Vegetables & Fruit July/August 2021

SINCE 1988

JULY • AUGUST 2021

Honey bees and blueberry yield R40,00

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

No 202

PFEIFFER Ideally suited to be harvested at green stage.

Large leaves, give a good canopy protecting fruit.

Uniform blocky fruit with thick wall.

HR: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV: 0) Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xcv: 0-3,7,8) IR: Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Powdery Mildew (Lt), Phytophthora capsici (Pc)

DIVA Can be harvested at green or yellow stage.

Uniform blocky fruit, with excellent quality.

Ability to set fruit under di cult conditions.

HR: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV: 0-2) IR: Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)

STAR 6657

Uniform blocky fruit, with very thick walls.

Vigorous plant with good canopy, protects against sunburn.

Ability to set fruit under varying climatic conditions.

HR: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV: 0) IR: Potato Virus Y (PVY: 0, 1), Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xcv: 1, 2, 3), Powdery Mildew (Lt)

MARX

Green to Red blocky Sweet Pepper.

Uniform blocky fruit, with excellent quality.

Ability to set fruit under cool conditions.

HR: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV:0), Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xcv: 0-5, 7-9),Pepper Mottle Virus (PepMoV), Potato Virus Y (PVY:1), Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) IR: Phytophthora capsici (Pc), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

DUKE Ideally suited to be harvested at green immature stage.

Large leaves good canopy protecting fruit against sunburn.

Excellent for summer production.

IR: Phytophthora capsica (Pc), Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xcv: 1-3).

STAR 6653 Uniform blocky fruit, with very thick walls.

Vigorous plant with good canopy, protects against sunburn.

HR: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV: 0) IR: Potato Virus Y (PVY: 0, 1), Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xcv: 1, 2, 3)

32 Edition 202

ISSN 1015-85 37

18 31

VOORBLAD

NUUS

4 Potato industry appeals for support amidst dumping threats

Peppers are native to Mexico, Central and South America and were introduced to Europe by Columbus. They belong to the genus Capsicum which is a member of the Solanaceae family.

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5 South Africa-Chinese lemon protocol to secure jobs

6 Bye se oorlewing ‘n belegging in voedselproduksie en die ekonomie

PROMOTION 08 ‘n Doeltreffender wortelstelsel vir groter opbrengste 11 Boer proaktief met nuttige tegnologie

EDITORIAL Willie Louw (Group editor)

OESBESKERMING

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

12 Oesbeskerming van sagtevrugte 15 Biostimulant: It is in the genes 16 Natural plant protection launched

ADVERTISING Jana Greenall 011 476 3702 082 780 9914 mediacom@lantic.net DESIGN Mercia Venter studio.chatnoir@gmail.com

PEPPERS 18 Health, wealth and happiness of peppers – all about

growing and consuming peppers

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3

Potato industry appeals for support amidst dumping threats

The battle between the local potato industry and global importers has a longstanding history, with South Africa being considered a prime destination for dumping frozen processed potato products. With the recent lapse of anti-dumping duty protection, there is a significant risk that the increased volume of below-cost frozen French fries that land on South African shores from the Netherlands and Belgium will cripple local farmers and producers.

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xpressing concern for the local potato industry and pleading for local support, Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa (PSA), says South African producers have been experiencing many challenges brought on by Covid-19, the cost-price squeeze, rising input costs and most recently, the riots in parts of the country.

“Furthermore, our producers don’t benefit from the financial support afforded to EU farmers by their governments and simply cannot compete with below-cost products being dumped in our country. With less demand for local produce, there will be a ripple effect on livelihoods and job-losses, not to mention the effect on the economy.”

The South African potato industry provides employment to an estimated 45 000 permanent and seasonal labourers and is worth approximately R7,5 billion at primary level, and R26 billion at secondary level. On average, the industry plants between around 50 000 hectares of potatoes, with the crop accounting for 45% of the total vegetable crops produced in the country. This equates to a contribution of around R8,5 billion to the South African economy.

As just one example, McCain Foods South Africa supports in excess of 6 800 full time jobs and procures potatoes from more than 100 local farmers, who plant in excess of 4 500

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hectares of potatoes annually. The company’s managing director, Unathi Mhlatyana, echoes Jacobs’ sentiments.

“The negative financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and other prevailing socio-economic and market conditions on local farmers and producers has been catastrophic. Further threats in terms of both demand and cost, may force local growers and processors out of business. Supporting the local agricultural sector is the most powerful and promising measure of combating the effects of agricultural dumping, which directly threatens our economy and livelihoods.”

The South African agricultural sector, and more particularly the local potato industry, depends on the collective efforts of consumers, businesses and government to embrace and support local growers and producers.

“The environmental benefits of buying local produce are obvious, with the protection of South Africa’s natural ecosystem, a smaller carbon footprint associated with the distribution of the product, and the knowledge that locally produced products are also typically linked to more environmentally friendly practices,” says Jacobs. “More than that, by buying and selling locally, we will ensure that the revenue remains within South Africa, allowing us to drive and sustain our local economy, secure and promote jobs, and ultimately rebuild our country.”

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

South Africa-Chinese lemon protocol to secure jobs The Citrus Growers' Association of South Africa welcomes the recent signing of a revised citrus protocol between South Africa and China by minister of agriculture, land affairs and rural development, Thoko Didiza.

W

The local industry has already enjoyed phenomenal growth in exports to China in recent years with shipments of grapefruit, orange and soft citrus reaching 130 000 metric tons in 2020.

The Association stated that they are thrilled that the finalisation of the revised protocol will further expand their reach in this critical market and would like to thank the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD) and Citrus Research International for their work on getting the revised protocol across the line.

This milestone also follows the recent first shipment of South African citrus to the Philippines, which will also result in new export earnings of close to R205 million annually.

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SCAN ME

ith local lemon production expected to grow by 175 000 metric tons by 2024, the finalisation of the revised protocol means China will now become a critical new market for this growth and will secure R325 million in new export revenue and secure 800 jobs in the industry.

The revised protocol was six years in the making, following a request submitted by the citrus industry to exempt lemons from the current regulatory requirements for False codling moth (FCM) in light of the category not being a host for the pest.

Up to now, Argentina and Chile have dominated southern hemisphere lemon exports to China. However, once the revised protocol is in place, South Africa is expected to surpass both countries, exporting 25 000 tons of lemons to China by 2024.

FERTASA, FERTASA , CERTIFIED CERTIFIED CREDIBILITY. CREDIBILITY.

ITS MEMBERS ARE COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION OF FFERTASA ERTAND ASOIL S AFERTILITY , CEAND RTENHANCED IFIED CNUTRITION. REDIBILITY. SUSTAINABLE PLANT

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Fertasa strives to provide information on fertilizer and crop related topics. Apart from assistance with fertilizer applications, queries relating to fertilizer usage, plant nutrition and soil fertility usage, plant nutrition and soil fertility are referred to our Technical Advisers or Subject Matter Specialists for their expert opinions and advice.

Member companies and others are encouraged to share their experiences in proven techniques and novel approaches in ensuring social, environmental and economic sustainability for all.

Tel: +27 (0) 12 349 1450 | Fax : +27 (0) 12 349 1463 Email: general@fertasa.co.za

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Quality products.

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www.fertasa.co.za

Byebevolkings daal om verskeie redes, insluitend die aanwending van plaagdoders, droogte, habitatsvernietiging, voedseltekorte, lugbesoedeling en aardverwarming.

Bye se oorlewing ‘n belegging in voedselproduksie en die ekonomie Suid-Afrika se vrugtebedryf oorheers landbou-uitvoer. Sitrus, tafeldruiwe en vlesige vrugte soos appels en pere het in 2020 meer as R40 miljard tot die uitvoerinkomste bygedra. Met meer as 50 gewasvariëteite in Suid-Afrika wat staat maak op die bestaan en werk van die heuningby, is die oorlewing van dié belangrike bestuiwer en die winsgewendheid van die vrugtebedryf met mekaar verweef.

DANEEL ROSSOUW NEDBANK

B

yebevolkings daal om verskeie redes, insluitend plaagdo­ ders, droogte, habitatvernietiging, voedseltekorte, lug­ besoedeling en aardverwarming. Baie van dié oorsake is onderling verwant en gevolglik is bestuiwingsvereistes van die landboubedryf hoog, veral tuinbou wat swaar op bestuiwing deur heuningbye leun.

Dat dié kwessie getakel word, is veral van kardinale belang vir tuinbougewasse, wat onlangs die sterkste groei ervaar het.

Uitvoervolumes van sagte sitrus het van 2011 tot 2020 met 257% gegroei en suurlemoene en lemmetjies met 180% oor dieselfde tydperk. Uitvoer is die primêre aandrywer van tuinbou se groei, wat Suid-Afrika se landbou-uitvoer oorheers. Die

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Buro vir Voedsel- en Landboubeleid se jongste berekeninge voorspel groei van meer as 100% van makadamias, avokado's en lemoene teen 2030.

Voeg hierby dat kleinhandelaars en verbruikers in baie van die buitelandse markte toenemend bewus raak van bewa­ rings- en omgewingsboerderypraktyke, en dit is duidelik hoe belangrik dit is om 'n oplossing vir dalende byebevolkings te vind.

Met te min bye om die gewasse te bestuif wat nodig is om die toenemende bevolking te voed, bestee die gemiddelde kommersiële vrugteplaas tydens bestuiwingstyd tussen R700 en R1 100 per byekorf aan die huur van dié belangrike bestuiwers. Dalk moet sommige dié geld bestee word aan die aanplanting van inheemse plantegroei om biodiversiteitbewaringsgebiede uit te brei, voedingsterreine te vergroot

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

en habitatsverlies te verminder terwyl produksiekoste verlaag word.

Vir Nedbank is volhoubaarheid en rentmeesterskap van natuurlike hulpbronne van groot belang. Hulle het verlede jaar 'n vennootskap met The Bee Effect en Greenpop se Forests for Life deur die Boland Bome-vir-bye-program gesluit om by te dra tot die aanplanting van 36 000 byevriendelike bome teen 2025. Die projek het ten doel om ekosisteme en vervalle inheemse woude in die Wes- en Oos-Kaap te herstel sodat ook klimaatsverandering se invloed verminder word, waterbronne ondersteun word en habitatte vir bye en ander gebruikers daarvan beskerm word.

