Vegetables & Fruit September/October by Vegetables & Fruit

SINCE 1988

SEPTEMBER â&#x20AC;¢ OCTOBER 2019

Dreem a dream R40,00

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

No 191

Nr 191

ISSN 1015-85 37

NEWS 4 5 5 6 6 8

Nonkululeko Sambo as wenner gekroon Soil fertility and plant nutrition Finaliste in Jongboer van die Jaar-kompetisie Tyres for trailers First SA conference on essential and vegetable oils Agri Limpopo behou sy naam

Cover The stone fruit industry in South Africa is looking forward to higher volumes this season due to better rainfall in the Western Cape.

CUCURBITS 9 10

EDITORIAL Willie Louw (Group editor)

Bigger is better Some points to consider when venturing into cucumber production

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

STONE FRUIT 12 Dreem the dream 15 Storage is key 17 Inkorporeer biostimulante in geïntegreerde gewasbestuursprogramme

ADVERTISING Jana Greenall (011) 476 3702 082 780 9914 mediacom@lantic.net DESIGN Roelien vd Westhuizen westhuizenroo@gmail.com 072 930 6721

FERTILIZATION 19 Excellent response documented with the use of potassium nitrate 21 BASF bied innoverende en volhoubare oplossings teen donsskimmel, witroes en botritis in wingerd 23 Are soil restrictions stealing water from your crop’s roots? 25 Nutrients from seaweed stimulate plant growth

Bly ingelig en volg ons op Facebook. Keep up to date and follow us on Facebook. - SA Groente en Vrugte/SA Vegetables and Fruit - www.facebook.com/SAGroenteenVrugte/

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IRRIGATION 27 29

Thin wall dripperlines for thicker wallets Presisiebesproeiing vir beter uitkomste GENERAL

31 33 37

Afrika: Meer geleenthede as uitdagings Soil origin and variability Record blueberry production INSECT COLUMN

Lesser pumpkin fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

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NEWS

Nonkululeko Sambo as wenner gekroon ’n Jong landbouwerker van KMI Farming in Mbombela, Nonkululeko Sambo, het vanjaar Agri’s Got Talent se kroon gewen. Die beoordelaars het die kompetisie as uiters straf beskryf.

AGDALEEN PHILANDER VAN NONNA Estate, Worcester, was tweede en Zenobia Pietersen, van Marianne Wine Estate, buite Stellenbosch, derde. Sambo, wat nog nooit gevlieg het nie, het na Kaapstad gevlieg om saam met nege ander talentvolle landbouwerkers voor te berei vir die gala-aand wat onlangs by die Lord Charles-hotel op Somerset-Wes gehou is. Die Sitrusprodusentevereniging (SPV) het vanjaar as borg by die kompetisie aangesluit. Justin Chadwick, uitvoerende hoof van SPV, het gesê hulle het jare lank die groei van Agri’s Got Talent dopgehou en die ooglopende vreugde en inklusiwiteit wat die kompetisie meebring, gesien. “Plaaswerkers is ‘n gekoesterde deel van ons landboufamilie. Derhalwe skep Agri’s Got Talent die ruimte om hul talent op ‘n toepaslike wyse te ontwikkel. Toe SPV genader is om betrokke te raak, het ons die geleentheid aangegryp om by hierdie professionele inisiatief aan te sluit.” Sambo het met haar weergawe van Leonard Cohen se liedjie, Hallelujah, die beoordelaars en gehoor se voete onder hulle uitgeslaan.

Anton Rabe van Hortgro en Valencia Watts van die Tafeldruifvereniging oorhandig die prysgeld en trofee aan Nonkululeko Sambo van Mbombela, Agri’s Got Talent 2019 se wenner.

Sy het haar loopbaan as ‘n algemene landbouwerker begin, waarna sy ‘n landboudiploma voltooi het. Sy werk tans as ‘n intern by KMI Farming buite Mbombela. “Ek het nooit groot sangdrome gehad nie, dit was my vriende en familie wat my aangemoedig het om in te skryf. Ek het die kans gevat en hier is ek nou,” het ‘n oorstelpte Sambo gesê.

Change your into

green

with GreenGold® 30

gold

GreenGold® 30 is a dry fertilizer applied as top dressing with the three-in-one winning combination of nitrogen, calcium and boron.

GreenGold® 30: • Comprises a combination of nitrogen, water-soluble calcium and water-soluble boron for rapid uptake and quick plant reaction – all in one application. • Nitrogen is water soluble and partially quickly available and partially gives you a longer reaction. • Enhanced efficiency can result in higher yield and profitability. • Is highly suitable for fruit and vegetables but is also suitable for use on potatoes, grain crops, sunflower and pastures.

uppe marketing A16171 A16171

GreenGold® 30 is a must for fruit and vegetable growers. Kynoch – enhanced efficiency through innovation. 011 317 2000 | info@kynoch.co.za | www.kynoch.co.za

GreenGold® 30 K9750, Act 36 of 1947. Farmisco (Pty) Ltd t/a Kynoch Fertilizer. Reg no. 2009/0092541/07

NUUS

Finaliste in Jongboer van die Jaar-kompetisie ‘n Getroude egpaar, twee broers, een boer uit Gauteng, een uit KwaZulu-Natal en drie uit Limpopo sê mekaar vanjaar die stryd aan in die TLU-SA se Jongboer van die Jaar-kompetisie. (Transvaalse Landbou Unie (TLU SA) / Old Mutual Insure / Agri / Manitou / Mahindra).

OERE JONGER AS 35 van regoor die land het vir die kompetisie ingeskryf. Die beoordelaars het in ‘n siftingsrondte die deugde van die deelnemers ontleed, voordat die finaliste aangewys is. Oor die kompetisie sê Bennie van Zyl, die hoofbestuurder van TLU SA, wat ook een van die beoordelaars was, hulle is aangenaam verras oor die kwaliteit van jongboere wat vanjaar vir die kompetisie ingeskryf het. “Die doelgerigtheid, toekomsvisie en algemene bestuursvernuf van die boere is vir ons ‘n riem onder die hart, veral in hierdie onsekere tye wat landbou knel.” Die agt finaliste is: AJ Wohlfarht, Azelle Uys, George en Stephan Cloete, Henna du Plessis, Lukas Eksteen, Neels Uys, Stefan Landman en Wynand Louw.

Die beoordelingspan het as deel van die beoordelingsproses aan die einde van Junie by die finaliste besoek afgelê ten einde ‘n beter beeld van hulle leefwyse en boerderye te kry. ‘n Nuwe deel van die kompetisie is die inagneming van die gemeenskap se kommentaar. Enigiemand mag vir drie gunstelingboere stem en dit word dan in die beoordelingsproses verreken. Die publiek kan direk op TLU SA se webblad stem of deur die deelnemers se naam na 34855 te SMS. “Ons is opgewonde oor dié stap om die publiek by die stemproses te betrek,” sê mnr. Van Zyl. “Dit is belangrik om ons jongboere die nodige erkenning en aanmoediging te gee om landbou se toekoms te versterk. Ons wens die finaliste alles van die beste toe.”

Soil fertility and plant nutrition

The FERTASA Soil fertility and plant nutrition symposium themed “Back to Basics for the Future” was recently held at the CSIR convention centre in Pretoria and was marked by excellent presentations. The two day programme included panel discussions that proved to be highly informative, with speakers from Australia and the Netherlands. The speakers were Vossie Wilsnach, Jaco Marais, Dr Johan van Biljon, Dr Louis Ehlers, Chris Gazey, Prof Jude Odhiambo, Martin Botha, Dr Pieter Haumann, Dr Erik Adriaanse and Prof Leon van Rensburg (front).

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

Fertasa administers a fertilizer advisors’ training course, which is a distance learning course. The course is aimed at improving the skills of fertilizer advisors. Candidates are drawn from the private, government, agri-business and co-operative sectors in South Africa as well as its neighbouring countries. Dr Pieter Haumann is with Wilbri Vorster and David Taverna-Turisan who received the BASOS/FACTS awards for academic excellence.

NEWS

First SA conference on essential and vegetable oils Several organisations co-hosted the first South African conference on essential and vegetable oils to facilitate quality exports.

The BKT FL 637

Tyres for trailers

Tractors are of undisputed importance in farming operations but it cannot be used successfully without the proper tyres which enhance the tractor’s power without damaging crops.

HE SAME CAN BE said about a trailer’s tyres. Both these types of tyres leaves a massive footprint on the land and must be used in a considered and wellplanned way in order to obtain the best results in terms of maximum proficiency and least impact on soil. As a manufacturer for vehicle and implement tyres in the agricultural, industrial, earthmoving, port, mining, ATV and gardening sector, BKT has specifically developed an extensive range of tyres for trailers. Designed for combined road and field usage on South African farms, the name stands for the great plus provided by this flotation line, resulting in a minimum impact on soil. Every product’s tract pattern has features making it suitable for specific applications. FL 637 is the ideal product for spreaders, trailers and tankers, ensuring excellent performance both in the fields and on the road. The directional tread design brings about outstanding traction in addition to excellent flotation features, low rolling resistance and the required self-cleaning properties. The steel-belted structure provides enhanced durability and higher load capacity.

OGETHER WITH THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (the dti), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the South African Essential Oils Producers’ Association (SAEOPA) were involved. The conference theme, “Industry milestones, sharing successes and demystifying market requirements”’, was brought to light by renowned oil and quality infrastructure experts from South Africa as well as Australia, Europe and Turkey. It brought together over 150 oil producers from all over South and Southern Africa and armed them with relevant information from experts on the issues they face, particularly with regards to their successful entry into the global market place. The demand for both essential oils and vegetable oils is escalating worldwide. This development opens up a opportunity for South Africa with its diversity of climate and soil types to excel and prove the country as a worthy contender in exporting both essential and vegetable oils for world consumption. “The growth in this sector will stimulate increased production of vegetable and essential oils, improved packaging, knowledge of regulatory requirements and internationally recognised testing facilities, understanding of market requirements, better pricing and distribution. But in order to compete, the industry has to become a quality-driven Industry”, said Claudy Steyn, Chief Director: Chemicals, Cosmetics, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals, of the dti. The public-private dialogue that this conference facilitated will assist the utilisation of available public services and develop demand-driven services required by the private sector, ensuring the sustainability and efficient use of the capacity built. “This will be an important platform in the future to sustainably integrate small business enterprises (SME) into global markets and moreover for the achievement of the 2030 Development Agenda,” said Juan Pablo Davila, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO. The conference falls within the framework of the UNIDOSECO Global Quality and Standards Programme country project in South Africa (GQSP-SA), which aims at improving the quality of South African essential and vegetable oil products.

SAEOPA board, UNIDO and dti sponsors.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

‘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.

