

Let wel, dat hierdie slegs ’n basiese riglyn vir die kunsmis behoeftes is en dat dit altyd beter is om ’n grond analiese te laat doen om die spesefieke behoeftes beter uiteen te sit vir optimale opbrengs en kwaliteit.

Wees ook versigtig vir te veel growwe organiese material soos kompos en/of kraalmis wat die groei van sywortels kan bevorder en die finale produk baie onaantreklik kan laat lyk.

SV9054YG* is uitvoergehalte artikel deur heigers campher

T

op produsente maak gewoonlik staat op top produkte veral as dit vir die uitvoer mark bedoel is. Om deesdae kompeterend op die europese groentemark te kan handel dryf, beteken goeie beplanning, bestuur en natuurlik goeie produk, iets waarvoor Mardi boerdery in Limpopo reeds bekend staan.

‘Maak SV9054YG* ook deel van jou sukses resep’ Vir hierdie veeleisende mark maak Mardi boerdery staat op Nuvance en sy SV9054YG* skorsie, een van Seminis se vele top produkte. Wat SV9054YG* laat uit staan bo ander variëteite, is sy goeie vrug-kwaliteit en diep donker kleur, boonop is SV9054YG* ook die vinnigste skorsie variëteit tans op die mark wat plant tot oes aanbetref (28 – 35 dae). Maak dus SV9054YG* ook deel van jou sukses resep.

Links: Marlize Venter Regs: Annalies Oosthuizen

32

produkte

salvador* staan uit artikel deur olav lange

D

ie afgelope paar jaar is daar menigte nuwe stamboontjie variëteite van Bakker Brothers deur Nuvance in Suid Afrika getoets. Na ’n finale rondte van seleksie proewe, is Nuvance trots om aan te kondig dat die eerste variëteit nou reeds semikommersieël aangeplant word.

‘Salvador*, staan kop en skouers bo sy mededingers uit’ Salvador*

Dié nuwe variëteit genaamd Salvador*, staan kop en skouers bo sy mededingers uit i.t.v opbrengs, gelhou vermoë en algehele kwaliteit.

Salvador* is na 65 dae reeds oesgereed en lewer ’n donker groen boontjie met ’n gemiddelde lengte van ±14cm waarvan 80% se dikte tussen 0.9cm en 1.05cm is en 20% tussen 0.8cm en 0.9cm.

Salavdor* beskik ook oor die volgende siektepakket:

Standaard

• BCMV - Bean Common Mosaic Virus (High Resistance) • CI - Anthracnose (High Resistance) • PsP - Halo Blight (Intermediêre Resistance)

long-time lowveld favourite: revelation

R

evelation does not need any introduction especially amongst sweet pepper growers in the Lowveld. Revelation is well known for its superior fruit quality, excellent yield, good uniformity and strong disease package. It has also been a long standing favourite amoungst supermarkets because of its long shelf life thanks to the firm, thick walled fruit. The firm blocky fruit turn from dark green to red which are further easily packed thanks to their average fruit size of 10x10cm.

The above average yields can be attributed to its early maturity and extended harvesting period (in some instances up and till late December) as well as its ability to produce decent yields throughout the colder months. Although Revelation is mostly planted in

the open field, it has also been cultivated in net-houses with great success.

From a growers perspective, one of the most important features is the disease package which includes, HR (high resistance) to Xcv 1-3; PepMov, PVY 0; Tm P0 and IR (intermediate resistance) to TEV. Even though Revelation has been the variety of choice for many sweet pepper growers in the Lowveld for numerous years now, its excellent all-round characteristics will see it maintain this spot in the Lowveld and across South Africa for some time to come.

article by jacques louw

34

success is in the detail seeds | science | service

SV 6131 PB* • •

• • • •

Suitable for open field production Excellent leaf coverage for protection against sunburn Dark green fruit colour Uniform fruit with good leaf attachment Vigorous plant Excellent disease package

| www.nuvance.co.za |

Amarelo • • • • • • •

Green to yellow at maturity Medium large fruit Excellent quality Strong upright plant Good leaf cover Suitable for open field and nethouse production Good tolerance to PVY

Revelation • • • •

Good shelf life Average fruit size of 10 x 10 cm Blocky sweet pepper Suitable for the fresh market

