Vegetables & Fruit September/October 2020

SINCE 1988

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020

Nothing better than canned peaches R40,00

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

No 197

die

stamina

vir vroeë roes beheer

Tweeledige aksie: difenokonasool genees bestaande vroeë roes infeksies terwyl Adepidyn™ volgehoue beskerming verseker.

Regte plek, regte tyd: Adepidyn™ se stadige sistemiese beweging deur die blaar se waslaag verleen kragtige blaarbeskerming en verseker sodoende die biomassa wat ontwikkelende knolle benodig.

Karboksamied tegnologie, herontwikkel: Adepidyn™ is ’n nuwe klas karboksamied.

Sy hoë affiniteit vir die waslaag van blare verskaf langer nawerking en verbeterde reënvastheid binne 1 uur. Slim tegnologie, ongeag die weer Doeltreffend. Slim. MIRAVIS® Duo.

LEES DIE ETIKET VIR VOLLE BESONDERHEDE. MIRAVIS® Duo bevat Adepidyn™ (pydiflumetofen) en difenoconasool (Reg. nr. L10750, Wet 36 van 1947) SKADELIK. MIRAVIS® Duo is ‘n geregistreerde handelsmerk van ‘n Syngenta Groepmaatskappy.

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

@SyngentaSA

29 Nr 197

ISSN 1015-85 37

8 18

37

Cover The future of stone fruit lies in the identification of exciting new varieties, setting new benchmarks in terms of brix and eating experience, working closely with our growers at source and bringing real points of difference to retailers globally.

NEWS 4 4 6 7 7 7

Halls announces Roger Armitage as new MD Aanstellings by Fertasa FMC stel maatskappydirekteur in Suider-Afrika aan Samewerking om gemeenskappe by te staan A new force in the seed industry Lang pad na herstel vir SA wynbedryf

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

STONE FRUIT 8 Nothing better than canned peaches 11 Zero-residue control of mites in commercial stone and pome fruit orchards are possible 14 Vordering met die evaluasie van nuwe inmaak-perskekultivars 17 Meganiese en chemiese uitdunning van steenvrugte TOMATOES 18

22 25

Say hello to Hokkaido Powdery mildew on cucurbits

SUBSCRIPTIONS SPECIAL RATES FOR GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE

GENERAL 27 29

31 32 33 37

Innovative technologies in potato packing Kelp the answer to some of the challenges faced by citrus farmers Maintain control of farm vehicles and fuel Eers opleiding, dan suksesvolle bemesting Fewer salaries being paid and fewer sales being made Geleentheid van 'n leeftyd vir varsprodukverkope INSECT COLUMN

DESIGN Roelien vd Westhuizen vanderwesthuizenroelien@gmail. com

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The right choice for tomato production CUCURBITS

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GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

3

NEWS

Halls announces Roger Armitage as new MD Global avocado company Halls announced the appointment of Roger Armitage as the new Managing Director for South Africa. Roger joined the company as of the 1st of July 2020.

“I

AM PLEASED TO welcome Roger Armitage to the Halls Fresh Produce team. I am looking forward to the contribution that Roger will bring to the farming, packhouse and commercial operations in South Africa with his wealth of experience as an economist and a leader in the agricultural industry.

Roger’s values of humility, generosity of spirit and commitment to continual learning has already been witnessed and appreciated by the Halls team,” says Tracey Davies, CEO of Halls.

Roger is an Agricultural Economist with broad commercial experience gained from various production and development finance roles in the agricultural sector. He grew up on a farm in Hilton in the Kwa-Zulu-Natal Midlands, attended Maritzburg College and after serving in the Air Force he completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Agricultural Economics at the University of Natal.

After four years of working in London, Roger joined the SA Cane Growers’ Association in 2002 as the Regional Manager of the Tugela area and in 2005 moved to the head-office in Mt. Edgecombe as Director of Economic Services.

In 2009 Roger persuaded his wife, Hayley and their two sons Tom and Brett, who are now 15 and 13 respectively, to exchange the Durban city lights for the Lowveld, and that is where he took up a position as CEO at Akwandze Agricultural Finance based in Malelane.

In 2013 Roger was tasked with establishing and leading a second company, TSGRO Farming Services, which is a support service provider to land reform farmers in Nkomazi.

“I am inspired by Halls’ values and ethos with its 130-year heritage, and excited by the possibilities of joining a team with profound competence to deliver global fresh produce solutions,” says Roger.

Roger Armitage.

Aanstellings by Fertasa Fertasa is trots om die nuutverkose voorsitter en ondervoorstitter van die Raad bekend te stel.

D

R NICOLE HART (voorsitter) is die trotse moeder van twee kinders, Rachel (7) en Matthew (4) en sy is tans die Kommersiële Algemene Bestuurder in die Internasionle span van Omnia Kunsmis. Sy was voorheen die verkoopbestuurder

by Experse, 'n AECI maatskappy, waar sy 13 jaar ervaring opgedoen het in die landbousektor -plaaslik en internasionaal. Sy het baie leierskapervaring om verkoopspanne te lei in verkryging en integrasie wat uiteindelik produkontwikkeling en navorsing dryf.

Nicole het haar doktorsgraad verwerf aan die Universiteit van KwaZulu-Natal in 2005. Sy het meer as 13 jaar ervaring in kunsmisbedekking en bymiddels en bykans 3 jaar ervaring in die Landbou-Bio-portefeulje. Sy het ook gedien as direkteur of alternatiewe direkteur in Fertasa se raad sedert Junie 2013.

4

Henk le Roux (ondervoorsitter) is getroud met Elora en hulle is die trotse ouers van twee kinders, Carlene en Stephen, wat al 'n geruime tyd uit die huis is met hul eie loopbane in die tegnologiewêreld.

Henk is die afgelope 20 jaar verbonde aan NWK, waar hy al die jare betrokke was by die vloeibare aanleg en kunsmisbemarking, maar ook tussendeur met NWK Kleinhandel en Meganisasie, en verskeie ander fasette van die groep.

Henk het grootgeword in die Noord-Kaap en naskool gestudeer by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat, UNISA en Noordwes-Universiteit. Sy loopbaan in die landbou het hom geneem na die Vrystaat, KwaZulu-Natal en blootstelling in verskeie dele van Suid-Afrika en buurlande gebied.

“Die landbou-omgewing is my passie en ek leer steeds elke dag meer van al die kennisse en vriende wat ek oor die jare in die kunsmisbedryf leer ken het,” sê Henk.

Vir meer inligting kontak Hermien Wouda 012 349-1450 (hermien@fertasa.co.za).

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Treevix

®

Boul die hardnekkigste breëblaaronkruide uit!

Treevix® is ’n nuwe innoverende onkruidbestuuroplossing vir die beheer van moeilik beheerbare breëblaaronkruide in sitrusboorde, insluitend sekere ALS-, triasien- en glifosaat weerstandige biotipe onkruide.

Treevix®:

• Dramatiese verbetering in sitrusboordonkruidbeheer teweeggebring deur die kragtige blaaraktiwiteit en uitstekende sistemiese werking • Werking is aansienlik vinniger as huidige oplossings • Doeltreffende onkruidbeheer verminder onkruidsaadproduksie wat verlaagde onkruiddruk in toekomstige seisoene meebring • Ideale komponent in ’n breëblaaronkruid weerstandbestuurprogram vir sitrusboorde. * Gebruik Treevix® met Roundup® of Roundup® Turbo soos per etiket.

uppe marketing A25920 BASF Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk • Sestiendestraat 852, Midrand, 1685 • Posbus 2801, Halfway House, 1685 • Tel: +27 11 203 2400 • Faks: +27 11 203 2461 • Webblad: www.agro.basf.co.za Mobielewebblad: m.agro.basf.co.za • Treevix® Reg. Nr. L10406, Wet Nr. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Kixor® 700 g/kg. Kixor® - saflufenacil. Treevix® en Kixor® is geregistreerde handelsmerke van BASF. Roundup® Reg. Nr. L0407 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947, glyphosate (potassium) 360 g a.e./l. Versigtig (lll) • Roundup® Turbo Reg. Nr. L7166 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947, glyphosate (potassium) 450 g a.e./l. Versigtig (lll) Roundup® en Roundup® Turbo is geregistreerde handelsmerke van Monsanto Technology LLC.

success is in the detail

NEWS

seeds | science | service

Liberty • • •

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

Sunny Delight •

•

•

SV0143YG* • • •

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

This bright yellow patty-pan can be harvested at baby stage Plants have a semi-bush, open habit that makes harvesting easy Harvest just 40 – 45 days after planting

SV9054YG* • • •

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

| www.nuvance.co.za |

FMC stel maatskappydirekteur in Suider-Afrika aan Dr Lee Cheesman FMC ONTWIKKELINGSPESIALIS Die landbouchemiese maatskappy FMC het Bright Breytenbach aangestel as maatskappydirektuer by die tak in Suider-Afrika.

H

Y HET GESAMENTLIKE 22 jaar diens by onderskeidelik Monsanto en BASF in verskeie poste. Dié ondervinding in gewasbeskerming, saad, biotegnologie en sakebestuur kan hy inspan om FMC suksesvol te lei in die voorsienbare toekoms.

Almal in Breytenbach se span is Suid-Afrikaners met ‘n landbou-agtergrond. Die span streekbestuurders verstaan die plaaslike landbou en gewasbeskerming en is kundiges as dit kom by hulle produkreeks. Die moedermaatskappy in die VSA is byna 140 jaar oud en word beskou as een van die vyf grootste landbouchemiese maatskappye ter wêreld.

FMC se produkreeks is ’n kombinasie van sy eie produkte en produkreekse wat die afgelope paar jaar van Cheminova en Du Pont bekom is. Die produkreeks in Suider-Afrika maak van FMC ’n besondere maatskappy met sy reeks top-produkte en ook aktiewe bestanddele, soos Rynaxypyr® en Cyazypyr® wat bekend is as markleiers. Produsente regoor Suider-Afrika gebruik FMC se bekende insekdoders, swamdoders, onkruiddoders en die bekende produk vir aalwurmbeheer, Rugby®.

Die maatskappy maak gebruik van uitgesoekte chemiese handelaars en hul agente om hul produkte aan produsente te voorsien. Suid-Afrikaanse produsente is in ’n bevoorregte posisie om van ’n professionele, georganiseerde handelaarsnetwerk gebruik te kan maak om hul produkte aan te koop wat voldoen aan die hoogste standaarde.

“Ons is daartoe verbind om produsente te help om gewasse teen vernietigende insekte, indringer-onkruid en die bedreiging van siektes te verdedig. Die COVID-19-pandemie het die belangrikheid van voedselsekerheid aansienlik verskerp en ons span graag al ons kragte in om produsente te ondersteun,” sê FMC se ontwikkelingspesialis, dr Lee Cheesman.

“FMC bestuur sy onderneming in Suid-Afrika met sterk beginsels: ons fokus op ons eie mense, ons klante, ons produkte en die kostedoeltreffendheid van ons besigheid. Alles wat ons doen, word doeltreffend en reg gedoen.”

Volgens dr Cheesman is een van hulle prioriteite om die belangrikste, nuwe en doeltreffende tegnologie aan produsente beskikbaar te stel. Prosesse soos produkregistrasie en -toetsing, logistiek, die invoer en verspreiding van produkte word voortdurende verbeter om die onderneming seepglad te bestuur.

FMC se produkte word reg oor die wêreld vervaardig, en hulle het geen beheer oor die Rand/Dollar-wisselkoers nie, wat ‘n groot invloed op die onderneming het. Alle vooruitsigte wys steeds daarop dat FMC se besigheid in Suider-Afrika met meer as 20% behoort te groei teenoor die 2019-boekjaar.