NEWS

Agri Limpopo behou sy naam Agri Limpopo bedank sy boere-lede en vennote vir ‘n suksesvolle 2019 kongres. Die jaarlikse kongres is ‘n belangrike geleentheid om strategiese sake te bespreek. Agri Limpopo wens beide Piet Engelbrecht met sy verkiesing as president en Lodewyk de Jager met sy verkiesing as adjunk-president, geluk.

IET ENGELBRECHT, ‘N SITRUSBOER in die Loskop-streek, Marblehall, en jarelange lid van Agri Limpopo, het voorheen as waarnemende president opgetree en is onbestrede as president verkies. “Die presidentskap is ‘n groot eer en ‘n voorreg, veral omdat ek oortuig is georganiseerde landbou het ‘n belangrike rol om te speel,” sê Piet. “Ons is bewus van al die uitdagings wat produsente in die gesig staar, maar ek glo ons kan die probleme stelselmatig en verantwoordelik aanpak. “Ons is opgewonde om Agri Limpopo te laat groei en om sodoende beter diens aan produsente te kan lewer,” sê Lodewyk de Jager. “Ons is ‘n redelik nuwe span met baie energie en die wil om ‘n sukses van die volgende jaar te maak.”

Agri Limpopo se 2019-kongres is die nuutaangestelde uitvoerende hoof, Deidre Carter, se eerste kongres. “Die positiewe energie binne landbou en binne Limpopo is ongelooflik,” sê Deidre. “Die kongres was ‘n uitstekende geleentheid om nouer met ons boerelede te skakel. Die gevoel by die kongres was duidelik dat daar ‘n groter behoefte is vir samewerking binne landbou, maar ook met ander belanghebbendes.” Agri Limpopo het onder meer by die kongres besluit om sy naam te behou en ‘n vorige besluit om dit na Limpopo Landbou te verander, is laat vaar. Produsente in Limpopo wat graag betrokke wil raak kan gerus Deidre Carter by 082 831 9168 skakel vir meer inligting.

TITAN* Very large, uniform fruit Strong plants Very small seed cavity Widely adapted for all growing regions Good internal quality and excellent flavour * Experimental: This variety does not appear on the current South African Variety list, but has been submitted for registration.

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

CUCURBITS

Bigger is better Over the past decade, Sakata has set the standard in the world of butternuts, offering a complete range of F1 hybrid butternut varieties. This range offers a variety for every segment of the market, from small fruit sizes for the export and fresh markets to very large fruit for the processing market. The success of these varieties is based on vigorous, disease resistant plants that offer exceptional yields, uniformity in size and shape and excellent internal quality.

OR YEARS ATLAS HAS been the variety of choice for processors all over the country that prefers large fruit for slicing and dicing and prepared foods. Always striving to improve, Sakata has recently launched a new variety, named Titan. It has quickly made a name for itself, offering even larger fruit than Atlas, which also makes it an excellent choice for the processing sector. Titan has been trialled and tested in all the growing regions in South Africa, and it has shown to be very adaptable, performing very well. The variety has an excellent yield potential, bearing very large, uniform fruit. The fruit has a long, elongated neck with a very small seed cavity. This makes it the perfect variety for processing, as the waste percentage when cut is very low â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up to 6% lower than for Atlas and other varieties used in the past. Due to the high yield potential and very large fruit, Sakata have found that Titan performs very well with increased levels of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizer when compared to other varieties. Where the norm for standard varieties is around 120-140 kg N and 140-160 kg K per hectare over the growing season, for Titan Sakata recommend increasing these levels up to 150-180 kg N and 170-200 kg K. This will lead to increased yields, larger fruits, and longer shelf life. Titan is not only performing well in South Africa but has also been successfully introduced to the market in various other countries. With summer around the corner, talk to the local Sakata sales representative or visit their website at www.sakata.co.za for more information on this variety. DISCLAIMER: This information is based on our observations and/or information from other sources. As crop performance depends on the interaction between the genetic potential of the seed, its physiological characteristics and the environment, including management, we give no warranty express or implied, for the performance of crops relative to the information given nor do we accept any liability for any loss, direct or consequential, that may arise from whatsoever cause. Please read the Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Conditions of Sale before ordering seed.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER â&#x20AC;˘ OKTOBER 2019

Titanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average fruit weight in summer is around 2 to 3 kg.

Titan has an excellent yield potential with very strong plants.

The fruit has a good internal quality with excellent flavour and a very small seed cavity.

PAMPOENGEWASSE

Farao A hybrid, elongated, Crimson Sweet type seeded watermelon. Farao is an elongated high yielding and medium-early variety.

Features/benefits: • Large fruit and strong plant. • Vigourous and continuous fruit-set. • Very good internal quality. • Firm, flavourful and high sugars. • Improved disease resistance. • High yield. Disease resistance: IR: Fon: 0, 1 / Co:1

Prince A hybrid Jubilee type seeded watermelon. Prince is a high yielding medium-early variety with excellent seedling vigour.

Features/beneﬁts: • Strong plant vigour and continuous fruit-set. • Very good interior quality. • Firm with great flavour and high sugars. • Excellent seed vigour. • Improved disease resistance. • High yield. Disease resistance: IR: Fon: 0, 1 / Co:1

Syngenta South Africa (Pty) Limited Private Bag X60, Halfway House, 1685. Tel. (011) 541 4000. www.syngenta.co.za. © Syngenta Ag, 2000. Copyright of this document is reserved. All unauthorized copying is prohibited.

InteliSeed Office Contact Details Tel: +27 11 660 7481 | Fax: +27 11 660 7559 | www.intelichem.co.za We have exercised the utmost care in compiling this information in this report. The data should, however, be handled by the user in his/ her own knowledge and experience of local circumstances. The terms used here refer to the known and described physios of certain pathotypes. However, other unknown and/or non-described disease physios may exist. We cannot, therefore, accept any liability for varieties listed in this report turning out to be non-resistant or non-tolerant to such pathotypes, whatever the reason. In case of doubt we recommend carrying out a small-scale trial production in order to test local growing conditions. *variety not registered but compliant to guidelines for import and unlisted varieties.

Some points to consider when venturing into cucumber production Tunnel farming is essentially a quest for efficiency. The most important factors that need to be considered are light, temperature, humidity, water, nutrition and disease control.

HE YIELD DIFFERENCES ALONE of cucumbers, from an open field to that of a well-controlled tunnel environment, can be between 100 – 150 t/ha. This is the main driver for the use of technology in cucumber production. Apart from the tunnel structure, a key factor to tunnel production success is water and nutrient management. Water plays a vital part in the production of any plants. Cucumbers, which comprise of 90% water, are certainly no exception, therefore the application of water need to be carefully monitored and applied accordingly. This may seem simple enough, but the addition of fertilizer to the water increases the complexity. In South Africa, cucumber production is mostly done using an open system where nutrient solution is applied to an aggregate, suchd as saw dust, coir or peat moss in a pot or plastic sleeve. Some important points to be considered: 1. Water quality • pH – between 5.5 and 6.0 to ensure adequate absorption of nutrients. • EC – should be between 1.7 – 2.5 dS/m. This can be managed through increasing the water supply or adding further fertilizer. • Solids in the water, such as clay, can bind with dissolved fertilizer and make this unavailable. The additional maintenance required to clean filters, nozzles. etc. may also present an issue. • Availability of electricity. 2. The growth medium • These sometimes have nutrients in them, but should be inert such as wood chip, coir or peat. It is important to test the aggregate so as to adjust the water and fertilizer solution accordingly. • Volume of the potted medium. Smaller pots will require smaller and more frequent applications, compared with larger volume pots or bags.

10 SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

CUCURBITS

Bomber

Cucumbers growing in a greenhouse.

3. The nutritional requirements • Cucumbers have a high nutritional requirement due to their rapid growth and require all 17 elements in the solution. • These fertilizers must be fully soluble. There are numerous formulations which can be readily obtained and adjusted for the correct application. Once the physical and chemical properties of the aggregate are understood, the management of the water/fertilizer component can begin. There is a very fine balance between the applied solution as a water source and that as a fertilizer source. As most cucumber hydroponic operations are open systems, it is unduly wasteful to keeps the nutrient solution flowing all the time, so the media needs to be kept at or just above field capacity during active growth and slightly below (10-15%) when growth rates are at their lowest. This will vary between time of day and time of year but needs to be adjusted accordingly. Just keeping the pots at field capacity is not enough, as the consistent application of nutrient solution can cause the pH and EC to change. These parameters need to be monitored constantly and remedial action must be taken quickly. To adjust the EC is relatively simple. If the EC is high, due to a high level of salts from the solution, this can be adjusted by increasing the water component into the solution, thereby dissolving the salts and leaching excess salts out. If the EC is too low, the addition of nutrient solution can raise this level. However, adjusting pH can be more complex. There are automatic systems available that can automatically adjust as necessary, but the theory behind it is still important. The mix of nutrients is important to understand, as some fertilizer elements tend to increase the H+ ion concentration (lower pH) such as ammonium based fertilizers with a high NH4+ content. Contrary to this, nitrate (NO3-) fertilizers can reduce the H+ ion concentration, making the solution more basic. By combining the use of various types of elements, the pH can be controlled. A more convenient method is with the use of buffer solutions, which readily absorb or mobilize H+ ions to keep the pH of the solution in equilibrium.

An early hybrid cucumber with medium-long fruits, ideally suited for active greenhouses or under plastic in warm months.

Features/benefits: • Ideal for summer production. • Strong and vigorous plant producing straight cylindrical fruit. • Excellent disease resistance. Disease resistance: HR: Cca / Ccu / Px / CVYV, IR: Gc / CMV / CYSDV

InteliSeed Office Contact Details Tel: +27 11 660 7481 | Fax: +27 11 660 7559 | www.intelichem.co.za

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019 11

We have exercised the utmost care in compiling this information in this report. The data should, however, be handled by the user in his/ her own knowledge and experience of local circumstances. The terms used here refer to the known and described physios of certain pathotypes. However, other unknown and/or non-described disease physios may exist. We cannot, therefore, accept any liability for varieties listed in this report turning out to be non-resistant or non-tolerant to such pathotypes, whatever the reason. In case of doubt we recommend carrying out a small-scale trial production in order to test local growing conditions. *variety not registered but compliant to guidelines for import and unlisted varieties.

STONE FRUIT

Ridges for 2019 nectarine plantings.

Dreem the dream Rouzelle Farm is a small single production unit based in the Breerivier, between Wolseley and Worcester. The farm is 100 ha with 70 ha planted. Dreem Fruit was created to brand fruit produced on the Rouzelle family farm. The fruit are selected for their great eating experience.