PS 16351609* • • •

Tolerant to Phytophthora capsici Extended harvest periods Improved marketable yield

advancing beyond the basics seeds | science | service

Bastia • •

• •

Good tolerance to Alternaria Suitable for the processing and bunching markets 105 to 155 days to maturity 22 x 4 cm

Natuna • • • •

Very uniform, cylindrical carrot Good tolerance to Alternaria High yield potential Suitable for the 1, 3 and 5 kg packaging market

Nectar •

• • • •

Excellent for 1 and 5 kg packaging market Good tolerance to Alternaria Suitable for bunching market 100 to 110 days to maturity 21 x 3 cm

Namibia* • • • • •

Strong, dark green leaves Very good uniformity Internal colour is good Good quality Suitable for the 1 kg packaging market

Newhall •

•

Excellent for 1 and 5kg packaging market Good tolerance to cracking and Alternaria

| www.nuvance.co.za |

36

the taste of carrots

products

A

small tent near the main entrance to Bejo’s Open Days demonstrated not only how important taste is in making a carrot variety successful, but also how it can be influenced by other factor such as soil type and production area.

Designed to showcase an important part of last year’s Symposium, which had the theme of taste, health & innovation, it provided an interactive demonstration of factors affecting the taste and nutrition of different carrots.

Samples of a number of Bejo varieties, such as Mokum which is becoming increasingly popular in the early sector thanks to its versatility and sweet flavour, were provided for visitors to taste and compare, not just with other varieties, but by tasting different samples produced on sandy and clay soils, for example.

In many cases the differences were striking, with many visitors feeling that clay soils produced an earthier, deeper flavour while lighter sandy soils produced a more subtle, sweeter taste. Having tasted the various samples of raw carrot on offer, guests could then register their preferences online using the Slido App on their mobile phones, with television screens in the tent providing instant access to the results throughout the week.

Research done by Bejo has found that a number of factors can influence the taste of carrots.

In addition to soil type and crop nutrition, the area where the carrot is grown, the number of hours of sunlight it receives and other agronomic factors all have noticeable effects. “Bejo uses the results of taste trials to see how these factors can be used

to improve and maintain flavour in a range of varieties around the world” says Bram Weijland, manager organic affairs. Not only could this help to make sure that what consumers taste is what the breeder intended, but it could also help to tailor carrot production for specific uses and different markets.

onion seed production at de groot en slot

O

nion seed production is a two-year process. The first step is bulb cultivation, while the second step is flowering and seed set. Both are done in different areas in the world, like in Europe and South Africa. John Brunen from De Groot en Slot together with his colleagues do both the planning and supervision of the bulb cultivation in Europe. This is done in close consultation with growers, whom John Brunen and his colleagues visit on a regular basis.

on my own work”. Planning, supervision, quality control and shipping the onions to the seed growers keep him busy most of the year. The busiest time of the year though is autumn, as Brunen and his team often has less than a month between harvesting this year bulbs and planting them out again for seed production.

He makes sure that he visits his growers regularly to monitor progress, as the quality and size of the onions is of the utmost importance. The whole process With over 27 years of experience of bulb- and seed production is a at De Groot en Slot, John Brunen combined effort of De Groot en Slot still enjoys his work as much as the and Bejo where the task in each day he started. “For me each day area are divided. In France Bejo is is different. The products change, responsible for seed production the weather is different each year and in South Africa De Groot and then off course there is the and Slot. Both these partners constant challenge to improve work in close collaboration with

one another, hence their motto “Partners in Allium”.

Precision work One of the growers that has been doing bulb production for several years now is Van Stee just outside Lelystad in the Netherlands. Father Kees van Stee and his son Remco sow and harvest the onion parental lines for De Groot en Slot. This is precision work. Sowing of parent lines requires well-organized and precise work.

Between sowings, the planter needs to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the unwanted mixing of the seed. After sowing, the cultivation of the parent lines is very similar to that of regular onion production. The only difference is that the parental lines need to be kept separate during harvesting.

38

industry In preparation for seed production, Van Stee then grades the bulbs according to size (40 - 75 mm).

Typically, 90% percent of the onions will fall within these sizes.