Die Nedbank Green Trust werk saam met die Wêreldnatuur­ fonds (WWF) en Living Lands om fynbos vir heuningbyweiding en kritieke habitat vir plaaslike diere en insekte te herstel, veral in die Langkloof-streek in die Oos-Kaap, 'n belangrike landbousone wat bekend is vir appel- en peerproduksie.

Dié inisiatief kan ook help om ander inkomstebronne vir boere in die omgewing te skep, soos heuningbosproduksie vir uitvoer, plaaslike mikro-ondernemings wat verskeie heuningprodukte bemark en geleenthede in ekotoerisme wat help om inkomste in landbougemeenskappe te versprei.

Die ekonomiese voordele hiervan kan nie geïgnoreer word nie: in 2016 het byeboerdery- en heuningbyprodukte en -dienste byna R16 miljard tot die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie bygedra, en boonop 180 000 arbeidsgeleenthede. Ongelukkig het plaaslike heuningproduksie in die afgelope dekade met meer as 50% gedaal terwyl die invoer van heuning met tot 1 000% toegeneem het. Projekte soos dié kan help om opnuut in die plaaslike heuningbybedryf te belê. Sodoende hoef Suid-Afrika minder in te voer, meer bestuiwing moontlik te maak en broodnodige plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling aan te wakker.

Afgesien van dié voordele, is die grondslag dat mense afhanklik is van plante, en plante afhanklik is van bestuiwers. 'n Balans moet gehandhaaf word om lewe op aarde te onderhou.

Tans is daar geen standaard of erkenning vir byvriendelike boerderypraktyke in Suid-Afrika nie, maar gelukkig is baie boere daartoe verbind om minder chemikalieë te gebruik en gesonde volhoubaarheidsbeginsels op hulle plase toe te pas.

Kobus Steenekamp 06/06/1972 – 03/07/2021

K

obus Steenekamp, the country commercial lead for Bayer Crop Science in South Africa, passed away on Saturday July 3, 2021 after being hospitalised due to Covid-19 related complications.

“He will forever remain a true legend in the South African agricultural industry and will be missed by all of us at Bayer Crop Science,” says Klaus Eckstein, CEO Bayer Southern Africa.

“Our condolences go out to his wife Pamela, his children, Stéfan, Christiaan, Reinhardt and Clarissa, family, and friends.

“This gentle giant will be remembered for his leadership, friendship and sense of humour. Kobus’ compassion for others and love for his family was at the core of his humanity. His knowledge and expertise in the industry made a lasting impact on the farmers and colleagues he worked with over the decades. We will mourn the loss of this dear colleague and friend for a long time and pray strength and grace upon his family,” Kobus was born in Brits in the Northwest province.

He matriculated in 1990 at Brits High School after which he graduated with a MSc (Agric) from the University of Pretoria and followed with an MBA from the Northwest University.

Prior to joining Monsanto SA where he spent the most of his career, Kobus served in the product development team of Bayer SA. He joined Monsanto SA in 2001 as an agronomist and had various commercial roles focusing on crop protection, biotechnology and seed. He was the country manager of that company from 2011.

After the completion of the acquisition of Monsanto, Kobus was appointed as the country commercial lead of Bayer SA, Crop Science division on July 1, 2019.

Daneel Rossouw

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JULIE • AUGUSTUS 2021

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PROMOSIE

‘n Doeltreffender wortelstelsel vir groter opbrengste

Plaaslike proewe met EndoMaxx® op aartappels lewer belowende verhogings in opbrengs.

Beter en doeltreffender wortelstelsels vir plante wat tot groter opbrengste lei is nou binne boere se bereik. EndoMaxx® van Philagro maak dit vir verskeie rygewasse moontlik om beter te presteer.

BENNIE BUYS PHILAGRO

E

ndoMaxx, wat uit vier geoptimaliseerde voordelige mycorrhizae-swamspesies bestaan, word tydens plant toegedien. Die mycorrhizae lewe in ‘n simbiotiese verhouding met die plantwortels, wat die wortelstelsel se doeltreffendheid baie verbeter. Dit lei tot verskeie voordele en maksimaliseer die opbrengspotensiaal.

EndoMaxx is 100% ‘n biologiese produk uit die stal van Mycorrhizal Applications (MA) in die VSA, wat reeds van die negentigerjare af ontwikkel en bemark word. Die maatskappy is onlangs deur die Sumitomo Chemical-groep oorgeneem en EndoMaxx word reeds suksesvol in die res van die wêreld aangewend.

Onlangse navorsing toon dat die gebruik en gewildheid van mycorrhizae jaarliks aansienlik groei. Wêreldwyd het hierdie mark reeds in 2019 ‘n waarde van ongeveer $268 miljoen bereik. Dit is ‘n natuurlike, organiese produk en die gebruik daarvan word deur owerhede aangemoedig. Dit sluit by die Europese sienswyse aan van ‘n volhoubare organiese (“biorational”) benadering wat doeltreffende beheer en resultate verskaf, grondgesondheid bevoordeel en veilig in die omgewing aangewend kan word.

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WERKING Die voordelige EndoMaxx-swamme ontwikkel swamdrade, bekend as hifes, wat klein grondruimtes binnedring waar die gewas se wortels normaalweg nie kan bykom nie. Die netwerk hife beteken dat die benutbare worteloppervlak uitgebrei word.

Die woord “mycorrhiza” beteken letterlik “swam en wortel” en die ontwikkeling van die swamme gee aanleiding tot ‘n wedersydse voordelige verwantskap tussen die swam en die plant.

VOORDELE • Wortelvolume: Mycorrhiza-swamme vergroot die wortelvolume met tot soveel as 100 of meer. Dit is ‘n aansienlike uitbreiding van die plant se wortelstelsel in die grond wat opname van water en voedingstowwe verhoog.

• Voedingstowwe: Mycorrhiza-swamme koloniseer die plantwortels en vergroot die plant se voedingstofopname.

• Benutting van water: Mycorrhiza-swamme stel die plantwortels in staat om klein hoeveelhede water wat nie gewoonlik opneembaar is nie, wel op te neem en te benut.

• Die hife-netwerk kan water opberg wat vir die wortels toeganklik is. Hierdie netwerk kan in die teenwoordigheid van ’n oormaat water strukture (vesikels) vorm wat water NA BLADSY 10

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

Tindrum 20/146R

Beter Wortels… vir Groter Opbrengste.

Mikro-organismes vir makro-voordele.

EndoMaxx® van Philagro bestaan uit ’n vier-sisteem geoptimiseerde voordelige mycorrhizae swamspesies en vorm ‘n simbiotiese verhouding met die wortelstelsels van sonneblomme en ander rygewasse (mielies, sojabone, aartappels, droëbone, grondbone en ertjies), wat die effektiwiteit van die wortels dramaties verbeter. Dit lei tot talle voordele en maksimiseer opbrengspotensiaal.

Die voordelige EndoMaxx® swamme ontwikkel swamdrade (bekend as hifes) wat klein grondruimtes binnedring waar die aartappelwortelvolume normaalweg nie ontwikkel nie.

Sodoende word die effektiewe wortelstelsel uitgebrei en vergroot die wortelmassa aansienlik.

VOORDELE • Verhoog die effektiewe wortelmassa • Verhoog die toegang tot voedingstowwe en water, asook die opname daarvan • Maksimiseer opbrengste • Verbeter droogte- en stresverdraagsaamheid • Verbeter die grondstruktuur en -gesondheid.

EndoMaxx® span die krag van die natuur in om die heel beste uit jou oes te haal.

Om voordeel te trek uit dié moderne deurbraak, gesels vandag nog met jou naaste Philagro-kundige.

Water- en voedingstof uitruilingsone

Vergroot die wortelvolume deur mycorrhizae

RAADPLEEG DIE PRODUKETIKET VIR VOLLEDIGE GEBRUIKSAANWYSINGS EN BEPERKINGS EndoMaxx® (Reg. nr. M200, Wet nr. 36 van 1947), bevat Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis (5 625 propagules/g), Claroideoglomus luteum (5 625 propagules/g), Claroideoglomus claroideum (5 625 propagules/g), Claroideoglomus etunicatum (5 625 propagules/g). EndoMaxx® is ‘n geregistreerde handelsmerk van Mycorrhizal Applications LLC, Grants Pass, OR, VSA.

Philagro Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk l Reg. nr.: 98/10658/07 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

PROMOSIE

‘n Doeltreffender wortelstelsel vir groter opbrengste VAN BLADSY 8 en voedingstowwe vir latere gebruik kan opberg.

• Plante presteer beter onder droogte- en temperatuurverwante stremmingstoestande.

• Die grondstruktuur en -gesondheid verbeter.

• Bogenoemde voordele bring aansienlike opbrengsverho­ gings en gepaardgaande wins vir boere mee.

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Die opbrengsverbetering korreleer met die vermindering van sekere stremmingsfaktore wat opbrengs gewoonlik negatief kan beïnvloed.

Bykomend tot die welbekende voordele en rol van mycorrhizae tot plantgesondheid, het dit ook ‘n positiewe uitwer­ king op en verbetering van grondgesondheid. Reeds in 1996 is bevind dat ‘n gluko-proteïen, genaamd glomalin, in oormaat deur die hife-strukture geproduseer word. Die glomalin is soos ‘n soort “grond-gom” wat mikro-grondpartikels bind om stabiele makro-grondaggregate te vorm. Dit dra tot beter worte­­ l-­indringing by, die grondsuurstofvlakke verhoog en verdigting verminder.

Philagro doen navorsing op gewasse en positiewe resultate is by peulgewasse soos droëbone, groenbone, ertjies, kekerertjies (chickpeas), sojabone, grondbone, lupiene en klawers verkry, asook by mielies, sorghum, aartappels en sonneblomme. Hierdie gewasse verskyn reeds op die produketiket.

Na verskeie statistiese veld- en demonstrasieproewe kan Philagro bevestig dat veral sonneblom in Suid-Afrika baie goed op EndoMaxx-toedienings reageer. Opbrengsverhogings van meer as 20% is behaal. Hierdie soort verhogings is natuurlik nie dieselfde vir alle gebiede en klimaattoestande nie en sal nie gewaarborg kan word nie.

EndoMaxx word in die plantvoor toegedien teen ‘n dosis van slegs 10 gram per hektaar. Moerbehandelings van aartappels is ook doeltreffend.