VER 250 CULTIVARS FROM several prominent breeding programmes are currently being evaluated to further extend the range of commercial blocks with “eat some more” quality fruit. They currently supply Pick n Pay (local) and Delecta (export) with their range of flat peaches, yellow nectarines, plums and yellow cling peaches. Vegetables & Fruit speaks to Leonard Droomer, general manager at Dreem Fruit. He is responsible for all daily activities, ranging from production decisions and activities to packing and marketing. He is also responsible for longer term strategic decisions, like what cultivars to plant, who to align with and “whats next”. Leonard completed a BSc Agricultural Economics and Economics degree at Stellenbosch University in 2010 and then completed an MBA. He says that when they bought the farm in 2006, it cultivated100% wine grapes. Since 2010, when he started farming, the focus was moved to stone fruit, with a special focus on niche cultivars. Dreem Fruit has two main focuses, with wine grapes one of them. They have a selection of red and white wine grape cultivars which they deliver to Mountain Ridge Wine Cellar for processing and marketing. They are one of the shareholders in Mountain Ridge, and both Leonard and his father are on the board, helping with the vision and strategy. The other focus is stone fruit. Dreem Fruit has a selection of peaches, nectarines and plums which they produce and pack themselves.

Leonard says that the target is to end with 50 ha of stone fruit, mainly nectarines and peaches. Currently about 50% of their orchards are young and not bearing. They believe the end goal will give them enough volume to form a strong relationship with local retailers, and then one or two of the premium retailers overseas. They are focusing on developing fruit ranges, with an interesting fruit offering. Dreem Fruit cater for both local and international markets. Locally they have been a direct supplier to Pick n Pay since 2014, and are very excited to be part of the new initiates the retailer is pushing, like the “nude” displays. They are improving their stone fruit offering, and Leonard says that they believe Pick n Pay will become the most exciting option to buy fruit from in the next two seasons. When it comes to export, Dreem Fruit has been working with Delecta, which is based in Paarl, since 2013 for all of their exports. The main focus is Marks & Spencer in the UK, but they also deliver to some customers in the Middle East. According to Leonard both the local and export strategy needs to be aligned, as fluctuations in the markets can be better absorbed this way. They currently do 50% local and 50% export. Vegetables & Fruit asked Leonard what the highlight of stone fruit farming is for Dreem Fruit. He says that farming is as fun as you make it. “One of my professors always said ‘the biggest threat to farming is tradition’. This is very true, as you need to

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

STEENVRUGTE

be innovative to remain relevant, which means you must break some traditions.” According to him stone fruit farming, like most other fruit farming, is cultivar driven. Therefore you need to ensure you know what the next best thing will be. They strive to plant cultivars with “eat some more” characteristics and continuously engage with all the different IP owners. Currently they have more than 250 cultivars under evaluation from nine breeding programmes.These include plums, peaches, nectarines, apples, pears, cherries and citrus. Stone fruit farming is also very labour intensive. “If you cannot work with people, you will not succeed in the long run.” Leonard says that they have also established one of six stone fruit industry evaluation sites this year for HortGro, which Provar (new cultivar and rootstock evaluator) will be evaluating. “Innovation makes farming exciting. Apart from the cultivars, there are also continued improvements in production techniques and market access. So you need to make sure to attend all the fruit days, and get out of your comfort zone to see what other producers are doing, and understand why.” With more attention on the reduction of chemical use, sustainable farming practices must be understood. He continues by saying that, what also makes stone fruit farming exciting, like most other farming practises, are that you have a plan – and an ever changing end goal to aim for. Things generally take longer than planned, but you are building something exciting. When it comes to challenges faced on a day to day basis, Leonard says that in the short term they are a relatively small setup, and because they are pushing hard into stone fruit with more than 50% of their orchards not bearing yet, cash flow is their biggest problem. The next challenge is market requirements, which are getting more extreme with the international focus on food safety and ethical standards. Currently Dreem Fruit go through seven accreditation processes that vary between yearly and three-yearly audits. Another challenge is systems. Currently there are not a lot of integrated systems that can give you accurate data on monthly reports or costing on block level for small businesses. Most of these reports need to be generated in excel. This is a major challenge for a small business, as it is time consuming and delayed, but the information is extremely important. Dreem Fruit is currently implementing a solution. The biggest long term challenge is government policy. Because it is ever changing, it makes it very difficult to quantify risk and itcomplicates the long term strategies and planning. Irrigation, soil and fertilisers Dreem Fruit currently has a combination of micro- and dripper irrigation, depending on the cultivar and harvest date. All the cultivars that are harvested before Christmas have dripper irrigation. Blocks that are harvested after Christmas are a mix between micro- and dripper irrigation, depending on the soil type and cultivar. The most important soil condition for stone fruit is drainage. Without well drained soils, and where good drainage cannot

be installed, farming with peaches or nectarines is almost impossible. Luckily most of their soils are very stony and sandy, which is preferred. For fertilizing and chemicals, Dreem Fruit uses two independent companies that do not sell any products, only advice. They are Soil 2 Root for fertilizer recommendations and Pro Crop for chemicals. Timing of the applications is critical. Chemical applications have also become very technical, as each market has its list of what may be sprayed and withholding periods. We asked Leonard to give some tips for producing stone fruit. He concluded by saying that if you do not plant a cultivar

Leonard Droomer (middle) in Turkey 2019 - visiting Turkish producers to look at cultivars and production techniques.

Test row - trees from Buffat breeding programme.

TO PAGE 15

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

Mikrokapsules maak die verskil: Die swaelpartikels in die formulasie word volgens grootte geselekteer om beide gas- en kontakaksie teen myte en swamsiektes te verseker. Maklike hantering: Vasgevang in kapsules, genereer die formulasie minder stof en is dit veiliger om te hanteer. Dit is ook meer geredelik oplosbaar wat blokkasies beperk. THIOVIT JET®. Die slim manier om myte en swamsiektes weg te blaas.

LEES DIE ETIKET VIR VOLLEDIGE BESONDERHEDE. THIOVIT JET® bevat swael (Reg. nr. L1061, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) THIOVIT JET® is ’n geregistreerde handelsmerk van ’n Syngenta Groep Maatskappy. Syngenta Suid-Afrika (Edms) Beperk, Privaatsak X60, Halfway House, 1685. Tel. (011) 541 4000. www.syngenta.co.za. © Syngenta Ag, 2000. Kopiereg van die dokument is voorbehou. Alle ongemagtigde vermeerdering word verbied.

@SyngentaSA

STEENVRUGTE

Dreem the dream FROM PAGE 13

that will work on your site, or you plant a cultivar that the market does not want, you’re doomed. His advice is to do tests before planting. “It also does not matter how long you have been in the industry or how big you are, you don’t know everything. Get external advice, take the road and see what is happening in the world. Remain relevant. Understand the value chain and have a 3- to 5-year plan ready.”

Autumn crunch yellow cling peach.

Test row - apple selection.

Storage is key HORTGRO

It might be so that growing and nurturing fruit until those beauties are harvested is the essence, the stress and the risk of farming fruit. But not the essence, the stress and the risk of the actual business of fruit. To really make it happen, one has to complete the cycle. From the farm to the consumer. Irrespective of how far apart they might be.

T THE HORTGRO FRUIT Farming 101 Post-harvest symposium, particularly aimed at newer entrants into the fruit industry. The importance of storing fruit in order to help complete the circle from farm to the consumer was addressed by Jacques du Preez and Mariëtte Kotze of Hortgro. Making a success of fruit farming involves being aware that your consumer is not down the road at the local village fruit store, but is spread out all over this global village called earth. Take apples for example 44% of South Africa’s apples are exported. That’s where the real money is. But export quality is stringent. So in order to get your fruit from here to there in prime condition, the correct processes and treatment become paramount. Storage and prolonging the life of the produce is key. One of the best-proven ways to help ensure this is to opt for controlled atmosphere (CA), and all its derivatives, storage as a complement to the regular atmosphere (RA). “Controlled atmosphere storage ensures that the oxygen involved in the process is lower while the carbon dioxide and nitrogen are higher, resulting in a longer, better storage life,” Mariëtte explained. Apart from that, all the countries competing are using CA, making it the industry standard. However, because they are all using it, it means South Africa’s window of opportunity becomes smaller if everybody is jockeying for the same market. “That’s why we had to look for alternatives outside Europe. In 2008 58% of our exports went to the UK, Europe and Russia and only 38% to Africa and the Middle and the Far East. Today it’s 35% vs 62%,” Jacques explained. The concept of CA dates back as far as 1821 in France

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

where Jacques Berard at the Académe de Science wrote a paper on the alteration of fruit respiration by changing the composition of the atmosphere surrounding the fruit. Over the years it went from strength to strength in Europe and the USA, but really only kicked in in South Africa when Two-a-Day built the first jacketed CA stores for the 1979 season for about 7 000 bins. Four years later, in 1983, the then Deciduous Fruit Board exported the first apples from CA storage. Today the industry can handle around 1 500 000 bins. An increase of 30 000%. Prime quality, huge distances and lengthy time periods. Coping optimally with these elements ensures a good end product. Ensuring good business. CA is the key. For instance, some apples like Golden Delicious can be stored for as long as 10 months without a drop in quality. A variety of storage methods are used, including controlling the atmosphere, inhibiting maturation and pumping cold air over the fruit. Yes, CA is a huge tool to help ensure a prime end product, but most importantly, CA cannot improve the quality of the fruit you put in. Therefore the quality and maturity of the fruit you put in CA storage needs to be managed meticulously. Otherwise, it becomes very expensive juice fruit. CA is a great tool to optimise income but has associated risks. It’s about managing quality while balancing supply with demand. At the end of the day, it’s all about satisfying consumers all over the globe with great tasting fruit all year round. The completion of the cycle.

NEXUSAG SLUIT BIO-STIMULANTE IN BY ONS GEÏNTEGREERDE GEWASBESTUURSPROGRAMME OM STEENVRUGBOME IN STAAT TE STEL OM TE FLOREER Bio-stimulante bevorder die ontwikkeling van steenvrugbome gedurende die gewas se lewensiklus deur die stimulasie van metaboliese prosesse. Hierdie prosesse verbeter die boom se vermoë om voedingstowwe te assimileer.

BIO-STIMULANTE WORD MET SUKSES AANVULLEND TOT HUIDIGE PLANTVOEDING- EN PLAAGBEHEERPROGRAMME GEÏNKORPOREER. DIE VOLGENDE FAKTORE WORD TEN DOEL GESTEL Stresvolle klimaatstoestande word oorbrug deur die plant normaal en optimaal te laat funksioneer.

Optimale vrugset-bevordering, en optimale vruguitdunning later in die seisoen, na gelang van produksie-, kultivar- en produsentbehoe es. Mikro-elemente in bio-stimulante word gebruik om 'n fisiologiese reaksie te bewerkstellig, afgesien van die noodsaaklikheid van die betrokke mikro-element. So word sink gebruik vir wo elontwikkeling-stimulasie by steenvrugte.