Vir meer besonderhede oor FMC se produkte en dienste in Suider-Afrika kan dr Cheesman geskakel word by +27 66 239 1240 of per e-pos gekontak word by lee.cheesman@fmc.com.

6

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

NUUS

Samewerking om gemeenskappe by te staan Die Mike Loutfie stigting is deurentyd betrokke by pogings om COVID-19-voedseltekorte hok te slaan.

D

IE NUUTSTE SAMEWERKINGSOOREENKOMS is met Agri SA, wat ‘n R1 000 000 skenking van Yara Africa Fertilizer ontvang het. In ‘n mediaverklaring op Wêreldvoedseldag sê Yara dat hulle dankbaar is om in hierdie moeilike tye steeds te kan bydra tot voedselprogramme.

Die Mike Loutfie stigting het onlangs saam met RSA Markagente en Agri SA by die Bloemfonteinse mark kospakkies vir begunstigdes uit plaaslike gemeenskappe verpak en versprei.

Die stigting noem hul visie “Moving Lives Forward” en is ‘n venoot in die gesamentlike poging tussen Agri SA en Yara deur te help met die kies van begunstigdes en die

verspreiding van die produkte. Die stigting se uitvoerende direkteur, Zani Kunz, sê dat daar in reaksie op die honger en vernietiging in gemeenskappe voortgegaan is om gedurende die COVID-19 pandemie vars groente aan welsynsorganisasies te lewer.

Die stigting het ook ruim skenkings van borge ontvang. “Terwyl hierdie kosbydraes ons fokus bly, werk ons ook daaraan om die hongergaping kleiner te maak met meer volhoubare en langtermyn voedselhulp,” sê Kunz.

Die Mike Loutfie stigting is ‘n vennoot van Agri SA, Yara en RSA Markagente in Bloemfontein wat gemeenskappe in hierdie onmiddellike krisis bystaan.

Lang pad na herstel vir SA wynbedryf

A new force in the seed industry

Vir die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf lê nog ‘n lang herstelpad voor nadat die verbod op plaaslike handel en verspreiding van alkohol onder waarskuwingsvlak twee opgehef is.

“H

OEWEL ONS DANKBAAR IS dat wynhandel en aanlynverkope hervat word, is ons steeds oorweldig deur die skade wat die bedryf berokken is deur die tydelike verbod op uitvoer en verlenging van die verbod op plaaslike verkope,” sê Rico Basson, bestuurshoof van die wynbedryforganisasie Vinpro.

“Dis moontlik reeds te laat. Baie wynbesighede het reeds gesluit en 'n lang herstelpad lê vir die bedryf in geheel voor,” sê Basson.

Die bedryf het na raming meer as R7 miljard verloor sedert die aanvang van die handelsbeperkings in Maart 2020. Na die aanvanklike verbod op plaaslike verkope wat nege weke geduur het, 'n verbod op uitvoer wat oor vyf weke gestrek het en 'n tweede plaaslike handelsverbod, beraam Vinpro dat meer as 80 wynkelders en 350 wyndruifprodusente huldeure oor die volgende 18 maande sal moet sluit, tesame met 'n potensiële verlies van meer as 21 000 werksgeleenthede regoor die wynwaardeketting.

Vinpro werk saam met bedryfsvennote aan 'n rampherstelplan om die sektor te stabiliseer. Dít sluit in die verlenging van aksynsverligting vir die huidige jaar en die 2021-seisoen, asook die hantering van opeenhopings en uitdagings by die Kaapstadse hawe én oplossings om die huidige wynoorskot van sowat 300 miljoen liter weg te werk.

“Die wynbedryf is gerat om plaaslike handel en verspreiding te heropen met al die nodige gesondheids- en veiligheidsregulasies en daar word hard gewerk om, waar nodig, gedrag volgens verantwoordelike produksie, promosie, handel en verbruik van alkohol aan te pas,” sê Basson.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

Recently three of South Africa’s agricultural seed companies joined forces to create the joint venture company Limagrain Zaad South Africa.

This represents the coming together of Link Seed (Group Limagrain), Klein Karoo Seed marketing or K2 (Zaad Group) and Seed Co South Africa to create one new company to provide a competitive multi-crop alternative for farmers in southern Africa.

K

2 OFFERED AN agronomical and forage seed product range, as well as vegetable seed across southern Africa.

Seed Co is involved in the creation, multiplication and distribution of improved hybrid seed varieties, such as maize, wheat, soybeans, sugar beans, cowpeas, sorghum, groundnuts and vegetables across the African continent. Link Seed, a Limagrain affiliate, offered a range of maize and soybean cultivars in South Africa. The French company Limagrain, produce and distribute field seeds, vegetable seeds and cereal products.

With this joint venture, Limagrain Zaad South Africa (as part of the Limagrain Field Seeds division) offers a multi-crop portfolio of products and services to producers and will be a key player in the field (agronomic) and pasture seed segment.

Limagrain Zaad South Africa has a sales team selling three top brands of seeds in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and Namibia.

The team comprises of seven members with Sheryl Wulfsohn as head of human resources, Margot Andrieu as head of quality assurance, and Johnnie Hunlun of finance and administration. Fanie Meiring manages the sales and marketing team, whilst Danie Leeuwner heads the product portfolio management. Jacques Breytenbach oversees the entire supply chain and Louis Vlaswinkel leads the research and development function.

7

STONE FRUIT

Nothing better than canned peaches The demand for canned fruit and other long-life products skyrocketed in March and April 2020 with the uncertainty associated with COVID-19. As the hospitality industry came to a standstill, role-players had to quickly shift their sights to service the demand that arose in the retail sector.

A

CCORDING TO JACQUES JORDAAN, the CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association, international demand was particularly driven by the US and Europe (Germany). However, keeping the logistics chain going was the biggest headache with new regulations and ports that could not get the products shipped to the markets.

Although South Africa benefited from the exchange rate, international prices did not necessarily improve. To remain relevant in the market, China, Greece and Spain are significantly increasing their exports of semi-processed peaches to Thailand where they are repackaged and exported mainly to the USA. In the run-up to the season, Greece indicated that its apricot harvest could be up to 30% weaker than 2019, due to adverse weather conditions and a shortage of labour. The Greeks produced large surpluses with their peach crop in 2019 but indicated on 3 July 2020 that their stock had been depleted. They had a 7-year record in volume exports until the end of April. They also had the strongest growth in market share to markets such as Germany, the UK, Thailand (for repackaging to the US) and Poland. Unfortunately, this 17% volume increase in exports was due to a reduction in their average Free on Board (FOB) prices.

The 2020 peach crop started on 11 July with favourable weather and slightly lower volumes than the 2019 crop. Factories are currently experiencing problems with kernels breaking during processing and weakening recoveries and pushing up labour costs. Orders are still focused on retail sizes and

they expect good export orders for the coming season. However, retail packaging does not necessarily have a positive effect on price.

The Chinese started harvesting recently and the tough kernel harvest is estimated at 20% lower than 2019's record harvest. Although adverse weather conditions affect the size of the crop, volumes channelled after canning are expected to be similar to those of last year. China's largest exports of canned fruit go to the US, Japan, Thailand and Chile.

The Spanish importers have been struggling and were down for the period from June 2019 to April 2020 with 7% in volume exports and 4,3% down in their average FOB prices per tonne. An interesting development in the US is that the Seneca Foods Corporation, which canned apples and pears at their Sunnyside facility until the end of 2019, entered into a partnership with CraftAG Enterprises to develop a "hemp" agribusiness on the premises.

Tiger Brands development In South Africa, the canning industry also remains under pressure with Tiger Brands announcing in May that they want to put the Langeberg en Ashton Food business on the market in Ashton, because it is unlikely it will generate the expected return on investment.

On behalf of the Canning Fruit Producers Association, Jacques requested Tiger Brands to handle this matter reconcilably. He said that producers have a limited choice of companies for canning. The transaction will impact on future

There are various advantages to canned fruit, it is convenient, ready to eat and easy to use.

TO PAGE 10

8

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Effektiewe beheer van hardnekkige onkruide - Karla du Preez en Talana Claassen

Skandeer die QR kode vir videos, brosjures en die produk etikette.

Met die uitdaging van toenemende weerstandbiedende onkruide en ongunstige weersomstandighede, bereik onkruiddoders selde hulle volle potensiaal. Innoverende strategieë is dus nodig om onkruiddoders se leeftyd te verleng en die ontwikkeling van weerstand te beperk.

Glufosinaat-ammonium Glufosinaat-ammonium, Villa se BOUND 200 SL, is ‘n kontak onkruiddoder met beperkte sistemiese aktiwiteit. Glufosinaat bied goeie beheer teen glifosaat weerstandbiedende onkruide, bv.

Lolium en Conyza.

Die gebruik van byvoegmiddels maak hier 'n verskil. Twee swaksuur-onkruiddoders, glifosaat en glufosinaat, se werking word beduidend hierdeur verbeter. Beide glifosaat en glufosinaat is nie-selektiewe, na-opkoms onkruiddoders wat eenjarige en meerjarige grasse, asook breëblaaronkruide beheer.

Glufosinaat inhibeer die plant-ensiem, glutamien-sintase. Dit lei tot die inhibering van fotosintese en die belemmering van ammoniak metabolisme. Die staking van fotosintese, tesame met die opbou van ammoniak het ‘n toksiese uitwerking wat tot die afsterwing van die onkruid lei.

CLASS ACT NG se werking veroorsaak dat beide die blare en stamme vinniger verbruin en verwelk.

Vir effektiewe beheer moet glufosinaat op aktiefgroeiende onkruide toegedien word, aangesien dit slegs ’n werking op groen plantdele het. Omdat glufosinaat ‘n kontakwerking het, is bedekking uiters belangrik, daarom word ‘n watervolume van minstens 300 ℓ/ha aanbeveel.

Die aanbevole dosis van beide produkte hang af van die onkruidspesie teenwoordig, die groeistadium van die onkruid, asook omgewingstoestande. Verwys dus na die etiket vir meer inligting.

Byvoegmiddels CLASS ACT NG is ‘n unieke gepattenteerde byvoegmiddel wat ontwerp is om die werking van sekere swaksuur-onkruiddoders te verbeter. Daarom word CLASS ACT NG as ‘n geregistreerde mengmaat vir GLYGRAN 710 SG en BOUND 200 SL aanbeveel.

Hierdie alles-in-een-produk bestaan uit ‘n nie-ioniese benatter vir verhoogde bedekking. Dit help dat spuitdruppels beter aan die blaaroppervlak kleef, om sodoende druppel afhop te verminder.

Dit het ook ‘n afname in oppervlakspanning tot gevolg, wat druppels toelaat om oor ‘n groter blaaroppervlak te versprei. Die gebruik van ‘n benatter hidreer ook die wasagtige kutikula wat tot verhoogde opname lei.

4 dae na toediening

CLASS ACT NG bevat ook gepattenteerde CornSorb tegnologie in die vorm van hoë fruktose mieliestroop. CornSorb tegnologie beskik oor herbenattings eienskappe, wat die afdroogtempo verlaag, asook vog uit die omgewing onttrek om ‘n langer tyd vir opname te verseker. Die derde komponent van CLASS ACT NG is ‘n voldosis ammoniumsulfaat (400 g/ℓ). Ammoniumsulfaat dien as ‘n waterkondisioneerder wat soutantagonisme van katione voorkom. Dit fasiliteer dus onkruiddoder beweging deur die kutikula wat die opname van die onkruiddoder verhoog.

Meeste glifosaatformulasies skuim a.g.v. die ingeboude benatters en daarom bevat CLASS ACT NG ook ‘n anti-skuimmiddel.

Glifosaat Glifosaat inhibeer die werking van die EPSPS-ensiem in plante.