Where conventional onion growers prefer higher yields (kg), growers of breeding onions aim for a greater number of bulbs. The aim is thus to produce as many bulbs as possible.

To achieve this, growers typically increase the sowing density.

Brunen usually visits his growers in October for a quality check. He weighs and counts the onions, ideally there should be twelve to fourteen onions in a kilogram.

Onions from the 2018 harvest, were somewhat smaller than in the past, due to the European drought.

Brunen assesses each shipment that goes directly from the bulb grower to the seed grower. He prefers to do this before the onions are sorted, so that he can pick up any potential problems. With a scale, laptop and printer in his car, he is able to send the quality reports directly to the office whilst a copy is send to the seed growers.

It is also crucial that the bulbs do not transfer any diseases to their destination where they are being transplanted. Therefore, soil samples of each plot are collected at tested for pathogens.

Brunen also assess the internal quality of the onions by cutting through randomly sampled bulbs.

Sometimes this can require sampling hundreds of bulbs

per lot. He also checks for soil funguses such as Fusarium and the occasional bacterial disease.

“If infected, the diseased bulbs will not be dispatched”, says Brunen. Once satisfied with the bulb quality, he takes a sample which is then planted on small plots together with the bulbs from all other growers for future quality and reference purposes.

Logistics As cultivation supervisor, Brunen has to manage and co-ordinate various logistics. Between the thirty-odd bulb growers he must ensure that the correct onions reach the correct seed grower. either in autumn or early spring.

Seed growers need to also know exactly when the bulbs will arrive as they need to be transplanted.

Onions need to be exposed to a cold period to initiate flowering (vernalisation). Minimum temperatures of 6 - 8°C are usually sufficient.

Timing To get hybrid seed, both the male and female lines have to flower simultaneously. Since onions are daylength sensitive, the locations are thus carefully selected so that the flowering of both the males and females coincide with one another. In the field, the onions are pollinated by bees, who are at their most active when the weather is good. Since extended periods of rainy weather can significantly affect pollination, seed production is done in areas that generally have dry weather conditions such as France in Europe and Western- and Northern Cape in South Africa.

Male lines merely need to produce pollen. After flowering and pollination, growers remove the male lines as seed is borne on the female plants. To spread the risk, De Groot en Slot always plant the parent lines for seed production on multiple sites. The risk of having a crop failure with only one site is too high. With very popular onion varieties, the number production sites are increased to four or even five places, but always a minimum of two sites.

40

access to premium products seeds | science | service

SV 9054 YG* • • • •

Good fruit quality Dark green colour Intermediate tolerance of PRSV, SLCV, WMV, ZYMV

Liberty • • •

High tolerance of ZYMV Open plant structure Easy harvesting due to spineless stems

| www.nuvance.co.za |

SV0143YG* • • •

High yield potential Good fruit quality Good tolerance of PRSV, SLCV, WMV and ZYMV

Canesi • • •

Excellent fruit quality Good leaf cover Average fruit mass between 1.2 – 2.5 kg

Butler* • •

•

Very good yield potential Suitable for the fresh and processing market Medium to large fruit size

african dream organix

W

hen I first visited Gareth Randal on his farm African Dream Organix just north of Komga in the Eastern Cape this was still a fairly new venture and as a result he was still busy tweaking his organic mix production. Gareth previously provided a cleaning service to local chicken farmers by removing their litter. This service later expanded to also taking unwanted waste from local abattoirs. This made him think and subsequently Gareth began to explore what could be done with all this waste rather than just dump and bury it. After doing some research, he got hooked on the idea of breaking down all this waste and returning it to the soil with nutritional benefits.

He soon learnt that this process required a lot of government approval and red tape, but ultimately his determination paid off and African Dream Organix was born.

Despite launching his organic fertilizer products with great success, Gareth did encounter some sceptical clients who were not entirely convinced about the efficacy of his products. So, in addition to merely

selling his products he decided to put his money where his mouth is and commit to using the product himself and started growing vegetables. The only problem was, that his farm consisted largely of a weak loamy clay soil and various agronomists dismissed his dreams of farming on these soils as unwise. Not deterred, Gareth continued as he believed in the benefits of his products.