EndoMaxx word in gerieflike pakkies van 100 gram bemark en sal tydens 2021 hoofsaaklik deur Laeveld AgroChem en Farmers Agri-Care bemark word.

Raadpleeg ten alle tye die EndoMaxx-etiket vir volledige gebruiksaanwysings. Vir meer inligting oor EndoMaxx, besoek www.philagro.co.za of skakel Bennie Buys by 082 809 5447.

EndoMaxx® (Reg. nr. M200, Wet nr. 36 van 1947), bevat Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis (5625 propagules/g), Claroideoglomus luteum (5625 propagules/g), Claroideoglomus claroideum (5625 propagules/g) en Claroideoglomus etunicatum (5625 propagules/g). EndoMaxx® is ‘n geregistreerde handelsmerk van Mycorrhizal Applications LLC, Grants Pass, OR, VSA. Philagro Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk l Reg. nr.: 98/10658/07 PostNet Suite #378, Privaatsak X025, Lynnwoodrif 0040 Pretoria: 012 348 8808 l Somerset-Wes: 021 851 4163

PROMOSIE

Boer proaktief met nuttige tegnologie

Henning Retief

Akkurate werk met masjinerie en die aanwending van chemikalieë voorkom latere probleme en dra tot kostevermindering by. Henning Retief, wingerdboukundige van Kleine Zalze buite Stellenbosch, glo daaraan om tegnologie in te span sodat proaktief geboer kan word.

R

etief werk reeds 15 jaar by Kleine Zalze met sy fokus op die groter wingerdbestuur van Kleine Zalze, waarby hulle eie wingerde en wingerde van ander wyndruifprodusente bestuur word.

Een van sy hulpmiddels om doeltreffend te kan werk is met FarmTrack se sagteware waarmee akkuraatheid voortdurend gemonitor kan word. “FarmTrack help ons om te sien hoe ons die boerdery kan verfyn. Soos ek altyd sê: as jy nie meet nie kan jy nie weet nie”.

Hulle gebruik die sagteware veral in die spuitseisoen sodat hulle betyds kan optree indien sommige van die wingerde nie reg gespuit word nie. “’n Mens kan baie vinnig op die sagteware sien wanneer ‘n trekkeroperateur ‘n wingerdry of twee gemis het.”

Retief sê die sukses van die toestel is daarin dat dit hulle in staat stel om proaktief te wees. Wanneer ‘n wingerdry oorgeslaan is kan die fout dadelik reggestel word. Daarmee word voorkom dat wingerdrye se oes tot niet gaan as gevolg van parasiete.

“Met die gebruik van FarmTrack word trekkeroperateurs aangemoedig om meer aandag te gee aan wát hulle doen en om versigtig te ry.” Henning noem dat die aanwending van chemikalieë ‘n baie fyn en duur proses is, daarom is dit uiters belangrik om die proses van die begin af goed te monitor.

Net soos die aanmaakproses by chemikalieë is die aanwending ook baie belangrik. Indien die chemikalieë nie reg aangewend word nie, kan swamsiektes baie vinning posvat en

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JULIE • AUGUSTUS 2021

is die hele oes in gevaar.

“Ons doel is om ‘n goeie, gesonde druiweoes aan die wynkelder te gee wat uiteindelik ‘n produk van goeie gehalte aan die mark gaan lewer.”

Die sagteware help hulle om te sien dat die spoed waarmee die swamspuite aangewend word, korrek is. Dit monitor dat die regte spoed gery word, met die bykomende voordeel dat voertuie en implemente beter opgepas word.

“Daar is baie beter rekordhouding vir wanneer ons die voertuie of implemente moet laat diens. Dit help beslis met implemente se onderhoud en leeftyd.”

By Kleine Zalze is siektebeheer ‘n strategie wat noukeurig toegepas moet word. “In hierdie proses wend ons die sagteware met groot sukses aan. Ons kan teruggaan en monitor of rye oorgeslaan is en die korrekte spoed gehandhaaf is.

Daarmee word voorkom dat ons na die tyd hoef terug te gaan boorde toe om nóg chemikalieë te spuit en ‘n swamprobleem reg te stel.”

Benewens hierdie voordele met FarmTrack se sagteware, help dit die boerdery ook met hulle tydsbestuur en produktiwiteit. Die sagte­ware wys hoe lank dit vat om diesel in te gooi of om die tenks met chemikalieë vol te maak.

“By Kleine Zalze fokus ons die laaste jare meer op ‘n presisieboerdery, en dit strek van aanplantings tot satellietbeelde.

FarmTrack help ons om meer verfynd te werk en ons oes beter te beskerm sodat ‘n beter produk gelewer kan word.”

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CROP PROTECTION

Oesbeskerming van sagtevrugte Oesbeskerming maak ‘n integrale deel uit van enige produksiestelsel, ook in die produksie van sagtevrugte. Die kuns is om die oesbeskerming op ’n volhoubare manier te doen. Volhoubare oesbeskerming behels dat die produkte wat gebruik word, volhoubaar en omgewingsvriendelik moet wees.

NEXUSAG

O

esbeskerming se produkte moet só gebruik word dat dit nie weerstand ontwikkel nie en die produkte moet goedgekeur wees deur die markte waarheen die sagtevrugte uitgevoer word. Dit moet ook op so ’n manier toegedien word dat die maksimum residu-limiete (MRL) nie oorskry word nie.

Die chemiese program wat gebruik word moet boonop finansieel volhoubaar wees vir die produsent, wat beteken dat al die produkte wat gebruik word op een of ander manier waarde tot die eindproduk moet toevoeg.

Onkruidbeheer of -bestuur is een van die bene van optimale oesbeskerming. Deur die onkruide te bestuur, hetsy dit met onkruiddoders dood te spuit of deur meganiese bestuur te beheer, soos met die gebruik van bossieslaners, gee dit die plante ’n kans om beter te presteer.

Plantprestasie verbeter omdat daar nie mededinging met die onkruide is vir water en voedingstowwe nie, gevolglik is daar ’n beter verspreiding van water en voedingstowwe in die wortelstelsel. Boordhigiëne kan ook makliker toegepas word, wat lei tot beter bestuur van direkte en indirek verwante peste en plae. Onkruide huisves verskeie nadelige insekte wat beter beheer kan word indien onkruide onder beheer is.

Die ander bene van optimale oesbeskerming is siekteen plaagbeheer. Suksesvolle siekte- en plaagbeheer begin by die monitering daarvan. Sommige siektes en plae moet voorkomend behandel word, veral as daar ’n geskiedenis van hierdie siektes en plae in die boorde is. Die siektes en plae moet egter steeds gemonitor word om te bepaal of bykomende stappe nodig is.

Siektes kan oor die algemeen nie gekwantifiseer word nie, maar die mate van teenwoordigheid van die siekte kan gebruik word as aanduiding of die huidige oesbeskermings­ program doeltreffend is en of dit aangepas moet word. Plae is oor die algemeen meer kwantifiseerbaar, veral as lokvalle

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gebruik kan word. ’n Ander manier om plae te kwantifiseer is om vrugmonitering te doen.

Die besluit om bykomende siekte- of plaagbeheer te doen, buiten die bestaande voorgeskrewe program, kan op die volgende fasette gebaseer word: • Ekonomiese skadevlak (ESV): Die vlak van besmetting is van so ’n aard dat die beheer daarvan gelykstaande is aan die skade wat dit aan die vrugte aanrig.

• Ekonomiese drempelwaarde (ED): Die punt waar die siekte of plaag beheer moet word voordat dit die ESV bereik.

Drempelwaardes is nie vir alle siektes en plae beskikbaar nie, maar indien dit wel is, kan dit as ‘n riglyn gebruik word. Ander faktore wat ook hierdie besluit kan beïnvloed, is byvoorbeeld die volgende: • Die tyd van die seisoen – as dit naby blaarval is, sal meer insekskade aan blare nie ’n groot probleem wees nie, gevolg­ lik sal dit nie nodig wees om die insekte te beheer nie.

• Die teikenmark – produkkeuse gaan bepaal of daar ’n aanvaarbare chemiese residu gaan wees of nie. Sekere markte het ook spesifieke fitosanitêre vereistes.

• Die kultivar en vrugtipe – sommige kultivars is minder vatbaar vir sekere siektes en plae wat die moontlike versprei­ ding en skade daarvan kan bepaal. Indien die moontlikheid van meer skade laag is, is bykomende beheer onnodig.

• Doeltreffendheid van beskikbare plaagdoders – om die maksimum residuvlakke (MRL’s) vir spesifieke uitvoermarkte te bestuur, mag net sekere plaagdoders gebruik word.

Indien hierdie goedgekeurde plaagdoders nie meer optimaal doeltreffend is nie, gaan dit nie finansieel sin maak om dit te gebruik nie.

Kontak 'n geakkrediteerde gewasadviseur van NexusAG Crop­life vir meer inligting oor volhoubare gewasbeskerming van sagtevrugte. Skakel 021 860 8040 of besoek www.nexusag.net.

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

IS U OESBESKERMINGPROGRAM FINANSIEEL VOLHOUBAAR EN SPREEK DIT BEIDE ONKRUIDBEHEER EN SIEKTE- EN PLAAGBEHEER AAN? Ons Croplife-geakkrediteerde gewasadviseurs neem die vlakke van ekonomiese skade en drumpelwaardes in ag om maatpas siekte- en plaagbeheerprogramme saam te stel en kombineer 'n meganiese en chemiese benadering om onkruidbeheer toe te pas wat 'n integrale deel vorm van ons maatpas gewasbestuurprogramme.

Ons programme: neem die omgewingsimpak in ag voorkom weerstandbiedendheid neem u teikenmark in ag neem die tyd van die seisoen en die kultivar en vrugtipe in ag

KONTAK ONS GERUS VIR MEER INLIGTING OOR ONS MAATPAS GEWAS-BESTUURSPROGRAMME EN VOLHOUBARE OPLOSSINGS.

021-860 8040 www.nexusag.net

OESBESKERMING

Biostimulant: It is in the genes A rapidly growing human population and the longevity afforded by new medical technologies mean that the world’s need for food, fibre and feed is expanding at a rapid pace. It is estimated that an increase of almost 100% in agricultural production will be needed to sustain the human population in 2050 (Elferink & Schierhorn, 2016).