Hierdie ensiem is verantwoordelik vir die produksie van essensiële aminosure, waarsonder ‘n plant nie normaal kan funksioneer nie.

Wanneer die onderdrukking van die ensiem ‘n kritieke vlak bereik, sterf die onkruid af.

CLASS ACT NG is die ideale pasmaat vir glifosaat en glufosinaat vanweë die nie-ioniese benatter, CornSorb tegnologie, waterkondisioneerder en anti-skuimmiddel. Dit lei tot verhoogde en meer effektiewe opname van dié aktiewe bestanddele.

Produsente kan dus uitsien na meer effektiewe en versnelde beheer van hardnekkige onkruide.

As sistemiese produk, is glifosaat se werking afhanklik van effektiewe translokering in die plant. GLYGRAN 710 SG is ‘n voorbeeld van ‘n glifosaatproduk.

Die opname deur groen plantdele en die daaropvolgende translokasie is belangrike faktore wat die werking van glifosaat beïnvloed. Swak opname en/of stadige translokasie belemmer dus die werking van glifosaat.

Kontak gerus jou gewasberskermingsadviseur, Karla du Preez (072 070 0545) of Talana Claassen (072 234 5377)

by Villa Crop Protection vir meer inligting.

STONE FRUIT

Nothing better than canned peaches FROM PAGE 8

Canned peaches do not appear to fall short in terms of nutrients, compared to fresh ones.

generations. He also added that they are happy to hear that Tiger Brands will continue to keep the factory running as a growing concern, because the local community is very dependent on it.

Although Rhodes Food Group announced a loss for the half year to the end of March, their turnover was up 10%. Their CEO, Mr Bruce Henderson, was optimistic that the weakening of the rand would have a positive impact on the profitability of the second half of the financial year.

Consumer trends It was important for everyone to know about the latest consumer trends. The modern consumer has a busy lifestyle, is price sensitive and is looking for an inspiring story about his food to share with his friends. The consumer feels strongly about traceability, recycling, environmentally friendly packaging, sustainable food sources and the contribution that food makes to health and nutritional needs. It should also be 100% natural.

Jacques says that there are various advantages to canned fruit – it is convenient, ready to eat and easy to use. It has a longer shelf life, which makes it more accessible and it preserves the nutritious value of the fruit.

Canned fruit is also healthy and safe because the fruits are picked at peak freshness for the best flavour and nutrient quality. There are no artificial preservatives added and it is one of the safest forms of food because of the barriers to microbiological contamination through temperature and the pressure processes, nutrients are protected from the deteriorating effects of oxygen and are preserved better.

Specific stages are involved in the canning of peaches, including the sorting and peeling of the fruits, their placement in suitable containers where water, juice or syrup are added, while air is removed from the container and the fruits are finally pasteurised by undergoing a thermal process.

The findings of a research project carried out by the departments of food science of the universities of Oregon and

10

California, regarding the nutrients contained in fresh and canned peaches, were truly impressive.

Canned peaches do not appear to fall short in terms of nutrients, compared to fresh ones. They contain vitamins, minerals and micronutrients on equal levels to fresh peaches, since canning causes minimal losses to nutrients.

How many ticks does the consumer give to the products when they, along with thousands of others, are presented on the store shelve? Is canning losing its position on the pantry shelves, so that the consumer only occasionally spoils himself with it at a hotel or restaurant?

“We are in an exceptional position, because we already have a base of producers who produce fruit of good quality, at optimal ripeness, for this market. The processors who buy these fruits are already sitting with some of the country's most famous food brands. They have already made the investments in the processing facilities and they already have logistics networks in place. They also already have access to the store shelves.

“It sounds like an industry sitting in the starting blocks. Unfortunately, the reality is that we are dealing with an industry that has been in the maturely phase innovation window for a very long time. ‘Maturity, Decline, Innovation Window’ or starting blocks – we need a ‘Herschell Jantjies’ that bridges the gap to the consu- mer and makes him jump on his feet,” concludes Jacques.

The demand for canned fruit and other long-life products skyrocketed in March and April 2020 with the uncertainty associated with COVID-19.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

STEENVRUGTE

Zero-residue control of mites in commercial stone- and pome fruit orchards are possible Dr Berlizé Groenewald

Spider mites, occurring in the family Tetranychidae, are the most common mite pests. This family has more than 1 000 species worldwide, with Tetranychus urticae being the most common and damaging spider mite in the world.

T

ETRANYCHUS URTICAE IS highly polyphagous with over 200 host plants, including deciduous fruit, field crops, vegetables, ornamental and house plants, as well as weeds. Spider mites spin elaborate webbing over plants to facilitate movement and dispersal, as well as to provide protection and shelter while they feed and reproduce underneath the webs.

Most mites prefer the underside of leaves and at normal/ low population densities, mites only occur on the undersides where they spin ‘mat-like’ webs. At high population densities they will occupy all plant parts on all sides. They then also congregate on the highest areas of plants to ease dispersal by wind, humans or animals. Most spider mites use a technique called ‘ballooning’ to migrate, which consists of mites dangling from the silken threads that they spin, waiting to be dispersed by wind to new hosts.

T. urticae females can live for up to 4 weeks, with 1 female laying up to 150 eggs. The life-cycle can be as short as 10 days, resulting in mite populations increasing rapidly given favourable conditions.

Even low population numbers can have significant negative impacts on plants. The first symptoms of mite damage are chlorotic spots on leaves that later become yellow, brown or bronzed where the mites have fed and damaged the cells. The mites penetrate the foliage with their stylets (piercing mouthparts) and suck out the cell contents. This damage to the leaf tissue can result in reduced chlorophyll

Severe spider mite infestation on beans.

Spider mites using silk thread for dispersal.

content and reduced photosynthesis.

When conducting efficacy trials in the field, factors such as the presence and number of beneficial insects, temperature, geographic area and actual mite pressure needs to be taken into account. Depending on these factors, mite population numbers can explode in a very short time, especially on peaches and nectarines.

When conditions are conducive for populations to increase rapidly, it is not uncommon to see mite numbers jump from below 10 mites per leaf to 40 mites per leaf in a matter of days. T. urticae can also develop resistance to

Figure 1. Red spider mite numbers on Nectarines in the Ceres district before application and 3 days after the second application. Seven days interval between applications.

Red spider mite numbers per leaf before first application Mite numbers per leaf 3 days after 2nd application

TO PAGE 12

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

11

STONE FRUIT

Zero-residue control of mites...

FROM PAGE 11 Figure 2. Red spider mite numbers on apples in the Montagu district before application and after the 1st and 2nd applications.

Red spider mite numbers per leaf before first application Red spider mite numbers per leaf 10 days after 1st application Red spider mite numbers per leaf 8 days after 2nd application

pesticides, sometimes quite rapidly. There is an array of predators that attack T. urticae, but many of these predators are killed off by traditional sprays aimed at other pests.

Treatment application for field trial It is however still possible to control mites on stone- and pome fruit with softer pesticides (such as Wetcit Duo) provided thresholds, the number of applications and intervals between applications are managed effectively. Research has shown that on tomatoes and stone fruit (two crops that are prone to mite explosions), action must be taken early when mite numbers are still very low. With high temperatures and the absence of beneficial insects to assist in mite management, repeat applications at reduced intervals are required for effective control.

Oro Agri has conducted several field trials (both in-house and contracted) on many different crops to investigate the efficacy of Wetcit Duo in managing mite populations. Results showed that Wetcit Duo is effective in controlling mite populations, offering similar control as competing products (including current chemical standards) (Fig. 1, 2). Studies

12

have shown that Wetcit Duo has only minimal impact on beneficial insects (e.g. predators, pollinators). Use of this product will therefore not kill off naturally occurring mite predators, and these beneficial insects will aid in controlling mite population numbers.

Earlier research that was done in the laboratory showed that the product also has an effect on the number of eggs laid by mites. These lab studies showed that mites sprayed with the product (those that did survive the application) lay less eggs, and this also contributes to managing mite populations.

Wetcit Duo leaves no chemical residues and has no pre-harvest interval, which means it can be used up to harvest and even during harvest, when other chemicals are restricted by a pre-harvest interval. It is not harmful to beneficial insects, provides adequate control for mite populations, while also decreasing the egg laying capability of mites, making this product a valuable asset in controlling mite populations, as well as an ideal candidate for use in integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

Reference Visser, D. 2011. A Complete Guide to Vegetable Pests in South Africa. Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Pretoria.

Field trial evaluations

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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STONE FRUIT

Vordering met die evaluasie van nuwe inmaak-perskekultivars Dr Leon Von Mollendorff

Culdevco, in samewerking met die Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR) en Provar, fokus op die seleksie en evaluasie van nuwe, aangepaste inmaak appelkoos- en perskekultivars in rypwordingsperiodes waar daar leemtes by die Suid-Afrikaanse inmaakbedryf bestaan.

D

IE MEESTE PERSKEKULTIVARS wat vir inmaak geplant word, kom uit die LNR se teelprogram. Daarteenoor is Bulida steeds die belangrikste appelkooskultivar vir inmaak.

Die klem op evaluasie in die afgelope jare verskuif van die soeke na kultivars wat in spesifieke oesperiodes ryp word tot kultivars wat goed aangepas is in spesifieke oesperiodes, veral in die warmer winter klimaatstoestande (Figuur 1).

Faktore soos ‘n hoë intensiteit blompatroon, goeie en egalige set van vrugte op dralote, gelyke rypwording van vrugte met relatief min wisseling in vruggrootte en maksimum vrugte wat binne die minimum vruggroottespektrum van die inmaker val, is onder meer tekens van kultivars wat goed aangepas is. Inmaakfaktore soos fermheid van die ingemaakte vrugtekstuur, tipiese taaipitperskegeure, unieke helder oranje kleur en min wisseling in ryphede bly steeds sommige van die vereistes van Suid-Afrikaanse inmakers.

Die inmaakbedryf is die afgelope aantal jare reeds op soek na geskikte plaasvervangerkultivars in die Kakamas-oesperiode.’n Aantal kandidaatseleksies is reeds as moontlike opvolgers vir Kakamas geïdentifiseer. Die meeste van die perskeseleksies wat reeds geïdentiseer is, is afgekeur omdat hulle nie by die warmer wintertoestande van die afgelope jare aangepas het nie. Sulke swakker aangepaste seleksies

E10-20 met volblom by Robertson.

Figuur 1: Geakkumuleerde Infruitec koue-eenhede gedurende die winter van 2018 en 2019.

14

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

STEENVRUGTE

Seleksie PE10-20 soos op 18 Februarie 2020 by Robertson (links) en 25 Februarie 2020 by Montagu (regs).

NA BLADSY 16

het onder meer nie oor die gewenste produksie, vruggrootte, vruggrootteverpreiding en gelyktydige rypwording van vrugte beskik nie.

Voorbeelde van inmaakperskes wat goed aangepas is in die warmer wintertoestande, is Sandvliet, Keisie (tot ’n seker mate), Golden Pride, Cascade en Lunar gold. Culdevco se strategie is om nie kulivars in die gewenste oesperiodes vry te stel wat nie minstens dieselfde óf beter aangepas is as bogenoemde vyf kultivars nie.

Lunar Gold is die inmaakperske wat gedurende die laaste vier jaar vrygestel is en wat tussen Kakamas en Autumn Crunch of saam met Autum Crunch ryp word – afhangende van jaarlikse klimaatstoestande.

Die volgende seleksies is onder evaluasie by Culdevco en Provar en daar moet nog bepaal word of die seleksies goed genoeg aangepas is by bogenoemde klimaatstoestande: Week 50: een seleksie Week 52: een seleksie Week 1 : drie seleksies Week 2 : twee seleksies Week 3 : drie seleksies Week 4 : vier seleksies Week 5 : drie seleksies Week 6 : een seleksie + een seleksie semi-kommersieel.

