Vegetables & Fruit November/December 2018

SINCE 1988

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018

Syndicates target macadamias R40,00

(BTW ingesluit) ander lande uitgesluit (Including VAT) other countries excluded

No 186

35 Nr 186

ISSN 1015-85 37

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38 Cover

NEWS 4 4 5 5 7 8 8

The 2018 macadamia crop of 52 412 tonnes showed a significant improvement on the previous two season’s crops of 38 000 and 44610 tonnes for 2016 and 2017 respectively, which were severely reduced due to a drought period.

Photo: Green Farms Nut Company.

Agri SA announces Board Lifting of temporary suspension to Egypt Deciduous fruit gala awards 2018 Internasionale erkenning vir SA olyfolie Oortref die basiese beginsels Landbou hou sleutel vir toekoms Award-winning frozen lemon juice

EDITORIAL Willie Louw (Group editor) Carien Daffue (Editor) 018 293 0622 info@mediakom.co.za PO BOX 20250, Noordbrug, 2522

SUBTROPICAL FRUITS & NUTS 11 12 15 17 19 21

One stop subtrop shop Syndicates target macadamias Avacado harvest exceeds all expectations Waterkwaiteit maak die wêreld se verskil Mango pioneer honoured Foliar nutrient applications: some key issues

Colour shading benefits production When even best practise needs some help PICK-UPS

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Omgewingseffekte se invloed op patogeenontwikkeling in gewasse Cannabis in the workplace Biodegradable with low environmental impact INSECT COLUMN

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The African Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

DESIGN Roelien vd Westhuizen westhuizenroo@gmail.com 072 930 6721

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NEWS

Agri SA announces Board Agri SA announced its Board who have been elected at the 2018 Congress. The Board is representative of the agricultural value chain, including Agri SA’s provincial affiliates, commodity organisations and corporate members.

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HE PRESIDENCY IS AN amazing privilege. I am responsible to the farmers and will remain faithful to Agri SA’s constitution and mandates,” said Dan Kriek (photo), re-elected Agri SA President. “The past year has been a baptism of fire, particularly given the immense pressure from farm attacks, severe drought conditions and the threat of expropriation without compensation.”

Dan is a stud farmer in the Free State and has been active in Agri SA structures for several years, having served as Free State Agriculture President and Agri SA Deputy President. This is his second term as Agri SA President.

The Agri SA Board for 2018/19 is: Dan Kriek – President, Pierre Vercueil – Deputy president, Phenias Gumede – Deputy president, Cornie Swart, Doug Stern, Francois Wilken, Jaco Minnaar, Niël Joubert, SK Makinana, Gerhard Diedericks, Rossouw Cillie, Nic Bronkhorst, Dr Charlotte Nkuna and Dr Kathy Hurley.

Lifting of temporary suspension to Egypt The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) announce that on 4 September 2018 the government of Egypt lifted a temporary suspension of fresh fruit and vegetables exported from South Africa into Egypt. The temporary suspension was imposed by the Government of Egypt as a result of the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in South Africa.

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N MAY, EGYPT NOTIFIED the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa about a temporary suspension of fresh fruit and vegetables exported from South Africa due to the outbreak of listeriosis in South Africa. Egypt’s decision to lift the suspension followed after the South African health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that the listeriosis outbreak was over and that no new cases had been reported in the last three months.

The DAFF would like to emphasise that all exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables must comply with all phytosanitary, food safety and quality requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables destined for Egypt export market.

The following DAFF directorate can be contacted for further information: Directorate: Food Import and Export Standards, Director: Food Import and Export Standards, Ms Salamina Maelane, tel: 012 319 6199, e-mail: SalaminaM@daff.gov. za.

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NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

NUUS

Deciduous fruit gala awards 2018 The South African deciduous fruit industry presented its awards for outstanding performance in agriculture at the 43rd annual gala event recently.

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IVUYILE PANYA FROM KROMFONTEIN in the Koue Bokkeveld received the merit award for general agricultural worker of the year for his exceptional work ethic and orchard skills. Panya is an all-round, outstanding orchardist and was also Kromfontein’s fruit picker of the year with a phenomenal 9 296 picking bags to his credit, despite the drought.

Willem Booise, Production Manager at Bergendal near Citrusdal received the specialist agricultural worker of the year merit award for his exceptional agricultural knowledge and leadership skills. Booise, is in charge of 138 orchard hectares and oversees the orchard monitoring, irrigation and fertilisation of all the production units.

Elvis Pieters from Rietfontein in the Koue Bokkeveld received the advanced agricultural worker of the year merit award for his extraordinary work, strong personality and good teamwork. Pieters, who was born on Rietfontein, cut his agricultural teeth by farming with vegetables and livestock. He moved to fruit cultivation in 2012 and within a short period of time distinguished himself in the industry.

Vergelegen Boerdery in the Breederiver Valley received the Novice award for their exceptional performance as a new entrant to the deciduous fruit entity. Vergelegen showed what can be done when beneficiaries of land reform are serious about agriculture and have the right support and partnerships. Buks Nel, a varietal expert at Tru-Cape, received the Innovation award for his long-standing technical

The Deciduous Fruit Industry Award Winners 2018 were, at the back: Sivuyile Panya, Bongani Gqadu (Runner-up Advanced Agricultural Worker of the Year) and Jan le Roux. In front: Samantha van den Berg, Hendrik Davids (representing Vergelegen Boerdery), Willem Booise and Richard Hurndall.

contribution to the deciduous fruit industry; his astonishing entomological knowledge; his passion for fruit varieties and for the disco- very of Bigbucks/Flash Gala apples.

Jan le Roux, head of the Le Roux Group, received the Frontrunner award for his leadership role in the agricultural sector over a period of 30 years. Richard Hurndall received the Hortgro Chairman’s Award for his 35-year service to the deciduous fruit industry. Samantha van den Berg received the Izethelo media award for agricultural journalism. Van den Berg is currently editor of the Landbou-Burger.

Internasionale erkenning vir SA olyfolie Willow Creek Olyfolie, ‘n trots Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappy met sy wortels in die Nuy Vallei in die Wes-Kaap, blink uit op internasionale vlak met top prestasies by die 20ste L’Orciolo d’ Oro in Italië sowel as by die Terra Olivo Internasionale Olyfoliekompetisie in Israel.

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N ITALIË IS DIE Willow Creek Estate Blend, sowel as die vlagskip Directors’ Reserve as die algehele wenners in twee aparte kategorieë aangewys, en dit in direkte mededinging met toonaangewende produsente van lande soos Brasilië en Chili.

By die Terra Olivo Internasionale Olyfoliekompetisie, met die wêrelderkende olyfoliekundige, Dr. Antonio Giuseppe Lauro aan die stuur, het beide die Willow Creek Directors’ Reserve én Estate Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil Goue Medaljes verwerf.

“Hierdie prestasies is uitstaande, verál in die lig gesien van die feit dat die Nuy Vallei onder een van die ergste droogtes in dekades deurgeloop het,” sê die nuut aangestelde HUB, Hannes Jansen.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

Die maatskappy het belê in Leopard 8 Centrifuge deur die Italiaanse Pieralisi handelsmerk, die enigste maatskappy wat toerusting uitsluitlik vir die olyfoliebedryf maak. Een van die mees toonaangewende eienskappe van dié toerusting is dat geen water toegevoeg word wanneer olie uit die olywe gepars word nie. Die maatskappy het ook onlangs ‘n insiggewende belegging aangegaan deur die ontwikkeling van nuwe produksie- en botteleringsfasiliteite wat in 2018 September in gebruik geneem sal word. ”Met meer as 200 hektaar olyfboorde en die nuwe prosesseringsfasiliteit, is ons gunstig geposisioneer om ‘n merkbare bydrae tot die Suid-Afrikaanse olyfoliemark te maak, en aan ons credo van ‘Goodness is in our Nature’ gestand te doen,” sê Jansen.

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Oortref

die basiese beginsels.

| www.nuvance.co.za |

NUUS

Oortref die basiese beginsels Klein Karoo Saad Bemarking (K2 Saad) staan vandag bekend as die “alles-in-een saadverskaffer” en het tot ‘n toonaangewende onafhanklike Afrika-saadmaatskappy ontwikkel wat ‘n wye verskeidenheid gehalte saad aan produsente oor die vasteland bied.

Oortref K

2 SAAD SE HUIDIGE fokus is hoofsaaklik op die Suid-Afrikaanse en SAOG-gebiede met plaaslike bedrywighede in Suid-Afrika, Zambië en Zimbabwe. Deur sy eienaars, Zaad, wat ook belange in verskeie internasionale saadmaatskappye het (in meer as 60 lande), is K2 Saad wêreldwyd goed verbind.

Aangesien ons voortdurend daarna streef om die besigheid te bevorder, is ons trots om u bekend te stel aan Nuvance (Edms) Bpk. Nuvance is ‘n volfiliaal van K2 Saad en beoog om sy kliënte die nuutste vordering in die bedryf te bring.

Nuvance sal ‘n duidelike fokus op die verskaffing van hoë gehalte groentesaad, professionele dienste en ondersteuning aan produsente hê tot voordeel van ons huidige en toekomstige kliënte. Nuvance is geseën om ongelooflik kundige werknemers te hê, met ‘n passie vir wat hulle doen - “trots van Afrika vir Afrika”. Ons is verbind tot passievolle alliansies deur uitstekende diens en ‘n diep kennis van sake in die landbou.