Die afgelope paar jaar se droogte-impak het boomwo els beskadig, wat gevolglik bio-stimulant-toediening vir gefokusde wo elontwikkeling genoodsaak het. `n Nexus wo elgesondheidsprogram wat produsent-spesifiek saamgestel word, fokus daarop om stres op die boom te minimaliseer. AG

KONTAK ONS VIR MEER INLIGTING: 021-860 8040

www.nexusag.net

STEENVRUGTE

Inkorporeer biostimulante in geïntegreerde gewasbestuursprogramme Steenvrugte se natuurlike produksie word bemoeilik deur klimaatstoestande wat voortdurend verander as gevolg van opeenvolgende siklusse, gekombineer met seisoenale korttermyn stremmingstoestande soos kouefronte of hittegolwe. Langtermyn produksietegnieke by NexusAG het beter grondgesondheid ten doel, om koolstofvlakke op te bou en om mikro-organismes vir beter biologiese aktiwiteit te vermeerder.

ERWYL GEPOOG WORD OM die produksiestelsel se biologiese aktiwiteit op te bou, het die meeste gebiede die afgelope paar jaar onder erge droogte gebuk gegaan. Dit het reserwes uitgeput. NexusAG se geïntegreerde voedingsprogramme lê sterk klem daarop om sowel die plant as die biologiese produksiestelsel sodanig te voed en op te bou dat biologiese aktiwiteit kan toeneem. Dit het ’n meer stabiele en vrugbare ekosisteem tot gevolg en terselfdertyd word ook na die gesondheid van die land se natuurlike stelsels omgesien. Hierdie benadering verg egter heelwat tyd en indringende fokus op chemiese, fisiese en biologiese plantproduksie-aspekte. Verskeie negatiewe korttermyn- produksie-omstandighede moet oorkom word. Langtermynstappe is noodsaaklik om produksie-aspekte te verbeter, maar biostimulante (ook mikro-organismes wat biostimulante produseer) moet saam met geïntegreerde voeding en plaagbeheer gebruik word om die plante se stremming te verminder. Dit bou ook sterker plantstrukture en verhoog die hoeveelheid en digtheid van plantselle, wat weer produksie verhoog. Die eerste en belangrikste aspek in só ’n program is om goeie en sterk wortels te kweek. Gevolglik word eers op die grond as groeimedium én ekosisteem gelet, asook na die plant se beskerming teen grondsiektes. Die gebruik van biostimulante, wat ’n onmiddellike effek op grond-eienskappe het en terselfdertyd die plant se wortels stimuleer, word oorweeg. Voortvloeiend hieruit word produsente se behoeftes in berekening gebring en ’n spesifieke program vir elke kultivar, volgens die omgewings- en grondtoestande, saamgestel. Biostimulante, wat die plant se stremming en natuurlike weerstand verbeter, word in geïntegreerde blaarspuitprogramme gebruik, sodat die plant ten spyte van swak weerstoestande normaal kan fotosinteer en produseer. Só word die boom se natuurlike weerstand teen siektes verbeter en terselfdertyd word die boom se fotosintese-tempo nie vertraag nie, wat tot nog meer optimale produksie lei. Dit word

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

bereik deur die volgende: • ’n Meganiese of strukturele effek: Kalsium en silika word as meganiese plantsel-boublokke gebruik, wat help teen biotiese en abiotiese stremming en weerstand bied teen insekbeskadiging en uitermatige weerstoestande, soos erge hitte of koue. • Metaboliese effek: Die opname van ander voedingstowwe, soos kalsium en fosfaat, word gereguleer. • Die gebruik van mikro-elemente in biostimulante: Benewens die betrokke mikro-element se noodsaaklikheid word dit gedoen om ‘n fisiologiese reaksie te bewerkstellig. Só word sink (Zn) gebruik vir die stimulering van wortelontwikkeling. • Die opbou van natuurlike weerstand: Deur verskillende stimulasie-meganismes op verskillende fenologiese stadiums in die produksiesiklus te gebruik, help dit die plant om ’n goeie natuurlike weerstand teen siektes en plae op te bou. Só word ’n doeltreffender plaagbeheerprogram ge-implementeer. Biostimulante word na gelang van produksie-, kultivar- en produsentbehoefte in die produksieprogram gebruik vir optimale vrugset en vrug-uitdunning later in die seisoen. ‘n Rustyd ná die winter is ’n belangrike fokus van die program. Die boom se totale reserwe- en energiestatus, asook eenvormige blom- en vrugset, word in ag geneem. Die sleutelrol van biostimulante in ’n jongboom-produksieprogram is ’n belangrike oorweging om ’n jong boom in ’n omvattende program, oor ’n periode van drie tot vier jaar, vir optimale produksie voor te berei. Só ’n program bestaan uit goeie voeding en biostimulasie, wat ’n gebalanseerde plant met die nodige produksiepotensiaal lewer. Kontak ’n NexusAG Croplife- geakkrediteerde gewasadviseur vir meer inligting oor biostimulante en geïntegreerde gewasbestuursprogramme. Skakel 021 860 8040 of besoek www. nexusag.net.

BEMESTING

Excellent response documented with the use of potassium nitrate

Potassium nitrate is the preferred N and K source in horticultural crop nutrition.

Horticultural crops are high feeders of both nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), with K being taken up in the largest quantities. What growers strive to achieve, are yield increases from more and larger marketable product per unit area, quality improvement (whether it be increased brix, specific gravity, TSS, acidity, vitamin C, less peel defects as well as improved colour), and by reducing crop losses by increasing disease resistance.

OTASSIUM NITRATE HAS BEEN shown to improve all the above-mentioned parameters.

Fertigation programmes including potassium nitrate It has been documented that in many crops and many soil conditions, the combination of a positive potassium cation (K+) with the negative anion of nitrate (NO3-) act synergistically in the uptake of each other. Since both the elements of N and K are used by horticultural crops in vast quantities, this combination is highly beneficial in fertigation programmes. Excessive ammonium nutrition can induce calcium deficiencies in many crops, even though calcium is supplied in adequate quantities. Examples of this are tip-burn in lettuce, blossom end-rot in tomatoes and peppers, bitter-pit in apples and internal browning in pineapples. Nitrate-N in a nutrient solution also directly proportionately limits the uptake of excess chlorides. Small amounts of chloride are essential, but in many horticultural crops, excess chlorides have been shown to be detrimental to quality and yield. Chloride sensitivity is dependent on crop type. Maximizing nitrate-N (NO3-) maintains an optimal pH close to the roots (rhizosphere pH). If the plant is fed ammonium (NH4+), along with all the other cations, then there is an excess of H+ given off by the plant that causes the rhizosphere pH to drop by as much as 1.5 units (between 10 and 100 times more acidic). This acidity can be toxic to the roots per se and induce pH-dependent nutrient deficiencies. Using potassium nitrate to maximize the supply of negatively charged nitrates, is thus the ideal way of optimizing K+ uptake, N uptake and the uptake of the other cations, Ca2+ and Mg2+, into horticultural crops, while at the same time limiting the uptake of chlorides. Greater plant dry weight, reflected in yield and quality, is always the result.

Foliar applications with potassium nitrate alone or in combination** Foliar applications are required in times of peak nutrient demand, poor rooting conditions, salinity, cold, waterlogging, drought, incorrect fertilizer applications, root diseases and for building carbohydrate reserves. Periods of rapid fruit/crop filling are periods of peak nutrient demand. Potassium nitrate foliar applications at these times can result in greater yield and quality. In deciduous trees, post-harvest foliar sprays will boost the stored N and K reserves for the following yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; budbreak and fruit set, improving both fruit uniformity and yield. Potassium nitrate foliar applications have been shown to increase the resistance of a plant towards diseases (systemic acquired resistance - SAR). This occurs on both the metabolic level (phenols, auxins, phytoalexins and short chain carbohydrates), as well as a on a physical level (firmer cell walls and faster recovery). According to the International Potassium

Potassium nitrate foliar applications have been shown to increase the resistance of a plant towards diseases.

TO PAGE 20

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER â&#x20AC;˘ OKTOBER 2019

FERTILIZATION

Excellent response documented with the use of potassium nitrate FROM PAGE 19

Institute, Perrenoud (1990) extensively reviewed the effect of potassium applications on disease severity in crops. With bacterial infections, potassium application decreased severity in 99 out of 144 cases with 14 unchanged. For fungal infections, potassium application decreased disease severity in 1 080 of 1 549 cases with 112 cases unchanged. Potassium nitrate is the preferred N and K source in horticultural crop nutrition, often resulting in optimum K and N uptake, optimum Ca2+ and Mg2+ uptake, stronger healthier plants, better set and fruit/crop yields, increased fruit/crop size, better colour intensity, increased disease resistance and enhanced stress tolerance such as drought, frost and salinity. For both fertigation and foliar applications, consult your agronomist regarding rates and timing of applications. *Reg No K5020 Act 36/1947. Registration holder Sociedad Quimica y Minera (Africa)(Pty)Ltd **All claims in this article can be substantiated with references which can be made available on request. Disclaimer The information herein contained is given to the best of SQM’s knowledge and is believed to be accurate. The conditions of your use and application of the suggested recommendations are beyond our control. No warranty is made as to the accuracy of any data or statements contained herein. SQM specifically disclaims any responsibility or liability relating to the use of the recommendations and shall under no circumstances whatsoever, be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages arising from such use.

Maximizing nitrate-N (NO3-) maintains an optimal pH close to the roots (rhizosphere pH).

uppe marketing A17693/SAGV

Fertasa – gesertifiseerde geloofwaardigheid .

Fertasa is verbind tot die bevordering van volhoubare grondvrugbaarheid en verbeterde plantvoeding.

TILIZER A FER S C

Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa Reg. Nr. 1971/000012/08 • VAT Reg. Nr. 4830104164 Tel: +27 (0)12 349 1450 • Faks: +27 (0)12 349 1463 E-pos: general@fertasa.co.za • Webtuiste: www.fertasa.co.za

CIATION OF SO

pli

ERN AF UTH RI SO

20 SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Fertasa – beskerm die volhoubare gebruik van kunsmis.

Code of Con d

Excessive ammonium nutrition can induce calcium deficiencies in many crops, even though calcium is supplied in adequate quantities.