Seleksie PE10-20 is die inmaakseleksie wat tans die verste gevorderd is om Kakamas te vervang en is reeds semi-kommersieel aangeplant. Die seleksie wat saam met Kakamas geoes word, het soortgelyke eienskappe as die vyf inmaakperskes waarna hierbo verwys word.

PE10-20 is goed aangepas by die warmer winters wat in die afgelope jare in veral die Robertson-streek ondervind is. Die

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

15

AGRICULTURE PRODUCE AGENTS COUNCIL The regulating body that ensures the safeguarding of your money

YOUR SECURITY IN PAYMENT OF FRESH PRODUCE Act 12 of 1992 regulates the process from receiving fresh produce to the selling of the produce by your registered fresh produce agent

www.apacweb.org.za Tel: (011) 894-3680, 087 095 1335, Fax: 086 669 9178

STONE FRUIT

Vordering met die evaluasie van nuwe inmaak-perskekultivars VAN BLADSY 15

seleksie is baie vrugbaar (Figuur 3), blom in die tweede week van Augustus (Figuur 4), het 'n gemiddelde totale oplosbare vastestof-inhoud van 16 Brix en ’n vruggrootte wat wissel tussen 60 en 70 mm. Die seleksie besit ook goeie inmaakeienskappe.

Ongelukkig is daar ook ’n paar uitdagings met die PE1020 seleksie wat verdere ondersoek verg om die uitwerking daarvan na te gaan. Culdevco, in samewerking met Provar, gaan voort om die seleksie verder onder semi-kommersiële omstandighede te evalueer. Daar sal ook gepoog word om ’n velddag net voor rypwording van die seleksie te hou om alle belangstellende produsente volledig in te lig ten opsigte van die vordering wat tot dusver met die seleksie gemaak is.

Culdevco strewe daarna om produsente in die toekoms te voorsien van kultivars in die tydgleuf wat produsente dit benodig en wat aangepas is by die veranderende klimaatstoestande in die Wes-Kaap. Culdevco is verbind tot deeglike en onafhanklike evaluasie van inmaakseleksies en -kultivars.

Vir navrae oor bogenoemde of enige ander kultivars kan dr Leon von Mollendorff van Culdevco gekontak word by leon@ culdevco.co.za of 021 8888 467.

Vruguitdunning van PE10-20 op Robertson.

16

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STEENVRUGTE

Meganiese en chemiese uitdunning van steenvrugte Uitstaande vrugkwaliteit en -gewig is van kardinale belang om ’n winsgewende steenvrugboerdery te bedryf.

Blom- en vrug-uitdunning is ’n belangrike hulpmiddel om die aantal vrugte per boom te verminder.

O

M HOË VRUGKWALITEIT EN -gewig te behaal, is strawwe uitdunning noodsaaklik, aangesien net ongeveer sewe persent van die bloeisels nodig is om ’n ekonomiese oes te verseker. Die kultivars wat tans kommersiëel in die steenvrugbedryf gebruik word, is baie vrugbaar en meer vrugset as wat vir ’n ekonomiese oes nodig is. Dit is waarom georganiseerde uitdunning vir meeste kommersiële perske-, appelkoos-, pruim en nektarien-kultivars van uiterse belang is.

Ligging, kultivars en seisoene verskil en bepaal die graad van uitdunning wat benodig word. Bome verloor ook natuurlik baie blomme en vrugte voor oestyd en dit moet in berekening gebring word, voor die finale uitdunningsprogram.

Kultivars wat baie bloeisel- of vrugset het, sal beter baat by uitdunning, as kultivars wat minder bloeisel of vrugset het.

Uitdunning is al vir eeue deel van steenvrugverbouing en word om verskeie redes gedoen. Dit verbeter die vrug- en blaargrootte; verhoed lootbreuke; verbeter vrugkwaliteit; verbeter herhaal-blom; verhoed dat die boomreserwes uitgeput word en verminder koue hardheid. Die vlak van sukses wat uitdunning meebring, hang af van die tydsberekening en intensiteit van uitdunning. Effektiewe uitdunning het verhoogde suiker, -fermheid, fenols en vitamien C tot gevolg en lei tot beter vrugvolwassenheid, verbeterde reproduktiewe blom-induksie en -vrugset.

Terselftertyd word oeskoste verminder, omdat daar minder - maar groter en gesonder vrugte - per boom is, wat tot die optimale oeswaarde bydra. Meeste markte se aanvraag na groter vrugte is nou die norm, maar dis egter belangrik om te onthou dat boordwinsgewendheid berus op die aantal ekonomies-bemarkbare vrugte; die hoeveelheid kartonne per boord gepak; en die waarde per eenheid.

Uitdunning van steenvrugte is arbeidsintensief en baie duur, omdat dit meestal per hand gedoen word. Soos wat die vrug produksiekoste styg, wat verhoogde arbeidskostes insluit, word die winsgrens al kleiner. Studies het getoon dat hand-uitdunning baie effektief is, maar dat een hektaar steenvrugte tussen 100 en 500 arbeidsure verg, afhangend van die boomgrootte, blomdigtheid en uitdunning-intensiteit benodig. Die beste alternatief vir hierdie arbeidsintensiewe en tydrowende praktyk, is chemiese- en meganiese uitdunning.

Chemiese uitdunning Chemiese uitdunmiddels word algemeen in kernvrugproduksie gebruik. Dit kan by blom- of vrugset in die huidige groeiseisoen toegedien word.

Chemiese uitdunning is egter onderhewig aan goeie weersomstandighede, boom-ouderdom en die boom se blom-dinamika. Dis egter ’n redelike gou, maklike en koste-effektiewe manier van uitdunning.

Meganiese uitdunning Meganiese uitdunning as alternatief, word al sedert die

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

vyftigerjare ondersoek. Dit word nie algemeen ingespan nie, weens oneweredige en onbevredigende resultate. Meer bloeisels word van bome se boonste takke verwyder as die onderste takke en meganiese uitdunning moes tot ses maal herhaal word, om die gewenste uitdunning te lewer.

In baie gevalle word meganiese uitdunning dus aanvullend tot hand-uitdunning ingespan. Minder, maar meer opgeleide arbeid word saam met meganiese uitdunning benodig, wat vir baie produsente aanloklik is.

Verbruikers dring egter aan op omgewingsvriendelike produkte en beperkte- en duur arbeid. Dit het die weg gebaan vir meganiese uitdunning. Meganiese uitdunning word dus gereken as die nuwe omgewingsvriendelike alternatief en die beter opsie as chemiese middels.

Die Darwin™ uitdunmasjien verwyder blomme en verminder só die potensiële vrugte. Eksperimente het getoon dat meganiese uitdunning tot meer as die helfte minder tyd in beslag neem as hand-uitdunning. Dit het ook daartoe gelei dat die totale oes per boom verlaag is, maar omdat die grootste deel van die uitdunproses in blomtyd uitgevoer is, het dit groter vrugte tot gevolg gehad.

Vroeër uitdunning kan egter tot ’n verhoging in vrugkrake en gesplete pitte lei. Produsente moet dit in ag neem by kultivars wat geneig is tot hierdie afwykings/defekte. Die tydsduur van uitdunning moet vir elke kultivar individueel bepaal word.

Meganiese uitdunning is duidelik sigbaar, wat dit dus meer ekonomies maak as chemiese uitdunning. Dit het ook - wanneer dit korrek ingespan word - beter vrugverspreiding en laat ook blomme op dele van die lote waar die potensiaal vir groter vrugte beter is.

Watter rol speel NexusAG in die proses? Nexus verskaf ’n volledige reeks kwaliteit produkte en dienste en toegeruste gewasadviseurs wat verseker hul betrokkenheid by die produsent se besigheid bly relevant en help met effektiewe uitdunningbeplanning. Die maatskappy bied ook hortologiese advies deur die verskillende groeistadiums wat vrugset-, uitdunning- en snoei-advies insluit. Daar word ook voorspellings gemaak volgens die vruggrootte- en tellingverspreiding.

Die maatskappy het drie strategiese fokus-gebiede: Nexsolutions vir doeltreffende gewasbestuursprogramme. Nexserve behels ondersteuningsdienste en Nextech aanwending van die nuutste tegnologie, dataverwerking, en presisie tegnologie praktyke.

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17

TOMATOES

The right choice for tomato production Balanced plant nutrition, at the right time, is the key to optimising yield and quality in tomato production, whether grown in the soil or in greenhouse mediums. Maintaining the correct balances is a management practice that is easily attained.

S

OIL SAMPLING, FOR FIELD grown crops, is an essential management tool to determine the correct ratios of nutrients to be applied. In greenhouse production, Combrink and Kempen in ‘Nutrient Solution Management’, suggest the following levels in mmolc /L (meq/L) for “drain to waste” hydroponic systems in South African conditions: NH4+ 1, K+ 7, Ca++ 8.5, Mg++ 3.5, NO3- 12.5, H2PO4- 1.5, SO4-- 6 and trace elements in mg/L: Fe 0.85, Mn 0.55, Zn 0.3, B 0.3, Cu 0.05 and Mo 0.05. This to be applied at an electrical conductivity of 2 mS/cm.

Yield components affected by poor nutritional balances will be fruit set, fruit growth, yield, ripening, colour, firmness, shelf life, russeting, total sugars, acidity, puffiness, blossom end rot, goldspeck, cracking, sunscald, disease, internal white tissue and corkiness.

In field grown and hydroponic crops, potassium and then nitrogen are the two elements most used by the tomato crop.

For field grown crops and a target of 100 mt per hectare, recommendations of 250-300 kg N and 350-400 kg K per hectare are not uncommon.

All elements are important but after N and K+, the positive cations Ca++ and Mg++ are also taken up in relatively high quantities.

In field grown and hydroponic crops, potassium and then nitrogen are the two elements most used by the tomato crop.

Balanced plant nutrition, at the right time, is the key to optimising yield and quality in tomato production.

The question is, how does one optimize the uptake of the cations: K+, Ca++ and Mg++ into any crop? A plant grows best when electrochemically balanced and this can be facilitated by using a negative counter ion (anion) to work synergistically with the positive cations. The best way to achieve this is by maximizing the amount of negatively charged NO3- (Nitrate anions) in conjunction with the positively charged cations.

Potassium nitrate (Ultrasol K Plus) is one of the products used to maximize the nitrates to facilitate and optimize the uptake of potassium, calcium and magnesium into the tomato crop. A good example of inadequate nitrate nutrition (therefore, by implication, an excess of Ammonium-N) is the incidence of ‘blossom end rot’ which is a ‘physiologically induced’ calcium deficiency caused by uptake competition between the NH4+ and the Ca++, even though Ca++ is given in adequate quantities. The same uptake competition is happening between the NH4+-N and the K+ and Mg++ cations.

The ratio of nitrate-N to ammonium-N near the tomato plant roots (rhizosphere) should ideally be greater than 75 : 25 respectively for field crops and greater than 90 :10 in hydroponically grown crops. Not only does this synergistically TO PAGE 20

18

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

TOMATOES

The right choice for tomato production FROM PAGE 18

The benefits of balanced nutrition, optimum rhizosphere pH and dry matter accumulation have implications for improvements in both yield and quality.

enhance the uptake of the cations by maintaining an electrochemical balance within the plant but also maintains an optimal pH in the rhizosphere.

Excess ammonium nutrition (ammonium or urea-based fertilizer) should be avoided, as the NH4+ cation will not only interfere or compete with the other cation uptake, but can also lower the rhizosphere pH by 1.5 pH units. Since pH is a logarithmic scale, the pH reduction near the roots can be in the order of 10 to 100 x more acidic than it should be. Additionally, under warm root conditions, ammonium nutrition can cause ammonia toxicity in the roots, as the next step to organic compounds can be blocked in warm roots. The tomato plants will wilt and die as a result.