Wedersyds voordelige verhoudings met ons belanghebbendes is noodsaaklik vir ons bestaan. Vaste verhoudings met ons verskaffers bied ook Nuvance die geleentheid om ons kliënte ‘n omvattende produkreeks aan te bied. Nuvance sal die enigste verspreider van groentesaad van Bejo Zaden, De Groot en Slot en sekere Seminis-variëteite in Suid-Afrika en geselekteerde gebiede wees. Met Nuvance se saad- en diensaanbod wil ons graag bydra tot die volhoubaarheid van ons kliënte, wat weer ‘n integrale rol in die bereiking van voedselsekuriteit speel.

die basiese beginsels.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

Met ‘n toenemende wêreldbevolking is daar beslis ‘n groeiende behoefte aan voedsel. As ‘n verskaffer van insette in die voedselproduksiesektor, glo ons dat dit ‘n opwindende sektor is, met enorme geleenthede vir onsself en ons kliënte. Sukses is egter in die besonderhede en by Nuvance belê ons voortdurend in navorsing om op hoogte te bly met die nuutste tendense en uitdagings om sodoende relevant en mededingend te bly. Om dit te bereik, het ons onlangs proewe begin in ons nuwe kweekhuiskompleks van 5 000 m2. Hierdie moderne fasiliteit (saam met ‘n proefplaas naby Brits) stel ons in staat om nuwe variëteite te identifiseer en voortdurend in te stel en te verseker dat ons relevant bly deur die beste moontlike groentesoorte aan U - ons kliënte - te bied. Net een van die maniere waarop Nuvance toegewyd is om “meer as net groentesaad” te bied.

Die uitdagings wat die landboubedryf in die gesig staar, blyk voortdurend te styg en Nuvance beplan om saam met sy produsente te werk om te verseker dat ons ‘n positiewe verskil op die plaas maak. Ons wil ook graag glo dat ons produsente, deur geloof, nie toelaat dat onsekerheid hul vasbeslotenheid ontmoedig nie. Een ding is altyd waar - wanneer ons hoop het, het ons alles. Vir diegene wat suksesvol is met groente, is Nuvance die plaaslike groentesaadverspreider, wat dienslewering bied, ‘n wye verskeidenheid toepaslike en kwaliteit groentesaad en persoonlike oplossings.

Nuvance, as deel van K2 Saad, word gedryf deur die begeerte om gesamentlike suksesse met ons kliënte te vier en ons span van vertroude adviseurs sien uit daarna om van diens te wees.

Nuvance – meer as net groentesaad!

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NEWS

Landbou hou sleutel vir toekoms “Die Suid-Afrikaanse landbousektor hou die sleutel vir die land se toekoms. Dit het die potensiaal om van ons indringendste probleme, soos grondhervorming, voedselveiligheid, werkskepping en hoe om klimaatsverandering te bestuur, op te los en te ontsluit. Daarom glo ek julle is op die regte tyd op die regte plek.”

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IT WAS DIE BOODSKAP van Hortgro se uitvoerende direkteur, Anton Rabe, aan landboustudente. Rabe het by ‘n funksie in Stellenbosch die sagtevrugtebedryf se beurshouers toegespreek.

“Landbou kan gesamentlik die land verbeter, daarom belê ons in ons jeug deur beursskemas en deur geleenthede te skep vir studente om in die bedryf te werk,” het hy gesê.

“Landbou kan egter nie alles alleen doen nie. Die regering moet ook sy kant bring deur ‘n stabiele beleidsomgewing en volhoubare ekonomiese ontwikkelingsgeleenthede te skep via verbeterde marktoegang en met vryhandelsooreenkomste. Sodoende word ‘n gunstige omgewing vir landbouers geskep om sake in te doen. Die res moet ons doen. Ons moet seker maak dat julle so gou as moontlik ervaring en ‘n loopbaan in die bedryf kry.”

Hortgro ondersteun tans 31 voorgraadse studente en 59 nagraadse studente met ‘n beursskema ter waarde van R5 miljoen.

Oor die afgelope ses jaar het 406 voor- en nagraadse studente voordeel uit die beursskema getrek teen ‘n koste van meer as R21 miljoen aan die bedryf – waarvan R15 miljoen ondersteuning aan studente was wat navorsing vir die bedryf doen. Die beursbefondsing maak deel uit van die bedryfsheffing met verdere bydraes deur AgriSETA en die Sagtevrugtebedryf-ontwikkelingstrust.

Rabe het gesê die sagtevrugtebedryf het ‘n trotse rekord van beursstudente wat “op een of ander manier” weer in die bedryf beland en sodoende broodnodige mensekapitaal vorm om die toekoms van die sagtevrugtebedryf te verseker.

Award-winning frozen lemon juice Soga Organic® is a small niche company located in the heart of the Sundays River Valley that grow, produce and package the first and only certified organic citrus juice products in South Africa.

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HEIR FROZEN LEMON JUICE won three awards at the 2018 Food Review/Symrise New Product Competition.

The aim of this competition is to give local and international brands, supplied on the South African market, the opportunity to showcase their innovative new products. Soga Organic was very honoured to walk away with three awards – Winner Packaging, Second runner up in Individual Category and Second runner up in New Product Competition.

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Soga Organic

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Kry meer as net gewasbeskerming

insekbeheer aangedryf deur aktiewe bestanddeel

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Benevia® bevat siaantraniliprool (antraniliese diamied) (Cyazypyr®) Reg. Nr. L10390 Wet Nr 36 van 1947, versigtig.

FMC Chemicals (Edms) Bpk, Posbus 44, Postnet Menlyn, Waterkloof Glen, 0081, Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Tel: +27 12 003 2938.

Benevia® en Cyazypyr® is handelsmerke van FMC Korporasie of sy affiliate. Datum: 10/2018.

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GEBRUIK PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE MET VEILIGHEID EN VERANTWOORDELIKE SORG. VOLG AANWYSINGS OP ETIKET TEN ALLE TYE MET TOEDIENING VAN PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE.

SUBTROPIESE VRUGTE & NEUTE

One stop subtrop shop The South African subtropical fruit and nut industry is in a phase of expansion which is encouraging for all industry stakeholders. Macadamia nuts make up only 1% of the world’s tree nut basket, which indicates the huge growth potential for the macadamia industry as well as all other tree nut crops.

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HE 8TH INTERNATIONAL MACADAMIA Symposium in China this year has, once again, confirmed this. Globally, there is a growing interest in healthy food options and macadamia nuts are high on the list.

Avocados, whilst a more established industry than the younger macadamia industry, is also expanding to cater for the growing demand of this superfood.

Talking about superfoods, the Amorentia Sweet Dragon Fruit is a new generation of delicious dragon fruit with exciting developments on the horizon. In recognition of this, and as growers of avocados and macadamias and producers of nursery trees, Amorentia Estate and Nursery confidently invests in subtropical fruit related avenues.

These avenues include developing relationships with emerging farmers which puts Amorentia at the forefront of instituting the agri-transformation ethic, in line with government policy. Amorentia is also the birth place of Agricolleges International (www.agricolleges.com). This e-learning platform fashions one of the keys to security in South Africa by offering the necessary education for successful agricultural practices.

Amorentia Nursery Zimbabwe is up and running now and Amorentia Nursery Eastern Cape will be open from early 2019. Plans to open in the Western Cape, Mauritius, Kenya, Angola, Zambia and Tanzania are also in the pipeline.

The availability of superior nursery trees in all of these expanding regions is vital to the health and development of the global subtropical fruit and nut industry. As a result of their plant improvement programme, Amorentia Macadamia Nursery offers the finest quality trees. The mother trees in the various mother blocks were monitored by recording yields over a 15-year period. This process ensured that only high yielding trees remained available for plant material selection.

Naturally-pollinating cultivars.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

The Amorentia Sweet Dragon Fruit is a new generation of delicious dragon fruit with exciting developments.

Macadamias by Amorentia nursery

As a result, first generation Amorentia mother material is highly sought after. With 45 years of macadamia nursery tree propagation experience, they are the most established and one of the largest macadamia nurseries today. They source their plant material from their own mother blocks, giving them 100% control over the entire propagation process.

The nursery was integral during the initial nursery protocol developments in the 1970s and has stayed the course through the changes and demands of a rapidly expanding industry. Even at the mother nursery location, in the Politsi Valley, Greater Tzaneen, the nursery is expanding in order to cater to the needs of their satellite nurseries and growing customer base.

Growers are encouraged to acquire nursery trees from experienced nurseries with a longstanding history in the industry.

The experience and the tested genetics of mother material is what defines excellence.

For more information on the Macadamia Nursery, Avocado Nursery and Dragon Fruit Nursery, please contact the office: www.amorentia.co.za, admin@amorentia.co.za, 074 146 3420.

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SUBTROPICAL FRUIT & NUTS

Syndicates target macadamias The South African macadamia industry is a major world force and is competing to be the largest in the world. South Africa was already the largest macadamia producer in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and is also the largest exporter of macadamia nuts globally. During the last few years the theft of macadamias has reached new highs, costing the South African economy hundreds of millions annually.

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HEFT IN THE MACADAMIA industry has been a problem for more than a decade. According to a report

by The Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC), several private investigation projects have revealed that macadamias are stolen in various ways and throughout the value chain: • Farm workers are often involved. Stealing occurs during day and night.

• Independent harvesting contractors steal the macadamias.

They often sleep in the orchards and work in organised teams.

• Hawkers steal themselves or arrange with thieves to steal.

• Macadamias are stolen from drying bins on farms and processing facilities.

• Macadamia kernel is stolen from processing facilities.

• Armed robberies are on the increase.

SAMAC’s operation manager, Barry Christie, says that farmers need to take responsibility and protect their own property as far as possible. He mentioned that a few years ago they did some research on the pricing of fences, where after an email was send to the SAMAC grower members, expressing the value of a proper fence per kilogram of nut in shell.

According to that research, at the time the most expensive option came to about R 2,50 per kilogram for a medium to small size farm. The growers responded immediately and fences went up everywhere. Unfortunately this is not a fool proof barrier and thieves cut through fences every day to steal macadamias.

He continued saying that SAMAC are also working closely with the handlers (a collective term for processors and nut

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in shell consolidators) and they are trying everything in their power to take all macadamias in as soon as possible. The South African Police Service are frequently made aware of macadamia theft and the impact thereof, and they are starting to acknowledge the problem and take action.

Christie also says that the new statutory measures might also assist. SAMAC are excited that the application for the renewal of the statutory measures has been approved. SAMAC implore all the role players in the industry (nurseries, growers, handlers, importers and exporters) to register with SAMAC and to work together to ensure a prosperous future for the SA macadamia industry.