Fertasa-lede is verbind tot: • ’n Gedragskode. • Standaarde deur ’n onafhanklike nakomingsbestuursliggaam geouditeer. • Gehalte produkte. • Toepaslike wetenskaplik-gebaseerde aanbevelings. • Voortgesette onderrig en verbetering. • Die nakoming van wetlike vereistes.

ant C ertified

PROMOSIE

BASF bied innoverende en volhoubare oplossings teen donsskimmel, witroes en botritis in wingerd BASF fokus daarop om oor die lang termyn waarde en volhoubare oplossings aan produsente, die bedryf en die gemeenskap te bied. BASF is die markleier in innovasie met talle gevestigde en nuwe oplossings teen donsskimmel, witroes en botritis. Nou gaan ons boer! PROMOSIE

ASF SE OPLOSSINGS VIR DONSSKIMMEL Orvego® bevat Initium® en dimetomorf wat saam ‘n kragtige kombinasie vorm en ‘n dubbele slag slaan in die beheer van donsskimmel in wingerd. Die voordeel van Orvego® se kort onthoudingsperiodes stel jou in staat om dit vroeg in die program en nader aan oestyd toe te dien. Sy uitstekende vloeibaarheid maak die produk soveel makliker om te meng en toe te dien. Die nuwe chemiese klas waartoe Initium® behoort (FRAC Grp 45), maak Orvego® die ideale instrument vir suksesvolle weerstandsbeheer. Kruisweerstand is dus nie ‘n probleem nie. Die gunstige toksikologiese profiel van Orvego® teenoor die omgewing, gebruikers en verbruikers maak Orvego® ‘n ideale keuse vir geïntegreerde donsskimmelbeheer. Buitengewone reënvastheid binne een uur na toediening bied beskerming op die blare en trosse, selfs tydens nat toestande. Orvego® van BASF bring ‘n innoverende oplossing vir donsskimmelbeheer in wingerd. BASF SE OPLOSSINGS VIR WITROES Collis® kombineer kresoksiem-metiel en boskalied vir uitmuntende beheer en weerstandsbestuur teen witroes in die spuitprogram. Die twee aktiewe bestanddele reageer verskillend op en binne die plantweefsel, wat bydra tot die sistemiese voorkomende werking. Dit het ook die gewenste nawerking tot gevolg. Collis® is ‘n betroubare keuse in weerstandsbestuur, wat goed in ‘n spuitprogram teen witroes sal pas. Kumulus® - Die ou staatmaker is ‘n droëswael-swamdoder met goeie vermengingseienskappe. Die uiters betroubare formulasie met drie kenmerkende deeltjie-groottes wat optimum stabiliteit in suspensie het, dra by tot doeltreffende klewing en nawerking aan en op die blaar- en vrugoppervlak. Hierdie eienskappe verseker vinnige werking, volgehoue vrystelling en langdurige beskerming om witroes effektief te kan beheer. Vivando® se enkel aktiewe bestanddeel, metrafenoon,

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

™

beweeg vinnig deur die kutikula tot in die onderliggende selle, waar dit opbou en vandaar verder deur die blaarweefsel versprei. Vivando® is na toediening in ‘n gasformaat rondom druiwetrosse teenwoordig, wat beskerming binne die tros bied. Vivando® is uiters reënvas en lewer goeie nawerking. Die wye toedieningsvenster sorg vir ‘n wye keuse van posisionering in die witroes-beheerprogram, met geen kruisweerstand teenoor ander aktiewe bestanddele in die beheer van witroes nie. Dis ’n uitstekende keuse om in ‘n weerstandsbestuursprogram in te sluit. BASF SE OPLOSSING VIR BOTRITIS Cantus® is ‘n waterdispergeerbare korrel met sistemiese werking, wat beskerming bied teen beide botritis en witroes. Cantus® se enkel aktiewe bestanddeel, boskalied, verhoed vroegtydige spoorontkieming en swamontwikkeling op en binne die plantweefsel. Dit word as enkelbespuiting voor trossluiting aanbeveel vir optimale beskerming teen botritis. Cantus® verseker uitstekende siektebeheer en buitengewone werking sonder die risiko van kruisweerstand. Die betroubare formulasie verseker uitstekende reënvastheid na toediening en dus is geen hertoediening na reën of besproeiing nodig nie. BASF Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk, Sestiendestraat 852, Midrand 1685 Posbus 2801, Halfway House 1685, Tel: +27 11 203 2400, Faks: +27 11 203 2461, E-pos: agcelence-za@basf.com. Cantus®Reg. Nr L7444 Wet Nr 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Boskalied 500 g/kg. Collis® Reg. Nr L7489 Wet Nr 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Boskalied 200 g/ℓ. Kresoksiem-metiel 100 g/ℓ. Kumulus® Reg. Nr L2404 Wet Nr 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Swael 800 g/kg. Orvego® Reg. Nr L9185 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Ametoktradien 300 g/ℓ. Dimetomorf 225 g/ℓ. Initium® - Ametoktradien 300 g/ℓ Versigtig. Vivando® Reg. Nr L8352 Wet Nr 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Metrafenoon 500 g/ℓ. Verwys asseblief na produketikette vir volledige gebruiksaanwysings. Cantus®, Collis®, Kumulus®, Initium®, Orvego® en Vivando® is geregistreerde handelsmerke van BASF.

ORO-SOIL

SOIL CONDITIONER WITH

OROWET TECHNOLOGY ®

COMBAT SOIL RESTRICTIONS & MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT SOIL COMPACTION

Do you have soil restrictions limiting the efficient use of your water resources?

POOR INFILTRATION

What if you could optimise water use by improving infiltration into the soil and distribution of water in the root zone? What if the soil could provide more easily available water to the plant?

SANDY, HYDROPHOBIC SOILS

SURFACE EVAPORATION

HOW DOES IT WORK? When treating your soil with ORO-SOIL, the forces of adhesion and cohesion are altered changing soil and water surface chemistry. This ensures that water movement is less restricted, and water can be distributed faster and more evenly throughout the soil profile. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR CROP? Water uptake by the roots is improved as water availability is increase, ensuring a greater buffer capacity and hence mitigating possible stress conditions. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? A larger percentage of water applied to the soil can be utilized by the crop with less water loss – water use efficiency is improved. Application: ORO-SOIL should be applied at 10L/ha early in the season to ensure benefits throughout the season. Only one or two applications are required per season. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ORO AGRI

IRRIGATION WATER RUN-OFF

POOR DISTRIBUTION OF WATER

ESPECIALLY IN DRIPPER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Call 021 850 0667 or email info_sa@oroagri.com or visit our website www.oroagri.co.za

BEMESTING

Are soil restrictions stealing water from your crop’s roots? Soil restrictions is a term that is not often used or discussed when it comes to soil water management, but certain soil restrictions could be the reason for water not reaching crop’s roots because of water flow following a path of least resistance, resulting in divergence and losses along the way.

EPENDING ON SOIL TYPE there are different soil restrictions which could be present. For example, crusting in a clay loam soil texture could result in run-off of irrigation water from ridges and will cause inefficient irrigation. In the same way, other soil restrictions such as compaction and soil water-repellence also result in run-off and of course evaporation. ORO AGRI is an eco-friendly, agro chemical company based in Cape Town. They have been developing and manufacturing patented OROWET® technology for the past 17 years. They pride themselves in quality niche products backed by research and development to ensure efficacy in the field. Their soil conditioner product, ORO-SOIL®, is a special blend of surfactants and cold-pressed orange oil making it an effective soil application to improve infiltration and distribution of water in the soil profile. Soil scientist, Nordely Wright from ORO AGRI, is well acquainted with water management related to soil restrictions and how to ensure water is used effectively by managing certain soil restrictions with a soil conditioner. “Firstly, the soil restriction in a particular orchard or field needs to be identified. There are a range of different soil restrictions that all affect water movement in the soil, such as water repellence, crusting, dry zones in the profile or compaction; which can be localised as well as throughout the bulk soil. Once the soil is treated the with ORO-SOIL the way water interacts with the soil surface is changed and this ensures that water infiltrates better and is also better distributed throughout the soil profile.” Application of ORO-SOIL in vegetable crops can be made early in the season, just after transplant or sowing. This is especially true in dry regions, where it is best to apply as early as possible to maximise the benefit for the season. The product only needs a singular application for the season. In tree crops it should be applied with the first irrigation of the season. It must be applied before the application of any other soil applied chemicals such as nematicides, fungicides and

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

insecticides. Applying ORO-SOIL first will ensure that the other products will be well distributed in the soil profile. This also means better utilisation of expensive chemicals. Another important application of ORO-SOIL is for drip-irrigation systems. The distribution properties of the product ensure that the drip pattern under the drip-irrigation is larger and the water content more uniform, creating better conditions for root growth. ORO-SOIL can be applied to all crop types. In cases where severe soil restrictions are alleviated, there are definite improvements in crop quality and or yield. The recommended application rate is 10 L/ha for a full surface application only once in the season. It is best applied through the irrigation system. ORO-SOIL is compatible with mycorrhizae and PGPRs and does not harm soil microbes but improves soil conditions for their proliferation. For more information or any technical questions contact ORO AGRI on 021 850 0667, email: info_sa@oroagri.com or visit www.oroagri.co.za ORO AGRI, OROWET and ORO-SOIL are registered trademarks of ORO AGRI SA (Pty) Ltd.

The drip pattern under the ORO-SOIL treated drip irrigation is larger and the water content more uniform in the root zone.

AN OCEAN OF BENEFITS AFRIKEL P â&#x201E;˘ BIOSTIMUL ANTS

promoting growth and yield

As a leader in the production of natural seaweed extracts, Afrikelp works in sync with nature for mutual sustainability. Our liquid biostimulants, extracted from the uniquely South African giant kelp, Ecklonia maxima, holds multiple beneďŹ cial properties to invigorate your crops with the best the ocean has to offer. Afrikelp maintains exceptional standards to ensure improved yield, crop quality and tolerance to environmental stress factors.

Have you harnessed the power of nature? Speak to us to find out more:

+ 27 21 551 3556 A20788

www.afrikelp.com

BEMESTING

Nutrients from seaweed stimulate plant growth Using the natural biostimulant Afrikelp on crops will support natural root development and growth, while improving the nutrient and water efficiency, leading to a more viable farming environment. It is not only a good idea because it helps plants to extract nutrients from the soil more efficiently, but it can effectively assist food production, says Kobus Lindeque, Managing Director of Afrikelp.

FRIKELP SPECIALISES IN NATURAL growth stimulants for green plants. The liquid seaweed concentrate containing the natural hormone auxin, is freshly harvested from the fast-growing giant brown kelp, Ecklonia Maxima. This specific species of seaweed grows in abundance in the nutrient rich Benguela current along the South African west coast. The seaweed is sustainably harvested to ensure the ongoing growth and sustainability of the kelp forests. No other seaweed can replicate its qualities or lay claim to its unique benefits. “Using Afrikelp on crops will support natural root development and growth while improving the nutrient and water efficiency, leading to a more viable farming environment,” says Kobus. “We believe that our current, and future products, will assist farmers to become more profitable, while farming in a sustainable manner. Our vision is to establish Afrikelp as a highly focused agricultural company in South Africa, and to also continue growing to the rest of Africa, the United States and Europe.” A consortium comprising the management of Afrikelp, Rand Merchant Bank Ventures and Nedbank Private Equity, recently acquired Afrikelp with the strategic intent to invest and support the South African and international agricultural markets.

Harvested seaweed from the giant brown kelp which grows along the West Coast.

Afrikelp’s management team: Chris Strauss (Commercial Manager), Amelia Reddy (Research and Development Manager), Dunesha Naicker (Product and Process Improvement Manager) and Kobus Lindeque (Managing Director).