JOHAN JANSE VAN RENSBURG1 IDA WILSON2 1 2

ORO AGRI BIOREVOLUTION

A

gricultural productivity is challenged by climate change and notably by climate change-driven water scarcity. This is evident by wide scale global drought which is currently being experienced in many important agricultural areas around the world. Rising and fluctuating temperatures, erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather impacts crop yields (Challinor et al., 2014), while soils are degraded and become saline due to water scarcity. It is estimated that 50% of arable land will be affected to some extent by salinity (Bartels & Sunkar, 2005).

Biostimulants are products known to increase plant growth and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In general, these products favour the performance of the plant’s natural processes and reduce the need for the application of fertilisers.

Biostimu­lants are known to increase yields and quality of crops, mainly by enhanced effects on the uptake of nutrients by plants.

Various substances are used in biostimulant products, including humic acids, algae extracts and plant growth-promoting bacteria (De Vasconcelos & Chaves, 2019).

In a study conducted at Stellenbosch University, the effects of the biostimulant Crop4Life (C4L), a commercially available biostimulant, was evaluated on a molecular level for the changes that it induced in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana when watered with normal water or saline water. The effects of C4L on biomass, chlorophyll, stress response metabolites and stomatal conductivity was assessed.

The study provided evidence that C4L mitigated salt stress in the plants evaluated (Fig. 1). Chlorophyll content and biomass increased and metabolites induced under stress conditions were altered. Additionally, the stomatal conductance was reduced, which points to better water use efficiency by the saltstressed plants.

It is possible that this stress mitigation is not only restricted to salt stress. According to Zhu (2016), many of the genes activated by salt stress, also responds to cold or drought stress, thus raising the possibility that C4L may be a valuable stress alleviating treatment in crop production systems experiencing other kinds of stress, although this needs to be confirmed with

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JULIE • AUGUSTUS 2021

Figure 1: Above-ground biomass production of Arabidopsis thalia­na in a salt-stressed environment, when plants treated with (a) saline water, and (b) saline water after receiving a soil drench of Crop4life.

follow up studies.

It is known that C4L elicits physiological responses in plants which increase crop yield and quality. The study by Loubser also evaluated the plant’s responses to the biostimulant on the molecular level (via RNA sequencing). Crop4Life, applied as a soil drench at 0,01% (v/v) stimulated above-ground biomass and altered genes across several biochemical pathways.

The transcriptome of an organism gives information on the molecules that are synthesized, and the underlying genes involved. Transcriptomics evaluates the transcriptome – it asks how the genes are expressed, and how resultant metabolites are influenced.

When the transcriptomic profile of C4L-treated-plants was compared to those that did not receive C4L, 8% of genes were expressed differently from control plants. Approximately 5% of genes were up-regulated. Up-regulation means that more of a specific protein will be produced by a gene, and about 3% of genes were down-regulated, meaning that the expression of a protein is decreased. Notably, genes involved in photosynthesis, cell wall formation, carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolism and signalling were up-regulated, which possibly explains increases in plant growth.

The study also evaluated the responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants on the molecular level (again with RNA sequencing). The reaction of plants to which a foliar spray of C4L was applied at a concentration of 0,05% (v/v) was evaluTO PAGE 16

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CROP PROTECTION

Biostimulant: It is in the genes FROM PAGE 15 ated. C4L stimulated biomass production and length in roots and shoots. Again, as for Arabidopsis genes in treated plants were expressed differently from those that did not receive C4L – and in this case, it was 18% of genes with the difference being statistically significant. Of the 18% of genes affected, about 9% of genes were up-regulated and 9% were down-regulated.

Notably, genes responsible for stress and protein metabolism were up-regulated, which could explain the observed increases in growth. Down-regulated genes were mostly genes responsible for protein metabolism (Loubser, 2020).

Future agricultural production faces many challenges, and most notably that of producing crops in stressed environments and the need for greater yields as climate change challenge our production systems while the human population is growing. C4L, a commercially available biostimulant, has proven to enhance the yield a quality of crops. Moreover, a recent study on the effects of C4L on Arabidopsis and tomato plants clearly revealed that C4L induces metabolic pathways involved in plant growth and functioning, including stress responses.

In future, as our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of resistance and stress alleviation pathways in plants expand, the potential uses of C4L will become even clearer. Undoubtedly, C4L should be a tool in the toolbox for sustainable crop production in a challenging future environment. A new and exciting tool that will protect plants from stresses and optimise production.

References Bartels, D. & Sunkar, R. 2005. Drought and salt tolerance in plants. Criti-

Arabidopsis thaliana Wikipedia

cal reviews in plant sciences, 24(1), pp. 23-58.

Challinor, A.J., Watson, J., Lobell, D.B., Howden, S.M., Smith, D.R. and Chhetri, N. 2014. A meta-analysis of crop yield under climate change and adaptation. Nature Climate Change, 4(4), pp. 287-291.

De Vasconcelos, A.C.F. & Chaves, L.H.G. 2019. Biostimulants and their role in improving plant growth under abiotic stresses. Biostimulants in plant science, pp.1-14.

Elferink, M. & Schierhorn, F. 2016. Global Demand for Food Is Rising.

Can We Meet It? Harvard Business Review-7 April 2016. Available online: https://hbr.org/2016/04/global-demand-for-food-is-risingcan-we-meet-it (accessed on 22 June 2021).

Loubser, J. 2020. Analysis of the molecular and physiological effects following treatment with BC204 in Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanumly copersicum. Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Stellenbosch.

Loubser, J. & Hills, P. 2020. The application of commercially available Citrus-based extract mitigates moderate NaCl-Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Plants 9: 1010.

Zhu, J. 2000. Update on stress signalling genetic analysis of plant salt tolerance using Arabidopsis. Plant Physiol. 124, 941-948.

Natural plant protection launched O

penAg™, UPL Ltd. launched Natural Plant Protection (NPP), a new global business unit housing UPL’s comprehensive portfolio of natural and biologically derived agricultural inputs and technologies. NPP will act as a stand-alone brand, consolidating UPL’s existing biosolutions portfolio, network of research and development laboratories and facilities worldwide, which currently accounts for 7% of UPL’s total revenues.

NPP’s global offering will continue to benefit from UPL’s extensive global distribution footprint, drawing on innovation, research and development capabilities, and will be supported

by UPL’s proven ability to bring products to market on a global scale. NPP’s extensive portfolio will play a vital role addressing farmers’ pain points, including abiotic stress, soil health, residues and resistance management, in developed and developing agricultural markets alike.

Jai Shroff, global CEO, UPL Ltd. Said: “For over two decades, UPL has been investing in the development and scaling of biosolutions. The strength of our current portfolio is

16

testament not only to our progressive approach to sustainable agriculture, but also to the dedication of our teams across the world to meeting the innovation and technology needs of farmers, consumers and the environment. Our OpenAg purpose places collaboration at the heart of progress, and NPP will work across UPL’s global footprint to shape and scale the biological technologies of the future.”

Fabio Torretta, COO, NPP, UPL, said: “NPP can change the world. It has the right capabilities, the right mindset and the right technical skills and resources to drive a new era of positive, progressive change in agriculture. The biosolutions market is set for double-digit growth to US$10bn by 2025, compared to traditional agrochemicals, which are projected to experience single digit growth. NPP is well positioned to shape a more sustainable food future.”

One of NPP’s greatest strengths will be the company’s ability to cross-pollinate innovation across regions, understanding and learning from the needs of one market to increase the speed and depth of penetration into another market.

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

PEPPERS

Chilli varieties without limits in all imaginable sizes, shapes and colours – each with its own level of pungency.

Health, wealth and happiness of peppers

– all about growing and consuming peppers

Peppers are native to Mexico, Central and South America and were introduced to Europe by Columbus. They belong to the genus Capsicum which is a member of the Solanaceae family.

Peppers are the most widely used spice in the world.

P

eppers are a popular warm-season vegetable with many culinary uses and the fruit can contain up to six times as much vitamin C as oranges. Consumers are getting more and more interested in the unique fruit shapes, flavours and colours found within the various segments of both sweet and hot peppers.

Peppers require similar growing conditions as tomatoes and perform best in a long, frost-free season. In most cases chillies are easier to grow than blocky peppers and most green blocky peppers are produced in the open field.

Some fruit of high quality is also grown in shade-net structures. Growing peppers in plastic tunnels can be advantageous, because tunnels extend the growing season that increases opportunities for colour development. Coloured peppers produced in tunnels will also have a higher percentage of first-grade fruit. The profitability of this crop can be very dependent on value-adding at farm level and “hobbies” can sometimes grow into very successful small businesses.

PRODUCTION CHALLENGES Production challenges on peppers vary from environmental conditions and the presence of insect vectors that cause virus infections, to bacterial and fungal diseases. A few viruses to

18

take note of is the Tomato spotted wilt virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Tobacco mosaic virus and Potato virus Y. Bacterial leaf spot is an important bacterial disease that needs to be noted – new varieties have now got resistance to race 0 to 10.

Phytophthora capsici is another disease that can cause severe losses in a short time, from seedlings throughout the lifecycle of the plant. The severity of this disease is strongly related to over-irrigation in fields and can spread through irrigation water. Newer varieties have intermediate resistance to this disease.

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can in a short time cause severe yield loss in pepper and chilli crops, as the disease affects the leaf canopy. It reduces the productivity of the plant, resulting in smaller fruit with thinner wall thickness. In severe cases, the plant canopy can be completely defoliated and the delay in productivity can be as long as 6 to 8 weeks, which in most cases is not profitable. Seed companies are also now developing new varieties with good resistance to powdery mildew with very positive results.

GROWING CONDITIONS AND HARVESTING The production of peppers and chillies are very similar but

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

Good quality green blocky peppers harvested from a healthy production field under shade net.

PEPPERS

Snacking sweet peppers have taken the market by storm. They look attractive, are delicious and is a healthy snack at any time of day.

blocky peppers are less forgiving to environmental conditions.

Peppers grow best in well-drained soil with a well-developed soil structure. In general pepper plants do not have a very strong root system and care should be taken to minimise the conditions that could inhibit root development. Pepper fruits are self-pollinated, but insects can assist in pollination – the better the pollination, the bigger the potential that the fruit will be within the genetic restrictions of the specific variety.

The harvesting of peppers should be done at full physiological maturity. The pepper should have the desired size, but more important should have a thick and smooth fruit wall – fruit harvested too early could have a very short shelf life.