There has been various attempts to estimate the total tonnage of stolen macadamias. The report from 2017 estimate figures from between 1 000 and 4 000 tons, byt according to Christie with the higher volumes and prices these have significantly increased.

A private investigator who did excellent work in the Levubu region gave a conservative estimation that at least 1 000 tons of macadamias are stolen from the Levubu region alone.

According to the investigation, many of these nuts are exported to Zimbabwe, but some find their way to Mpumalanga where syndicates buy the nuts. A recent survey conducted by SAMAC has resulted in a conservative figure of 2 120 tons of macadamias estimated to be stolen annually to the value of R 146,3 million.

Also as part of the repost it has been established that stolen macadamias are often processed to kernel in extremely unhygienic conditions. Due to the labour-intensiveness of macadamia sorting, the risk for human pathogenic micro-organism contamination is high and extreme care needs to be

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

SUBTROPIESE VRUGTE & NEUTE

Theft in die macadamia industry has been a problem for more than a decade.

taken when handling the nuts. In the USA, macadamias have the highest incidents of recalls by the FDA due to Salmonella contamination.

In addition to the food safety risk, the quality of the macadamias is of high concern. Highly skilled people are used to sort macadamia kernels in processing facilities. Commercial processing facilities also clean, dry and package macadamias with special prescriptions to ensure a good quality product that is long-lasting. These precautions are not readily done with stolen macadamias and all these factors, from unfair competition to lower quality product, have a high impact and long term effects on the industry. It is crucial for South Africa to be known for its superior quality macadamias.

Vegetables & Fruit spoke to Annelle Whyte from Green Farms Nut Company in Witrivier to get their input on the situation. She said that theft is a constant battle both on their own farms and the farms of their grower suppliers.

“Farmers have spent hundreds of millions of rands on farm security, fences and alarm systems across the country. Those that do not are more vulnerable and targeted by the theft syndicates. In effect macadamia farmers are in an arms race with their neighbour,” says Whyte.

Green Farms Nut Company hired a private investigator company to gain intelligence on how theft takes place. What came to light is that these are organised theft syndicates and in many cases the nuts enter the formal sector in the retail or export market. The syndicates often sell through a proxy to unscrupulous buyers so as to ensure no direct link can be made between them.

Another worrying aspect is that in some cases the macadamias are processed in a very unhygienic environment which pose massive food safety risks. This jeopardises the reputation of the South African industry which has developed into one

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

of the best over the past 15 years. In many areas, farmers now work together in security and communicate with each other when suspicious activity is taking place.

She continued saying that, unfortunately, when presented with this knowledge, the SA retailers did not respond adequately in her view. There is clearly a need for them to better interrogate their supply chains. It is unacceptable that they can turn a blind eye to what is a major issue for South Africa’s macadamia farmers and the broader economy the industry supports.

Often the stolen nuts are of poor quality and contain a high percentage of immaturity or unsound kernel as they have been cracked and graded to low standards. Also, often nuts that are sold cheap, and cheap for a reason. It’s easy to offer a juicy price discount if you haven’t paid fair value for the nuts.

When asked if she thinks there is hope that in the future these practices will be stopped, she said the only way is to cut off the demand. South Africa’s retailers need to do their due diligence and find out where their nuts are coming from.

The same goes for overseas customers. Hopefully in time this message can be made clear to the greater industry.

Processors also need to be sure where their supply is coming from. Green Farms Nut Company’s policy is to visit every grower who is delivering to them to make sure they have a farm that supports the volume they deliver and all nuts they process are not stolen. It should be practise followed throughout the industry as, if this is not done, it’s possible a processor is being supplied by a macadamia thief and not even know it.

Green Farms Nut Company will continue to support the theft counter efforts by SAMAC and work with their growers.

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SUBTROPIESE VRUGTE & NEUTE

Avocado harvest exceeds all expectations Avocado sales in Europe have soared by 35% year-on-year over the last 12 months to reach a record level, according to the World Avocado Organisation (WAO). The figure was announced at the entity’s semi-annual meeting in Madrid recently.

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CCORDING TO DERICK DONKIN, Subtrop CEO, the 2017 / 18 avocado harvest exceeded all expectations with volumes of approximately 84 000 tons against the 41 500 tons from 2017 and the 54 000 tons in 2016.

South Africa currently have 17 000 ha of avocados planted and that figure is growing by approximately a 1 000 ha per year, as new trees are coming into production. Because of the worlds fascination with avocados and their health benefits, exporting countries like Peru are currently growing at 2 500 ha per annum.

Derick mentioned that the forecast for 2019, which is an ‘off-year’, will not be as high as this year’s crop. A lot of it depends on weather conditions until the end of November 2018, and there are a lot of new trees coming into production.

He optimistically warns: “Never count your avos until they are harvested”.

When asked about new export markets, Donkin mentioned that the most important markets and their main focus at this stage is the USA, Japan, China and India. Applications have also been submitted to Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Israel and Mexico.

Clive Garret, marketing manager for ZZ2 says: “ZZ2 had

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

a very good season as we managed to pick our Hass fruit relatively early and thereby avoid the large volumes from both South Africa and Peru. Regarding the green-skins we were also early and waited for the large volumes in Europe to subside before exporting again. ZZ2 exported in excess of 2 million cartons in 2018. Prices were very close to 2017 levels.

When asked about some of the challenges they faced during the season, Garret says it was mainly of a logistical nature to ensure they picked their crop early to avoid the huge volumes later in the season.

The second main challenge the avocado industry as a whole is facing in South Africa, is that they currently only have access to the European market. With South Africa and Peru exporting to Europe at the same time, it puts massive strain on the European market. He added that they need the government to work together with industry to get more market access for South African fruit.

Considering next year’s crop, Garret says it is very difficult to predict what will happen next season as they have only just finished the current season. A lot will depend on the climate – sufficient rain, no hail and moderate temperatures, amongst others. However, all factors being equal, the volumes next year could be slightly less or the same as this year. Due to 2018’s heavy crop, there may be a slight “down” year in 2019.

The avocado industry in South Africa is growing and more markets are being negotiated with. Remember to just “add an avo”.

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Bevat 2 aktiewe bestanddele met kontak en sistemiese eienskappe vir langdurende beheer van 'n wye reeks siektes

Beide aktiewe bestanddele word opwaarts in die xileem vervoer om ook

nuwe groei te beskerm

Beter neutset en kwaliteit verseker optimale opbrengste

LEES DIE ETIKET VIR VOLLEDIGE BESONDERHEDE. AMISTAR® TOP bevat asoksistrobien 200g/L en difenokanosool 125g/L (Reg Nr. L7897, Wet Nr 36 van 1947) VERSIGTIG. AMISTAR® TOP is ’n geregistreerde handelsmerk van ’n Syngenta Groepmaatskappy.

Syngenta Suid-Afrika (Edms) Beperk, Privaatsak X60, Halfway House, 1685. Tel. (011) 541 4000. www.syngenta.co.za © Syngenta Ag, 2000. Kopiereg op hierdie dokument word voorbehou. Alle ongemagtigde reproduksie word verbied.

@SyngentaSA

15357/A IDEA ENGINEE ® S

reik vir die top

SUBTROPIESE VRUGTE & NEUTE

Waterkwaliteit maak die wêreld se verskil Francois Viljoen SYNGENTA TEGNIESE VELDKUNDIGE: ONKRUIDDODERS

Verskillende faktore dra tot plaagdoders se stabiliteit en doeltreffendheid by. Een van die belangrikste aspekte, wat dikwels oor die hoof gesien word, is die uitwerking van die kwaliteit van die water wat gebruik word om die spuitmengsel voor te berei.

M

INSTENS 95% VAN ‘N spuitoplossing bestaan uit water. Navorsing het telkens uitgewys dat water wat ongeskik is, ’n negatiewe uitwerking op plaagdoders en blaarvoedings kan hê en tot ongewenste resultate kan lei.

Die drie eienskappe wat toediening die meeste beïnvloed, is water pH, waterhardheid en gesuspendeerde vaste stowwe of organiese materiaal.

Water pH Water pH is ’n aanduiding van die konsentrasie van H+ ione in die water. Wanneer die water pH afneem, word dit suurder en die hoeveelheid H+ ione vermeerder. Die teenoorgestelde is op alkaliese water van toepassing, naamlik die H+ ione verminder en die OH- ione vermeerder (Figuur 1). ’n pH van 7 word as neutraal beskou; laer as 7 is ’n suurbasis en hoër as 7 is ’n alkaliese basis. Dit is belangrik om te onthou dat ’n pH van 5, tien keer meer suurvormend as ’n pH van 6 is, en honderd keer meer as ’n pH van 7. ’n Klein verandering in pH kan dus ’n reuse sprong in suurheid of alkaliniteit aandui.

Die stabiliteit van aktiewe bestanddele en formulasies word op groot skaal deur water pH beïnvloed. Water pH hoër as 7 skep alkaliese toestande wat kan lei tot die chemiese afbreking (hidroliese) van plaagdoders. Alkaliese mengsels soos hierdie kan ook veroorsaak dat die chemikalieë ’n neerslag op die bodem van die spuittenk vorm. Insgelyks kan water wat erg suur is, die hidroliese van sommige aktiewe bestanddele veroorsaak.

Die optimale spektrum vir die meeste produkte is ’n pH van tussen 3,5 en 6,0. By ‘n pH tussen 6 en 7 moet die mengsel gespuit word sodra dit voorberei is en dit moenie langer as

twee ure in die tenk gelos word nie. Waar pH-vlakke hoër as 7 is, moet ’n buffer bygevoeg word. Mesotrioon begin byvoorbeeld teen pH >4 ontbind en raak onstabiel in neutrale en alkaliese toestande.

Wanneer plaagdoders toegedien word behoort die water pH gevolglik altyd in ag geneem te word en die pH kan met ’n gepaste buffer aangepas word.