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

“As management, together with our new partners in RMB Ventures and Nedbank Private Equity, we have a passion for agriculture and our business. As a South African enterprise, we can make an important contribution not only to agriculture, but as a company investing in the future of the country. “We are certain that our approach to quality and sustainability will enable Afrikelp to make an important contribution in reducing some of the risks associated with agriculture as well as promote food security in South Africa.” Visit www.Afrikelp.com for more information. Enquiries can be directed to Chris Strauss: csstrauss@afrikelp.com

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BESPROEIING

Thin wall dripperlines for thicker wallets Cabbage field in India.

Thin wall dripperlines are defined as dripperlines with a wall thickness of 0,4 mm or less. There are a variety of factors that influence the selection of suitable wall thickness of dripperlines. The decision must be based on factors like operations and how much the producer wants to spend. This is where the irrigation designer can advise the producer on the best product.

NOTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION, mostly determined by the crop in question, is whether the dripperlines and other equipment will be used for a single season or multiple seasons. Thin wall dripperlines are designed to be used for one to three seasons, mainly for vegetables and cash crops. These dripperlines are also well suited for the temporary installation of germination or strip wetting lines. Advantages of single season use dripperlines include: • It can be installed at approximately a third of the cost of more permanent dripperline solutions. • Starting every every season with a new dripperline, lowering the chance of pathogen spread and ensuring optimal dripperline function every season. • Water quality limits may be relaxed somewhat, as the drippers only need to last a single season. • Lower operational cost as very little maintenance is required, and installation and retrieval are faster and less labour-intensive. • Can be recycled. Dripper complexity and cost As mentioned, dripper and dripperline selection must take a variety of factors into acount. Each of these must be deemed necessary by the producer and the irrigation designer for the crop and circumstances. This maintains a balance between dripper cost and performance. It is easy to be deterred by the cost of the most complicated drip irrigation solutions. It is important to keep in mind that equipment cost is a sliding scale, determined by a host of

Streamline X.

factors. There is a wide range of drippers and dripperlines for every possible application. Consider a dripperline selection graph where the y axis is cost and the x axis is application, durability, clogging resistance and other factors considered in dripper comparison. Of course, movement along the x axis will result in movement along the y axis – this means an increase or decrease in price. When it comes to drippers, bigger is better. The bigger the filtration area, the better the filtration and clogging resistance will be, and the higher the turbulence in the flow path, the better the clogging resistance one will get. Higher turbulence is gained by a wider, deeper and shorter labyrinth. Remember, the life of the dripperline is only as long as the dripper needs to drip. Another aspect to keep in mind, is the bigger and more complicated, the higher the cost will be. The same is true for wall thickness. The thicker the pipe wall, the more durable the pipe is, but the more plastic it requires the more expensive it will be. A thinner wall thickness will make the dripperline cheaper but will mean higher risk of damage. A big, advanced dripper meant to last a long time, will therefore go into a heavy wall dripperline with suitable durability. At the other end of the spectrum, a small dripper which is more likely to get clogged and is only purposed for a single season, will be welded into thin wall dripperline. Part of a dripper’s specification is whether it is to be used in thick, medium or thin wall pipe. You get what you need The question is: what does the crop need and what do the circumstances allow? The experts would, for example, not recommend the same equipment for irrigation with hard, murky water for a single season, as for irrigation with the same water where the equipment needs to last many seasons. Similarly, the same equipment will not be used for irrigation with much better water quality. If the attributes of advanced heavy wall dripperlines aimed at multi-seasonal use is more than the crop needs and the TO PAGE 28

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

IRRIGATION

Thin wall dripperlines for thicker wallets FROM PAGE 27

circumstances allow, these dripperlines becomes a waste of money and labour. This is something that cannot be afforded in modern farming, where efficiency is crucial to survival. As mentioned, thin wall dripperlines can lead to significant cost savings when some attributes are no longer crucial. If one chooses single use, it is important not to veer from quality when moving to the lower range of drippers and dripperlines. Streamlineâ&#x201E;˘ X is the toughest thin wall dripperline and offers optimal irrigation for seasonal crops. The dripperline has been created with external ribs across the circumference of the pipe. Two internal ribs thicken the dripper welding area, protecting the dripper from damage during installation and throughout the season. The aim of the design of the dripperline is to make it as tough and robust as possible. Streamline X incorporates superior dripper technology using the trademarked TurboNetâ&#x201E;˘ labyrinth, as well as a deeper, wider and shorter flow path and a larger filtration area than competing products.

Thin-wall dripperline.

BESPROEIING

Presisiebesproeiing vir beter uitkomste Jan Greyling MEDEWERKER

Sukses in die verbouing van permanente gewasse berus tot en met 70% op die neem van die korrekte besluite en regte keuses rakende besproeiing. Besproeiing kan aangepas word volgens die grond se diepte, hoe diep water indring en hoe lank grond “nuwe” water kan behou, sê Marnus Ferreira, senior grondwetenskaplike van Agri Technovation.

ET GROENTEPRODUKSIE is dit noodsaaklik om meer as net die besproeiingsproses doelgerig te bestuur. Marnus verduidelik dat groentegewasse se korter groeitydperk tot gevolg het dat daar ‘n baie kleiner venster-periode is waarbinne die bemesting en plantvoeding 100% korrek kan wees. As die gewas se groei eers agter geraak het, verg dit baie moeite en koste om weer op te vang. Grond- en grondtekstuur-ontledings moet gevolglik gedoen word alvorens besluit word op ‘n benadering met besproeiing. Verder, meen Marnus, “begin die proses eintlik by die wysheid en insig om heel eerste die water te laat ontleed. Dit is besonder belangrik omdat water die element is waarvan ons die meeste toedien gedurende groentegewasse se groeisiklus.” Met verkeerde besproeiing word die grondmikrobes – wat nie noodwendig vir ‘n suurstofryke omgewing aangepas is nie – in die grond gestimuleer. Hierdie mikrobes sal dan byvoorbeeld die stikstof wat vir die plante bedoel was, as voedingsbron gebruik. Dit het tot gevolg dat die plante nie al die toegevoegde stikstof wat benodig word, kan opneem nie. Dit lei tot gebrekkige groei en swakker opbrengste. “Waterbestuur, waterontleding, chemiese ontleding, gereelde mikrobiese ontleding en ‘n goeie begrip van hoe jou water in jou grond gaan reageer, is uiters belangrik in groente- en permanente gewasproduksie. As die grondbiologie en die mikrobe-lewe in die grond gesond is, sal die stikstof op ‘n natuurlike wyse tot

voordeel van die plante omgeskakel word. Gesonde grondlewe is dié belangrikste faktor om voldoende natuurlike stikstof te verseker.” Marnus wys daarop dat Agri Technovation in hul dienslewering kan bepaal en meet hoe die samestelling van die grond op verskillende stroke op ‘n plaas of in ‘n land, boord of spilpunt van mekaar verskil, asook hoe die grondlewe verander word deur die verskillende soorte bewerkings, gewasse en middels wat daarin gebruik word. “Met inagneming van hierdie inligting beplan ons, in oorleg met die boer, hoe om sy boerderypraktyke, besproeiing, kultivarkeuses, voeding en grondvoorbereiding aan te pas met die grond se biologiese karakter. Wát jy het om mee te boer is ‘n gegewe. Hóé jy dit ten beste gebruik, berus op goeie besluitneming en keuses, op grond van die beste moontlike inligting.” Grondsamestelling is die sleutel Marnus verduidelik dat met die verbouing van gewasse, die grond se fisiese eienskappe (wat deur grondklassifikasie bepaal word), soos die tekstuur, aandui wat die grond se vermoë is om water te laat infiltreer. Hierdie eienskappe bepaal ook hoe grondvoorbereiding gedoen en watter soort besproeiing toegepas moet word. “Onthou dat die uitleg van besproeiing en plasing van sproeiers in ooreenstemming met die mees verteenwoordigende grondeienskappe moet wees.” Boere moet ook besef dat sekere gewasse en kultivars geneig is om beter te

Marnus Ferreira, senior grondwetenskaplike by Agri Technovation. Foto – Jan Greyling, Seilsafari 2019.

presteer in sekere grondtipes. Presisie-groenteboerdery Vir groenteproduksie voel Marnus sterk oor die bydrae wat presisie-ontledings en aanbevelings op volhoubaarheid en verbeterde opbrengste kan hê. Met behoorlike grondklassifikasie kan die akkuraatse ontledings van die grond se fisiese eienskappe gedoen word. Daarmee kan onder meer bepaal word waar die relevante variasiepunte is, soos om vas te stel waar dit eerste nat gaan word en waar die water dalk langer of te lank vasgehou word. Die besproeiing-bestuurstelsel op spilpunte word aangepas by die spilpunt se spesifieke behoefte – dit kan byvoorbeeld in kwarte gemonitor en bestuur te word. Die grondvog se monitormeters word aangebring op dié stroke met die mees verteenwoordigende grondtipe. NA BLADSY 30

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

IRRIGATION

Presisiebesproeiing vir beter uitkomste VAN BLADSY 29

Die boer kan dus 70-90% van sy spilpunt se besproeiing effektief bestuur volgens metings wat op die mees verteenwoordigende stuk grond geneem is. Wanneer die grondvogmeter in grond aangebring word wat net ‘n fraksie (byvoorbeeld 10%) van die totale grondsamestelling van die land verteenwoordig, kan die meter se lesing waardeloos wees, want tot soveel as 50% van ‘n land kan droog trek. Dit is gevolglik volgens Marnus raadsaam om gedurende die beplanningsfase, die mees geskikte grondvogstroke in ‘n land met die beplande gewasse te assosieer. “Jy kan byvoorbeeld grond hê wat baie vinniger versadig word en waar kleiner volumes water dus eerder met korter intervalle en vir korter tydperke toegedien moet word. Die grond word dalk baie vinniger nat, maar gaan baie moontlik ook vinniger droog word. Dit is gevolglik baie belangrik dat die tempo en

hoeveelheid water vir elke grondtipe en gewas reg bestuur word.” Toerusting is deurslaggewend Marnus beaam dat die regte keuse van besproeiingstoerusting vir elke grondsoort, gewas en selfs kultivar, van optimale belang is. “By permanente gewasse kan swaarder gronde beter resultate lewer met drupbesproeiing, natuurlik met inagneming van die klimaat, bemestingspraktyke en hoeveelheid reën. Met hierdie soort besproeiing word die water doeltreffender in die grond gekry en kan die uitwerking van warm en winderige toestande doeltreffender bestuur word. “Die regte keuse van besproeiing hou altyd sterk verband met die grond se fisiese samestelling,” verduidelik Marnus. “Ons verstaan die plantfenologie baie goed, ook met betrekking tot groente-

Perfekte oplossings in besproeiingsbestuur By Agriplas voorsien ons u van die mees effektiewe oplossings vir u besproeiingsbehoeftes. Van kunsmispompe, filters, kleppe, drupperlyne en mikrosproeiers tot gesofistikeerde outomatiese stelsels om die voortdurende vloei van water te verseker.