In all horticultural crops, dry matter accumulation is greatest, up to double in certain cases, when nitrate-N is the preferred nitrogen source. In many crops, nitrate is converted to organic compounds mostly, but not always, in the leaves and ammonium is converted to organic compounds almost exclusively in the roots. The conversion of ammonium-N to organic compounds in the roots is energy inefficient, requiring carbohydrate energy translocated from the leaves. The conversion of nitrate-N to organic compounds in the leaves is largely driven by light energy and is thus energy efficient, leaving more carbohydrates for dry matter accumulation by the crop.

The benefits of balanced nutrition, optimum rhizosphere pH and dry matter accumulation have implications for improvements in both yield and quality. The grower’s return on investment (ROI – money in the pocket) will increase as a result thereof. Using Ultrasol K Plus as the potassium source will improve the overall ROI. *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.

20

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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• ‘n Tenkmengsel van Smite® en Meothrin® is die oplossing vir ‘n populasie Rooispinmyte waar eiers, onvolwassenes en volwassenes teenwoordig is. Buiten die effektiwiteit is hierdie tenkmengsel ook die perfekte anti-weerstandsbespuiting.

• Milbeknock® 1% EC is ‘n is `n middel van natuurlike oorsprong wat alle stadiums van die Rooispinmyt lewenssiklus beheer. Hierdie produk pas uitstekend in ‘n anti-weerstandsprogram saam met Smite® en Meothrin®.

Afrika bolwurm en Tamatie blaarmyner (Tuta absoluta) • SumiPleo® word met groot sukses aangewend vir die beheer van Afrika bolwurm in tamaties en Aartappelmotlarwes in aartapples. SumiPleo® behoort aan ‘n nuwe chemie groep met geen kruisweerstand met ander produkte wat vir dieselfde gebruik geregistreer is nie. SumiPleo® het ook onlangs registrasie ontvang vir die beheer van tamatie Blaarmyner.

• Sumi-Alpha® 200 EC en Sumi-Alpha® 200 EW is twee middels met goeie UV sonligweerstand wat alle Snywurm spesies en Afrika bolwurm effektief in tamaties sal beheer.

Afrika bolwurm en Valslandmeterwurms • DiPel® DF en Florbac® WG is van natuurlike oorsprong met geen onthoudingsperiode voor oes nie, wat beteken dat produsente tamatievrugte selfs tot een dag voor oes, sonder onthouding, teen kleiner Afrika bolwurms en Valslandmeterwurms kan behandel.

• Hierdie is middels met geen invloed op natuurlike insekvyande asook bestuiwers soos heuningbye het nie wat sal verseker dat die boer sy oes op die veilige manier beskerm.

Vroeëroes en Botrytis • Sumisclex® SC is ’n ou staatmaker wat nog gereeld met groot tevredenheid toegedien word teen Vroeëroes en Botrytis op tamaties.

Praat gerus met jou naaste Philagro-agent oor betroubare tamatieprodukte wat werk.

RAADPLEEG DIE ONDERSKEIE PRODUKETIKETTE VIR VOLLEDIGE GEBRUIKSAANWYSINGS & -BEPERKINGS Smite® (Reg. nr. L6011, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat etoksasool, versigtig. Sumisclex® SC (Reg. nr. L6377, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat prosimidoon. Sumi-Alpha® 200 EC (Reg. nr. L6452, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat esfenvaleraat, giftig. Sumi-Alpha® 200 EW (Reg. nr. L8821, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat esfenvaleraat, skadelik. Meothrin® (Reg. nr. L6385, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat fenpropatrien, giftig. DiPel® DF (Reg. nr. L6441, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki. Florbac® WG (Reg. nr. L5531, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var aizawai. Milbeknock® 1% EC (Reg. nr. L6654, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat milbemektien, versigtig. SumiPleo® (Reg. nr. L8377, Wet nr. 36 van 1947) bevat piradaliel dichloropropeen derivaat, versigtig. Milbeknock® is die geregistreerde handelsmerk van Sumitomo Corporation, Japan. Smite®, Sumisclex®, Sumi-Alpha®, SumiPleo® en Meothrin® is geregistreerde handelsmerke van Sumitomo Chemical Company, Japan. Florbac® en DiPel® is die geregistreerde handelsmerke van Valent BioSciences, VSA.

Philagro Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk l Reg. nr.: 98/10658107 PostNet Suite #378, Privaatsak X025, Lynnwoodrif 0040 Pretoria: 012 348 8808 l Somerset Wes: 021 851 4163 www.philagro.co.za

P R O D U K T E W AT W E R K V A N M E N S E W AT O M G E E

CUCURBITS

Say hello to Hokkaido South Africans know butternut and grey pumpkin; many will know Hubbard squash and our traditional boerpampoen. Then there is the Halloween pumpkin which high-end retail stores sell around October, but very few people are familiar with Hokkaido pumpkin.

T

HE HOKKAIDO PUMPKIN, also called red kuri squash or orange pumpkin, is a cultivated variety of the species Cucurbita maxima and belongs to the Hubbard squash group. It has the appearance of a small pumpkin without the ridges and unlike grey pumpkin and butternut, it has a smooth, very thin, orange-red skin which is completely edible.

This orange pumpkin’s sweeter, chestnut-like flavour and creamy texture have led to rapid interest in the pumpkin, mainly in western markets, up until now. Not only do they taste good, the fruit is also entirely in line with the desire for convenience with fruit that are smaller easy to prepare and downright tasty. Because off a long shelf life they are even better than butternut, it is only a matter of time before more countries over the world accept this new pumpkin into their diets.

Secret to success Almost twenty years ago in Europe, what started out as a wide range of heirloom type squash with their origins in Central and South America, complemented the growing need for organically grown crops. Pumpkin lends itself well to this as they were relatively easy to grow. Supermarket chains started looking at adding organic produce to their range. This required organic cultivation to become more professional, and needed to be more predictable, with higher yields of uniform, flavoursome fruits.

The rapid growth on Hokkaido in Europe in particular, was motivated by vegetable breeding companies like Enza Zaden who identified the need for improved hybrids. Pumpkins and squashes have been part of Enza Zaden’s portfolio ever since the company took over the Australian breeding company Yates in 2003. The breeding programme started by Yates was expanded and linked to the activities of the subsidiary Vitalis, which specialises in the organic seed market.

When the company introduced Orange Summer F1 some years after the breeding programme was launched, the market was completely ready for it. In the beginning, the market was limited to north-western Europe, starting in the Netherlands. There, Orange Summer proved not only that pumpkin were an excellent addition to organic product ranges, but also that it had exceptional qualities compared with the main Hokkaido pumpkin variety grown at the time.

Uchiki Kuri, senior breeder and Pauline Kerbiriou, crop breeding manager of pumpkin at Enza Zaden, says Orange Summer is an easy-to-grow pumpkin with yields of between 25-30 tons in sixty to 90 days: “It is a high-yielding variety that produces highly uniform, flavoursome fruits. It is also a reliable variety in the sense that it copes well with changing growing conditions and is not particularly susceptible to diseases.”

Orange Summer.

Orange Summer – also in winter The pumpkin is a hit in Europe, and not only in summer and autumn. Once this hybrid had made its mark on all fronts over several years, consumers, retailers and wholesalers wanted it to be available throughout the year as well. The answer lay in South Africa. With opposite seasons to Europe, the country offered opportunities to grow the variety specifically for the European market. “Until recently, there was virtually no demand for orange pumpkins in South Africa,” Matome Ramokgopa, General Manager of Enza Zaden South Africa, explains.

“Everything about this pumpkin is ideal for our local market: apart from being highly nutritious, their skins are completely edible so they are easier to prepare than conventional pumpkin. We can cultivate these pumpkins almost all year round. It grows quite easily and is faster to yield than butternut.”

Hokkaido fruit are ready to harvest in 60 days after transplant in summer, whereas butternuts take at least 100 days to harvest.

Looking at what is happening in other parts of the world, it is almost safe to say what the future holds in store for the South African pumpkin market.

There is an increase of pumpkin consumption, even in countries which traditionally did not consume pumpkin or squash at all. One of the reasons for this is that, pumpkin is an excellent basic vegetable, and in that respect, it also offers plenty of opportunities. As it makes you feel full, it can be ideally used to replace potatoes or rice as the basis of a meal, something consumers are becoming more aware of. On top of this, pumpkins can be used to thicken soups in a natural, healthy way, which is also what today’s consumers want.

The main growth in pumpkin concerns primarily the smaller types like Hokkaido at the expense of the larger types, even butternut. South Africa experienced the shift towards smaller pumpkins such as butternuts almost thirty years ago. At the time, grey pumpkin dominated the marketplace and butternut TO PAGE 24

22

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

From Innovation comes

Hokkaido pumpkin

Hokkaido pumpkin, also called red kuri squash or orange pumpkin, is a cultivated variety of the Hubbard squash group. Enza Zaden has a dedicated breeding team focused on developing improved hybrids of this revolutionising squash.

Edible Skin

Healthy & Nutritious

Compared to grey pumpkin or butternut, Hokkaido pumpkins have very thin skins which are completely edible

Filled with a range of vitamins and nutrients, Hokkaido not only serves as an excellent basic vegetable but can be used to replace starches and thickens soups in a natural, healthy way.

Versatile Enjoyed roasted or boiled, raw or in soup, in smoothies and baby-food; thanks to its high dry matter content and sweet flavourful taste, there are endless ways in which Hokkaido can be enjoyed.

Sweet Sensation Chestnut-like flavour with a melt-in-yourmouth creamy texture.

enzazaden.co.za

CUCURBITS

Say hello to Hokkaido FROM PAGE 22

made up only a small portion of the market. Talk between leading growers and market traders are that the butternut market in South Africa is now saturated, apart from some export opportunities.

Time for a revolution?

While retailers and processing industries pursue sweeter butternut, larger or smaller ones, or smaller grey pumpkin better suited for today’s smaller households, the answer, one may argue, may be found in changing to Hokkaido pumpkin. Given the consumers’ need for smaller portions, better tasting, more versatile pumpkin, Hokkaido ticks all the boxes.

Ramokgopa sees the change happening locally, “Although South Africans themselves haven’t yet developed a taste for the orange pumpkin, the market here is also changing. The growing area for grey pumpkins, which dominated the market for many decades, is gradually diminishing in favour of the butternut squash.”

He expects orange pumpkins to increase in popularity too.

“Our most successful variety and some recent introductions have so many good qualities that the consumer will ultimately welcome them.”

24

Perfekte oplossings in besproeiingsbestuur

Doen navraag by jou naaste besproeiings handelaar oor Agriplas Produkte

www.agriplas.co.za KAAPSTAD - Hoofkantoor Posbus 696, Brackenfell 7561 Tel: +27 21 917 7177 Faks: +27 21 917 7200

GAUTENG

Postnet Suite 57, Private Bag x3, The Reeds, 0061 Tel: +27 12 6610340 Faks: +27 12 6610097

sales@agriplas.co.za MPUMALANGA

Suite 63, Postnet X 11326, Nelspruit 1200 Tel: +27 13 755 3510 Faks: +27 13 755 3505

PAMPOENGEWASSE

Powdery mildew on cucurbits Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can infect all cucurbit crops. The disease is found worldwide and can cause severe reductions in yield if not sprayed for preventatively. The two pathogens that infect cucurbits are Podosphaera xanthii (ex Sphaerotheca fuligenea) and Golovinomyces cichoracearum (ex Erysiphe cichoracearum).