Heat stress, over and under irrigation and excessive or deficient nutrient levels can cause peppers to abort their flower

buds, flowers or immature fruit. Balanced nutrition according to soil fertility and maintaining constant soil water conditions (taking the local environment into account) are the most effective methods of control.

In their various forms, peppers are the most widely used spice in the world and is greatly priced for their pungency and adding special flavour to many cuisines. Historically it was mainly used for seasoning and medicinal purposes, but today the use of peppers have expanded to so much more – from a fresh and processed vegetable, a spice in various dried forms, used as food dye, to breeding as ornamental plants and the production of extracts for various pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry uses.

TO PAGE 21

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stop

siektes in hul spore

Twee-stap eenvoud: difenokonasool klaar bestaande vroeë roes infeksies op waarna ADEPIDYN™ tegnologie volgehoue beskerming verleen.

Regte plek, regte tyd: ADEPIDYN™ tegnologie se stadige sistemiese beweging deur die blaar se waslaag verleen kragtige blaarbeskerming en beveilig sodoende die biomassa wat vrugte nodig het om te ontwikkel.

Karboksamied tegnologie, herskep: ADEPIDYN™ tegnologie is ’n nuwe klas karboksamied met ’n sterk affiniteit vir die waslaag op blare. Dit verskaf langer nawerking en reënvastheid binne ’n uur. Slim tegnologie, ongeag die weer.

Eenvoudig. Kragtig. MIRAVIS® Duo.

LEES DIE PRODUKETIKET VIR VOLLEDIGE BESONDERHEDE. MIRAVIS® Duo bevat ADEPIDYN™ tegnologie (Pydiflumetofen) en difenokonasool (Reg. nr. L10750, Wet 36 van 1947) SKADELIK. MIRAVIS ®, ADEPIDYN™, die verwantskapraam, die doelwit-ikoon en die woord Syngenta is handelsmerke van ’n Syngenta groepmaatskappy.

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

@SyngentaSA | www.syngenta.co.za

FROM PAGE 19

PEPPERS

success is in the detail seeds | science | service

Powdery mildew infection with the defoliation of the plants on the left, against the healthy plants of a variety with powdery mildew resistance on the right.

HEALTH BENEFITS The documented health benefits from sweet and hot peppers continue to grow and pepper consumption in various forms and recipes are getting more popular by the day. The pungency and health benefits of peppers originate from a chemical compound called capsaicin. Peppers are very high in antioxidants, supports the immune system and will also aid in fighting off colds and flu. Antioxidants assist the human body to remove free radicals, toxic substances that can cause harm if the build-up gets too high. Capsaicin also appears to have antibacterial properties that help protect the body. Peppers are low in calories, making the fruit an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the burning sensation in one’s mouth. It binds to pain receptors on our nerves, called TRPV1. Normally, it reacts to real heat by sending warning signals to the brain. Capsaicin causes TRPV1 to send those same signals, so the body will react as if there is something hot in your mouth. Those pain receptors is present all over the body and can give the same burning sensation to the eyes and other areas of the body.

When the burning sensation continues, the body tries to “cool” itself, so you start to sweat, your face turns red, your eyes tear up and your nose starts to runs. This is the body's way of removing the “threat”.

Why do so many people then enjoy this sensation and enjoy spicy food? In response to the pain sensation, the brain releases endorphins and dopamine. When these chemicals combine, they create euphoria or a sense of happiness. Endorphins are the body’s natural way of relieving pain by blocking the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. Additionally, the neurotransmitter dopamine, responsible for a sense of reward and pleasure, is also released.

Whether you are growing your own peppers, hot or sweet, or enjoying the sensation of the various hot pepper fruits, spices and dishes, this crop is sure to give you the reward of happiness.

SV 6131 PB* • •

• • • •

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

Revelation • • • •

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

King Arthur •

•

•

Vigorous growth, excellent fruit quality and widely adaptable open field variety The large, blocky peppers are sweet, thick-walled, and ripen from green to bright red Average fruit weight: 250 – 350g

PS 16351609* • • •

Tolerant to Phytophthora capsici Extended harvest periods Improved marketable yield

DISCLAIMER: This information is based on Sakata’s 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, Sakata gives no warranty express or implied, for the performance of crops relative to the information given, nor do Sakata accept any liability for any loss, direct or consequential, that may arise from whatsoever cause. Read the Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Conditions of Sale before ordering seed.

GROENTE & VRUGTE

JUL • AUG 2021

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| www.nuvance.co.za |

BERRIES

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Honey bees

can help with better blueberry yield Animal-mediated pollination is an essential ecosystem service on which over a third of the world’s agricultural crops depend. Blueberry fruit production is highly dependent on animal pollination and, although visited by a range of bee species in their native range and agricultural settings, bumble bees are thought to be their primary native pollinators.

D

emand for blueberries has increased in recent years due to their perceived health benefits. Consequently, blueberry cultivation has expanded well beyond their native and original agricultural range, including several regions where bumble bees are not present. In South Africa, like many areas in the world, honey bees are the only commercially available pollinators for blueberries because many countries ban the importation of bumble bees.

Vegetables & Fruit talked to Keanu Martin about his recent study on why honey bees are important pollinators of South African blueberries despite their inability to sonicate, and Keanu’s ongoing work in the field. He is currently finishing his PhD at Stellenbosch University where he started his research on blueberries.

This study aimed to determine the benefits of honey bee pollination on blueberry fruit yield for the variety Ventura by comparing yields of honey bee-pollinated flowers to flowers where pollinators were excluded. The results showed that honey bees significantly increased berry mass by 72% and diameter by 31%. It was concluded that Ventura in South Africa can be pollinated by honey bees, and that honey bee pollination can be an effective substitute for bumble bees in areas where bumble bees are unavailable, such as South Africa.

Additionally, this study revealed that the pollination environment has a strong effect on the quality of fruit produced by the southern highbush blueberry variety Ventura. Moreover, all measures of fruit yield, were improved by the presence of honey bees and more so by hand pollination. In particular, yields are greatly increased (over 130%) by the addition of honey bees to areas where there are no pollinators. This

22

shows that despite their inability to buzz-pollinate, honey bees do extract blueberry pollen from anthers and transfer it to stigmas. This was demonstrated by researchers in Oregon, USA who showed that honey bees in blueberry fields carry on average 1133 blueberry tetrads on their body, excluding their corbiculae. Honey bees were the only pollinators at the site and therefore the effects shown are a direct result of access to honey bees, rather than unaccounted wild pollinators. Thus, in areas lacking native blueberry pollinators, the addition of honey bees may significantly increase blueberry yields, translating into substantial financial gains. This provides valuable information for the pollination of commercial blueberries, particularly with respect to the underutilised role played by honey bees, and suggests some important directions for research on blueberry pollination.

The research showed that Ventura can produce fruit without pollinators. However, these fruits are of lower quality than the fruits of flowers exposed to honey bee pollinators. Selfpollination is not unique to Ventura, as other highbush blueberry varieties can also produce fruit in the absence of pollinators. However, these fruits also have a noticeably poorer yield compared to fruits produced by flowers with access to pollinators as found in other studies on highbush blueberries in North America.

“For the last year of my undergrad I was looking for a place where I could apply science, to actually add some value to a field, because I'm not interested in just doing science for the sake of science, I want my work to have real life applications in the world around me. I started looking at, blueberries, because I identified a gap in the research, especially for

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

BERRIES

South Africa in pollination around blueberries,” says Keanu.

Once Keanu started working in the blueberry industry he found that research was sorely lacking and thus needed in the field. “I was one of the first people in South Africa to thoroughly look at the pollination side of blueberries from a scientific point of view. The important thing that I found was there was a direct application of my work. So, once I started seeing results and I started sharing it with industry, I could see that it had a direct influence on what was happening around on different farms,” says Keanu.

Of more value for Keanu was to see that his research was actually making a difference on the ground. One of his main objectives in his current research is seeing how producers can optimise the land that they have. To this end, Keanu started Keanu Martin Consulting to offer scientific-based solutions to the industry’s pollination problems. Keanu started looking at compatibility between different blueberry varieties. In the past, producers used to plant a single variety in a block. What Keanu now found was that generally, with all the varieties studied so far, a huge increase in yield followed as soon as blueberry varieties were cross-pollinated. Something else that is very interesting is that if you cross-pollinate with a differ-

ent variety, it actually matters which variety you cross-pollinate with. Sometimes one variety is a lot better than another variety, although both will increase the yield. However, one undoubtedly wants to have the best combination of varieties – and that all depends on their compatibility with each other.

He also revealed that one of his current studies is observing the honey bees themselves. “I looked at how they move in an orchard. I've physically locked my eyes on a single honey bee, and then followed that bee’s flight pattern, which was extremely time consuming and difficult. But once you put in the time (about 200 hours), you start to pick it up their movements more easily.”

What he basically found was that the bees move predominately down a row instead of between rows. His final paper on the study will be released soon. This means that the study will have important implications for producers and how they plant the varieties in the future to make sure that they get the best cross-pollination.

“I am actually building a model to see how it works. This way I will be able to determine the best way to plant these varieties with the least amount of change, but resulting in increased yield because of cross-pollination,” says Keanu.

One of the biggest challenges Keanu experienced, was for a scientist in the industry to change people’s minds. Things have been done the same way for a long time, now research shows that there are a lot more things that we need to take into account.

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BERRIES

Specialised irrigation for a specialised crop

The berries produced in Africa are mainly exported to international markets, where it will compete with quality berries from other production areas all over the world.

Blueberries are a very special crop. In Africa, it is successfully produced outside its original growing area, in areas that it may not be fully adapted to. Almost all blueberries are produced in controlled environments, such as greenhouses. If it is produced outside, the irrigation and fertilizer application must be controlled precisely. This is made necessary by the physical and physiological characteristics of the plant.

NETAFIM SOUTH AFRICA THE QUALITY CONTROL The berries produced in Africa are mainly exported to international markets, where it will compete with berries from other production areas all over the world. Quality is therefore of utmost importance. Quality is mainly determined by fruit size, firmness, taste and colour. These qualities are controlled by the precise management of production inputs.

The most important production inputs are water and nutrients. Exact control over these two critical inputs is of cardinal importance to achieve a crop of good quality and yield size, to be able to produce blueberries profitably.