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Doen navraag by jou naaste besproeiings handelaar oor Agriplas Produkte

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verbouing waar daar slegs ‘n kort venster-periode is om die plant groot te kry. Dit is belangrik om te weet watter soort voeding die plant op welke tydstip, volgens die plant se behoeftes, benodig en om die eiesoortigheid van die grond waarin dit gekweek word, te respekteer.” Met die verbouing van groente is dit belangrik dat die boer van die begin van die verbouingsproses af moet weet hoe om sy aanplanting se waterverbruik en voedingsvlakke reg te bestuur. Marnus is van mening dat voortydige biologiese, chemiese, water- en mikrobiese ontledings van optimale belang is. Op grond van die presisie-data wat deur hierdie ontledings versamel en ontleed word, kan die akkuraatste en tydigste besluite geneem word. Hierdie benadering het tot gevolg dat die beskikbare grond optimaal benut word en só word volhoubare goeie opbrengste verseker.

ALGEMEEN

Afrika: Meer geleenthede as uitdagings Jan Greyling MEDEWERKER

Afrika is oop vir besigheid. Die vraag is of jóú besigheid, waar ookal in die waardeketting, gereed is vir Afrika? Dit is die oortuiging van dr Rutendo Hwindingwi, assosiaat-direkteur by Deloitte tydens ‘n bespreking oor ‘Afrika: Die land van melk, heuning en … entrepreneurs’ tydens die 9de PMA Suidelike Afrika Fresh Connections Konferensie en Handelskou in Kaapstad.

WINDINGWI SÊ IN DIE huidige jaar gaan na verwagting meer as ‘n miljard VSA dollar (US$ 1 miljard) se waagkapitaal in Afrika belê word, teenoor US$ 608 192 366 miljoen in 2018. Die geld word hoofsaaklik vir tegnologie-ontwikkeling gebruik om Afrika in ooreenstemming met internasionale handelsgeleenthede te bring en daar te hou.In 2012 het dié bedrag US$ 40 665 000 beloop, teenoor US$ 127 838 410 in 2013 en US$ 414 018 422 in 2014. Vordering Sean Moolenschot, uitvoerende hoof van Savenda Global Capital Partners, het vertel wat sedert 2018 se PMA-konferensie in Kaapstad gebeur het ná ‘n saadjie vir die vestiging van varsprodukmarkte in Afrika en spesifiek Zambië daar geplant is. Binne 12 maande is ‘n handelsvloer van 6 400 m² in werking gestel, met die opsie om dit tot 20 000 m² te vergroot. ‘n Aeroponiese produksiearea en vier groeitonnels, wat tans weekliks sowat 6 ton blaarslaai van hoë gehalte lewer, is gevestig. Aanvullend word 4 800 m² aangrensende sakegeboue aan voorsieners van vars, bevrore en gedroogde voedsel verhuur. Savenda Global Capital Partners is in Zambië en Mauritius gevestig en soek na projekte wat kleinboere ondersteun. Deur innoverende strategiese vennootskappe met die RSA Groep, Vitalite, Apeel Sciences, Musika (Making Agricultural Markets Work for Zambia) het hulle die nuwe Zambiafresh Lusaka Mark (ZLM) gevestig. Moolenschot sê kort na die PMA-konferensie is in ‘n opname bevind dat daar ‘n dringende behoefte is vir mededingende, goed gereguleerde groothandelsmarkte in Zambië. Die kommissiegedrewe verkoopsagent-model het uitgestaan as die beste vir die Zambiese varsproduktelandskap. Mike Cordes, ‘n kundige oor Suid-Afrikaanse varsprodukmarkte, het behoeftegedrewe ZLM reëls opgestel vir onder meer gehaltebeer op plase, markbestuur, agent- en agentskapverhandeling, asook kontanthantering en betaalreëls. “Die grootste uitdagings in Zambië was ‘n gebrek aan wetgewing om varsprodukbemarking te reguleer; ‘n versplinterde en ongekarteerde verskaffernetwerk; geen formele voorsieningsketting vir kommersiële en kleinboere aan verbruikers nie; geen boer-agent of verteenwoordigende stelsel nie en die totale afwesigheid van ‘n koueketting. Dit is waar ooreenkomste belangrik geword het. Vitalite, wat reeds verskeie ander produkte in Zambië versprei, is as vervoervennoot aangestel. Apeel Sciences, wat deur Bill en Melinda Gates se stigting befonds word, is die koelkamer- en kouekettingvennoot en die RSA Groep is die ontwikkelaar van ZLM se nuwe markagentsstelsel.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

Deelnemers by die bespreking oor entrepreneurskap in Afrika: Dawie Maree (FNB), Yuval Cohen (tegnologie in Israel), dr Rutendo Hwindingwi (Deloitte) en Sean Moolenschot. Foto – Jan Greyling.

Privaatfinansiering vra nuwe denke Volgens Dawie Maree, hoof van FNB Landbou se kommunikasie en bemarking, is Afrika “nie vir sissies nie”, veral wat landboufinansiering betref. Wanneer sake in Afrika gedoen word, moet voortdurend in aanmerking geneem word dat dit ‘n kontinent met baie lande is wat elk sy unieke finansiële uitdagings het. “Dit is nie, soos veral buitelanders dink, een land nie.” Maree sê die oorweging van privaatfinansiering vir landbousake in Afrika word gemeet aan die werklikhede. Daar is onsekerheid oor grond, gebrek aan basiese infrastruktuur, versekering deur risikobestuur op plase en sosio-maatskaplike uitdagings soos geslags-, etniese en ekonomiese ongelykhede. “Om goed-georganiseerde markte te vestig moet ons hierdie struikelblokke afbreek en die produksie van bestaansboerderye omskakel na markgedrewe produksie.” Die gebrek aan werklike belangstelling van privaatbanke is ook ‘n gevolg van min kennis oor die werking van modern bankwese onder produsente. “Afgeleë produksiegebiede maak dit moeilik om kostedoeltreffende en bekostigbare dienste te lewer. Dan is daar weer- en klimaatrisiko’s. Privaatfinansierders in stede weet te min van landboufinansiering.” Unieke behoeftes Banke wat wel landbou in Afrika wil finansier moet dalk meer aandag gee aan die samevoeging van finansiële en nie-finansiële dienste, om van onderontwikkeld tot by die moderne tegnologie te vorder. Maree sê deeglike marksegmentasie met unieke produkte en dienste is nodig vir Afrika se unieke behoeftes van groot kommersiële plase en landboubesighede op dieselfde vlak, klein kommersiële plase en ontwikkelende plase saamgevoeg, en bestaansboerdery. Volgens Maree moet ‘n uitvoerbare beleidsomgewing geskep word om finansieel, logisties en met sekerheid handel op en met die kontinent, mededingend te kan finansier.

ALGEMEEN

Soil origin and variability Prof Jude Odhiambo UNIVERSITY OF VENDA

Soil forms continually but slowly from the gradual breakdown of rocks through weathering and is made up of mineral particles, organic materials, air, water and living organisms. All of these interact slowly yet constantly, hence soil formation and development is a dynamic rather that static process.

HILE SOME OF THE soils develop by weathering of the underlying bedrock (residual soils), many soils form from material that has been transported from a different area. Rocks are composed of minerals e.g. quartz, feldspar, pyroxene, hornblende and olivine. For example, granite is a rock and it is composed of several minerals such as quartz, mica and feldspar. Weathering The concept “weathering of rocks” describes the processes of weakening and breaking down of rocks and minerals. There are three different types of weathering: physical, chemical and biological. Physical weathering describes a change that affects the structure of a rock, but not its composition. It is sometimes also called mechanical weathering, since it only causes mechanical changes to the rock’s structure. Examples of physical weathering include wedging, exfoliation, abrasion and thermal expansion. Wedging occurs in areas with extremely cold conditions combined with sufficient rainfall. The repeated freezing and thawing of water which seeps into cracks in rocks (called joints) eventually cause the rock to break. Exfoliation is the weakening and separation (shedding) of the surface layers of rock as a result of chemical or thermal processes. Abrasion is the rocks and sediment grinding against each other, as well as wind and water rushing over rocks to eventually wear away surfaces. The rocks become smoother as rough and jagged edges break off. Thermal expansion is rapid temperature fluctuations, such as day-night cycles, which cause rocks to expand and contract. This causes stress from within the rocks and small cracks form. Chemical weathering is the weakening and subsequent disintegration of rock by chemical reactions. These reactions

include oxidation, hydrolysis, carbonation and reduction. These processes either form or destroy minerals, thus altering the nature of the rock’s minerals composition. Temperature and moisture are critical for chemical weathering. Chemical weathering of rock minerals generally occurs more quickly in hot humid climatic regions. Carbonation is the process of rock minerals reacting with carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is formed when water combines with carbon dioxide. Carbonic acid dissolves or breaks down minerals in the rock. CO2 + H2O H2CO3 (carbon dioxide + water

carbonic acid)

CaCO3 + H2CO3 Ca2 +2HCO3(calcite + carbonic acid calcium + bicarbonate) Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction caused by water. Water changes the chemical composition and size of minerals in rock, making them less resistant to weathering. A hydrolysis reaction of orthoclase (alkali feldspar), a common mineral found in igneous rock, yields kaolinite, silicic acid and potassium. 2KAISi3O8 + 2H+ + 9H2O H4AI2Si2O9 + 4H4SiO4 +2K+ (orthoclase + water kaolinite + silicic acid + potassium) Hydrations mean that the soil forming minerals in rocks do not contain any water and they undergo hydration when exposed to humid conditions. Examples of this: a. 2Fe2O3 + 3HOH (hematite) (red) b. AI2O3 + 3HOH (bauxite)

2Fe2O3.3H2O (limonite)(Yellow) AI2O3.3H2O Hyd, aluminium oxide) TO PAGE 34

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

GENERAL

Soil origin and variability FROM PAGE 33

Oxidation is the process of addition and combination of oxygen to minerals. The absorption is usually from O2 dissolved in soil water and that present in the atmosphere. The oxidation is more active in the presence of moisture and results in hydrated oxides. 4FeO (Ferrous oxide) + O2 4Fe3O4 (magnetite) + O2 2Fe2O3 (hematite + 3H2O

2 Fe2O3 (Ferric oxide) 6Fe2O3 (hematite) 2Fe2O3.3H2O (limonite)

Reduction is the process of removal of oxygen and is the reverse of oxidation. It is equally important in changing the soil to grey, blue or green asferric iron converted to ferrous iron compounds. Reduction takes place under the conditions of excess water or waterlogged condition (less or no oxygen). 2Fe2O3 (hematite) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; O2

4FeO (ferrous oxide)

Biological weathering is the breakdown of rocks by living things. Burrowing animals help water and air get into rock, and plant roots can grow into cracks in the rock, making it split. Living organisms can also produce substances which react with the rock. The weathering process is influenced by the interaction of five factors. These factors are parent material, climate, relief, organisms and time. Parent material Soil parent material is the material that soil develops from, and may be rock that has decomposed in place, or material that has been deposited by wind, water or ice. The parent material determines the colouration of the soil, its composition and texture. Hence the importance of the minerals the rock contains. Soils developed on parent material that is coarse grained and composed of minerals resistant to weathering, are likely to exhibit coarse grain texture. Fine grain soil develops where the parent material is composed of unstable minerals that readily weather. Parent material composition has a direct impact on soil chemistry and fertility. For example, parent materials rich in soluble ions-calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, are easily dissolved in water and made available to plants. Limestone and basaltic lava both have a high content of soluble bases and produce fertile soil in humid climates. If parent materials are low in soluble ions, water moving through the soil removes the bases and substitutes them with hydrogen ion making soil acidic and unsuitable for agriculture. Soils developed over sandstone are low in soluble bases and coarse in texture, which facilitates leaching. Parent materialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; influence on soil properties tends to decrease with time as it is altered and climate becomes more important.