T

HE PATHOGENS ARE OBLIGATE pathogens and survive on volunteer or weed host plants. Infection can occur between 10 and 32oC but the optimum temperature for development is between 20 and 27oC. For infection to occur high humidity (50 - 90%) is needed, whereas, for the spread of the disease, low humidity is required. Spores are windblown and can form germ tubes in as little as two hours after contact with the leaves. Spores can be formed within four days after infection, meaning the disease can spread rapidly when conditions are favourable.

Symptoms of the disease can be seen as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Infections can occur on the upper and/or lower surfaces of the leaves. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and can become brown and papery. The fruit is normally not directly attacked by the fungi, however, the loss of foliage can severely affect yields, as well as causing the fruit to be exposed to the sun, resulting in sunburn and reduced fruit quality.

For control, it is important to implement a preventative fungicide spraying programme. Weed control and good sanitation practices can also contribute to controlling the disease. It is also important to look for resistant varieties.

One of the strengths of Sakata’s butternut range is their intermediate resistance to Powdery mildew, enabling the farmer to save on their spraying costs by not having to spray for the disease as often as on susceptible varieties. Sakata butternuts can also obtain much higher yields due to the vigorous plants that stay healthier for much longer than susceptible varieties. We have a butternut variety available for every market requirement - from small to very large fruit.

Pluto, Quantum, Veenas, Cosmos.

Pluto Pluto F1 hybrid produces medium-sized fruit (weight of 1 to 2 kg) with excellent fruit quality.The plants are adaptable and vigorous and tend therefore to be less susceptible to diseases. Yield potential is excellent and the fruit is not inclined to crack. Pluto has intermediate resistance to Powdery mildew (Px) (ex Sf).

Quantum Quantum F1 hybrid is the industry standard for warm-season productions, giving very uniform, medium-sized fruits. Fruit quality is excellent and weighs between 0,8 and 1,5 kg. The firm, deep orange flesh has an excellent flavour and high sugar content. Mature fruit has an excellent shelf life. Fruit is used as traditional butternut, but the excellent internal quality and shelf life. Quantum has intermediate resistance to Powdery mildew (Px) (ex Sf).

Veenas Veenas F1 hybrid with small to medium size fruit with excellent quality and uniformity. Plants are widely adapted and the yield potential is excellent. Fruit weigh between 0,6 and 1,0 kg, are not inclined to crack and have an excellent shelf life.

Veenas has intermediate resistance to Powdery mildew (Px) (ex Sf).

Powdery mildew on cucurbits.

TO PAGE 26

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

25

CUCURBITS

Powdery mildew on cucurbits FROM PAGE 25

Cosmos Cosmos F1 hybrid that produces medium-sized fruit that weighs between 0,8 and 1,2 kg. The bush plants are vigorous and tend therefore to be less susceptible to diseases. The yield potential is excellent for a bush type plant. As fruit set is concentrated, the fruit may be ready for harvest when supply to the market is limited. One of the advantages of the bush plant is that mechanical weed control is possible well into the growing season. Cosmos has intermediate resistance to Powdery mildew (Px) (ex Sf).

For more information on Sakata’s butternuts or to view the whole product range, please visit the website at www.sakata. co.za.

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.

Sakata MayFord - Pluto Butternut 31 1

26

Sakata Quality Seed

Cosmos

Pluto

Quantum

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

PROMOSIE

Innovative technologies in potato packing Like most bulk, dry agricultural products, potatoes can be bagged several times during their journey from farm to consumer. From harvesting, transport, handling and storing through to the sales process, it is hugely important that the potatoes be packed securely into bags. Bag closing specialists like Buckle Packaging have grown and developed to meet such requirements from the industry.

T

HE COMPANY HAS HARNESSED the importance of bag closing technology to assist in preserving the safe transport and sales of potatoes. According to Buckle Packaging’s Managing Director, Anthony Mason, there are specific key performances required for the closing of open-mouth bags.

“We are sensitive to our clients’ needs to keep costs low,” he states. “For this reason we’re able to supply automatic bagging processes that require very light maintenance for operators, with packing lines running continuously to supply high volume output. With reliability of operation comes less downtime.

“Our range of bag stitching machines offer flexibility to accommodate different bag sizes, bag quantities and bag materials. The secure, stitched closures replace the old method of wire ties, which were easy to open and remove potatoes.”

Buckle Packaging offers bagging solutions direct to the farmer or packer, as well as working together with all major

Fischbein technology close up.

potato handling and equipment supply companies. Many of these companies insist on the Fischbein 100 “sealed in oil” stitching head as it has proven to be the most reliable, durable and robust machine on the market. Over time, customers have come to realise that the performance of lower quality, copy machines is inferior and the downtime too costly.

The open-mouth bag is by far the most flexible option for bagging potatoes, as the spout of the packaging line will accept various sizes of bags of different materials – paper, polyethylene, woven polypropylene, netting etc.

The following stitching machine options are available from Buckle Packa- ging for closing potato bags: Hand held stitchers For smaller production runs, the manual Fischbein “F” portable sewing machine is still popular in the potato industry. It’s durable, compact and extremely robust and as it is mobile it can be used in various parts of the packing house. A safety spring balancer on which the portable machine is suspended adds to the ease of use and it can close between 250 to 300 bags an hour. The Fischbein “F” is fitted with an oil reservoir on the handle, has a non-corrosive finish and comes with a reinforced feed mechanism and presser food lifter.

The body of the Fischbein “F” portable can also be installed onto an adjustable pedestal to design a complete range of mini systems for manual or semi-automatic operations. Bagging speeds are increased and the operator now has both hands free to handle the bag, while activating the sewing process by a foot control switch. This greatly increases productivity and allows for a smother operation.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

The Fischbein “F”.

Automatic sewing lines For automatic sewing lines, the most important element of the bag closing line is the Fischbein sewing head itself.

According to Buckle Packaging’s technical sales team, all major internal parts of the Fischbein 100 sewing head are completely sealed in oil, in order to avoid dust and dirt and allow for continuous operation with minimal wear and tear.

The Fischbein 100 comes standard with an oil filter and internal oil pump which allows the machine to work under pressure. The design of the sewing head is compact and it has a durable body with variable stitch length, variable speed adjustable pulley, easy adjustments of thread tension and a high performance knife mechanism.

In addition, Fischbein carousel stitching units can be fitted to new and existing carousel units.

With all these performance options in place, potatoes are bound to be packed securely and efficiently into the chosen type of bag. Using Buckle Packaging’s Fischbein equipment, the potato producer will be assured of consistently reliable closures that protect their valued product from the farm to the market and eventually to the consumer.

Buckle Packaging remains committed to supplying quality stitching machinery, as well as premium quality threads and spare parts. Performance and innovation have made the company the leader in bag closing technology.

27

‘N OSEAAN VAN VOORDELE AFRIKELP™ BIOSTIMULANTE

bevorder groei, kwaliteit en opbrengs.

Waar land en water ontmoet … daar lê ’n oseaan van voordele.

Afrikelp het met die natuur kragte saamgespan om vir jou ’n natuurlike oplossing vir verbeterde landbouprestasie te bring. Ons vloeibare seewierekstrak is wetenskaplik ontwikkel om noodsaaklike komponente te behou wat opbrengs en gewaskwaliteit verbeter en weerstand bied teen omgewingstresfaktore. Bou ’n vennootskap met ’n maatskappy wat die voordele van die oseaan benut tot die voordeel van jou boerdery.

Bou ’n vennootskap met Afrikelp.

Mengbaarheid: Afrikelp is mengbaar met ’n wye verskeidenheid ander landbouprodukte.

Grond: Verbeter die groeikragtigheid van saailinge deur middel van direkte toediening in die wortelsone.

Volhoubaarheid: Ons vloeibare seewierekstrakte word geproduseer van seegras wat op ‘n volhoubare wyse geoes word.

Groei: Afrikelp se unieke samestelling van natuurlike biostimulante, hoofsaaklik ouksien, stimuleer die groei van wortels, spruite en vrugte.

Plant: Kan direk op plante toegedien word deur middel van blaarsproei.

Dinamies: Verbeter die dinamiese biochemiese prosesse in die plant vir optimale plantselontwikkeling.

Kelp: Die unieke Suid-Afrikaanse kelp, Ecklonia maxima, verbeter groei-eenvormigheid en bevorder gewasproduksie.

Het jy al die krag van die natuur aangewend?

Gesels met ons vir meer inligting.

+27 21 551 3556

uppe marketing A27205/G&V

www.afrikelp.com

Elim is ’n eksklusiewe verspreider van Afrikelp-produkte. Kontak jou naaste verkoopsverteenwoordiger by 012 252 4455

PROMOSIE

The use on citrus will support natural root development and growth while improving the uptake of nutrients and water.

Kelp the answer to some of the challenges faced by citrus farmers Climate change is having a visible impact on the quality of many fruit crops and the management of stress factors such as unstable rainfall and the availability of irrigation water, soaring temperatures, and strong winds, as well as disease control, are becoming increasingly important.

S

USTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES are crucial for long-term survival. Improved root development and lateral root growth as well as improved water and nutrient absorption is crucial to secure higher productivity, fruit quality and a higher tolerance to diseases and other stress factors.

Natural plant biostimulants can mitigate a wide range of abiotic stress factors and can be used effectively to enhance root development, flowering, plant growth, fruit set, crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency. In short, biostimulants positively influences cell and tissue development through the plant's own hormonal action and gives plants increased access to additional nutrients by stimulating root growth of crops.

“Afrikelp™ LG-1 is a unique liquid concentrate extracted from the freshly harvested South African brown kelp, Ecklonia maxima, and offers a quality biostimulant option in the fruit health package. The use on citrus will support natural root development and growth while improving the uptake of nutrients and water,” says Salo Minnaar, Commercial Director at Afrikelp.

It is beneficial in all plant growth stages and can be applied through standard spraying and fertigation equipment by directly applying it to the soil, or as a foliar spray during irrigation. It is complementary to other nutrition or crop protection sprays and can be mixed with other foliar or plant protection sprays.

“We are satisfied that repeated use of our product in combination with other agrochemicals will enhance their effectiveness and produce a yield response in the crop,” says Minnaar.

Benefits of using Afrikelp LG-1 on citrus include positive yield increases, easy absorption, improved root development of nursery trees, improved root development of trees in orchards, improved fruit set of bearing trees, better fruit

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

retention, increased fruit mass, improved root development and growth in spring and quicker recovery of trees after harvest.

The following recommendations can be followed at plant.

Drench the roots in a 1 – 2% solution before planting. Afrikelp LG-1 can be used as a soil drench directly after plant or the nursery bag can be drenched with the solution directly before plant-out to support the small trees and plant establishment and increase root development. Soaking small trees in the solution reduces transplant shock and encourages roots growth. Post-planting do a foliar spray two weeks post planting and repeat 4 - 6 times at 14-day intervals with a 3 - 4% solution. This will improve plant establishment and increase root development.

During flowering do a foliar spray with a 4 - 8% solution at the pink bud stadium and repeat again at full bloom to increase fruit set and fruit retention. During fruit growth a foliar spray with a 4 - 8% solution at fruit set and repeats the application after 14 days is recommended. Post-harvest one can apply a foliar spray post-harvest with 4 - 8% solution and repeat 14 days later to increase root growth tips and to improve nutrient uptake for reserves. These applications will help with the recovery of the trees after heavy fruit bearing.

All recommendations are based on field experience and trial results worldwide. Each recommendation should be adapted to local conditions as well as to the variety, soil, environment, and fertilization programme. Afrikelp recommends the additional use of surfactants with the foliar spray for better product uptake. The pH of the final solution should be below seven. “We are certain that our approach to quality and sustainability at Afrikelp will reduce some of the risks associated with agriculture. We are in proud partnership with the ocean to bring you sustainable agricultural solutions,” concludes Minnaar.