A complicating factor in blueberry production is that blueberries have a very limited root system. In greenhouses it is usually grown in 20 to 30 litre containers in growing media with limited water holding capacity. This means that water will have to be applied often and in small quantities.

The growing media also has a very low buffering capacity.

This means that it will make a very small or negligible contribution to plant nutrition. Nutrients will have to be applied to the plant very accurately in terms of nutrient mix, Ec (elec-

24

tronic conductivity of the nutrient solution) and at the right pH. This must be applied during the correct growth stage of the plant to be able to fulfil the needs of the plant. If it is done correctly, it will enable the plant to produce high quality fruit in abundance.

Even when blueberries are produced in soil, the plants have a very shallow and small root system. The above scenario will prevail, and the same demands will have to be met with regards to the supply of water and nutrients.

PRECISE MANAGEMENT These complexities demand a lot of attention to detail and strategic actions from the producer. The producer has a massive responsibility to carefully mix the nutrient solution and monitor the application of these nutrients continuously to obtain a constant supply of nutrients, at the right ratio’s, Ec and pH, as well as a very precise supply of water to the plants.

This must be done day and night, day after day for the entire growing season.

The limited water reservoir, created by the limited root zone, demands that the water and nutrient delivery system must be able to cope with very short and frequent pulses of

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

BERRIES Piet Carinus blueberry

irrigation throughout the day. The pulse lengths and frequencies must also be adjusted throughout the day.

This becomes necessary as the water demand of the plant varies as temperature, humidity and sunshine and other climatic conditions change. This means that valves for a specific block have to open and close frequently in order to supply the water and nutrient demands of the specific block of plants.

The frequency and short duration of the irrigation pulses also puts massive hydraulic demands on the delivery system.

The fill up time of the system must be very short to accommodate the short pulse lengths. If the systems fail to cope with this, some plants will get more water and nutrients than others and uniformity of water and nutrient distribution will be compromised. This will impact the yield uniformity and fruit quality.

As is clear, the burden on the producer and his employees is massive. Mistakes can be very costly and even fatal to the project or farming enterprise.

SUPPORTIVE SOLUTIONS Netafim has invested a lot of time and effort over several decades to develop and perfect solutions to all the challenges producers face in the production of specialised crops, such as blueberries. Especially in demanding production areas.

This does not only include drip irrigation technology to precisely deliver water and nutrients, but also automation solutions. By harnessing Netafim’s automation solutions in the production system, a producer can largely automate the actions that answer in the water, nutrient and climatic (in controlled greenhouse systems) demands of the crop during all the production phases.

Nutrients can be mixed into the irrigation water at the correct ratios, Ec and pH and will be monitored and adjusted to pre-set programmes, setup by the producer. Irrigation pulses can be controlled by the CMT (crop management technology) computer and valves can be opened and closed as determined by the producer.

This will leave the producer’s hands free to attend to other problems and planning in the production system. The system can also be set up to send warnings to relevant people if problems arise or if the system operates outside of predetermined parameters.

Using products designed for these high-technology production systems will ensure that the grower can deliver water and nutrients accurately and evenly to each individual plant in the production system, to ensure a blueberry crop of exceptional quality and volume. This will allow the producer to grow more with less.

25

GENERAL

Citrus industry optimistic about its future Citrus has been grown in South Africa for a long time. According to records, the first citrus exported from South Africa was in 1906. The industry is built on solid foundations of research, variety development, plantation investment and the passion of citrus farmers. The whole citrus ecosystem is focused on the markets that South Africa supply to.

T

his is how PMA South Africa’s country manager, Lianne Jones, summarised the input of citrus experts in PMA SA’s broadcast in partnership with Beanstalk Global in June, 2021.

The panel of speakers included Prof Vaughan Hattingh at Citrus Research International (CRI), Jon Roberts at CGA Cultivar Company, Duo Landman at Landman Group, Rowan Vickery at FruitOne and Joe Shaw Roberts at Kantar.

Currently, throughout South Africa 96 000 hectares are planted under citrus. Production is estimated to increase from 160 million tons in 2021 to 200 million tons in the next five years and up to 260 million tons in the next ten years. These figures are based on trees currently in the ground, said Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), in

26

a pre-interview to the broadcast.

South Africa, the world’s second largest exporter of fresh citrus after Spain, exported a record 146 million cartons of citrus, including oranges, lemons and grapefruits, in 2020, with European markets the biggest recipients of the fruit. The other counter-seasonal regions exported to are Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Chadwick said the industry expects to log another record year this year with shipments of around 160 million 15 kg equivalent cartons, and forecasts growth at 10 million cartons per year for the next decade.

“Citrus Research International aims to sustain global competitiveness of the South African citrus industry through

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

GENERAL

providing research and technical support services. One of the overarching priorities of research efforts in Southern Africa is to ensure that we gain, retain and optimise conditions for market access. To remain competitive, you need to remain in the forefront of technology,” said Prof Hattingh.

“Research is not only high-tech scientific work but also research that relates to consumers, such as how we change the profile of citrus that it becomes more attractive and respond to market demands and consumer expectations. That in itself creates a profile for citrus fruit that is perfectly aligned with consumers’ interest in minimising environmental impact.

South Africa has always succeeded in remaining in touch with what the markets want from them.”

“Citrus Growers’ Association Cultivar Company, (CGACC), owned by the CGA, was established in 2012 to provide South African citrus growers an alternative access to both open and protected cultivars on reasonable terms and conditions, protecting the rights of growers and breeders in the cultivars space in South Africa. The aim is to assist our growers to remain competitive internationally,” said Roberts.

“We are aiming to achieve a spread across the season, flattening production peaks, with the cultivars we are procuring, ensuring season fresh fruit.”

Roberts believes although the demand for soft citrus increased over the last ten years, the Covid pandemic may have caused a reverse trend based on the consumers reduced trips to the supermarket, where they sought to buy fruit with better shelf life, and health attributes such as hard citrus varieties oranges and lemons. It will be interesting to see how long this trend is sustained.

Watch the broadcast here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=A0ZMYcAOge0

ABOUT PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the

global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. PMA has a unique network of more than 53 000 member contacts from more than 2 900 member companies, which are based in 54 countries across six continents. These contacts span all sizes and types of businesses across the supply chain. For more information, visit www.pma.com

Die verskil van gewoon na uitsonderlik is daai ekstra bietjie.

SKANDEER VIR VIDEO

KONTROLE

NEDERLAND +12%

SUID AFRIKA +22%

Kelpak is wetenskaplik bewys om wortelgroei en plantgesondheid te verbeter met uitstekende opbrengsverbeterings asook eindproduk kwaliteite tot gevolg

27

GENERAL

Citrus farmer celebrates two years of solar energy

The farm stall is a popular stop for tourists and business travelers, renowned for its freshly squeezed orange juice and local produce.

One of South Africa’s largest citrus farms, Joubert en Seuns, is celebrating their second solar aniversary. Their 265.98 kWp roof-mounted solar plant, that is made up of 806 x 330 Wp Canadian solar photovoltaic panels, was commissioned in June 2019 and has been harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it to electricity to power the farm ever since.

T

he well-established farming operation of Joubert en Seuns is based in Schoemanskloof, Mpumalanga. Over the years, the brother duo, Kobus and Francois Joubert, converted their father’s vegetable and maize farm into a largescale citrus production and packing facility.

Now focusing on citrus, including lemon, navel, valencia, mandarins and others, as well as macadamia nuts, they currently export in excess of 9 000 tons of produce to the northern hemisphere each year, with approximately 2 000 tons going to the local market. 685 hectares of the 1 000 hectares under irrigation on the property are dedicated to various citrus orchards, with the rest allocated to macadamia trees.

Complementary to the farming business, Joubert en Seuns operate a much-loved farm stall on the arterial road connecting Mpumalanga and Gauteng, renowned for its freshly squeezed orange juice and local produce. This popular stop for tourists and business travelers in the area is on the same

28

property as the packing warehouse.

The solar plant that was built by New Southern Energy was constructed accordingly and made up of two sections. 768 panels were mounted on a large flat section on the packhouse roof with an additional 38 panels on the farmstall roof for visibility from the road, also contribute to the overall renewable energy share. This way, their commitment to renewable energy is loud and clear for all to see.

Since the installation of the solar plant, the farm’s electricity bill has decreased between 33% and 38% per month, depending on the property’s energy usage. Initial calculations estimated that the solar plant would amortize itself within 6 to 7 years. However, due to increased electricity costs and the high efficiency of the solar system, the system will now amortize within an estimated 4,5 years.

While the solar plant has significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the farm, Joubert and Seuns are concurrently

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

GENERAL

The more than 800 roof mounted photovoltaic panels has reduced the farm’s carbon footprint.

busy with other interventions, such as the Farming for the Future certification, to ensure that their farming practices are as sustainable and beneficial to the environment as possible.

This is a grid-tied system, meaning that it is connected to the national electricity grid. “The longterm goal is ultimately to export the surplus electricity produced by the solar plant in off-peak months so that others can also benefit from our system, once we are able to finalise an export agreement with the regulator,” explains general manager Lionel Eva. “In the meanwhile, the solar system has not only been a valuable contributor to our operation, but also a great conversation starter with regular questions being asked about it by intrigued visitors to the farm stall,” he added.

“The system’s performance is monitored and controlled through a master controller, which can also communicate with the system’s inverters. All of the data is logged and saved in cloud-based storage,” said David Masureik, CEO, New Southern Energy.

“Furthermore, the performance can be monitored in real time via a smart phone app, meaning that faults can be identified and rectified quickly,” he added.

A section of Joubert en Seuns’ farming operation in Schoemanskloof, Mpumalanga, with citrus plantations and the packhouse.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JULIE • AUGUSTUS 2021

29

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GENERAL

Risk-adjusted strategy for managing tomato insect pest Following its 2016 incursion into Mpumalanga province, the tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is now a major threat to successful tomato production in all provinces of South Africa.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

S

Characteristic damage caused by Tuta absoluta larvae on tomato plant leaves.

It was determined that utilisation of two traps per tunnel – one at the entrance and the other at the opposite end – is sufficient to suppress the pest infestations on the leaves and fruits, provided moth catches are below 80 moths per trap per week. It is important that the traps always have sufficient water and liquid soap mix to drown the moths. At this low moth catches level, the effect of the pheromone traps is similar to weekly application of an insecticide on the yield obtained.