‘All the varieties he planted grew and produced an amazing harvest' At this point he partnered with Nuvance. He started to plant a range of vegetable varieties as a trial to see what would work on his farm. The results were incredible. All the varieties he planted grew and produced an amazing harvest.

42

industry article by howard champ

The size and yield were so overwhelming that he was unsure whether the markets could keep up with his production. The only other problem was controlling the weed growth, as clearly the weeds were also enjoying the soil nutrient boost, but Gareth is continuously working to overcome this challenge. I dare say, the sceptics will change their tune and agree that Gareth’s product has huge potential in the organic farming sector. I can’t tell you off the top of my head what the ‘mix’ consists of, but Gareth carries the laboratory tested specs and they are quite impressive. And of course, the Nuvance varieties didn’t disappoint either.

access to premium products seeds | science | service

Sentinel • • • •

•

Elongated oval shape Vigorous “All Sweet” type High yield potential and early maturity Excellent external and internal quality with bright red, sweet crisp flesh Average fruit mass between 10 to 13 kg

Brisbane • • • • •

Hybrid seedless variety Bright red crisp flesh Exceptional taste and high sugar (brix) Excellent shipping quality Average fruit mass between 7 to 8 kg

Tornado • • • • •

Medium-early maturity Oval shaped Excellent yield potential Suitable for openfield production Average fruit mass between 12 to 15 kg

Sensation • • • •

Vigorous plant Oval shaped fruit Strong growth potential Average fruit mass between 12 to 15 kg

| www.nuvance.co.za |

44

marlo nursery farmers’ day 2019

regional news

article by dr quintin muhl

T

he annual Marlo Nursery Farmers’ Day, which is in pursuit of recognising innovation and quality in growing vegetable seedlings, welcomed more than 600 guests this year.

The event, which took place on 11 April 2019, showcased comparative trials of over 600 new and existing popular vegetable cultivars from 11 of the most prominent vegetable seed companies in South Africa. It is currently the largest trial that is supported by all the major seed companies in the country. All the trials were cultivated under similar managerial and climatic conditions.

Company representatives at the exhibitions stalls offered growers and media representatives the opportunity not only to ask crop/ cultivar specific questions but also to make use of the opportunity to network with various industry leaders. As one of the sponsors, Nuvance would like to congratulate Marlo Nursery on yet another successful farmers’ day.

all work and some play… article by howard champ

W

hile the Nuvance team keep their foot on the accelerator to maintain current and prospective client satisfaction with continuous support and relevant supply, we also recognise the importance of going ‘beyond vegetable seed’ through healthy leisure time and the opportunity to connect with clients on a social and personal level. Nuvance are acutely aware of the difficult times growers are experiencing and that ‘loyalty’ these days is not a given and should not be taken for granted. Nuvance however also understands that everyone involved needs a healthy bit of ‘downtime’ from time to time.

Amongst many opportunities, Nuvance were recently invited to participate and support a local friendly sponsored golf tournament which took place

on Saturday 11th of May 2019 at the Cathcart Country Club in the Eastern Cape. Nuvance realised an opportunity to support its growers and the surrounding community not only at work but also ‘at play’.

Catchcart is traditionally cattle country but there are numerous farmers in this area that produce

cabbage for the local market, which include top producing varieties such as Menzania and Megaton.

Nuvance sponsored hole no. 3 on the day as well as a team of champions to participate on behalf of the company.

J. Miller, M. Keursie, S. Vermaak, J. Wardle (Captain) and H. Champ.

46

nuvance receives seminis awards

regional news

S

eminis acknowledged Nuvance for the hard work and contribution it has made to the industry at the annual Bayer Award Ceremony held on Friday, 15 March 2019. Nuvance received the award for Constant Growth in 2018, whist Olav Lange was announced Best Representative of the Year 2018. Ivor Price was the master of ceremonies for the evening which took place at Montecasino in Fourways.

Pieter Jordaan (TD Representative, Seminis), Olav Lange (Sales Representative, Nuvance), Louis Stoffberg (National Sales Manager - Vegetables South Africa, Seminis) and Jan van der Merwe (Commercial Manager, Nuvance).

award for the most dedicated committee member

D

uring the recent SGASA (Seedling Growers Association of South Africa) symposium in Hilton, KZN, Dr Quintin Muhl, Product Development Manager at Nuvance received the Max Bothma award for most dedicated committee member from the association.