Climate Climate is the single most important factor in soil formation. Climate controls the type and effectiveness of weathering of the parent material, the quantity of water seeping through the soil and the type of micro-organisms present therein. In areas of heavy rainfall and high temperature, the soils are red or lateritic. Torrential rainfall during the rainy season washes the upper soil and leaches the materials into deeper horizon. During the dry summer season the evaporation exceeds precipitation and through capillary action sesquioxides are transported to the surface making the soil red. In arid and semi-arid regions, evaporation always exceeds precipitation. Hence, firstly there is very little vegetation and the soils badly lack humus content. Thus the soils are invariably of light colour. Secondly, the excessive evaporation cause lime accumulation. In cold climates, processing of vegetation decay is very low and the soils formed under such circumstances are acidic in nature. When the climatic control acts for a sufficiently long period, it reduces the differences in the parent materials. Hence, two different parent materials may develop the same soil in the same type of climate. Similarly, the same parent material may produce two different types of soils in two different types of climates. For example, the crystalline granites produce laterite soil in relatively moist region and non-laterite in drier areas.

Climate controls the type and effectiveness of weathering of the parent material, the quantity of water seeping through the soil and the type of micro-organisms present therein.

SEPTEMBER â&#x20AC;˘ OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ALGEMEEN

Relief or topography The shape, length and grade of a slope affect drainage. The aspect of a slope determines the type of vegetation and indicates the amount of rainfall received â&#x20AC;&#x201C; change the way soils form. Steep slope encourages the swift flow of water and hinders the process of soil formation. The areas of low relief or gentle slope generally experience deposition and have deep soils. Transported soils include, alluvial (water transported), colluvial (gravity transported) and aeolian (wind transported) soils. Hence the degree of slope also largely determines the fertility of soil. Organisms All living organisms like plants, micro and macro organisms, animals and man actively influence the soil forming process. Their major influence is the effect on the chemical and physical environment of the soils. Some micro-organisms change the chemistry of the soil and influence the type of soil forming processes that take place. Micro-organisms decompose the organic materials and return the products to the soil. Larger animals such as earthworms and burrowing animals mix the soil and change it physical characteristics. Their waste products cause aggregation of the soil particles. Plants add their leaves and roots to the soil.

All living organisms like plants, micro and macro organisms, animals and man actively influence the soil forming process.

TO PAGE 36

GENERAL

Soil origin and variability FROM PAGE 35

Athos Dark green cylindrical hybrid baby marrow with high yield potential and good shelf life.

Features/benefits: • Medium-short peduncle and small-neat blossom end scar. • Vigorous and open plant. • Produces cylindrical, straight, shiny, dark green fruits. • Ideal for open field cultivation at the end of summer and autumn, even in areas subject to strong viral pressure and powdery mildew. Disease resistance: IR: CMV / WMV / ZYMV / Gc / Px

Human activities through cultivation and the addition of lime, fertiliser and other soil amendments, change the soil. Artificial drainage and filling have altered the environment of some naturally wet soils. Time Soil properties may vary depending on how long the soil has been weathered. Soils have been referred to as young, mature and old, depending on the degree of weathering. A mature soil is in equilibrium with its environment and shows full development of layers or horizons in its profile. Due to the interplay of various soils forming factors and processes in their evolution as well as soil management activities, soils vary in their distinctive characteristics. Hence, greatly variable soil results with varying morphology and physic-chemical properties. Soil variability can be expressed either as static or dynamic property. Static properties may, for example, relate to variation in soil texture or organic matter content, which are relatively stable soil properties. Dynamic properties relate to differences at short distances in water, solute, air and temperature regimes that are considered to be practical significance. The soil variability influences the use of different soils for different purposes.

Afrodite A medium-dark green cylindrical hybrid traditional baby marrow variety for open field cultivation.

Features/beneﬁts: • Small flower scar, and tolerant to transport and handling. • Vigorous, open plant with erect leaves. • Earliness and yield. • Very uniform medium dark-green cylindrical fruits with good shelf life. Disease resistance: IR: CMV / WMV / ZYMV

Due to the interplay of various soils forming factors and processes in their evolution as well as soil management activities, soils vary in their distinctive characteristics.

36 SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ALGEMEEN

Record blueberry production Data compiled by the South African Berry Producers Association (SABPA) reveals that South Africa’s blueberry production is expected to reach a record high of 17 000 tons this year, up from 11 300 tons in 2018.

HIS WILL MEAN AN exponential increase in jobs created from 1 000 in 2014 to 8 000 in 2019. Furthermore, by 2023, they expect production to reach 50 000 tons which will translate into 14 000 jobs. Amidst the doom and gloom of South Africa’s recently released unemployment figures, this is a very good story to tell. But the story can be so much better if South Africa’s blueberry industry can gain access to core export markets in the Far East. The potential to grow the export markets is huge. At present, approximately 70% of blueberries produced locally are destined for export markets. The value of blueberry exports grew from R133 million in 2013 to R1 058 billion in 2018. Currently, South Africa does not have access to key markets like China and South Korea. That at a time when blueberry imports are growing phenomenally in these markets. In China, for example, blueberry imports grew from 2 400 tons in 2013 to more than 12 000 tons by 2017. At the moment, China imports its berries mainly from Chile and Peru. South Africa should be competing directly with these countries, especially because they grow high quality blueberry varieties that are preferred by the international markets. They also have shorter transit times to markets in the East compared to competitors. South Africa has the ability to expand production throughout South Africa due to the versatility of blueberry crops, which can be grown virtually anywhere in the country. Given access to these markets, South African blueberries will be a formidable competitor. If producers gained access to the Chinese market, for example, it could create an additional 12 000 jobs in South Africa, increasing the industry’s projected employment numbers from 14 000 in 2023 to 26 000. The industry is aware that export protocols for other fruits have taken as long as 12 to 17 years. At this rate the South African blueberry industry will only gain access to the Chinese market in 2045. Given the many unemployed agricultural workers in South Africa at present, producers cannot afford to wait that long. The only way for South Africa to take advantage of the job-creating potential of berries, is if government and industry work closely together to overcome the hurdles impeding access to markets in the Far East. SABPA has therefore written to Minister Thoko Didiza to request a meeting to find solutions to these obstacles. They are confident that she will do whatever it takes to help them create thousands of jobs in this exciting emerging sector.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2019

South Africa’s blueberry production is expected to reach a record high of 17 000 tons.

The value of blueberry exports grew from R133 million in 2013 to R1 058 billion in 2018.

Beautiful blueberries.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INSECT COLUMN

Lesser pumpkin fIy (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Fruit flies (scientifically known as the dipteran family Tephritidae) encompasses 450 genera and 4 300 described species globally, making it one of the largest families within the Diptera order. From an agricultural and economic standpoint, species from the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus, and Rhagoletis are the most important, since they have a huge impact on the production of fruit in many countries. Many fruit fly species are also of quarantine importance and if produce are infested, it is not allowed to be exported to countries where these species does not occur. One of these species is the lesser pumpkin fly, Dacus ciliates (D. ciliates), also known as the Ethiopian fruit fly. Andri Visser IPM-PROGRAMME NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY POTCHEFSTROOM

e-mail: visseran3@gmail.com

Lesser pumpkin fIy classification: Class: Insecta Order: Diptera Family: Tephritidae Genus: Dacus Species: Dacus ciliates

.CILIATUS HAS A WIDE geographical distribution and can be found throughout most of the continent – from Egypt to South Africa. It is also a pest in Indian Ocean islands, Asia and countries in the Middle East. Like many other fruit flies, D. ciliatus is an important quarantine pest, since it has the potential to become a major pest if introduced to new regions such as Florida in the USA. Consequently, this species is classified as an EPPO A1 quarantine pest and is also of quarantine significance to the Caribbean Plant Protection Commission (CPPC). D. larvae are generally spread via the transportation of infested fruit or through adult flight. It is estimated that adults of many fruit fly species can fly up to 100 km during their lifespan. Cucurbitaceae plants (including cucumber, melon, pumpkin, watermelon) are the primary host plants of D. ciliatus. There are a few reports of hosts other than Cucurbitaceae, most notably tomatoes. However, these instances are very rare and usually proceed from conditions where other preferred hosts are unavailable. D. ciliatus has cylindrical, slightly curved eggs that are about 2,5 mm long and shiny white in appearance. The larvae are generally white but can sometimes be influenced by the colour of the food they’re feeding on. The third instar larvae are about 8 mm in length and have a typical maggot appearance. The final instar transforms into the puparium, which is elliptical, brownish, and 4,5-5,5 mm long. The adult fly of D. ciliatus closely resembles several other

Lesser pumpkin fly.

Dacus fly species, which are all predominately dark tawny brown and 6 to 7 mm in length. The head is globular shaped with large, green, oval-shaped compound eyes and spongy moth parts. Two black spots can be observed between the eyes and just above the mouth parts. The body is semi-oval and peaked toward the posterior. Some identifying characteristics of the adults include two black spots on the abdomen (especially visible in females), and yellow spots at the anterior shoulders of the thorax and posteriorly near the abdomen. The wings also have an expanded anterior dark-brown band. Generally, females will lay their eggs into fruit that start to ripen, although some instances have been recorded where the fruit were attacked much earlier during development. Infested fruit commonly has oviposition pits around which necrosis can develop. Since the males do not respond to the chemical lure that is relied upon to detect most other related fruit fly pest species, D. ciliatus is a particularly difficult species to detect or monitor. Luckily however, both sexes can be monitored using protein bait traps, using either hydrolysate or autolysate. When detected, it is important to gather all infested host fruits and destroy them.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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