Waterhardheid Alle waterbronne bevat opgeloste minerale soos kalsium, magnesium en yster. Anders as gesuspendeerde vaste stowwe, sak hierdie minerale nie af in die water nie. Minerale in water is ook verantwoordelik vir die water se “smaak”. Waterhardheid word in dele per miljoen gemeet en uitgedruk as die hoeveelheid kalsium- en magnesiumione in die water.

Hoe hoër die konsentrasie, hoe harder is die water.

Figuur 1: Water pH.

NA BLADSY 18

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

17

SUBTROPICAL FRUIT & NUTS

Waterkwaliteit maak die wêreld se verskil VAN BLADSY 17 Tabel 1: Waterhardheid.

Die vorming van ’n neerslag in die spuitmengsel, waar water met ’n pH van 9.5 gebruik is.

Water word sag wanneer kalsium- en magnesiumione vervang word met natrium- en kaliumione.

Plaagdoders het ’n negatiewe lading en dit verbind met die positief gelaaide ione in harde water. Die gevolg van hierdie interaksie is molekules wat nie in staat is om die teiken binne te dring nie, die teiken stadig binnedring of bloot uit die oplossing presipiteer.

Bymiddels soos ammoniumsulfaat verhoog die produk se doeltreffendheid wanneer glifosaat toegedien word, aangesien dit met die ione verbind en sodoende ongewenste interaksie met die glifosaat voorkom.

Water wat kalsium en magnesium bevat, kan die effektiwiteit van glifosaat, 2,4D Amien, fluazifop, MCPA en verskeie ander insek- en swamdoders kniehalter. Dit is ook belangrik om te weet dat daar geen korrelasie tussen waterhardheid en pH bestaan nie. Dié twee probleme moet dus afsonderlik benader word.

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Dele per miljoen (Ca en Mg)

Wêreldgesondheidorganisasie waterklassifikasie

0 - 114

Sag

114 - 342

Redelik hard

342 - 800

Hard

> 800

Uiters hard

Gesuspendeerde vaste stowwe Water se kleur is gewoonlik ’n aanduiding van die hoeveelheid gronddeeltjies en organiese materiaal wat dit bevat. Die teenwoordigheid van gronddeeltjies en organiese materie word troebelheid of troebel water genoem. Sommige plaagdoders is meer sensitief vir troebelheid as ander. ’n Belangrike eienskap van plaagdoders is hul vermoë om aan gronddeeltjies te bind. Dit is ’n noemenswaardige aanwysing wanneer dit by die uitloging van chemikalieë kom.

Grond se sorpsiekoëffisiënt (Kd) en organiese koolstofsorpsiekoëffisiënt (Koc) is aanwysers van hoe sterk ’n plaagdoder aan gronddeeltjies en aan partikels gesuspendeer in water sal bind. Onkruiddoders met ’n hoë Kd en Koc bind stewiger aan gronddeeltjies in water.

Water wat gronddeeltjies en organiese materiaal bevat, is bekend daarvoor dat dit onkruiddoders wat dikwat, parakwat en glifosaat bevat, deaktiveer.

Skoon en helder water moet altyd gebruik word, veral wanneer bogenoemde produkte toegedien word.

Samevatting Gebruikers moet altyd seker maak dat skoon en helder water gebruik word. Water pH speel ’n belangrike rol en moet dienooreenkomstig aangepas word. Waterbronne behoort gereeld getoets te word om te verseker dat water van hoogstaande gehalte gebruik word en toedieningsprobleme voorkom word.

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

SUBTROPIESE VRUGTE & NEUTE

Mango pioneer honoured The Agricultural Writers SA North acknowledged the outstanding achievements of three commercial farmers, a new entrant into commercial agriculture, and three agriculturists. Awards were handed over to them on Friday evening in Pretoria at a function sponsored

by Bayer SA.

S

PEAKING ON BEHALF OF the sponsor, Bayer, Pieter Smit, marketing and product management lead for Africa, said that the combined vision of the new Bayer was focused on shaping the future of agriculture for farmers, but also to help create a better future for all people and the planet. “Sustainability remains embedded in our values, and likewise we remain committed to advancing modern agriculture that can assist farmers to be more sustainable by providing innovative tools to grow food, fuel and fibre using fewer natural resources,” he added.

Candidates Agriculturist of the Year Gauteng – Wandile Sihlobo

Limpopo – Frits van Oudtshoorn Mpumalanga – Johann du Preez New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture Gauteng - Mbali Nkabinde

Johann made an enormous contribution by introducing the first commercial harvesting of mangoes onto picking trays. This method of harvesting saw a massive quality improvement of South African mango in the world markets.

Farmer of the Year Limpopo – Mahela Boerdery (Edward Vorster & seuns) Kwazulu-Natal - Joseph Baynes Estate (Pty) Ltd (Myles van Deventer) North West – Johan Styger Johann du Preez is a pioneer in the mango industry in South Africa. His innovations have advanced the industry and allowed commercial mango growers in South Africa to achieve greater heights. He has served as chairman of the SA Mango Growers’ Association (SAMGA) for eight years and vice chairman for six years. He has been a contributing member since 1989. Under Johann’s guidance, Bavaria Fruit Estate has become the leader in pruning strategies for mangoes in the South African context and under his management the first commercial plantings of the cultivar ‘Shelly’ were done with positive results.

Various other commercial growers are following.

Candidates of Agricultural Writers SA’s Northern Region for the title of Agriculturist of the Year with representatives of the sponsor, Bayer SA: Dirk Uys (Bayer), Frits van Oudtshoorn (Limpopo), Wandile Sihlobo (in front) (Gauteng), Pieter Smit (at the back) (Bayer), Johann du Preez (Mpumalanga), Magda du Toit (chairperson, Agricultural Writers SA) and Kobus Steenekamp (Bayer).

Al veertig jaar in diens van die boer Vanaf 1978 is Kelpak wetenskaplik bewys om wortelgroei en plantgesondheid te verbeter met uitstekende opbrengsverbeterings asook eindproduk kwaliteite tot gevolg

19

SUBTROPIESE VRUGTE & NEUTE

Foliar nutrient applications: some key issues Foliar feeding is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertiliser directly to their leaves. Plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves. The absorption takes place through their stomata and also through their epidermis. Transport is usually faster through the stomata, but total absorption may be as great through the epidermis. Plants are also able to absorb nutrients through their bark.

S

QM IS A COMPANY with worldwide presence in industries essential for human development, through five lines of business: vegetable nutrition of specialties, lithium and derivatives, iodine and derivatives, industrial chemicals and potassium. Through its 49 years of innovation and technological development, they have established themselves as leaders in the lithium, potassium nitrate, iodine and solar sales markets.

Foliar Nutrient application can be beneficial under the following conditions : • If soil conditions are unfavourable for root growth or nutrient uptake such as unfavourable pH, unfavourable structure (compaction or lack of aeration), water stress, and excess competing nutrients (chemical imbalances).

• A phenological stage where flowering and growth commences prior to root activity, such as in the early season in deciduous fruit.

• At known phenological stages with high demand for a certain element such as boron or zinc.

• When standard foliar analyses (annual fruit foliar analyses) show a low nutrient level.

• When nutrient demand for example for rapid fruit growth is more than the nutrient uptake and supply by the roots.

• When physiological redistribution has issues such as calcium distribution to fruit during rapid transpiration or a high demand of nitrogen and potassium needs to be redistributed between organs during rapid organ growth rates.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

Phloem transport of certain elements in certain crops such as calcium and boron can also be limited.

• When factors affecting transpiration affects all nutrient up take by the roots and transpiration in the xylem.

• When possible inadequate soil nutrient applications and unpredictable soil nutrient deficiencies results in a decision to apply an “insurance” foliar application.

The efficiency of foliar fertilisation can be influenced by: • The concentration in the spray tank and concentration of nutrient per ha can cause potential burn • It can be influenced by the solubility of the fertiliser product • Buffers, surfactants and adjuvants such as wetters, stickers and humectants can also severely influence the efficiency of foliar fertilisation.

• Another variable is the weather conditions. Try to avoid hot dry conditions. It is preferable to spray in the early morning or late afternoon • Be careful of application methods such as full cover or concentrated sprays as this might influence the efficiency as well.

Please contact your local agronomist for dosage rates and application guidelines.

Disclaimer: The information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge and SQM and/or the author cannot be held responsible for claims regarding injudicious foliar spray application damages.

21

GREENHOUSE & TUNNEL FARMING

Colour shading benefits production With extreme weather conditions and external factors like sunburn, hail, insects and theft, more and more producers are looking at the possibility of undercover farming. Numerous options are available for different conditions, so where do the grower start to find the right solution?

A

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ROUND THE WORLD, VEGETABLES and cut flowers are grown under shade cloth to reduce negative factors.

With the help of science, innovative light manipulation and ultra violet management, results show that photo-selective colour nets create an environment that can be managed and turned into an optimal growing condition. This allows the grower to produce crops, sometimes even during off-season, with better germination and development. A well-constructed shade house can provide the grower with a protected microclimate, ideal for seedlings, vegetables, cut flowers and pot plants.

Knittex was established in 1964 and manufactures and supply knitted synthetic fabrics and shade net used in the agricultural sector and for industries such as domestic (i.e. nursery shade cloth, knitted shade cloth, garden windbreak netting, shading nets), industrial (i.e. greenhouse netting), and civil and mining (i.e. windbreak nets, barrier nets, safety barrier netting).

With products like the SpectraNet range they aim to give producers the highest results and best return on their investment. This is backed by years of research and development to ensure that nets have a guaranteed lifespan of 10 years or more. The nets are specifically designed not to unravel when they are cut, this means that if the material is damaged, repair work can be done without problems.

Due to the flexibility, durability and the light weight of the fabric, it is easy to erect and it is a very economical cover. It also breathes, due to the open mesh configuration. By using

the correct mesh size to manipulate air movement through the shade house, the humidity and therefore the transpiration rate can be controlled.

Some examples of the use of Knittex’s photo-selective colour nets are the roses in Photo 1 that was planted under Code 60 Photo Red net in Lepalale area.