29

ADVERTORIAL

BASF Agricultural Solutions Macadamia Farm Management Solutions

Bellis®

Fastac®

The perfect partner in disease control

The fast acting solution to insect infestation on nut trees

Bellis® is a fungicide which will prevent blossom blight, husk rot and husk spot.

Blossom blight: Two Bellis® sprays during flowering period followed by alternative chemistry and a third Bellis® application during fruit growth using 14-day intervals.

Husk rot & husk spot: One Bellis® spray during flowering period followed by alternative chemistry and a second and third Bellis® application during fruit growth using 14-day intervals.

When insects threaten your orchards, you need to control them with a reliable, fast-acting solution.

Get the best return on investment by securing quality harvests • Effectively controls stink bugs, fruit weevil and bollworms resulting in a clean and healthy orchard • Fastac® SC is a robust product which is not affected by sunlight or temperature, offering maximum protection • Fastac® SC provides a high knockdown rate and repellent effects, ensuring quick protection Convenience in managing your farm Fastac® SC results in a cost-saving when applying with other treatments

Focus® Ultra Husk spot

Husk rot

A high performance solution • More marketable crop through increased quality and yield • Has an excellent eco and environment profile with no effect on bees • Boscalid disrupts fungal growth and prevents infection taking place • The combination of Boscalid and F500® (with different modes of action), contributes to reliable performance and resistance management • Provides extensive protection against diseases, through rapid uptake and distribution in the plant tissue

Crop safety • Is highly selective and safe to use in orchards

Broadband®

Basta® 200 SL

The biological insecticide that effectively reduces the stinkbug and false codling moth populations

A non-selective, partly systemic (trans-laminar) and contact herbicide for the control of certain broadleaf weeds and grasses • Constant performance and efficiency • Excellent crop safety in comparison to non-selective systemic herbicides currently on the market • Contact herbicide that is effective on difficult to control broadleaf weeds and grasses • Ideal to be used in cases where herbicide resistance against other herbicide groups such as glyphosate (HRAC group G) and/ or paraquat (HRAC group D) have been confirmed • Fits well in a herbicide resistance management programme – HRAC group H • Very low volatility to limit spray drift • No pH sensitivity

Peace of mind with a highly effective solution • Broadband® is active on all stages of the life cycle of insect pests that are present in the tree canopy at the time of application eg. eggs, larvae, juveniles and adults • No resistance build-up: Broadband® is ideal for insect resistance management programmes Convenience in managing your farming operations • Broadband®’s OD formulation ensures that spores stay virulent for 20 months if stored in a cold room at 4 oC • Ease of use – The liquid OD formulation makes pouring and mixing easier than dry formulations Flexibility • No MRL restrictions – can be applied at any crop development stage • Ideal solution for incorporation into your IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programme

Wide application spectrum • Satisfies specific application needs in terms of grass species, the weed growth stage and type Quick reliable control • Inhibits lipid synthesis in the growth areas, impeding formation of cells • Ceases growth of weeds immediately

Reliability to secure the results • Select the best – Broadband® is a top performing Beauveria bassiana product globally • Highest levels of active ingredient – contains minimum 4 x 109 viable spores/mℓ Beauveria bassiana strain PPRI 5339

Please refer to the product labels for detailed recommendations. For enquiries, visit our website: www.agro.basf.co.za Basta® 200 SL Act No. 36 of 1947. Active ingredient: Glufosinate -ammonium 200 g/ℓ. Harmful. Bellis® Reg. No. L7817 Act No. 36 of 1947. Active ingredients: F500® 128 g/ℓ, Boscalid 252 g/kg Caution.

F500® - Pyraclostrobin. Broadband® Reg. No. L8270 Act No. 36 of 1947. Active ingredient: Beauveria bassiana strain PPRI 5339 minimum 4 x 109 spores/mℓ. Caution.

Fastac® SC Reg. No. L4992 Act No. 36 of 1947. Active ingredient: Alpha-cypermethrin 100 g/ℓ. Harmful. Focus Ultra® Reg. No. L4319 Act No. 36 of 1947. Active ingredient: Cycloxydim 100 g/ℓ. Caution.

BASF South Africa (Pty) Ltd • 852 Sixteenth Road, Midrand, 1685 • PO Box 2801, Halfway House, 1685 • Tel: +27 11 203 2400 • Fax: +27 11 203 2461 • Website: www.agro.basf.co.za • Mobile site: m.agro.basf.co.za.

Basta® 200 SL, Bellis®, Broadband®, F500®, Fastac® SC and Focus® Ultra are registered trademarks of BASF.

uppe marketing A27395

Blossom blight

A fast acting post-emergent herbicide for the control of annual and perennial grasses in orchards

ALGEMEEN

Maintain control of farm vehicles and fuel

“FarmTrack is a must for any farmer with a fleet of vehicles and I would highly recommend it for maintaining accurate records of farm vehicles and diesel usage,” says Francois Fouche of Meerlust Wine Estate.

F

ARMTRACK IS A ROBUST, accurate GPS tracking device used to record which vineyards have been sprayed, when it was done, if any rows were skipped as well as the amount of chemicals applied.

“Although we use FarmTrack with great success to record chemical applications, the biggest advantage for me is that it registers who used each vehicle, for what purpose, on which date and most importantly, the amount of diesel used,” explains Fouche.

“The cost of fuel is one of our biggest expenses as we have many vehicles used daily by various staff members. In order to ensure better control of our diesel usage, we fitted FarmTrack to nine tractors, three bakkies and one truck three years ago.” The result has been outstanding and allowed Meerlust to produce significant savings. “We can monitor the diesel consumption of each vehicle, avoid wastage and ensure that vehicles are used for the purpose for which they are intended,” says Fouche.

According to him FarmTrack is especially helpful when submitting diesel rebate claims to SARS. “In order to receive a rebate on our fuel usage, we have to keep records of all diesel purchases as well as the various amounts of diesel drawn from stock.

“Prior to installing the system, the collection and

reconciliation of this information took up a large part of my working day. FarmTrack keeps accurate record of diesel purchased and used, which is compiled into a tailored report for SARS and saves me a lot of time,” adds Fouche.

It helps to protect their vehicles and equipment as well.

“A tractor is placed under great amounts of stress when it is driven quickly on farm roads with an attached implement or sprayer. FarmTrack allows us to set a speed limit for each vehicle and I am notified on my cell phone if a driver exceeds that limit.”

“FarmTrack helps ensure drivers do what they are supposed to do. We cannot keep an eye on them all the time in the vineyards and must trust that they are doing each job timeously.

FarmTrack is a very good time management tool because it allows us to see how long a driver takes to complete a task as well as the time spent filling the tractor with fuel and sprayer with chemicals. Drivers' productivity has increased after FarmTrack was installed,” he adds.

“Another useful feature is that I am notified immediately should the battery of any vehicle be disconnected. FarmTrack is a reliable product that is easily installed and offers good value-for-money,” concludes Fouche.

Contact FarmTrack for information: tel: 021 880 1163 or visit www.farmtrack.co.za.

31

www.farmtracksa.com

GENERAL

Eers opleiding, dan suksesvolle bemesting Dr Pieter Haumann UITVOERENDE HOOF, FERTASA

H

“Bemestingsriglyne is onontbeerlik vir gewasverbouing, maar moet noukeurig beoordeel en bestuur word om te verseker dat kunsmis optimaal en met inagneming van die spesifieke aanbevole toestande toegedien word,” sê dr Pieter Haumann, uitvoerende hoof van Fertasa (Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa).

Y BEKLEMTOON DAT SULKE riglyne die algemene vertrekpunt vir die saamstelling van ’n doeltreffende bemestingsprogram is, eerder as die finale antwoord.

“Die ideale situasie is waar riglyne vir die toediening van bemestingstowwe of landboukalk altyd op behoorlik gekontroleerde navorsing gebaseer word. Sodoende kan die reaksie van die gewas met verskeie grond-, plant- en ander parameters gekorreleer word om die produksiefunksie van die gewas te bepaal.”

Dr Haumann voeg by dat Fertasa verantwoordelike en volhoubare grondvrugbaarheid en plantvoeding só belangrik ag dat dit ‘n vereiste is dat al hul lede se landbou-adviseurs die vereniging se BASOS-kursus (bemestingsadviseurs- sertifisering- en opleidingskursus) moet slaag voordat hulle toegelaat word om bemestingsaanbevelings te doen.

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www.fertasa.co.za ONS STAAN VIR DIE BESKERMING VAN DIE VOLHOUBARE GEBRUIK VAN KUNSMIS. Fertasa is verbind tot die bevordering van volhoubare grondvrugbaarheid en verbeterde plantvoeding.

Fertasa-lede is verbind tot: Ÿ

'n Gedragskode.

Standaarde deur 'n onafhanklike nakomingsbestuursliggaam geouditeer.

Ÿ

Gehalte produkte.

Ÿ

Toepaslike wetenskaplik-gebaseerde aanbevelings.

Ÿ

Voortgesette onderrig en verbetering.

Ÿ

Die nakoming van wetlike vereistes.

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

MES CONSULTANTS - 082 563 4427

Ÿ

Die kursus word in Afrikaans en Engels aangebied en lê die klem op landboutoestande in Suid- en Suidelike Afrika. Die Engelse weergawe staan bekend as FACTS (fertilizer advisory certification and training scheme).

Die kurrikulum behels agt modules, insluitend onderwerpe soos grondklassifikasie, beginsels van plantvoeding vir verskillende gewasse, berekende aanbeveling van bemestingstowwe, die hantering en berging van misstowwe, asook toedieningsmetodes en betrokke omgewingsimplikasies wat oorweeg moet word.

Die hoeksteen van die kursus is Fertasa se amptelike Bemestingshandleiding, wat deur bedryfsleiers saamgestel is en ook as voorgeskrewe werk vir landboustudente by verskeie opleidingsinstansies en universiteite gebruik word.

As deel van die BASOS-kursus word die basiese handleiding egter met bykomende tersaaklike materiaal en inligtingstukke aangevul.

Die kursus word deur middel van afstandsonderrig aangebied. Derhalwe bepaal kursusgangers self hoe om hul studietempo en eksamenaflegging die beste by hul persoonlike omstandighede in te skakel.

Afgesien van werknemers van Fertasa-lede, sluit ander kursusgangers regeringsamptenare, boere, landbou- en koöperasiepersoneel, asook persone in die saad- en landbouchemikalieëbedryf in.

Registrasie vir die kursus kan die hele jaar deur gedoen word. Twee eksamenskedules word jaarliks aangebied, gewoonlik gedurende Mei en September.

Skakel Fertasa vir meer inligting by 012 349 1450, stuur 'n e-pos aan basos@fertasa.co.za of besoek die webblad www. fertasa.co.za.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ALGEMEEN

Fewer salaries being paid and fewer sales being made Jan Greyling CORRESPONDENT

Responsible dissemination of modern fresh produce chain developments among member countries in Southern Africa may save time and money to position the continent rather than only a member country towards a vibrant fresh future, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela from the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).

D

R NTOMBELA JOINED Prof Ferdi Meyer of the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) and Prof Philippe Burger from the University of the Free State in a virtual panel discussion on ‘The Future of Fresh Produce in Southern Africa’. The discussion was headed up by Farmer’s Weekly editor, Denene Erasmus, at the 2020 PMA Southern Africa Conference.

Asked about the major challenges to growth of the fresh produce industry in Southern Africa, Dr Ntombela says: “The question is, how do we transfer some of the modulations and technologies to our neighbouring countries so that they can also find a way of benefitting through this market? If you look at the smaller countries surrounding South Africa, I cannot see how they need to pay the school fees of new technologies, as an example, if we could strengthen each other.