Dr Quintin Muhl (left) and Robert Perry, chairperson of SGASA (right).

k2 appoints new key accounts and sales manager

I

t is with great pleasure that we can announce the appointment of Werner Wessels as the new Key Accounts Manager for the SADC region by K2 from 1 June 2019. Werner’s introduction into the seed industry was in 1994 as a sales representative at Starke Ayres / Pannar Seed. In 2003 he was promoted to product manager and relocated to Pretoria as national product manager on proprietary crops (tomatoes and peppers). In 2009 he was tasked to head up the technical side of the business in the export department and was responsible to sell their breeding programs across South Africa, Africa, Middle East, Europe, South America and Australia.

From 2016 until 2019, he was the sales- and product development manager for Southern Africa at Hazera.

We wish Werner all the best in this new role and trust that he will continue to expand the K2/Nuvance brand throughout the African continent and abroad.

In 2013 he was promoted to product team lead, heading the technical team by managing and overseeing all product development functions within the company.

nuvance by nampo 2019

0

ud-Springbokspeler en televisie-aanbieder Toks van der Linde (links) tydens die bekendstelling van die nuwe K2/Nuvance waar hy as gasspreker opgetree het. Hier saam met Jan van der Merwe by die Nuvance stalletjie.

48

ons groet vir harry en marge

streeksnuus

N

a vele jare se getroue diens by Klein Karoo Saad Bemarking het Harry en Marge Naude einde April 2019 afgetree. Harry is 2008 as groente verkoopsverteenwoordiger vir Limpopo aangestel en vannaf 2010 deur Marge in die Louis Trichardt tak ondersteun. Beide was en is nogsteeds ’n groot deel van K2 en Nuvance se sukses, en ons wil hulle graag bedank vir hulle onderskeie bydrae. Dankie vir julle toewyding en lojaliteit teenoor die maatskappy. Ons wens julle sterkte toe vir die aftrede en dat julle hierdie nuwe fase van julle lewe sal geniet.

bekendstelling: harry lindeque

H

arry Lindeque het op 1 Februarie 2019 as nuwe verkoopsverteenwoordiger vir Limpopo by Nuvance aangesluit. Harry het op die hoëveld groot geword en in Standerton gematrikuleer. Daarna het hy aan die Potchefstroomse landbou college studeer waarna hy vir Sainsbury’s in London (VK) gewerk het. Met amper 20 jaar se ervaring in die landboubedryf het hy steeds ’n baie groot passie vir groentesaadbedryf.

Ons verwelkom vir Harry by Nuvance, en wens hom alle sterkte en voorspoed toe!

access to premium products seeds | science | service

Hoplita*

SV 5047 CE* • • • • • • •

Plants have a very open structure Suitable for winter production Vigorous plants with short internodes Excellent fruit set Cylindrical and straight fruit High tolerance to Cca, Ccu Intermediate tolerance to CVYV, CYSDV, CMV, Px

• •

• • •

Vigorous plant Ideal for the summer months, but does also perform well during winter in the Lowveld Medium large fruit High tolerance of CVYV and Ccu Intermediate tolerance of CYSDV, Px, Cca

| www.nuvance.co.za |

50

sales

verkoopspan | sales team 08

09

04

01

REGION

SADC SADC SADC SADC SADC 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

06

10

02

07

05

11

12

03

CONTACT PERSON

CONTACT NO.

01

Wes Kaap

02

Suid Kaap

03

Oos Kaap

04

Noord Kaap

05

Mpumalanga

06

Gauteng

07

Limpopo

08

Bosveld

09

Noord Wes

10

Freestate

11

Natal midlands

12

Natal coastal

EMAIL

Jan van der Merwe (Commercial Manager)

083 629 3295

j.vdmerwe@nuvance.co.za

Werner Wessels (K2 Key Accounts and Sales Manager)

066 258 6699

werner@k2.co.za

Floris Kotze (Technical Manager)

082 604 0060

f.kotze@nuvance.co.za

Dr Quintin Muhl (Product Development Manager)

072 612 7906

q.muhl@nuvance.co.za

Lindie Oberholzer (Product Manager: Leafy Crops)