The net can be used to manipulate plant growth. To get stem length, for example, a net that allows far-red wavelengths through can be used. This will force the plant to stretch to the light. White Shadenet or Black/White combination Shadenet has been used very successfully on various vegetables, especially when grown hydroponically. With Knittex’s expertise in light spectrums, they can advise producers to what colour and percentage density to choose for different conditions and crops.

Four and a half year old banana trees in the open.

Four and a half year old banana trees under net.

Roses growing under Code 60 Photo Red net in the Lepalale area.

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

GREENHOUSE & TUNNEL FARMING

It is very important to note that there is no universal shade net to manipulate light. Each plant has its own unique requirement and each region and crop has its own challenges. Knittex shade netting not only covers for protection, but covers to enhance production.

To illustrate the effects of Knittex shade net on plant growth, the company conducted a four and a half month test on a banana plantation.

Banana trees comparison test in Komatipoort area After four and a half months under Code 20 White/Active blue net, the result was an increase in leaf size and density with less leaf shredding. The more the leaves tear, the bigger the effect on the rate of photosynthesis.

Producers kan contact one of the Knittex specialists for the best advice for their shade netting needs. Tel: 011 692 1658 or e-mail: clientliaison@knittex.co.za or visit www.multiknit.co.za.

Four and a half year old banana trees under Spectranet Code 20 White/Active Blue.

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Contact us on: +27 (0)11 692 1658 www.knittex.co.za clientliaison@knittex.co.za

PROTECTS YOUR CROP AGAINST SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS (I.E. WIND, SUNBURN, HAIL DAMAGE, BIRDS AND LARGER INSECTS)

GREENHOUSE & TUNNEL FARMING

When even best practise needs some help Greenhouses and tunnels are expensive to build and therefore the soil in a greenhouse and tunnel will be used extensively and on a continuous basis. Crop rotation and fallowing of the the soil is good practice, but even with crop rotation and fallowing, there will still be a build-up of parasitic nematodes and unwanted pathogens in the greenhouse’s or tunnels’ soil.

Also keep in mind that these structures’ soil must be utilised as a priority in order to get the envisioned returns from the structure’s investment.

A

GRI SOIL STARTED OFF as a company that did soil preparation/ploughing and initiated soil fumigation in January 1997. In 2000, they decided to stop with soil preparation and focus solely on soil fumigation. Initially they started with one fumigation team and grew through the years to the size of seven teams that cover the whole of South Africa.

In 2017, Draslovka BV, based in Czech Republic, acquired the

24

majority shares in Agri Soil whereby Agri Soil will be enabled to grow even further.

With their main clientele in the deciduous fruit industry, they also specialise in servicing producers in vegetable farming, strawberry production, deciduous plant nurseries, sport stadia, golf greens and many other.

Any soil that needs to be cleansed from soil pathogens will

GREENHOUSE & TUNNEL FARMING

Cabbage plant fumigated.

Beetroot plant height unfumigated.

benefit from their service. In fact, all commercially farmed plants/crops benefits from the process of soil fumigation due to the fact that the fumigant cleans the soil from most parasitic plant pests/soil pathogens (nematodes, fungi and bacteria) and thereby give the new, young plant the best opportunity to grow.

It also helps develop a proper, optimal root system whereby the plant will be able to not only anchor itself more sturdy by having more roots, but it will also be able to sustain drought periods, future attacks from these soil pathogens and ensure optimal uptake of water and nutrients from the soil.

According to Gielie Basson, Chief Executive Officer of Agri Soil, there is a unfortunate misperception under farmers that all soil fumigants kills off the beneficial, free living fungi called Trichoderma and Mycorrhiza. This is, however, not the fact for the chemicals that they are using with the active ingredients of 1.3 dichloropropene and chloropicrin. The volume of the beneficial fungi actually increases after soil fumigation with their products. Unfortunately the service of soil fumigation is only feasible for high income crops and in instances where a permanent structure like greenhouses and tunnels becomes infested with soil pathogens through continued usage.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

Soil fumigation Soil fumigation is the process where a chemical liquid is injected into the soil at a certain depth (depending on the depth of the root system of the crop that will be planted) and at certain, specific soil conditions such as minimum and maximum soil temperature, plus presence of soil moisture. Certain fumigants must be applied under plastic sheeting and some may be applied without covering it with sheeting. The chemical liquid will evaporate into a gas phase and it is in this gas phase that the chemical will disperse through the air pockets in the soil under the principle of Fick’s 1st Law of Diffusion.

The land must be vacant for a certain amount of days after fumigation in order to give the chemical time to seep through the soil and for the soil microbes the time to neutralise the chemicals. The average timeline is that for 7 days after fumigation no person is allowed to enter the field, then thereafter a further 14 days must pass in order to aerate the soil and give time for complete fumigant evaporation. If the soil was covered with plastic, then this plastic may be removed from day 8 after fumigation and then a 14 day period must pass before the farmer may plant his crop. The plastic may stay on for longer, but it must be removed at least 14 days before the planting commences.

When asked how producers will know what will work for them, Gielie said that the best would be to contact Agri Soil directly to schedule a farm visit where all information can be shared directly on a one-on-one basis and any questions be answered on site.

Agri Soil offer any service related to soil fumigation. They also offer ridging and soil preparation/ploughing services.

Contact Agri Soil at tell +27 21 903 2288 or Cell 083 261 8478 or Fax +27 86 585 2794, Postal address PO Box 2103, Dennesig, Stellenbosch 7600, Mail office@agrisoil.co.za, website: www.agrisoil.co.za.

Beetroot plant height fumigated.

25

PICK-UPS

First Ford Ranger Raptor trial units produced in South Africa The dream of producing the highly anticipated Ford Ranger Raptor has taken a big step closer to becoming a production reality with the first batch of trial units emerging from Ford’s Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria.

A

S THE FIRST RANGER model to be introduced as part of the Ford Performance family, this high speed, off road bakkie will set an entirely new benchmark for its segment when it is launched in South Africa during the first half of 2019.

In the meantime, in preparation for full scale production of this all new model, the Silverton assembly plant produced its first 10 official Ranger Raptor units as part of the tooling trials (TT) build-up phase, validating its high-tech assembly line that received an extensive upgrade through Ford’s R3-billion investment in its local operations, announced in 2017.

“This is a momentous occasion for everyone at Ford, as we witnessed our first Ranger Raptor TT unit coming off the line after more than 18 months of extensive upgrades and modifications to the Silverton assembly plant,” said Ockert Berry, vice president operations, Ford Middle East and Africa.

“We continue to invest in our local operations to meet growing demand for the Ranger, and are currently introducing new equipment on the assembly line to improve the handling of the chassis turn-over, adding incremental buffers in the trim, chassis and final line as well as new shipping conveyors in the fitment centre,” Berry adds. “This is an additional R 160 million investment in readiness for our expanded production capacity, commencing early next year.”

As for the Ranger Raptor, Berry is particularly enthusiastic about this all new model. “The Ranger Raptor is an exciting and very important model for us, as it pioneers an entirely new dimension for the pick-up or bakkie market and represents the first Ford Performance model to be produced in

The first Ford Performance model to be produced in South Africa.

Ranger Raptor TT.

South Africa, destined for export to customers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” Berry adds.

Powered by an all new 157 kW / 500 Nm 2,0 litre Bi-Turbo engine assembled at Ford’s Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth, and utilising a sophisticated new 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ranger Raptor has the punch to match its muscular and aggressive design and off-road capabilities.

Combined with position sensitive damping shock absorbers exclusively manufactured, an advanced terrain management system that includes an exciting Baja mode, a toughened reinforced chassis, powerful all-disc braking system and specially developed BF Goodrich tyres, the Ford Ranger Raptor is truly The first batch of trial units emerging from Ford’s Silverton assema gem. bly plant.

26

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

BAKKIES

Navara lands on local shores The new Nissan Navara, the 2016 International Pick-Up of the Year, has landed on local shores and it is set to redefine the market for pick-ups on the continent.

“

W

E ARE VERY PROUD of the new Navara. It not only builds on, and improves the workhorse capabilities of its predecessor, but it introduces comfort features previously unheard of in the pick-up segment. The Navara is a crowning achievement for Nissan in its 80-year heritage of pick-up production,” says Xavier Gobille, director for sales, marketing and aftersales at Nissan Group of Africa.

Initially, the Navara range will consist of three double cab models, offering a choice of mid- or high-specification and a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

All models will be powered by the new 140 kW YS23DDT twin-turbo diesel engine. Coupled with the award-winning coil, five link rear suspension, the all new Navara packs a lot of punch.

The striking new design of the Navara centres on the next generation V-motion grille. The V-shape of the bold chrome grille flows into the creased bonnet and is resolved on the tailgate, which features a stamped V-motif.

The first hints of the Navara’s SUV-features are seen in the full LED-headlights with boomerang style LED daytime running lights across the range.

Almost every functional aspect of the Navara has been improved in the new model. The load bay on double cab

versions has been stretched by 67 mm to 1 503 mm and been made deeper (474 mm from 456 mm), resulting in a capacity of 1 061 litres.

Load carrying capacity has also been upgraded significantly.

The new Navara can carry up to 1 002 kg, depending on specification level, and thanks to its powerful new engine it can tow a braked trailer of up to 3 500 kg.

The Navara has a 229 mm ground clearance, but the new raised suspension set-up and smart design have allowed for a 3-degree improvement in the approach (33.0 degrees), rampover (25.2 degrees) and departure angles (27.9 degrees). The suspension and drivetrain set-up also means that the new Navara has a lateral tilt angle of up to 50 degrees.

The fully-boxed ladder-frame chassis has been reinforced with high-strength steel. The use of new types of steel and improvements in design and manufacturing have resulted in a massive 176 kg weight reduction over the previous generation Navara. While weight was reduced in the engine bay, cabin and elsewhere, the major reduction can be found in the upper body section and chassis, which together account for 77 kg of the overall weight reduction.