“By partnering with them we can uplift their capability so they can succeed to the benefit of their countries and the continent as well. I think how we do this regional integration will really lead to sustainable production of quality produce within the Southern Africa region.”

Secure tenure of farmland remains an issue Prof Burger emphasised the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown of the macro economy and the spill over into an industry such as fresh produce commodities. “It is expected that the GDP of many countries will shrink by 8%-10% due to the pandemic. That translates into businesses being closed permanently, job losses with fewer salaries being paid and

fewer sales being made, meaning less demand, also for fresh produce.”

He explains that it might be possible for business to recuperate within one to two years to a V-shape graph at a more rapid rate, or it could take much longer than anticipated and up to four years within the reality of a U-shape of even worse, a L-shaped recovery.

“Companies going bankrupt within the value chain are disrupting the whole chain. Rebuilding of the chain in whichever way is quite difficult, expensive, time and trust consuming,” says Prof Burger.

Fast track recuperation He recommends the fresh produce industry to engage government on fast tracking the R200 billion allocated to the loan guarantee scheme. “I think there should be specific discussions from the side of the industry to get that money to needed players as quickly as possible so that we do not have a lengthy recuperation process, particularly for the small and medium size players.”

Prof Burger promotes consideration of an increase in the number of players in the fresh produce industry across Southern Africa. He points out that many South Africans are still living on communal land.

“In fact, 32% of South Africans (Census: 2011) are still living in ‘the old homeland regions’ of South Africa. With about 0,5% of people migrating to urban areas annually, it is still about 27%-28% living on communal land. Against the backdrop of Section 27 of the Constitution, the problem is that TO PAGE 34

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

33

GENERAL

Fewer salaries being paid and fewer sales being made FROM PAGE 33

people in these areas still do not have secure tenure rights on their land to take to the Landbank or any other developmental financial institution to get a production loan.” This is a very difficult situation with cultural issues and traditional leadership involved.

These issues are in addition to mentoring and empowering people to farm on that land successfully. SMME’S need to be assisted in getting into the mainstream supply chain, since it is often easier for a retailer group to sign up with one big supplier than with 200 smaller ones. These are realities to consider,” says Prof Burger.

Weaker rand, a blessing in disguise Regarding the current instability of the rand against the euro and other developed country currencies, the question arose from panel leader Erasmus’ side if the benefits of higher earnings through export of fruit and vegetables outweighs the higher cost of imported input supplies by producers.

Prof Meyer from BFAP says the short answer if a definite yes.

In terms of long-term opportunity and productivity for competitiveness it is more complicated. A clear distinction needs to be kept in mind between fruit on the one side as a primary exporter, and vegetables of which mostly only potatoes and certain carrot varieties are exported freshly.

He referred to the improved performance of some industries during the past months when the exchange rate worked in the favour of exporters with an increase on parity prices supported by the very favourable climate, compared to the prior five below-normal rainfall years on average nationally.

“The trick here is obviously productivity. To which extent can export lead sectors e.g. agriculture as a sector, benefit from the weakening exchange rate compared to rising import cost of e.g. our fertilisers? If we can progress rapidly by local production of essential input supplies, such as nitrogen and phosphate manufacturing, the weaker currency will reap off improved benefits to producers and the industry during such times.”

34

Prof Philippe Burger from the University of the Free State.

Prof Meyer noted that the exchange rate shock is much more severe to most of the vegetable lines. For vegetable growers, input supplies still need to be imported at extremely high cost while they sell either within South Africa or into the continent. This is where the exchange rate discrepancies are not as impactful as in the case of fruit where 60%-90% of production is currently exported.

“At the end of the day it really is productivity which will unlock the ability to benefit from the current exchange rate reality for as long as possible, as incurred by the position of the local currency,” Prof Meyer added.

The panel was unanimous in their view on major industry opportunities on the horizon. Apart from the natural health attributes of the expanding range of demand driven fresh produce available to the end consumer in retail and foodservices markets, the expected growth and migration of population in South and Southern Africa is viewed to be the strongest multiplication benefit towards sales growth expectations.

Prof Burger reiterated that the expected migration from South African and African people from rural to the urban areas, mainly looking for better job opportunities, need to be regarded as an enormous opportunity by the fresh produce industry.

“In South Africa, the CSIR forecasts a growth of between 12 and 15 million people towards urban areas over the next 15 years. These people, equal to the current population of Gauteng, will need food, homes, clothing, jobs and more, posing a major opportunity to food producers and marketers.

Since all economic growth plans need to include the challenges posed by electricity and water supply, technology, energy, communication, environment impacts and more, I see the urbanisation reality as the pillar on which the future focus of industry growth in all its facets, should be focused,” he says.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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ALGEMEEN

Geleentheid van ‘n leeftyd vir varsprodukverkope Jan Greyling MEDEWERKER

Dr William W. Li, skrywer van die topverkoper-boek, Eat to Beat Disease, inspireer die internasionale varsproduktewaardeketting om juis nou, met die werklikheid van die Covid-19 pandemie, steeds beter vrugte en groente te kweek en te verbou. Ondersteunend hiertoe moet bemarking en verkope direk gerig word op vars produkte se natuurlike eienskappe van immuniteit-versterking.

D

R LI WAS DIE openingspreker tydens die tiende konferensie van die Produce Marketing Association (PMS) in Suidelike Afrika. Hy sê gesonde voedsel kan juis nou gebruik word om verbruikers se immuunstelsels te aktiveer en te verbeter. “Die sleutel om Covid-19 uit ons liggame uit te hou is opgesluit in aktiewe immuunverdedigingstelsels.”

Beklemtoon natuurlike gesondheid Hy moedig produsente en bemarkers aan om varsprodukte voortaan as ‘n gesondheidsopsie te sien, te verpak en te bemark. “Verhoog verbruik deur die natuurlike immuunversterkers in jul produkte te beklemtoon,” sê hy.

Hy meen die pandemie het die fokus geplaas op kos en die uitwerking van dit wat die mens eet. “Ons moet nou begin om verbruikers na die varsprodukte-afdeling van elke supermark te lok. Elke huisgesin behoort opgewonde te wees oor varsprodukte en dit met oorgawe te geniet.”

Dr Li spoor die bedryf aan om gesonde verstand en die gesondheidswaarde van varsprodukte met die wetenskap te trou en verbruikers te oortuig om die natuur se gesondheidskuur te omarm.

10 van talle gesonde varses Hy het tien varsprodukte gelys wat noodsaaklik is vir volhoubare gesondheid.

“Koejawels en soetrissies is propvol vitamien C. Dit help met die produksie van natuurlike teenliggame en bou die immuniteitselle. Saam met borrie is dit ‘n uitstekende mengsel om inflammasie op enige plek in die liggaam te verminder.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | SEPTEMBER • OKTOBER 2020

“Sampioene bevat vitamien D en Beta Glucan of swambio-aktiewe polisakkariede (FBP), wat veral in Asië reeds eeue lank medisinaal gebruik word. Dit produseer teenliggame in speeksel, wat die virus tot niet maak sodra dit die mond binnekom,” sê Dr Li. Hy wys daarop dat broccoli-spruite en -stamme natuurlike chemikalieë bevat. Dit aktiveer die liggaam se immuniteitstelsel. Natuurlike immuun-versterkers kom voor in olywe en olyfolie. Knoffel, tee en bloubessies bevat op hul beurt ‘n natuurlike bestanddeel wat ons liggame se uitwissingselle aktiveer om virusse en siekte te help weerstaan.

“Rissies aktiveer die produksie van teenliggaam en granate is aktiveerders van ingewande bakterie, wat ons immuunstelsels verbeter. Aanvullend hiertoe is pekanneute ‘n goeie bron van vesel, wat spysvertering bevorder,” sê hy.

Aanvullend hiertoe het dr Retha Harmse, direkteur en die hoof kliniese dieëtkundige by EBS Dieëtkundiges, aan afgevaardigdes vertel dat 70%-95% van die serotien in die ‘goedvoel’-hormone van die mens in die spysverteringstelsel is.

“Om ons spysvertering gesond te hou moet ons seker maak daar is genoeg probiotikas en prebiotikas in ons dieët. Dus moet daar ook fermenteringsprodukte soos suurkool, kimchi, heelgrane, neute, sade, vrugte en groente ingesluit wees.”

Dr Li bevestig dat die wêreld nou met die pandemie die geleentheid van ‘n leeftyd gegee word om om hul kombuise beter te leer ken en die regte kookkeuses as beskerming teen virusaanslae te in te span. “Dit is ‘n kans wat deur die varsbemarkingsbedryf aangegryp moet word.”

37

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

Lesser pumpkin fIy (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Dacus ciliatus is a species that has numerous synonyms that include Dacus sigmoides, Didacus ciliatus and Leptoxyda ciliata. It is commonly known as lesser pumpkin fly, Ethiopian fruit fly and cucurbit fly. Lesser pumpkin fly is a pest of various plant species in the Cucurbitaceae family, including wild cucurbits. Cucumbers, melons and marrows are the main hosts of this pest. It is originally from East Africa but is now widely distributed in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, including South Africa. Lesser pumpkin fly is closely related to Dacus frontalis, another African pest of Cucurbitaceae. It is a quarantine pest in Israel, Europe, Japan and North America.

Nozibusiso Maphumulo IPM-PROGRAM, NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY POTCHEFSTROOM

e-mail:mashimanenozi03@gmail.com

Lesser pumpkin fIy classification: Class: Insecta (Insects) Order: Diptera (True fIies) Family: Tephritidae Genus: Dacus Species: Dacus ciliatus

E

GGS OF THE LESSER pumpkin fly are shiny white in colour and are about 2,5 mm long. They have a slightly curved, cylindrical, narrow shape at one end. Larvae are pure shiny white. However, appearances may be changed by the colour of the food within the alimentary canal. Third-instar larvae have the appearance of fly maggots and are 8 mm long and 1,4 mm wide. Adults are about 10 mm long, yellowish-brown in colour with pale yellowish spots at the anterior shoulders of the thorax and next to the abdomen when viewed from above. The wings are decorated with an expanded anterior dark-brown band. The face has two large black spots and one brown spot next to the lower part of the eyes.

Lesser pumpkin fly lays its eggs in groups of 5-10 underneath the skin of the fruits of its host. Eggs hatch within 2-4 days inside the fruits. Mating occurs at night and each female lays about 200 eggs after a single long mating process. It has three larval stages (instars). Larvae develop inside the fruits where it feeds, causing damage to the fruits. The duration of the larval stage is 4-6 days. When fully grown, larvae exit the fruits and drop to the ground where it pupates in the soil underneath its host plant. Adults emerge within 8-10 days and become sexually mature after about 15 days. The life cycle can be completed within 19-22 days under favorable climatic conditions.

Larvae of the lesser pumpkin fly inside the pumpkin (https:// www.plantwise.org/KnowledgeBank/factsheetforfarmers/20147801454).

38

Damage of the lesser pumpkin fly on a squash (https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/crops/vegetables/strategies-for-pumpkin-fly-control/)

Lesser pumpkin fly adult (https://eol.org/pages/725271).

Infected fruits exhibit oviposition punctures that leave visible holes on the surface of the fruits. This can lead to the development of necrosis. Lesser pumpkin fly is of economic importance throughout most of Africa. However, its impacts are not as serious as those caused by the melon fly, Bactrocera curcurbitae, in places where they both occur. Heavy infestations occur in South Africa and Egypt where it causes economically important losses. It can also lead to indirect economic impact through restriction of exports due to phytosanitary regulations in importing countries. Dispersal and movement of the lesser pumpkin fly occurs through adult flight and transportation of infested fruits to uninfected areas. Management can be achieved by the use of chemicals such as pyrethroids.

Organophosphates are considered less effective. All infected fruits should be destroyed to control this pest.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2020 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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