However, once moth catches exceed 80 moths per trap per week, the efficacy of the pheromone traps diminishes as there is a greater chance of males coming into contact with females and mate before they are caught in the traps. Thus, application of insecticides once moth catches exceed 80 moths per trap per week is recommended. However, it was also determined that once moth catches exceed 200 moths per trap per week, two insecticide applications per week are necessary.

These findings empower growers to use a risk-adjusted strategy for Tuta absoluta management with insecticides. The benefits of such a strategy are optimal insecticide application, reduced input costs and delayed insecticide resistance.

A Tuta absoluta larva crawling on an infested tomato fruit

urveys conducted by Dr Robert Nofemela, a senior researcher at the ARC-Plant Health Protection (ARC-PHP), during 2019 and 2020 in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, showed that growers are spraying insecticides up to twice a week and up to eight active ingredients in a season in order to suppress the tomato pinworm’s population densities.

While research on other forms of pest control are still at a developmental stage, there is increasing concern about development of widespread insecticide resistance in this pest, and the resurgence of other pests that were under good control prior to T. absoluta invasion.

ARC-PHP recently completed trials in tunnels in Gauteng wherein they investigated: • the potential of using synthetic sex pheromone water-pan traps as a management tool; and • the potential of using the numbers of male moths caught in the traps as a decision tool for when to spray insecticides.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JULIE • AUGUSTUS 2021

31

GENERAL

Largest reefer vessel ever exports precious SA citrus The world’s largest and most modern reefer vessel, the Cool Eagle, owned by Southern Route Maritime SA, departed from Cape Town, via Rotterdam to St. Petersburg in Russia in April containing a substantial portion of the 2021 record South African citrus harvest. The vessel arrived safely at the port of Saint Petersburg. of the Cool Eagle.

JAN GREYLING EDITORIAL CO-WORKER

Z

estfruit took up 30% of the total volume available on the ship during this voyage while they will continue to load export fruit to Russia every week, since Week 4 and until Week 42 of the current marketing season.

With a bumper crop the past season, South Africa maintained its position as the second largest exporter of fresh citrus in the world, after Spain. The importance of citrus as one of the outstanding South African fruit commodities, a significant contributor towards job creation and rural growth, has been reiterated by record-breaking exports that delivered 146 million cartons of citrus last year.

South African growers are expected to export a recordbreaking 163 million cartons of citrus during the 2021 export season, contributing to national government’s goal of increased agricultural exports over the next few years and increased foreign exchange revenue.

THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH Vladimir Borisenko, chief executive officer at Baltic Shipping, confirms that the foremost and most recently manufactured refrigerated freight export vessel in the world, the Cool Eagle, was loading locally produced citrus to Russia, during May. The Citrus Growers’ Association of South Africa (CGA) welcomed the Cool Eagle to help meet the capacity demands of the increasing South African citrus exports. A delegation of the CGA welcomed the all new vessel, which was a first-time caller at South Africa’s ports. “The delegation met the master and crew and took a tour of the Cool Eagle,” says CGA chairperson, Justin Chadwick.

Borisenko, who has been appointed as the honorary consul general of South Africa in St. Petersburg last year, is excited about the potential of their relationship with the South African fruit industry.

“His direct involvement is good news to us,” said Anton Kruger, chief executive of The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF South Africa). “Borisenko’s appointment is ceremonial but important, as our government selected him as an influential businessman who is supportive to business promotion with South Africa.”

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COMING A LONG WAY According to Borisenko, fresh fruit delivery from South Africa to Russia has begun after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries in 1992. Due to its geographical location, the fruit harvest in South Africa is a great shopping staple for Russians, providing them with fresh produce packed with vitamins just in time for the winter and spring months.

“Citrus fruit are one of the main healthy food products on the Russian table. The prices in stores for South African fruit are often cheaper than even seasonal domestic ones.

“Over the years, fruit from South Africa have taken a good place on the Russian table. The Russian market consumes 10% to 12% of fruit produced in South Africa for export.

These are mainly citrus (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines), as well as grapes, apples, pears and plums,” he says.

In recent years, exotic fruits such as mango, avocado and pomegranates have also been imported from South Africa.

Fruit are the main export from South Africa to Russia and accounts for about 30% of the trade turnover between the two countries.

“Currently cooperation between our countries in this area provides work for more than a million agricultural workers in South Africa. On the other hand, high quality cheap South African fruit make up a quarter of the meals of Russian citizens.”

An important event for strengthening and expanding bilateral ties, was the first ever Russia-Africa Summit that was held in October 2019 in Sochi. The presidents of African countries and the president of the Russian Federation emphasised the potential and the need to increase the exchange of food products between African countries and Russia.

Also, in the context of the sanctions announced by the West against Russia and subsequent trade restrictions, fruitful cooperation with South Africa helps to solve these problems in providing Russians with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Borisenko confirms that on May 17, 2021 the first ship with fresh fruit from the 2021 season between South Africa and Russia was unloaded in the port of St. Petersburg after the arrival of the Baltic Purple. That delivery from Cape Town entailed over 3 000 t of citrus, pears and apples which reached the retail markets in Russia.

“The main fruit supplier is Zestfruit, a long-standing and reliable partner for the Russian fruit business,” Borisenko

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

GENERAL The Cool Eagle offers world class cooled export shipping.

Photo supplied

says. For the development of trade cooperation between Russia and South Africa, Zestfruit, head up by Freek Dreyer, was awarded with the certificate of honour of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2020.

Borisenko says regular service is enhancing mutually beneficial business ties between the two countries. “This is especially necessary with the shortage of containers in the world, making our additional, modern refrigerated vessels, recently built in Japan, very valuable. These are the largest reefer vessels in the world with a capacity of up to 12 500 pallets (high cube) in the holds (under deck) and in 300x40 feet (91.4 x 12.2 m) of containers on deck.”

ALL ON BOARD Marié Dreyer, digital marketing co-ordinator of Zestfruit, confirms that the breakdown loaded onto the Cool Eagle on route to Russia was made up of manderins, navels, grapefruit, lemons and pomelo (Table 1).

“We are proud to know that the export of our citrus to Russia is on schedule. It is a privilege to do business with Baltic Shipping as a world leader in its class,” says Dreyer.

Fruit sent to Russia during this season by Zestfruit include grapefruit, mandarins, lemons, apples and pears. Production areas contributing to the export freight load include Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

According to Dreyer South African fruit onboard the Cool Eagle are mainly destined for Moscow markets, St. Petersburg

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JULIE • AUGUSTUS 2021

Table 1: Breakdown of fruit cargo on the Cool Eagle.

Variety

Total cartons

Pack (kg)

Grapefruit

18 660

16,5

Lemons

14 220

15

Mandarins

38 376

10

Navels

19 890

15

Pomelo

1 575

11

Grand Total

92 721

Source: Zestfruit

markets, supermarkets and smaller sales in Azerbaijan and Russia regions.

“Currently Russia forms about 8% of the total annual South African citrus export. The service of Baltic Shipping is exceptional since they outperform all competitors in an environment where shipping time and accurate arrival planning remain crucial.”

She mentions that the cooling facilities on the reefer vessels have much milder impact on South Africa’s cool chain sensitive produce, resulting in an improved quality on arrival compared to container shipping. The responsibility of South African growers is to pack according to Zestfruit quality standards for Russia. Zestfruit’s quality control team is assisting to TO PAGE 34

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GENERAL

Largest reefer vessel ever exports precious SA citrus FROM PAGE 33

this effect during packing.

Once packed, the precious export fruit is transported to the refrigeration facilities by trucks. Temperature recorders are used to monitor each batch ensuring that the cold chain is maintained. Prior to export loading onto the ship, the Zestfruit team finally inspect each batch to prevent fruit being exported with any progressive defects.

“We welcome the fact that Russia is taking up the share of our harvest which fits the Russian needs best. Russia is important to Zestfruit since it is a good strategic fit within our marketing plan,” says Dreyer.

A FAMILY OF EXPORT GIANTS According to Borisenko, 10 556 high-cube pallets of fruit was loaded into the holds of the Cool Eagle on its way to Russia, as one of South Africa’s trade partners within the BRICS group.

Borisenko confirms that Baltic Shipping is an agent for Cool Carriers AB. “They now have 36 vessels under operation as the biggest operator of conventional reefer ships in the world. Beside relatively old vessels, we took over five brand new ships built in Japan,” Borisenko says.

“These are Cool Spirit, Baltic Spirit (18 499,679 m3) built in 2018; Cool Explorer (25 625,330 m3) built 2018, Cool Express and Cool Eagle built in 2021. These vessels are the biggest and most modern among existing reefer tonnage.”

Cool Eagle is a reefer vessel sailing under the flag of Panama.

The carrying capacity of this impressive ship is 21 900 t DWT.

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Her overall length (LOA) is 189,9 meter and her width 30 meter.

According to Kruger, most of the South African fruit exported to Russia is being carried by vessels belonging to Baltic Shipping. “We are sustaining a long and valuable good relationship with them.”

Baltic Shipping has been carrying out regular shipments from South Africa for over 20 years and has established itself as a reliable partner and an important link between South African fruit producers and importers from Russia. On average, from April to September, depending on the harvest, approximately 200 000 tons of fruit are transported, says Borisenko.

Kruger reiterates that citrus provides a significant contribution to job creation and economic activity in rural communities. “The industry has expanded notably over the past decade.”

As for 2021, the preliminary forecast shows that the Southern Hemisphere citrus crops are expected to reach 22,7 million tons, export quantities are expected to increase by 12,72% to 3,8 million tons.

Earlier the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Thoko Didiza, said the citrus industry’s investment is starting to pay off.

“A challenge will be ensuring that, as a government, we open more export markets for the industry, as the estimates suggest there will be roughly 300 000 tons added into the current volumes in the next three years that require an export market.”

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

EXPERIENCES BY A RIJK ZWAAN SWEET PALERMO FARMER Handrey du Plessis of Nocton Farm (operating as Agri-Ovis) has been producing standard green peppers for approximately four years before he ventured into growing Sweet Palermo.

ACCORDING TO HANDREY, the Sweet Palermo has more fruit per plant and is a vigorous grower. The plant density on the Sweet Palermo is the same as the standard green pepper. He grows three plants and nine stems per square meter.