Powering the new Navara is a brand new, twin-turbo diesel engine. The engine combines common rail direct injection and TO PAGE 29

27

BUCKLE PACKAGING (PTY) LTD Bag Closing Technology

BAKKIES

Navara lands on local shores FROM PAGE 27 both a smaller, high pressure turbo and a larger, low pressure turbo to deliver more linear power throughout the engine speed range.

The two turbos are connected with a series of bypass and impeller valves to optimise boost pressure at different engine speeds. The smaller, high-pressure turbo is utilised mainly at low engine speeds, although neither turbo is disengaged fully at any engine speed. At higher engine speeds, the exhaust gas flow is channelled to the large, low pressure turbo. This layout allows for more low-speed power and improved fuel consumption.

“We have driven many thousands of testing kilometres locally to ensure that the suspension lives up to its on-paper promises. In the end, we are confident that the new setup delivers not only a more comfortable and sure-footed ride than previously available in the double cab market, but it also comfortably carries a tonne in the load bay,” says Gobille.

Nestled in the suspension system is Nissan’s proprietary fourwheel-drive system. It combines a transfer case with a host of electronic aids, which offer exceptional off-road capabilities.

The mechanical transfer case, which selects four-wheel drive and low-range, is operated by a turn-knob inside the cabin and can be switched between two-wheel drive and fourwheel drive (High) at up to 100 km/h.

In four-wheel drive mode, either high or low, the new Navara will engage its new active brake limited slip differential system. This electronic system actively manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.

The unique rear suspension is not the only SUV-style addition to the new Navara range. Nissan has borrowed from its vast SUV playbook to deliver a luxurious interior.

While similar in dimensions to its predecessor, the new cabin features larger doors for easier ingress and egress, a 23-degree slanted rear bench for greater comfort and more rear legroom and a host of creature comforts, such as the first in class dedicated rear air vents and even an electrically operated rear cab window.

The on-board navigation system with 3D mapping and live traffic updates, includes radio – with up to 30 pre-set radio stations, video in DVD/VCD/CD/MP3 or MPEG4 format, USB connectivity and Bluetooth with audio streaming – all operated from the steering wheel.

The new Navara is fitted with spinal support front seats that feature, amongst other innovations, a new spinal channel in high-density foam. These seats are designed to distribute body pressure on the seat surface and have been proven to reduce fatigue significantly over long journeys. Leather seats with heating function and electrical adjustment on driver’s seat, are available as optional on the high-grade models.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

The on-board navigation system with 3D mapping and live traffic updates, includes radio, with up to 30 pre-set radio stations.

29

PICK-UPS

Toyota Hilux: new look, new derivatives, same DNA

The refreshed Hilux range is the ‘new face’ across normal Raider and SRX models.

Following the release of the Dakar limited edition, which introduced the SA audience to the bold new ‘square’ face, the Hilux range receives further tweaks to its façade whilst the line-up is also reinforced with a number of additional models catering to both utility and convenience-minded customers.

T

HE STANDOUT FEATURE OF the refreshed Hilux range is the ‘new face’ across normal Raider and SRX models. The bespoke Dakar derivatives utilised a black-and-grey-themed version of the new Hilux front design, which is carried over to SRX. A slightly different execution has been applied to the Raider grades befitting their flagship status.

In SRX guise the new model adopts a black-themed front design to reinforce the tough, no-nonsense appearance of these mid-tier models. Colour coded bumpers remain whilst inheriting a matching stylised skid plate on the lower apron. Functional black side steps and side mirrors add a rugged touch.

Auto light control incorporating a follow-me-home

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VEGGIE

® OEMFF Verbeterde prestasie

tydens elke groeistadium.

Die spesiaal geformuleerde en groeistadiumspesifieke Veggie OEMFF® van Kynoch, sal jou groente ’n hupstoot gee om optimaal tydens elke groeistadium te presteer.

Die Veggie OEMFF®-reeks bestaan uit drie pasgemaakte formulerings, naamlik Veggie OEMFF® Starter, Veggie OEMFF® Grow en Veggie OEMFF® Fruit, om die makro- en mikrovoedingstofbehoeftes van die plant tydens ’n spesifieke fenologiese stadium aan te vul.

Veggie OEMFF®: • Ondersteun en verbeter wortelontwikkeling, groei, blom en selvergroting.

• Die toepaslike mikro-elemente is gecheleerd.

• Help om gewasstremming te verlig.

• Kan onder hoë of lae pH-toestande gebruik word.

uppe marketing A18337/SAG&V

•

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Farmisco (Edms) Bpk. h/a Kynoch Fertilizer Reg. No: 2009/0092541/07

25 kg – Veggie OEMFF® Starter K9088 (Wet 36 van 1947). 25 kg – Veggie OEMFF® Grow K9090 (Wet 36 van1947).

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011 317 2000 info@kynoch.co.za www.kynoch.co.za

BAKKIES

A new grade has been introduced on the Double-cab platform called ‘S’.

In SRX guise the new model adopts a black-themed front design to reinforce the tough, no-nonsense appearance of these mid-tier models. Colour coded bumpers remain whilst inheriting a matching stylised skid plate on the lower apron. Functional black side steps and side mirrors add a rugged touch.

Auto light control incorporating a follow-me-home functionality, is newly added to the specification register. On the interior front, SRX models inherit a 4-speaker touchscreen infotainment system (previously utilised on Raider grade) with Bluetooth and USB interface, all accessible via steering switches; while an accompanying reverse camera bolsters the convenience specification and increases SRX’s value proposition.

The responsive 2.4 GD-6 powers SRX-badged ‘bakkies’, delivering 110 kW @ 3 400 rpm and 400 Nm between 1 600 and 2 000 rpm. Six-speed transmissions are utilised in both manual and automatic arrangement.

The top Raider models receive a striking chrome grille surround which offsets the black horizontal slats and creates a premium appearance. The chrome-effect front grille supplements the chrome exterior mirrors (power-retractable) and door handles.

The multi-dimensional fog lamp garnishes incorporate intersecting horizontal and vertical elements decked out in a matching black - and chromium effect. The fog lamps themselves utilise LED elements for superb illumination. Full LED headlamps with distinctive LED daytime running light bands complete the front view.

The touchscreen multimedia system in Raider guise has been upgraded to include satellite navigation and DVD-playback compatibility. Bluetooth telephony, USB interface and 6-speaker output remain part of the package – all controllable via large, steering-mounted switchgear.

A carry-over from the Dakar limited edition is the new full black interior, complete with black headliner and metallic-black interior trim accents.

Befitting its flagship status, Raider-badged Hilux continues to offer a comprehensive specification level. These include stylish 18” alloy wheels with 265 / 60 R 18 tyres, high-grade fabric interior trim, air-conditioned glovebox, leather steering and shift lever, automatic climate control, cruise control, a TFT colour multi-information display, 12- and 220-volt accessory connectors, rear armrest with cup holders and seven airbags,

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

including curtain and driver knee.

The familiar 2.8 GD-6 four-cylinder diesel engine continues duty in the Raider grade – offering 130 kW and 420 Nm (450 Nm in automatic transmission guise). The throaty 4.0-litre V6 remains on offer, with 175 kW and 376 Nm respectively.

A new grade has been introduced on the Double-cab platform called ‘S’. This entry-level S grade model is a no-frills Hilux aimed at heavy-duty work and foregoes comfort and luxury specification for functionality and durability. It utilises robust PVC interior trim, a ‘J-deck’ design (latch-type tailgate with cargo hooks) and 17” steel wheels shod with 225 section-width tyres, to maximise utility. A black bumper and front grille distinguish the S-grade from other Hilux brethren.

Buyers have the choice of a 2.4 GD-6 with 110 kW and 400 Nm on tap or 2.7 VVTi petrol engine with outputs of 122 kW and 245 Nm of torque respectively. GD-6 versions are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission whilst the 2,7 receives a 5-speed cog swapper.

The SR double-cab offerings have been expanded to include a 4x2 ‘Raised Body’ model and also adopt the J-deck layout and black bumper exterior design.

Slotting into the middle of the double-cab range is a new ‘Raised Body’ (4x2) variant of the popular 2,4 GD-6 SRX Auto.

The previously offered petrol 2,7 VVTi SRX has been discontinued in lieu of the 2,7 VVTi S as highlighted above.

Buyers have the choice of a 2.4 GD-6 with 110 kW and 400 Nm on tap or 2.7 VVTi petrol engine with outputs of 122 kW and 245 Nm of torque respectively.

31

GENERAL

Omgewingseffekte se invloed op patogeen-ontwikkeling in gewasse Gewoonlik word gewasse in gebiede geproduseer wat vir gewasverbouing geskik is. In verskeie van hierdie gebiede word slegs spesifieke gewasse geproduseer omdat die toestande daarvoor ideaal is.

Die ideale omgewing vir gewasverbouing is egter, in die meeste gevalle, ook gunstig vir die ontwikkeling van siektes wat gepaardgaan met die gewas.

Johan Stronkhorst SAKATA

W

ARMER, VOGTIGE KLIMAAT IS voordelig vir baie gewasse, maar dit is ook gunstig vir die vermeerdering en verspreiding van veral swamme en bakterieë. Virusse en sommige meeldou-swamme verkies weer oor die algemeen droë klimaatstoestande. In die meeste gevalle waar gewasse verbou word, is die patogene reg deur die jaar teenwoordig, maar dit is die omgewingstoestande wat bepaal of die siekte wel sal uitbreek en versprei. Dit is gevolglik belangrik om die omgewingstoestande te ondersoek om sodoende te begryp wat nodig mag wees vir spesifieke siektes om te ontwikkel.

Daar moet dan verder gesoek word na praktiese moontlikhede om te verhoed dat die siekte vinnig versprei.

Die primêre faktore wat verantwoordelik is vir die ontwikkeling van ‘n siekte is temperatuur en vog, dit wil sê humiditeit of fisiese vog op die plant. Dieselfde faktore kan binne ‘n kort tydperk die vinnigste veranderOor die afgelope paar seisoene is waargeneem dat temperature van dag tot dag met meer as 20°C verskil. Groot verskille tussen dag- en nagtemperature kan ook voorkom.