066 235 6494

l.oberholzer@nuvance.co.za

Gys van Schalkwyk - Sales Representative

082 324 3067

g.vschalkwyk@nuvance.co.za

Richard Hansen - Sales Representative

082 666 0405

r.hansen@nuvance.co.za

Howard Champ - Sales Representative

082 574 3633

h.champ@nuvance.co.za

Wessel vd Merwe - Sales Representative

082 883 9246

wessel@k2.co.za

Jacques Louw - Sales Representative

081 028 1747

j.louw@nuvance.co.za

Gawie Buys - Sales Representative

082 467 0577

g.buys@nuvance.co.za

Harold Lindeque - Sales Representative

064 656 1556

h.lindeque@nuvance.co.za

Heigers Campher - Sales Representative

082 443 5315

h.campher@nuvance.co.za

Olav Lange - Sales Representative

071 613 8365

o.lange@nuvance.co.za

Wessel vd Merwe - Sales Representative

082 883 9246

wessel@k2.co.za

Anina Meyer - Sales Representative

082 785 6697

a.meyer@nuvance.co.za

Rajen Raycoomher - Sales Representative

083 625 1893

rajen.seeds@ymail.com

up to

50%

TOMATO

off on selected varieties

CUCUMBER

CAULIFLOWER

Arlene

R400.00/M

Cyborg

R1750.00/M

Alhambra

R65.00/M

Graziella

R300.00/M

Grendel

R1750.00/M

Marine

R65.00/M

Lourenzo

R550.00/M

Imanol

R2750.00/M

Nome

R150.00/M

Newton

R450.00/M

Magdi

R760.00/M

Planner

R90.00/M

Olmeca

R4850.00/M

Palermo

R1250.00/M

Raleigh

R65.00/M

Pilavy

R850.00/M

Pegaso

R1250.00/M

Steady

R65.00/M

Strategos

R1250.00/M

Skywalker

Smagly

R1000/M

Supernova

R800.00/M

Tovi Star

R450.00/M

Vigorex

R950.00/M

CARROT CABBAGE

LETTUCE Del Oro

R30.00/M

SV 4896 LC

R70.00/M

Baladis

Green Sunrise

R35.00/M

Menzania

R65.00/M

SQUASH BROCCOLI

Butler

R130.00/M

Covina

R80.00/M

Canesi

R300.00/M

Concord

R60.00/M

Liberty

R460.00/M

Legacy

R80.00/M

Monopoly

R45.00/M

Montevideo

R80.00/M

Tinman

R95.00/M

R130.00/M

MELON Honey Chow

R500.00/M

Unless otherwise specified, product prices already reflect discounts. All offers are limited to stock on hand.

Nuvance (Pty) Ltd. has the right to end or modify any promotion at any time. Other restrictions may apply.

R2500.00/500M

SWEET PEPPER Batna

R240.00/M

Caliber

R320.00/M

Candante

R300.00/M

CHERRY TOMATO Diamante

R350.00/M

Muscato

R350.00/M

Natacha

R350.00/M

Rosaline

R650.00/M

| www.nuvance.co.za | | www.nuvance.co.za |

52

if you eat, you are involved in agriculture wendell berry

success is in the detail seeds | science | service

Honey Chow • • •

• •

Honeydew green flesh type 80 - 85 days to maturity Smooth round fruit with deep flesh and small dry cavity Excellent flavour Average fruit mass between 1.8 - 2.5 kg

Verona* • • • • •

•

75 - 85 days to maturity Vigorous plant Large oval fruit Disease resistances PM 1,2 F0,1,2 High yields and outstanding flavour (brix of 12) Average fruit mass 2.3 - 3.0 kg

Karoo Dew* • • • • • •

Honeydew type melon Very good fruit setting Good leaf coverage Small seed cavity Large fruit Average fruit mass 1.8 to 2.5 kg

Shockwave* • • • • •

• • •

Harper type melon 90 days to maturity Vigorous Plant Round Fruit Disease resistances PM(1,2) and Fusarium (0,1,2) Great eating quality with firm orange flesh Tight seed cavity Average fruit mass 1.5 - 2.0 kg

| www.nuvance.co.za |