To the question of whether he had to make changes in his growing system to accommodate Sweet Palermo, he answered; “We made no changes in our growing system, the Sweet Palermo fitted well into the current system.

Furthermore, our seedlings are grown by Moorland Seedlings who provides us with a good quality product.”

breeders of the Sweet Palermo seeds, through to growing of the plants in order to obtain top-quality fruit for the consumer to enjoy. Rijk Zwaan’s team is always a call away and they support us with the best technical advice. Their pride in their product and passionate service to the producer is clear every time they visit the farm,” Handrey concluded.

Handrey explained that the Rijk Zwaan representative Schalk Kotze, the crop specialist James du Preez and the South African team are consistent in their service to support and aid him throughout the growing season of Sweet Palermo. “The team always encourages us, and they really became part of the family,” he commented.

His greenhouses currently have 1 000 m2 under Sweet Palermo production and he is planning to expand as the market grows.

“Everything needs to work together; right from the

Schalk Kotze, Sales Representative Eastern Cape and Handrey du Plessis of Nocton Farm Rijk Zwaan South Africa (Pty) Ltd 36 Steyn Road, Riet Vallei Farm, 1739 Krugersdorp, South Africa info@rijkzwaan.co.za | www.rijkzwaan.co.za

GENERAL

Bestuur klimaatsverandering winsgewend Jan Greyling

“Daar is ook die groot waarde van bewaringsboerdery wat ‘n werklikheid is. Dit MEDEWERKER vereis dat die beste praktyke vir die opbou van die grond se veerkragtigheid deur die ydige vordering met die genetiese aspekte van elke regte koolstof-, stikstof- en waterhoudings­ gewas, gewaskeuse, kultivars en wisselbou-kombivlakke van die grond ‘n priori­teit moet wees nasies vir streke en selfs spesifieke plase is nodig vir die – ook vir diegene wat dit nog nie besef nie.” oorgang na wissellende temperature en reënval.

Prof Midgeley beaam dat klimaats“Elke mens op aarde en sekerlik ook boere en die verandering, met meer of minder water en hele waardeketting moet kennis dra van die verwagte warmer toestande, ook ‘n teelaarde kan aanpas­sings wat die werklikheid van klimaatsverande­ Prof Stephanie Midgeley. word vir bestaande en nuwe siektes, wat ring vereis,” sê prof Stephanie Midgeley van die WesFoto: Jan Greyling pro-aktief bestuur moet word.

Kaapse departement van landbou. “Ook navorsers Sy sê boere kan gerus wees dat daar nou reeds baie inligting moet deurlopend meer kennis kry sodat almal die probleem oor klimaatsverandering beskikbaar is. Dit is wetenskaplik en beter kan verstaan en beter kan reageer.” kan vertrou word. “Ons is by die punt waar samewerking Prof Midgeley het tydens die Proteïennavorsingstigting vereis word. Elke produsent, maatskappy en navorser het hul (PNS) se kanola-inligtingsdag op Hopefield in die Wes-Kaap eie ondervinding van klimaatsverandering se uitwerking op gesê dat samewerking tussen die boer, sy werknemers, maat­ grondvlak.” skappye en navorsers sleutelbelangrik is.

Afgevaardigdes by die inligtingsdag is gevra om nie net Sy sê die belangrikste uitdaging vir sukses in die tyd van sensitief te wees vir die werklikheid van klimaatsverandering oorgang na nuwe klimaatsvriendelike praktyke is om doelnie, maar ook van mekaar se ervaring. Wanneer werkbare gerig winsgewend te bly. Die wisseling in weerstoestande bly oplossings gevind word moet dit stap vir stap in streke en die grootste uitdaging oor die kort termyn. “Dit raak onvoorplaasspesifiek toegepas word. spelbaar. Ons kry swaar reën op tye wanneer ons dit nie volgens normale seisoenvoorspellings verwag nie. Dit maak beplanning TEMPERATUUR EN REËN al hoe moeiliker en dit is nou ons grootste probleem.”

Prof Midgeley sê die Wes-Kaap kan, met 1990 as die grondslag, Sy maan dat ‘n mens versigtig moet wees om te vinnig teen 2050 ‘n verdere gemiddelde temperatuurstyging van 1,5 te reageer met sake waarvan wetenskaplikes nog nie genoeg ºC te wagte wees. “Daar is streke in die binneland waar dit selfs kennis het nie. Boere moet bewus bly van wetenskaplike warmer sal wees, met stygings van tot 2 tot 2,5 °C. Terwyl die navorsing. Tegnologiese oplossings sal volgens die resultate werklike stygings direk afhanklik bly van plaaslike toestande, hiervan, per plaas of streek, ontwikkel moet word. sal dit volgens projeksies vir die kusstroke en die wintergraanProf Midgeley is verantwoordelik vir die implementering produksiegebiede nie meer as 1,5 °C wees nie.” van die Wes-Kaapse departement van landbou se meesterGevra oor wat reënvalpatrone teen 2050 inhou, wys prof plan vir landbou, Smart Agri Plan.

Midgeley daarop dat die modelle wat gebruik word uiteenlo“Die plan is ons padkaart vir die optimale bestuur van pend is. “Daar is projeksies wat wys dat daar min of geen ver­ klimaatsverandering. Dit is ‘n redelike ambisieuse plan. Ons andering sal wees nie, maar die meeste modelle dui tans op moet oplossings ontwikkel en tot aksie oorgaan. Dit gaan nie ‘n droër wintergraan- en Weskus-streek oor 30 jaar van nou binne drie of vyf jaar afgehandel wees nie.” af. Aanduidings is ook dat die winterreënseisoen effens later

T

GROTER VEERKRAGTIGHEID NODIG Sy sê die ontwikkeling en toepassing van praktyke wat in die veranderende omstandighede groter veerkragtigheid aan elke unieke landboubedryf gaan gee, is ‘n prioriteit.

“Ek dink onder meer aan die belangrikheid van tydige vordering met die genetiese aspekte van elke gewas. Die regte gewaskeuse en kultivars vir die regte streke en selfs spesifieke plase is nodig vir die oorgang na wissellende temperature en reënval. Ons moet die regte wisselbou-kombinasies in harmonie en integrasie met die omgewing beplan en implemen­ teer, vir die beste moontlike biodiversiteitbestuur.

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sal begin en dat die einde van die reënseisoen na verwagting ook effens gaan uitskuif.”

Die sentrale webtuiste waar alle bedryfs-, navorsings-, weerkundige en voedsel- en landbou-inligting oor sake wat klimaatsverandering in Suid-Afrikaanse landbou raak, met een oogopslag gesien kan word, is www.greenagri.org.za. Die meesterplan is op dié webtuiste beskikbaar. Daar is ook talle ander inligtingstukke oor kennis wat reeds vir verskillende streke en ‘n verskeidenheid bedrywe beskikbaar is.

Sy sê die landbousektor kan sterk bly en groei. Betrokkenes moet net bewus bly van die klimaatsveranderinge wat reeds en kan plaasvind en goed beplan.

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

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Blueberry bud mite (Acariformes: Eriophyidae) Blueberry bud mite, Acalitus vaccinii, is one of the world’s most serious pests on blueberries. It is native to North America. The first appearance of the blueberry bud mite in South Africa was reported in 2012, in the Mpumalanga province. This was the first time this pest was reported outside North America. Blueberry bud mite is very host specific, with blueberries being the main host plant. The possibility of a wider host range, other than Vaccinium spp. (lowbush, highbush and rabbiteye blueberries) is unlikely. Eriophyes vaccinii is a synonym of blueberry bud mite.

Figure 1: Deutonymph of blueberry bud mite under microscope (Keifer, 1939).

Figure 2: Blueberry bud mites in a flower bud bract (Craemer, 2018).

Nozibusiso Maphumulo IPM-PROGRAMME, NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY, POTCHEFSTROOM

Blueberry bud mite classification: Class: Arachnida (spiders and mites) Order: Acariformes (mites) Family: Eriophyidae Genus: Acalitus Species: vaccinii

B

lueberry bud mite has four life stages that occur together in large clusters. It reproduces rapidly inside the scales of the blueberry bud. Females lay up to 200 eggs in the bud scales. Nymphs start feeding just after hatching and reach sexual maturity within 15 days. Adult mites then migrate down the stem where they feed and move further into the centre of the buds where they become well established as the population increases. They survive on the inner buds of blueberries from autumn to spring and have multiple generations per year.

Blueberry bud mites are microscopic in size, ranging from 0,1 to 0,3 mm long and difficult to identify. Eggs are typical spherical mite eggs with a length of 0,055 mm and a width of 0,035 mm. They are clear to slightly whitish and translucent in colour. Protonymphs (first larval stage) are about 0,1 mm long, with a width of 0,035 mm, rectangular in shape, transparent and clear to whitish in colour. Deutonymphs (second larval stage) are about 0,15 mm long (Fig. 1) and of similar shape and colour. Adults are about 0,2 mm long, translucent to whitish and light cream-brown in colour with an elongated worm-like annulated body (Fig. 2). They only have two pairs of legs.

Blueberry bud mite is currently considered as one of the first serious and economically important arthropod pests of blueberries in South Africa and threatens blueberry production in the country. However, the threat differs depending on climate and the susceptibility of various cultivars.

Feeding damage to buds may be observed in spring when populations are high. Infestations can be detected by sam-

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Figure 3: Rosette-like flower galls caused by blueberry bud mites on a blueberry plant (Craemer, 2018).

pling the current-season growth after harvest and dissecting floral buds next to the shoot tips, using a microscope to see the small mites. Feeding symptoms are noticeable in the spring by blistering on the outside bud scales and poor flower set. Poor plant growth and fruit set, mostly in the top parts of plants may be observed during summer.

Other feeding damage symptoms include galls (Fig. 3), an abnormal felty growth of hairs from the leaf epidermis, leaf curling, witches broom and bud malformation.

Control of mites can be challenging because they are protected from pesticides by bud scales. There are no pesticides registered for the control of blueberry bud mite since it is a new pest in South Africa. Cultural control practices such as pruning older branches and removing infected branches can be applied.

Predators of the blueberry bud mite are not known in South Africa. Therefore, biological control cannot be an option, especially because it has not been studied.

Enquiries: mashimanenozi03@gmail.com

VEGETABLES & FRUIT | JULY • AUGUST 2021

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