Temperatuur se uitwerking Plante en patogene benodig sekere minimumtemperature om te groei. Gevolglik kan oor die algemeen aanvaar word dat die winterseisoen nie ‘n optimale tyd is vir die ontwikkelling van siektes nie, maar ongelukkig ook nie vir gewasse nie. Indien die seisoen warmer as gewoonlik is en temperature wel gunstig is vir siektes, kan die ontwikkeling stadiger plaasvind, maar daar is geen onderbreking van die siklus nie.

Wanneer temperature egter toeneem, kan die verspreiding van ‘n siekte baie vinnig plaasvind. ‘n Voorbeeld hiervan is bakteriese verwelk op tamaties. Die patogeen is regdeur die jaar in die grond teenwoordig. Indien tamaties wel in die winter verbou kan word is dit nie optimaal vir die patogeen nie en is die druk op die gewas minder. Soos aanplantings egter buite die wintertydperk gedoen word, begin die patogeen vermeerder en kan dit die gewasse infekteer. Wanneer die gewas dan in volproduksie kom en die plante onder stremming verkeer, is die temperature baie voordelig vir die patogeen. Die siekte affekteer die plante sodat dit verwelk en doodgaan.

32

Oormatige besproeiing van soetrissies.

Vog se uitwerking Water, vog of humiditeit – hoe dit ook al beskryf word – is baie belangrik in die aanvanklike besmetting en verspreiding van die meeste patogene. Reën, besproeiing op blare of in die wortelsone, relatiewe humiditeit en dou is almal tot ‘n mindere of ‘n meerdere mate verantwoordelik vir siekte-ontwikkeling.

In sommige gevalle, soos met besproeiing, kan die voginhoud bestuur word, maar in ander gevalle, soos wanneer dit

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ALGEMEEN

Clubroot op brassica-plante.

reën, kan dit nie so maklik bestuur word nie, behalwe wanneer gewasse onder beskerming gekweek word. Vog is krities vir die ontkieming van swamspore en vir die aktivering van bakterieë, voor die patogeen die plant kan besmet. Vog speel ook ‘n groot rol in die weefsel van gasheerplante en dit kan die weefsel sagter en dus ook meer vatbaar vir patogene maak.

Die meeste patogeenspore het water nodig vir verspreiding en veral oormatige besproeiing lei tot die vinnige verspreiding van die spore. Dit kan dan ‘n omgewing skep waarin patogene, veral anaerobiese patogene, floreer.

Wind se uitwerking Wind of lugbeweging dra tot die verspreiding van patogene se spore by, of by vektore soos insekte wat virusse kan oordra. Wind kan veroorsaak dat plante beskadig word – plante skuur teen mekaar, dit veroorsaak wonde en laat openinge vir patogene om binne te dring. Lugbeweging is egter ook voordelig deurdat die oppervlak van plante vinniger afdroog, voordat spore kan ontkiem en dit die plantweefsel kan besmet.

Die spore kan ook uitdroog, wat sal verhoed dat dit die plant kan besmet. Dit is veral met besproeiingskedulering belangrik dat die plant se blare droog is voordat die temperatuur saans afkoel. Indien blare deur die nag nat bly, verhoog dit die risiko van besmetting.

Lig se uitwerking Hoewel lig se uitwerking ‘n baie kleiner invloed het op patogeen-ontwikkeling, het dit ‘n indirekte invloed en moet dit ook in ag geneem word. By produksie onder beskerming is dit veral van toepassing deurdat die ligintensiteit heelwat laer is as in die oop land. Die effek hier is groot, deurdat die plante geëtioleer groei en plante lank en sag is. Vir onder meer saailingkwekers is hierdie effek baie belangrik deurdat die plante

NA BLADSY 34

33

Sakata Tamaties

Esty

Jasmine

Inga

Kennedy*

* Eksperimenteel: Hierdie variëteit is steeds eksperimenteel, maar registrasie is reeds ingedien vir Suid-Afrikaanse kultivar lysting.

Tel: 011 548 2800 www.sakata.co.za e-pos: info.saf@sakata.eu

GENERAL

Omgewingseffekte se invloed op patogeen-ontwikkeling in gewasse VAN BLADSY 33 in hierdie stadium oor die algemeen baie vatbaar is vir siektes, en plantjies met sagte weefsel nog meer.

Laer ligintensiteit tydens die groeifase van byvoorbeeld tamaties of slaai maak die plante ook meer vatbaar vir patogene soos Botrytis- en Fusarium-spesies. pH en grondstruktuur se uitwerking Indien grond te suur is kan dit ‘n groot uitwerking hê op die voorkoms van veral grondgedraagde siektes. Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassica) wat op Brassicas voorkom, is een so ‘n voorbeeld. Die patogeen is veral aggressief by ‘n grond pH van 5,7 en die voorkoms verminder skerp teen ‘n pH van 5,7 en 6,2. Teen ‘n pH van 7,8 is die voorkoms baie min. In die meeste gevalle is dit die effek van die pH op die voorkoms van die patogeen wat die grootste is, maar dit kan ook ‘n negatiewe uitwerking op die gewas hê deurdat dit die opneembaarheid van verskeie voedingselemente belemmer.

Bemesting se uitwerking Grondvrugbaarheid en die balans tussen verskillende elemente in die grond is ‘n afsonderlike onderwerp. Dit is belangrik om hierdie uitwerking te besef en soveel as moontlik te doen om dit te verminder. Bemesting kan die bepalende faktor wees in die sukses van ‘n gewas met top opbrengste, of dit kan die oorsaak wees van ‘n totale misoes. ‘n Plant wat in ‘n gebalanseerde omgewing groei, is in staat om homself beter te verdedig teen die invloed van verskeie faktore, insluitend patogene.

Onkruiddoders se uitwerking Die gebruik van onkruiddoders in landbou is baie algemeen en die invloed daarvan kan direk of indirek wees. Onkruiddoders kan sekere patogene stimuleer om te vermeerder of dit kan die patogene onderdruk. Onkruiddoders kan verder die gasheergewas op so ‘n wyse beïnvloed dat dit die plant meer vatbaar maak vir patogene. Dit kan verder ‘n effek hê op die verandering van die omgewing, deur die plante in die omgewing te beheer, wat op sy beurt weer ‘n invloed op die humiditeit in die omgewing kan hê.

Sterk saailinge met goeie wortelontwikkeling is belangrik.

Gewas-ouderdom se uitwerking In verskeie navorsingsprojekte is probeer bepaal of ‘n plant spesifieke stadiums in die lewensiklus het wanneer dit meer vatbaar is vir patogene. Daar is egter vele faktore by siekteweerstand in plante betrokke en eweneens is die meganismes wat ook by weerstand betrokke is, wyd uiteenlopend. Sommige navorsing wys daarop dat weerstand teen patogene eers in ‘n latere stadium van die plant se lewensiklus ontwikkel – dit bring dan weer eens die gesprek van saailinge onder die vergrootglas. Die klem op siektevrye saailinge en die rol wat dit in die uiteindelike sukses van die gewas speel, is krities.

Deur al bogenoemde faktore in ag te neem, bly gewasproduksie ‘n groot uitdaging vir enige produsent. Die keuse van die omgewing waarin die gewasse verbou word bly ‘n belangrike faktor en deur die produksieproses met siektevrye sade en plante af te skop, kan uiteindelik vir ‘n suksesvolle oes sorg.

AFWYSENDE KLOUSULE: Hierdie inligting is op ons waarnemings en/ of inligting vanaf ander bronne gebaseer. Aangesien gewasprestasie van die interaksie tussen die genetiese potensiaal van die saad, die fisiologiese eienskappe daarvan en die omgewing, insluitend bestuurspraktyke afhang, gee ons geen uitdruklike of geïmpliseerde waarborg vir die prestasie van gewasse relatief tot die verskafde inligting nie.

Ons aanvaar ook nie enige aanspreeklikheid vir enige verlies, direk of as gevolg daarvan, wat te wyte aan enige oorsaak mag ontstaan nie. Lees asseblief eers Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd se verkoopsvoorwaardes voordat saad bestel word.

34

5

If you are doing business with a registered APAC Fresh Produce Agent your lucky number should be

5 days to expect written reporting 5 days to expect payment after sales of fresh produce

Not getting all of this from your Fresh Produce Agent?

Call us: 011 894 3680

ALGEMEEN

Cannabis

Cannabis in the workplace

Since the legalisation of the possession and use of cannabis for private purposes by the Constitutional Court, many concerns have been raised about what this would mean in the workplace.

E

MPLOYERS WANT TO KNOW how they will ensure that people do not come to work under the influence of cannabis, while employees fear they could be subjected to unsafe and unwarranted behaviour from colleagues who then attempt to blame the legal use of cannabis at home as the catalyst and expect to be exonerated from their actions as a result.

Michael Opperman, CEO of Omni Labour Consultants, explains that employers must ensure they have policies and procedures in place to ensure that employees are sober at work.

You have to read and understand the judgment of the Constitutional Court very clearly in this regard. Judge Raymond Zondo said he had “concluded that the limitation is not reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom”. . The Judge then made an order declaring the relevant provisions about the use of cannabis constitutionally invalid where it criminalises the use or possession of cannabis, in private by an adult for personal consumption. It is clear that the private use is allowed and the argument would be about when the use of cannabis is private.

To start with, “private” would not mean any public place or place of work. At the workplace, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and Regulations 1031 section 2A would apply regarding intoxication.

According to section 2A, an employer should not permit anyone who is, or who appears to be, under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, to enter or remain in a workplace. People in a workplace are not allowed to be under the influence of or have in their possession, use or offer other people intoxicating liquor or drugs. Employers can only allow people who use medicine to perform duties if its side-effects do not constitute a threat to the health or safety of the employee or other employees.

Therefore an employee, who is contractually bound to the employer during certain hours, has to adhere to the employer’s rules, regulations and policies in the workplace, includingundergoing the same or similar sobriety tests for cannabis as with any other narcotic or alcohol-related transgression.

The legalisation of the possession and use of cannabis for private purposes.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

The most important aspect is that employers’ policies should embrace the concept of sobriety in the workplace. There should be a zero-tolerance policy for any use of non-medical, controlled, mind-altering substances.

If recent usage can be determined by testing the employee, any employee entering the workplace with a trace of alcohol, cannabis or any other non-prescription drug would fall foul of company policy, as well as the regulations made in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The same or similar sobriety tests can therefore be conducted in the workplace for being under the influence of cannabis as with any other narcotic or alcohol related transgression.

Section 8(1) of the Health and Safety Act states that employers should provide and maintain, as far as possible, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of their employees. It is common cause that the enforcement of sobriety is reasonably possible. This law pertains to the farming community as well.

The consequences for employers allowing someone to work with tools and clients outweigh the risk of tolerating the use of cannabis at work or its presence in an employee’s system when at work, because the employer carries the risk if anything goes wrong.

However, safety is not the only possible motive for an employer to have zero-tolerance for alcohol or unauthorised narcotics in the system of an employee at work. Other aspects of working when under the influence of any mind-altering substance include that it could affect an employee’s better judgement in terms of social transgressions, such as bringing the employer into disrepute when inappropriately dealing with a client.

There is also the possibility of miscalculating in terms of accounting, stock and design, which could be regarded as not acting in the best interests of the employer, or negligence in performing designated duties. In an agricultural environment there is always the added complication that most employees stay on the premises. This would mean that their working and private surroundings could be deemed to be the same.

The producer will make the rules as the owner is liable for the safety of its occupants and workers. The producer would need clear guidelines or policies where and when he requires employees to be sober. This must then be implemented accordingly. If the producer suspects that there is an issue with sobriety and he has the policies in place, a simple test would suffice to conduct a disciplinary enquiry and then act accordingly. The legalisation of the private use of cannabis therefore does not in any way exonerates employees from their duties at work, the policies applicable in the workplace and the le- gislation that governs misconduct as a result of being under the influence of cannabis at work.

35

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Copyright © JULY 2018 • All rights reserved. OROSORB, ORO AGRI and OROWET are registered trademarks of Oro Agri SA (Pty) Ltd.

ALGEMEEN

Biodegradable with low environmental impact Orowet® technology is a unique blend of cold pressed orange oil, a completely renewable raw material, in patented mixtures with various surfactants and is used as a base to manufacture a range of different product types. The technology has various applications depending on the formulation, the applied concentration and the registration as required for crop protection products in various countries.

V

ARIOUS OROWET-FORMULATIONS ARE currently manufactured in South Africa. These products are easily biodegradable and therefore have a low impact on the environment and beneficial insect populations. Many growers have become used to the excellent wetting properties of Orosorb®, a registered surfactant. Many vegetable, wine grape and citrus growers especially are using the bio-pesticide Prev-Am® for control of insects, mites and certain fungi without the burden of chemical residues at harvest. The soil conditioner, Oro-Soil®, has assisted many growers during the past two seasons to make the most of irrigation water by improving water use efficiency in orchards and vegetables.

A recently approved new registration has made the technology even more user-friendly for growers. Orosorb Duo effectively combines the surfactant and pesticidal properties of Orowet technology into one product. At low concentrations (25-200 ml/100 L) it can be applied as a surfactant, while at higher rates (from 200 ml and higher) Orosorb Duo can be used as an effective bio-pesticide with contact action against various insects, mites and fungi with crop-specific registrations.

When used as a surfactant, growers can expect excellent wetting and spreading properties, effectively improving spray coverage and droplet penetration into dense crop foliage.

Growers will also note that leaf wetness from dew or fog are significantly reduced, as plant foliage treated with Orosorb Duo dries off faster in high humidity conditions. By adapting the rate of use, growers can safely achieve different objectives depending on the problems that they are facing.

Lower rates will assist with normal wetting and spreading of droplets, while higher rates will enhance efficacy of pesticides to improve control of certain pests and diseases. At 200 ml/100 L the product will also enhance uptake of systemic herbicides. The versatility, safety and efficacy of Orosorb Duo on many different crops and growth stages are the main reasons why many farmers choose to have only this one surfactant in their store.

As a bio-pesticide, the product is registered on crops like citrus, wine grapes and tomatoes to name a few. The active

GROENTE & VRUGTE | NOVEMBER • DESEMBER 2018

ingredient, cold pressed orange oil, has a direct contact action on soft-bodied pests and exposed mycelia and spores of certain fungi, making it ideal for use in an integrated pest control programme. Orosorb Duo is registered on various crops to control pests such as white flies, aphids, mites, mealybugs and powdery mildew, among others.

It can be used as a stand-alone pesticide alternated with residual chemicals, or close to harvest on registered crops, since the product has no pre-harvest withholding period. Because of the non-residual properties of the product it is often successfully applied in integrated biological control programmes and can effectively reduce the farmer’s dependence on residual chemicals.

Growers today face many challenges to produce a high quality crop that has to comply with ever-changing market requirements. With Orosorb Duo, growers will find it easier to comply with market requirements, and at the same time minimise their impact on the environment and beneficial insect populations.

For more information contact Tel: +27 21 850 0667, E-mail: info_sa@oroagri.com Web: www.oroagri.co.za.

OROWET, OROSORB, PREV-AM, ORO-SOIL are registered trademarks of Oro Agri SA (Pty) Ltd.

37

INSECT COLUMN

The African Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

There are numerous common names for the species known scientifically as Helicoverpa armigera, including the African bollworm, the tomato fruitworm, the podborer, the maize earworm, the cotton bollworm and the tobacco budworm. These aliases attest to that fact that this is a versatile pest that threaten various agricultural industries in South Africa, including important fruit and vegetable crops.

Andri Visser NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY, POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS

E-mail: visseran3@gmail.com

African bollworm classification:

Class: Insecta (Insects) Order: Lepidoptera (Moths and ButterfIies) Family: Noctuidae Genus: Helicoverpa Species: Helicoverpa armigera

T

HE AFRICAN BOLLWORM (Helicoverpa armigera) has in the past been confused with its American relative, Helicoverpa zea, and was commonly referred to in South Africa as the American bollworm. This lepidopteran pest is the most polyphagous pest species in the world. In total, this species can propagate on more than 600 plant species. Of these, some 35 crops and 25 wild host plants can be found in southern Africa, including tomatoes, peas, beans, wheat, cotton, maize, sweet corn, grain sorghum, oats, barley, sunflower, tobacco, citrus, cucurbits, potato, lucerne, cape gooseberry, cowpea and groundnut.

The larvae go through six moults to reach a length of 30 40 mm when fully grown. This period may last between 18 and 51 days, depending on the prevailing temperatures. Their colour darkens from a translucent cream to a dark green with grey-yellow longitudinal stripes as they mature. However, their colour has proven extremely variable and is largely affected by their diet. The head, prothoracic shield and legs, and supra-anal shield is dark in colour, and the spotted appearance of the mature larvae can be attributed to the presence of dark setae, tubercle bases, and spiracles.

The full-grown larvae pupate just beneath the surface of the soil. The pupae have a smooth surface and are tan to dark brown in colour. Two tapering spines can be observed at the posterior tip. The pupae may enter a period of diapause as the temperatures decrease, which significantly extends the pupal period (up to 60 days). However, the average duration

Figure 2. H. armigera larvae feeding on tomato and stone fruit (Photo: S. Singh (left), N. Cattlin (right))

38

Figure 1. H. armigera larvae (Photo: A.M. Varela)

of pupation is about 15 days.

The African bollworm moths are similar in size to other noctuid moths, with an average wingspan of 40 mm. The forewings are grey to red-brown in colour, and often display irregular lines and markings. The hindwings are whitish-brown with a darker band along the margin. Interestingly, the emerging female moths must first feed before their ovarioles can mature. On average, a gravid female is able to produce 730 eggs, which she will deposit over a 10-14-day period, showing preference to plants entering the flowering stage. The small, ribbed eggs (0,5 mm in diameter) initially appear yellowish-white but turn dark brown before hatching, which commonly takes place within 5 days of being laid.

It is estimated that damage caused to crops by the African bollworm globally exceeds US$2 billion annually, excluding economic and environmental costs associated with its control.

Still, the damage severity varies between crops, regions and seasons. The larvae are prolific feeders that can attack leaves, flowers, growing points, fruits and buds during any life stage of the host. Although larvae can damage vegetative plant parts, they prefer reproductive parts such as flowers and pods or fruits to feed on. This pest is therefore known for the qualitative effects it has on flowers and fruits of many crop species.

The control of this pest is complicated by its proclivity to develop resistance to pesticides, and because the larvae often feed inside the fruiting parts of the plant, which shields the larvae from pesticide applications. A carefully considered integrated pest management program and monitoring to improve timeliness of pesticide applications are the best bet against this destructive pest.

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2018 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Oortref

die basiese beginsels.

| www.nuvance.co.za |

‘n Gelukkige einde

begin by die begin

insekbeheer aangedryf deur aktiewe bestanddeel

Dis ‘n uitdaging om konsekwent aan verbruikers se vraag na hoë gehalte en esteties aantreklike groente te voldoen. Deur Benevia® insekbeheer vroeg in die seisoen te gebruik, help dit jou om hul behoeftes te bevredig deur jou gewasse ‘n voorsprong te gee tydens die mees kritiese stadium van plantontwikkeling.

Benevia® bevat siaantraniliprool (antraniliese diamied) (Cyazypyr®) Reg. Nr. L10390 Wet Nr 36 van 1947, versigtig.

FMC Chemicals (Edms) Bpk, Posbus 44, Postnet Menlyn, Waterkloof Glen, 0081, Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Tel: +27 12 003 2938.

Benevia® en Cyazypyr® is handelsmerke van FMC Korporasie of sy affiliate. Datum: 10/2018.

TD 18/182R

GEBRUIK PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE MET VEILIGHEID EN VERANTWOORDELIKE SORG. VOLG AANWYSINGS OP ETIKET TEN ALLE TYE MET TOEDIENING VAN PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE.