Vegetables & Fruit May/June 2021 by Vegetables & Fruit

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MAY • JUNE 2021

The lash of lockdown: a potato farmer’s story R40,00

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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

Edition 201

ISSN 1015-85 37

17 8

NUUS 4 Sale of mushrooms raise money for breast cancer 4 Global acquisition by Netafim 5 Appels vir Vrystaat se Jongboer van die Jaar 6 06 7 07

SA wine steals limelight at international competition Digital technologies show major promise SA berry industry body relaunched Agriculture input cost pressures mount as fuel price increases

VOORBLAD In South Africa, onions are grown commercially in any province. Producers have always selected varieties that suited their day length and season. In this issue we focus on root vegetables.

ROOT VEGETABLES 08 11 14 17 19

The right choice for onion production The importance of curing for long-term storage of onions Plant breeding and hybrid vegetable varieties The lash of lockdown: a potato farmer’s story Drip your way to vegetable production success

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

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20 Carrot packaging operations 22 Bereik volle potensiaal met BASF se oplossings vir aartappels Bly ingelig en volg ons op Facebook. Keep up to date and follow us on Facebook. - Groente en Vrugte/ Vegetables and Fruit - www.facebook.com/GroenteenVrugte/

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SA GROENTE & VRUGTE | MEI • JUNIE 2021

Sale of mushrooms raise money for breast cancer D

espite a pandemic, lockdowns and financial hardships in the year of Covid-19, South Africans have very generously contributed a record R 692 784 for Reach for Recovery’s ‘Ditto Project’. It is the highest amount raised since the pro ject’s inception in 2010. The money comes from the Power of Pink campaign, which is the sale of fresh mushrooms in pink punnets at Pick n Pay stores every year. R 1 from each punnet goes to Reach for Recovery, which provides silicone breast prostheses to breast cancer survivors who cannot afford breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. “One of the many tragedies of breast cancer is that so many women live without breasts after a mastectomy. Their

basic financial constraints do not give them the wherewithal to acquire prostheses that will enable them to live more dignified and happier lives,” explains South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA) chairperson, Ross Richardson. “Most South African’s don’t even know it is an issue, filled with heartbreak for many breast cancer survivors.” Fresh mushrooms have been linked to the fight against breast cancer since 2010 when the Beckman Institute at the City of Hope Cancer Centre in California found that eating just 10 g of mushrooms a day more than halved the risk of developing breast cancer. Lockdowns and Covid-19 transmission protocols have temporarily suspended Reach for Recovery’s prostheses fitting services as “cancer patients and survivors are too vulnerable to be put into situations where they could be at risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus”, but the proceeds from the 2020 Power of Pink campaign have been set aside for use as soon as regulations allow. As a stop-gap solution during the pandemic, to aid with recovery, dignity and self-image, breast cancer patients have been given beaded softies until they can be fitted with their silicone prostheses. After all, as author Robin Hobb writes: “There are few things so tender as a (wo)man’s dignity”. Tandiwe Tembani from Pick n Pay, Ross Richardson, chairperson of the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association, Stephne Jacobs, Chairperson Management Board Reach for Recovery, and Maryke Botha.

Global acquisition by Netafim Netafim, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dutch turnkey greenhouse projects provider, Gakon. In Southern Africa, Netafim’s activity in the greenhouse industry is driven by Vegtech Netafim. Vegtech Netafim has been providing greenhouse solutions in Southern Africa for more than two decades. With this acquisition it will be even more equipped to serve this market. “Gakon offers specialised technology and expertise in greenhouse systems, and we have already been using many of these systems in some of our advanced greenhouse projects. These technologies and the accompanying expertise will now be even more accessible to Vegtech Netafim and its clients,” says Barney Isralls, managing director of Vegtech Netafim. The acquisition will combine Netafim’s global presence and expertise in precision agriculture and Gakon’s greenhouse technology. The resulting strengthened greenhouse offer will allow Netafim to better support agricultural industries such

as blueberry, medical cannabis and undercover vegetable production across the globe. Netafim’s entity for irrigation and fertigation solutions in Southern Africa, Netafim South Africa, will continue to provide irrigation and fertigation solutions for orchards, vineyards and other open field agriculture in parallel with Vegtech Netafim’s work in the greenhouse sector and especially with turnkey greenhouse projects. “We are very proud to be part of a global group of companies that band together to progress agriculture worldwide. The acquisition will support an industry that is key to our local economy and we are pleased to be associated with this watershed moment in the history of the global greenhouse industry,” says Etienne Erasmus, managing director of Netafim South Africa. “We are, as always, committed to offer the best irrigation and fertigation equipment selection as well as advanced agronomic and technical support to both our dealers and end-users.”

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Doug Osler in sy appelboord tydens beoordeling vir VL se Jongboer van die Jaar.

Appels

vir Vrystaat se jongboer van die jaar Harde werk, aandag aan besonderhede en ’n sterk geloof is die pilare waarop Vrystaat Landbou se nuwe Jongboer van die Jaar sy boerdery-onderneming bou.

oug Osler van die plaas Fourieshoek in die Fouriesburg-distrik is as Vrystaat Landbou se 25ste jongboer van die jaar aangewys. Osler, wat die afgelope 16 jaar deel is van ’n familieboerdery, glo dat uitdagings en terugslae as leerkurwe dien en dat dit ook bydra tot die ervaring wat hy as ’n “unieke beroepskeuse” beskryf. Osler vertel dat hy hoofsaaklik verantwoordelik is vir die appelproduksie en -pakhuis van Lone Tree Farms. Benewens sy betrokkenheid by georganiseerde landbou as lid van Fouriesburg se landbouvereniging is hy voorsitter van Highveld

vrugteproduseerders en dien as direkteur in die produsente raad van Hortgro Pome. Dié pa van twee glo daarin om ’n werksomgewing te skep waarin almal bereid is om te help, leer en groei. Wedersydse respek vir mekaar is volgens hom die kernfaktor. Dit is ook vir hom belangrik om sy werknemers met probleme by te staan, hetsy werksverwant of persoonlik. Volgens prof Pieter Fourie, sameroeper van die beoordelaars en hoof van die departement van landbou aan die Sentrale Universiteit vir Tegnologie, word finaliste beoordeel in onder meer toekomsbeeld, begroting en finansies, produksie, bemarking, instandhouding, personeelbestuur en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid. Vandag se geslag jongboere beskik volgens prof Fourie oor leierskap en vindingrykheid en hy is hoopvol oor die toekoms van landbou in die hande van sulke knap jongmense.

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

SA wine steals limelight at international competition S

outh African wines excelled at one of the most celebrated competitions for sauvignon blanc in the world and won eleven gold and nine silver medals. Tokara’s Reserve Collection sauvignon blanc 2020 made history when it was awarded the Dubourdieu trophy for the best competing sauvignon blanc at the 12th Concours Mondial du Sauvignon. It is the first time ever in the history of this competition that a South African wine has claimed this title. “South Africa is now truly becoming a major player in sauvignon blanc in the world,” says RJ Botha, Chairman of Sauvig non Blanc SA. “Congratulations to Tokara on this exceptional achievement and all the other participants who excelled and flew the South African flag high on this international stage. It is years of hard work that are now beginning to bear fruit. We are delighted with the diversity of our wine industry that is reflected in the results.” Stuart Botha, winemaker at Tokara, says they chose to release the 2020 vintage later in the year to enable more time

on the lees and the decision has paid off handsomely. “The wine has a fantastic textural element on the palate,” he says. “This is the X factor that I’ve been searching for. Flavours and aromas from the Tokara Highlands property have always been super expressive, so it is great to have captured all these elements in this special vintage. We always believed that the Tokara Highlands site has immense potential and it is lovely to see that realised at such a prestigious competition.” Over 1 200 wines were tasted by an acclaimed panel of judges over four days with only one aim in mind – to select wines of irreproachable quality. Because of the pandemic, strict safety measures were applied throughout the event, from the table lay-out to serving the wines and disinfecting of the equipment. All of the wines entered for the competition were tasted and scored using the tasting form developed by Concours Mondial’s technical directors based on the model devised by the OIV and the International Oenologists’ Association.

Digital technologies show major promise The Climate Corporation, Bayer’s digital farming arm, has announced the commercial launch of its digital farming platform, Climate FieldView™, in South Africa. Adopted by farmers in more than 20 countries and on more than 60 million subscribed hectares globally, this new addition marks a milestone for the company as its first expansion onto the African continent. As the world becomes hotter and hungrier, farmers are pursuing new solutions to help produce the food, feed and fuel that power the planet. With the FieldView platform, The Climate Corporation and Bayer Crop Science are pioneering the digital agriculture industry to help farmers actively manage risk and increase productivity while simplifying their operations. Through its suite of easy-to-use data collection and analysis tools, it offers farmers a single platform to unite data from each

piece of their precision equipment, including tractors, planters, sprayers and combines and access those insights from anywhere with a smartphone, tablet device or computer. “Digital technologies are showing major promise in the agriculture industry and have the power to unlock many valuable insights on the farm, but the use of technology can sometimes be intimidating,” said John Raines, chief commercial officer at The Climate Corporation. “With FieldView, we work to ensure our product is both easy to access and easy to use, so farmers can take control of their own data and utilize these insights to make more informed decisions.” To get started, customers can connect field data through the Climate FieldView drive device, a piece of hardware that farmers can insert into a diagnostic port in the cab of their precision equipment. Farmers can also upload data generated by their equipment directly into their account through the data inbox tool, which does not require the use of the drive. All users have full control of their farm data. They choose if, how and when to share their agronomic information. If they feel it benefits their operations, farmers can choose to share their insights with a trusted agronomic partner to help make data-driven business decisions. Tyson Zunkel, a producer from Bergville said: “We immediately saw a difference in more precision, better yield and a return on investment.” For more information, visit www.climate.com.

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

SA berry industry body relaunched BerriesZA recently released data that shows a significant increase in South African blueberry exports for the 2020/21 season. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, blueberry exports increased by more than 27%, growing from 12 221 tons to 15 636 tons.

he growth of the South African berry industry over the last five years is one of the country’s great agricultural success stories. Exports have grown from just 1 792 in 2015 to 15 636 tons. This growth has supported the rapid increase of employment in the industry from just 1 000 workers in 2014 to more than 8 000 workers in 2019. In recognition of the industry’s growing strength on the world stage, it was decided to relaunch the South African Berry Producers Association (SABPA) as BerriesZA. This marks an important new chapter in the South African berry success story. Where SABPA was primarily a producer organisation, BerriesZA includes role-players along the entire berry value chain through its joint marketing forum (JMF). The JMF brings together all stakeholders to tackle industry problems and to collaborate to ensure the best possible results for the industry as a whole. BerriesZA has been mandated to become the enabling commodity organisation with a new mission to build the South African berry brand here at home and abroad. South African blueberries are globally renowned as some of the highest quality in the world. In another victory for SA berries, one of the large commercial exports recently was awarded two superior taste awards.

As part of the launch of the new entity, BerriesZA will embark on a roadshow throughout the country meeting with member growers and breaking down the details of the new mandate of the organisation. This is to ensure that all stakeholders understand the focus of the organisation and how they can make use of its forums and resources so that they can benefit fully from the remarkable growth the industry is experiencing. The roadshow will kick-off in the Western Cape at Diamant Estate in Paarl. It will then move to the Graham and Rhona Beck training Centre outside Robertson, Chiltern Farms in Vyeboom and Outeniqua Boereverenigingsaal in George. The roadshow will then move to the northern parts of South Africa in May with stops in Rustenburg, Groblersdal, Nelspruit and KwaZulu-Natal. The South African berry industry is poised to become a major force in the global market due to the superiority of the fruit compared to berries from other countries. By 2024, they aim to have increased production to 62 000 tons and exports to 44 000 tons. This will translate into 3 000 new jobs for South Africans in the local berry industry. To achieve these goals, they will be focusing their efforts in the coming years on gaining access to new markets, primarily in the Far East, where demand for South African berries is high. The newly acquired membership of FruitSA – the umbrella body for SA fruit – is a step in this direction.

Agriculture input cost pressures mount as fuel price increases PAUL MAKUBE FNB AGRI-BUSINESS Fuel is the lifeblood of the agriculture value chain with all processes from farm to fork heavily reliant on its availability at the right time and at an affordable price. The recent developments from a fuel perspective indicate that the determinants of fuel prices have all trended on the upside with Brent crude oil prices rising by 6,7% m/m in April 2021 to average US$64/ barrel and the rand exchange rate depreciating by 1,3% to R14,95/ US$ during the same period.

SA GROENTE & VRUGTE | MEI • JUNIE 2021

This comes at an unfortunate time with the onset of the winter crop planting season and summer crop farmers gearing themselves for the winter harvest. The industry is heading into increased activity in the agriculture calendar and demand and consumption of fuel is expected to increase in the medium term. The escalation in fuel costs does not bode well for producers as production costs are likely to escalate across the value chains, with varying impact on planting, harvesting, distribution and packaging. The prices of derivatives of crude oil processing such as fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides are likely to increase should the recent uptrend persist.

ROOT VEGETABLES

Potassium nitrate: The right choice for onion production

Balanced plant nutrition, at the right time, is the key to optimising yield and quality in onion production. Maintaining the correct balances is a management practice that is easily attained. Soil sampling is an essential management tool to determine the correct ratios of nutrients to be applied.

ypical fertilizer application rates will depend on the soil type, soil analyses and the expected yield. Nitrogen rates of between 130 to 200 kg per hectare (ha) and potassium rates of between 60 and 250 kg per ha for a high-yield onion crop on clay and sandy soils – with high- and low nutrient levels respectively. All elements are important, but after N and K+, the positive cation Ca++ is also taken up in relatively high quantities. It has been documented that onions are highly susceptible

to root zone salinity as well as high chloride levels, with plant weight decreases of up to 50% with high salinity and more than 10% yield losses with high chlorides. Although a certain amount of sulphur (as SO4-- ) is needed in onions for pungency development (pyruvic acid content), supplying all the K as potassium sulphate will lead to very high excesses of sulphate, causing rootzone salinity build-up and yield losses. Potassium chloride is not recommended because of the chloride fraction. Potassium nitrate has the lowest contribution to rootzone salinity as both elements are used in high amounts. Furthermore, it is important to note that onions have a shallow fibrous root system and that generally, especially in sandy soils, up to three topdressings of N and K are recommended for optimum yields.

Figure 2: Onion dry weight as affected by root zone salinity

Eighty percent of nutrients supplied to the onion plant end up in the bulb. Carbohydrates produced by the leaves are also translocated from the leaves to the bulb during bulb formation. It has been documented that the uptake of the all-important Figure 1: Nutrient element uptake in onion

TO PAGE 10

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ROOT VEGETABLES

Potassium nitrate:

The right choice for onion production FROM PAGE 8

cations K+, Ca++ and Mg++ are enhanced with nitrogen in the nitrate form. Potassium nitrate helps to increase the relative ratio of nitrate to ammonium of the total N. Excess ammonium nutrition (ammonium or urea-based fertilizer) should be avoided, as the NH4+ cation will not only interfere or compete with the other cation uptake but can also lower the rhizosphere (soil near the roots) by as much as 1,5 pH units. Since pH is a logarithmic scale, the pH reduction near the roots can be in the order of 10 to 100 x more acidic than it should be. In all horticultural crops, dry matter accumulation is greatest (up to double in certain cases) when nitrate-N is the preferred nitrogen source. Ammonium is converted to organic compounds exclusively in plant roots. This conversion is energy inefficient, requiring carbohydrate energy translocated from the leaves. The conversion of nitrate-N to organic compounds in the leaves is largely driven by light energy and is thus energy efficient, leaving more carbohydrates for dry matter accumulation by the crop and especially for translocation to the bulb in an onion crop. This results not only in higher yield but also in lower weight loss after storage. For optimum yield, quality, better size class and storability,

Figure 3: Growers should generally aim for the ratio of 75% nitrate to 25% ammonium of the total nitrogen applied.

growers should generally aim for the ratio of 75% nitrate to 25% ammonium of the total nitrogen applied. Potassium Nitrate helps to achieve this desired ratio. * Reg No K5021 Act 36/1947. Registration holder Sociedad Quimica y Minera (Africa)(Pty)Ltd ** All claims in this article can be substantiated with references which can be made available on request. Disclaimer: The information herein contained is given to the best of SQM’s knowledge and is believed to be accurate. The conditions of use and application of the suggested recommendations are beyond SQM’s control. No warranty is made as to the accuracy of any data or statements contained herein. SQM specifically disclaims any responsibility or liability relating to the use of the recommendations and shall under no circumstances whatsoever, be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages arising from such use.

Ayoba onion showing superior bulb quality with attractive golden brown tunics.

ROOT VEGETABLES

The importance of curing for long-term storage of onions Suitable storage conditions of onions are essential to the onion industry as it allow onions to be available right through the year. This also affects seed production, since bulbs must be able to be stored properly until the following growing season. The storage of onions is a complex issue, where many factors need to be considered. SAKATA

nion bulbs are semi-perishable and losses during storage may occur due to diseases, physiological weight loss, sprouting and rotting. These losses could be minimised with proper pre- and postharvest practices such as selection of cultivar, cultivation practices, stage of harvesting, curing, sorting and grading as well as storage environment. Among these practices, curing is one of the important post-harvest procedures required for long-term onion storage. Curing is the drying process carried out to remove excess moisture from the outer skin, roots and neck tissue of harvested onion bulbs. Curing can be done naturally on the field or artificially by using hot air. Although physiological weight loss does occur to a certain extent, proper curing helps to improve the storage life of the onion by reducing the chance of infection by organisms causing disease. During curing, the surface scales provide a dry barrier around the onion bulb, leading to reduced moisture loss

SA GROENTE & VRUGTE | MEI • JUNIE 2021

which in turn increases the storability of the onions. This process also gives the onions an attractive tunic colour and increases the number of first-class onions sold, since protection against mechanical damage is also provided. Curing requires heat and good ventilation, preferably with low humidity. This dries out the neck and the two or three outer layers of the bulb. Onions are considered cured when the neck is tight and the outer scales are dried until they rustle. This condition is reached when onions have lost 3 to 5% of their weight. The length of field curing depends on how long it takes for the neck of the onion bulb to dry, which is a reflection of weather conditions and plant maturity. The outer scales of the onion protect against decay-causing organisms. Pre-mature harvesting can increase post-harvest losses due to fewer outer scales and high moisture content. Onion curing can be done in the field or with forced circulation of hot air using artificial curing chambers. In South Africa, the natural curing of onions in the field is the most common practice. Bulbs are packed in “windrows” or heaps while the leaves are still green. Nutrients from the leaves will be transferred to the bulbs until the leaves are dried out, resulting in a firmer, bigger bulb with higher storability. Onions are packed with the bulbs on the inside and the leaves on the outside to protect the bulbs from adverse environmental conditions. A protective cover like straw can be used to protect the bulbs from sunburn or rainy weather. Field curing of onions has limitations due to unexpected rains during harvesting time, ultimately reducing the marketable bulb yield. If dry conditions prevail during the harvesting season, the bulbs can be cured well in the field and in the TO PAGE 12

ROOT VEGETABLES

The importance of curing for long-term storage of onions FROM PAGE 11

Natural curing with straw: natural curing in the field, protected by a layer of straw.

warehouse on the farm. During wet weather, the bulbs can take a longer time to dry and may develop higher levels of rot during storage. Artificial curing could be beneficial during wet weather and may reduce post-harvest losses during wet harvesting seasons, but the feasibility of this technique, especially on large-scale agricultural farms, may not be possible. Artificial curing should be done with air up to 37 to 40°C at the intake, with a flow just sufficient to feel when placing a hand above the onions. Too much heated air will desiccate the onions especially near the base of the bin. Onions consist of a high proportion of water and desiccation of the interior must be avoided as only 3 to 5% of moisture should be lost during this process. Over-curing will cause excessive loss of outer scales and excessive humidity or temperature during curing may reduce the quality of the outer scales. This process takes about three to five days to be completed.

One of the major factors that affect onion storage is the selection of the correct variety, since there are significant differences in storability between the different varieties with not all of them being suitable for storage. Ayoba is an early intermediate brown onion variety distribu ted by Sakata Seed with excellent storability. Ayoba’s high quality bulbs are firm and each bulb has multiple tough tunics which results in excellent skin retention, contributing to its exceptional storability. The tunic is characterised by a strikingly beautiful tan to golden brown colour. The storage potential along with the tough and attractive tunics are advantageous for marketing at a later stage. Ayoba has a vigorous growth habit, welldeveloped root system and high resistance to Fusarium basal plate rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae), which altogether contributes to the variety’s wide adaptability in the field. Under suitable storage conditions, onions can be stored after harvest until needed or marketed at a time when prices favour the producer. It is thus important to use appropriate pre- and postharvesting practices. Proper curing of onions before storage is key to their preservation as well as the quality of onions, protecting them from damage and disease, and promoting natural dormancy. For more information on Sakata’s onion varieties contact the local area representative or check out the whole range of Sakata’s products on the website at www.sakata.co.za. 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. SAKATA does not accept any liability for any loss, direct or consequential, that may arise from whatsoever cause. Please read the Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd conditions of sale before ordering seed.

Natural curing with heaps: onion bulbs packed in heaps in the open field to start the natural curing process.

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ADVERTORIAL

BASF bied innoverende en volhoubare oplossings teen donsskimmel, witroes en botritis in wingerd BASF fokus daarop om oor die langtermyn waarde en volhoubare oplossings aan produsente, die bedryf en die gemeenskap te bied. BASF is ʼn markleier in innovasie, met talle gevestigde en nuwe oplossings teen donsskimmel, witroes en botritis. Nou gaan ons boer! BASF SE OPLOSSINGS VIR DONSSKIMMEL Orvego®: Initium® en dimethomorph vorm saam ʼn kragtige kombinasie wat ʼn dubbele slag slaan in die beheer van donsskimmel op wingerd. Die voordeel van Orvego® se kort onthoudingsperiodes stel jou in staat om dit vroeg in die program sowel as nader aan oestyd toe te dien. Sy uitstekende oplosbaarheid maak die produk soveel makliker om te meng en toe te dien. Die nuwe chemiese klas waartoe Initium® behoort (FRAC Grp 45), maak Orvego® die ideale oplossing vir suksesvolle weerstandbeheer. Kruisweerstand is dus nie ʼn probleem nie. Die gunstige toksikologiese profiel van Orvego® teenoor die omgewing, gebruikers en verbruikers maak dit ʼn ideale keuse vir geïntegreerde donsskimmelbeheer. Buitengewone reënvastheid binne een uur na toediening bied beskerming op die blare en trosse, selfs tydens nat toestande. Orvego® van BASF bring ʼn innoverende oplossing vir donsskimmelbeheer in wingerd. Acrobat® WG: Die samestelling van dimethomorph en mankoseb bied uitstaande werkverrigting teen donsskimmel tydens die aktiewe groeistadium van wingerd en verhoed verspreiding tydens die reënseisoen. Aangesien dit die vorming van oöspore inhibeer, kan donsskimmel nie die winter oorleef nie, wat die potensiaal van primêre besmetting in die daaropvolgende lente verminder. BASF SE OPLOSSINGS VIR WITROES Collis® kombineer kresoxim-methyl en boscalid vir uitmuntende beheer teen witroes in ʼn spuitprogram. Die twee aktiewe bestanddele reageer verskillend op en binne die plantweefsel, wat bydra tot sistemiese voorkomende werking. Dit het ook die gewenste nawerking tot gevolg. Collis® is ʼn betroubare keuse wat goed in ʼn afwisselende spuitprogram teen witroes pas.

vrugoppervlak. Hierdie eienskappe verseker vinnige werking, volgehoue vrystelling en langdurige beskerming om witroes effektief te beheer. Vivando® se enkele aktiewe bestanddeel, metrafenone, beweeg vinnig deur die kutikula tot in die onderliggende selle waar dit opbou en vandaar verder deur die blaarweefsel versprei. Vivando® is na toediening in ʼn gasformaat rondom druiwetrosse teenwoordig, wat beskerming binne die tros bied. Dit is ook uiters reënvas en lewer goeie nawerking. Die wye toedieningsvenster sorg vir ʼn wye keuse van posisionering in die witroes-beheerprogram, met geen kruisweerstand teenoor ander aktiewe bestanddele in die beheer van witroes nie. Dis ’n uitstekende keuse om in ʼn weerstandbestuurprogram in te sluit. BASF SE OPLOSSING VIR BOTRITIS Cantus® WG is ʼn water-oplosbare korrel met sistemiese werking, wat beskerming bied teen beide botritis en witroes. Cantus® WG se enkele aktiewe bestanddeel, boscalid, verhoed vroegtydige spoorontkieming en swamontwikkeling op en binne die plantweefsel. Dit word as enkelbespuiting voor trossluiting aanbeveel vir optimale beskerming teen botritis. Cantus® WG verseker uitstekende siektebeheer en buitengewone werking sonder die risiko van kruisweerstand. Die betroubare formulasie verseker uitstekende reënvastheid na toediening, en dus is geen hertoediening na reën of besproeiing nodig nie.

Kumulus® WG, die ou staatmaker, is ʼn droëswaelswamdoder met goeie vermengingseienskappe. Die uiters betroubare formulasie met drie kenmerkende deeltjiegroottes wat optimum stabiliteit in suspensie het, dra by tot doeltreffende klewing en nawerking in en op die blaar- en

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BASF Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk • Sestiendestraat 852, Midrand 1685 • Posbus 2801 • Halfweghuis 1685 • Tel: +27 11 203 2400 • Faks: +27 11 203 2461 • E-pos: agcelence-za@basf.com. Acrobat® WG Reg. Nr. L6526 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Dimethomorph 90 g/kg. Mancozeb 600 g/kg. Versigtig. • Cantus® WG Reg. Nr. L7444 Wet Nr 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Boscalid 500 g/kg. • Collis® Reg. Nr. L7489 Wet Nr 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Boscalid 200 g/ℓ. Kresoxim-methyl 100 g/ℓ. • Kumulus® WG Reg. Nr. L2404 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Sulphur 800 g/kg. • Orvego® Reg. Nr. L9185 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Ametoctradin 300 g/ℓ. Dimethomorph 225 g/ℓ. Versigtig. • Ametoctradin - Initium® • Vivando® Reg. Nr. L8352 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Metrafenone 500 g/ℓ. • Verwys asseblief na produketikette vir volledige gebruiksaanwysings. Acrobat®, Cantus® WG, Collis®, Kumulus® WG, Initium®, Orvego® en Vivando® is geregistreerde handelsmerke van BASF.

ROOT VEGETABLES

Hybridisation is not the exclusive domain of commercial seed companies. Hobbyists, gardeners and commercial growers can apply the same principles and make their own hybrids.

Plant breeding and hybrid vegetable varieties These days, many motorists are driving hybrid cars. Hybrid cars combine the best of two worlds into a single vehicle. The same principle applies when hybrid vegetable varieties are considered.

It does indeed take a long time to improve varieties, especially when you would like to create plants and crops that have multiple useful traits. Because of the random distribution of genetic traits, it is not easy to find individual plants that have the ideal combination of traits, such as large seeds, disease resistance, good storage and good flavour. You have to be very lucky, and work with a very large number of plants to find that one special individual that has (most of) it all.

NUVANCE

lants produce seed through sexual reproduction: the pollen from the male plant fertilizes the ovum of the female plant, which then develops into a seed that contains the embryo of a new plant. This new plant carries genetic traits from both the male and female parent. The exchange of pollen between plants of the same species occurs at random in the wild. Pollen is distributed by wind or by insects. This unregulated distribution of pollen is called open pollination and it results in random distribution of genetic traits. There can be quite a bit of variation between the individuals that make up the population, with variation in vigour, strength, height, fecundity (ability to produce seed), root development and stress tolerance. Humans have taken advantage of this large amount of variability within wild populations of plant species to select plants that produce more food, more fibre, better nutrition and better storability. By saving the seeds of plants that produce more, have better flavour and that outperform, humans have created more productive varieties for thousands of years.

HOW TO MAKE A HYBRID VARIETY Plant breeders have learned a lot since Gregor Mendel first worked out the basic principles of genetics, working with peas in his monastery’s garden. The technique known as hybridisation provides a process for bringing desirable traits together into a single individual. Imagine an open-pollinated population of carrots. Some individuals in the population make really nice carrots, but they are still susceptible to foliar diseases. This means that these plants do not perform well in wet seasons. In the same population there are also individuals that do seem to have better tolerance to foliar diseases, but their roots are only average. As much as they try, they cannot find plants that have both nice roots and a good tolerance to foliar diseases. Now select plants with good roots and keep them separate from the rest of the carrots. Let these plants interbreed, and over the course of several years, keep selecting the plants with the best roots and discard the rest. Eventually one will end up with a population of plants with mostly good roots. Do the same with plants that seem to have good tolerance

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ROOT VEGETABLES

to foliar disease. Through selection of the healthiest plants, one will end up with a group of plants with strong and healthy leaves, even under wet conditions. The population of plants with good roots is a breeding line, and the population of plants with healthy leaves is another breeding line. Now let these two lines make flowers in the same field and let them exchange pollen and make seed. This seed grows into hybrid individuals that produce both good roots and have healthy foliage. Hybridisation combines the traits of the parent populations, or breeding lines, into a new hybrid population, or hybrid variety. In Latin this hybrid variety, which is the first generation of offspring from the two breeding lines, is called Filial 1. This is where the abbreviation F1 comes from.

ADVANTAGES OF HYBRID VARIETIES The strong selection and inbreeding of the parent lines makes these parent lines more uniform. By combining two highly uniform breeding lines, one creates hybrids that are also quite uniform. This means that the crop tends to grow predictably and matures evenly. This has advantages in crop treatments and at harvesting. The combination of selected genetics into a hybrid often gives the hybrid extra vigour – the hybrid has more vigour than the vigour of the two parent lines combined. This hybrid vigour allows the plants to grow strongly and produce larger crops. Gregor Mendel demonstrated that the combination of traits of hybrid individuals will be broken up when these hybrid plants are allowed to interbreed through a process that we know as segregation. This is a result of the random rearrangement of genetic material through sexual reproduction. So, in order to be able to continue to produce the same hybrid variety, one has to maintain the two parent breeding lines. Every time the two parent lines cross, it will re-create the hybrid variety that carries the desirable traits from both parents.

SEED SAVERS There are criticisms of hybridisation that points out that growers cannot save their own seed and have to buy new seed of the hybrid variety every year from the seed company. According to Nuvance this is certainly true. But hybridisation is not the exclusive domain of commercial seed companies. Hobbyists, gardeners and commercial growers can apply the same principles and make their own hybrids. It is just a lot of work, and it takes a lot of time and a well-organised team to maintain breeding lines, produce hybrids and produce clean and healthy seed. Gardeners and growers who rely on the advantages of good and productive hybrids agree this yearly purchase is well worth the money. Hybridisation makes use of genetic variation that exists in natural populations. Through selection, multiple different breeding lines with chosen traits are combined. By mixing TO PAGE 16

SA GROENTE & VRUGTE

MEI • JUNIE 2021

ROOT VEGETABLES

Plant breeding and hybrid vegetable varieties FROM PAGE 15

Gardeners and growers who rely on the advantages of good and productive hybrids agree this yearly purchase is well worth the money.

and matching different breeding lines, one can combine these traits in a variety of combinations and create a range of new hybrid varieties.

are individuals that are produced by vegetative reproduction (potatoes, garlic, fruit trees, grapes, etc.), while hybrids are

HYBRIDS ARE NOT GMO

PLANT BREEDING NEVER STOPS

There are multiple techniques that can facilitate the development of inbred parent lines and hybrid varieties, such as handpollination (instead of relying on insects or wind) and naturally occurring self-incompatibility mechanisms or male sterility. Regardless, hybridisation works with the genetic material in one species, and does not involve techniques that modify the species genome by introduction of DNA from non-crossable species. Hybrids are not clones. A hybrid population is made up of a group of individuals that share some major characteristics, but there still is a considerable amount of genetic variation. After all, the parent lines are not completely identical, just strongly selected, typically for about six to seven generations. Clones

Modern plant breeding is assisted by increasing knowledge of the plant genome. Laboratory equipment that can help to figure out the genetic content of an individual, and allows determination in an early stage of plant growth to decide which plants are of interest. This is the same kind of equipment that is being used to study viruses and develop vaccines. The rapid expansion of knowledge of the plant genome and the availability of automated analytical equipment will help develop new varieties that can thrive under stressful environmental conditions, have greater nutritional content and better flavour, and produce high yield with only minimal inputs. The thoughtful and considerate application of these techniques will benefit everyone.

the product of sexual reproduction.

The selection and breeding lines of carrots.

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ROOT VEGETABLES

The lash of lockdown: a potato farmer’s story When Covid-19 struck South Africa, Limpopo Province potato farmer Johan Holtzhausen pulled out all the stops to protect his work force against the pandemic.

ooled from a radius of 45 kilometres in the valley between Roosenekal and Steelpoort, the staff of Ortus Boerdery (farming co-op) were safe and secure, their well being and work properly taken care of. Unfortunately Holtzhausen became the only person from the co-up to contract the coronavirus; bed-ridden for at least three days, on oxygen, fearing for his life, and self-isolated from his next of kin. The #WhenHopeWhispers campaign by Potatoes South Africa (PSA), launched some three weeks ago to look at the human side of the industry at a time of duress, could hardly ask for a more inspirational story of how to weather the Covid-19 storm. Holtzhausen says that one of the biggest challenges was complying with safety measures in curbing infection through the movement of farm labourers. Thankfully, it is an isolated environment where most of the permanent workers find themselves in a secluded situation. However, when it came to making use of temporary workers, things got trickier.

BUCKLE PACKAGING (PTY) LTD Bag Closing Technology

Producer Johan Holtzhausen from Limpopo Province.

Temps must be transported on a regular basis. Due to social distancing the costs in this regard doubled as you cannot transport the pre-Covid-19 amount of people at the same time. The way people had to be kept safe, by spacing them apart, literally meant two trips instead of one. It added at least an hour to traveling time. It also meant that where before transport started from 7 am, it now started from about 4 am. In addition, workers had to be scanned for possible symptoms. Of course, Ortus Boerdery provided sanitizer and PPE gear, having severe financial implications, due to the high demand coupled with hefty pricing at the onset of the pandemic. Eventually the cost escalation forced them to suspend transport for temporary workers because they simply could not afford it alongside a wage hike. Another logistical aspect to last year’s lockdown, especially during the early stages of the outbreak, was the availability and accessibility of parts and agricultural necessities such as chemicals. The movement of ocean freight was affected by the delay of vessels calling at the ports, a consequence of supply chain restrictions which is still the case. As a result, producers have since learnt how to plan for the unthinkable. The impact brought on by Covid-19 trade TO PAGE 18

ROOT VEGETABLES

The lash of lockdown: a potato farmer’s story FROM PAGE 17 regulations subsequently led to an increase in import expenses. Of course, nothing can make up for the frustration linked to waiting for input material. Where a machine part in the past took three to four days before it became available, it now takes two weeks or more before it is delivered to a point where a producer can fetch it.

HOW WAS PRODUCTION AFFECTED BY THE VIRUS? Essentially, being potato seed producers, meat they provide seed potatoes to both seed and commercial growers. However, depending on the cultivar, it is either produced under contract or to be sold in the open market. With regards to the open market, they are solely responsible to ensure that all product produced, gets sold. Within the Covid-19 climate, where the impact of change is rapid, this can be a risky position in the market. At this stage, the cultivars being produced are processing varieties that are grown on a contract basis. As a result, they fell back on contract production work to guarantee sustainability. This adjustment in strategic operations can be ascribed to the pandemic, which necessitated that an evaluation and a rethink, how to secure their position in the market. As a result, they fell back on contract work to guarantee that what they produce is taken up. In today’s climate, production costs have increased to the extent that as a producer you need to build market intelligence that will inform wise farm to fork decisions. The potato industry in South Africa has sixteen production regions that go to market at different times of the year. For the Eastern and Western Free State, marketing season commences in February. These regions marketed potatoes under extremely strained conditions in 2020 due to the presidential address that changed life as we knew it. South Africa has a diversified route to market in respect of its product offering which is supplied to fresh produce markets, formal and informal sector as well as the export market. National fresh produce markets remain the biggest seller of fresh produce in South Africa, however, with Covid-19, industry observed supply chain disruptions, with a reported 20% of stock trading occurring more direct. The pandemic has indeed created an atmosphere of uncertainty, where producers increasingly compete for alternative marketing avenues and secure distribution points. Moreover, it has fundamentally altered supply chain dynamics.

WHAT ABOUT THE IMPACT THIS HAS HAD ON THE OPERATIONAL COST FOR BUSINESS? For potatoes earmarked towards the processing industry, mainly servicing restaurants, hotels and fast-food outlets, Level 5 and 4 regulations did have an adverse impact. Operational costs such as transport, suddenly took on a different shape, due to travel regulations that imposed limits on the capacity of all modes of transportation. In our instance, travel costs per person increased from R29, to an estimated R55 for

every worker’s transport per day. The issue of minimum wages was at the forefront of most agricultural news. As producers, there was a responsibility to absorb any financial knocks brought about by an increase in minimum wages. Contrary to market perceptions, the nature of the business prohibits producers from passing these costs on to consumers. Contractual obligations stipulate that prices are determined and specifically set on an annual basis. Produ cers do not adjust prices as they see fit. Prices are negotiated with clients well in advance.

WAS THERE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL DURING THIS TRYING TIME? Holtzhausen says, “Yes, indeed. We were fortunate enough in that there wasn’t a serious incident of mortality related to Covid-19 and/or crop related pests and diseases. We were well prepared to safeguard ourselves against -the usual production demands on the farm. We are experiencing above-average summer rainfall. It is imperative that we - protect our crops against erratic weather conditions (too much/too little rain) to ensure we produce a good harvest and contribute towards food security.” Product innovation is something industry has deliberated on for some time now. The pandemic has fast tracked the pace at which industry was approaching innovation. Fresh is great and remains, industry’s biggest offering. Processed offerings that have longer shelf life needs to be explored.

WHAT ABOUT THE OVERALL PICTURE? Well, apart from the pandemic’s impact, overhead costs such as Eskom’s rising electricity tariffs had to be included into cost calculations. They must strike a balance between escalating expenses and unemployment for example. People in the informal sector are the buyers, yet increasingly they battle to make ends meet. This is despite potatoes being an affordable staple. Hawkers especially, play a vital role in the supply of food between farmers and the consumer. Not only were they prevented from trading floor access because of movement restrictions, but in many instances households with dwindling disposable income due to layoffs, simply could not afford even a basic feeding necessity such as a small bag of potatoes.

HOW DO YOU REMAIN HOPEFUL? “Farming is an act of faith and certainly not for the faint hearted. Together with our labourers we remain resilient and believe that whatever challenges come our way also present us with new opportunities,” says Holtzhausen. When permanent workers were asked at the beginning of the outbreak if they wanted to go home, they all, to the last man, preferred to stay on and see this thing through. “It takes tremendous courage and conviction in one’s commitment to the task at hand. Working with such people is one of the reasons I love being a potato farmer,” concludes Holtzhausen.

MAY • JUNE 2021

SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ROOT VEGETABLES

Drip your way to vegetable production success NETAFIM

“I

will never again grow anything without drip irrigation. Without drip, it will waste water and the plants will be more prone to disease. We need to maximise potential by being as efficient as possible in order to make a profit.” - Meir Messica, vegetable farmer, Israel. Whether open-field vegetable production is the main farming activity, or a secondary farming activity aimed at ensuring active cash flow, efficiency is key to profitability. Irrigation is one of several aspects that will contribute to success in vegetable fields, if efficient irrigation can be ensured. The drive for efficient irrigation calls for precision irrigation practices. Precision irrigation is to deliver the correct amount of food and water to the plant at the correct time and in the right place as efficiently as possible. It provides both the control and the flexibility needed to ensure that each plant receives the exact amount of water and fertiliser it needs. This will maintain balance between vegetative growth and productivity, an extremely important aspect of vegetable production. Although certain irrigation systems offer higher water-use efficiency than other systems, a certain level of precision irrigation can be achieved with any irrigation system. The key is to install the right irrigation system for the circumstances and to manage this system correctly. This will ensure the highest possible efficiency relevant to resources and circumstances. Furthermore, it is important to know the soil and other impacting factors to make the correct scheduling decisions and ensure highly efficient water use. Calculations are necessary to determine the necessary active irrigation hours, but these hours must be scheduled in the most efficient way possible based on knowledge of the soil and how water moves through it. Remember the goal – to not irrigate past the active root zone, while ensuring sufficient water availability. Will it be better to have shorter and more frequent irrigation sessions, or longer and less frequent sessions? Knowing how long it takes for the active root zone to be filled and how fast water extraction takes place, easy to decide.

VEGETABLES AND DRIP IRRIGATION Drip irrigation has proven itself to be the most efficient irrigation method and is suitable to most crops. More and more vegetable farmers are turning to this method of irrigation to increase vegetable yield quality and quantity. It may, however, seem like a too advanced solution for a short-term cash crop. The fact is that there are drip irrigation solutions perfectly suited to seasonal crops and single or limited season implementation.

Benefits of drip irrigation on vegetable crops include: • optimal root zone management; • lower water and fertilizer use; • access to the root zone despite groundcovers; • lower risk of crop diseases; • full utilisation of available land; • optimal growth in challenging soil; • minimised evaporation loss; • ability to better manage plant nutrition through fertigation. Dripper and dripline selection take into account a variety of factors, each of which is a tribute that the irrigation designer or farmer must deem necessary for the crop and circumstances or not. The purpose is to maintain a balance between dripper cost and performance. What does the crop need and what do the circumstances allow? Thin wall drip lines, for example, are specifically aimed to be used for one to three seasons on vegetables and certain field cash crops. With the right irrigation equipment, necessary knowledge, correct calculations and involving the right experts, the farmer can make an informed decision to ensure that the crop receives optimal irrigation while he or she makes extremely efficient use of the available water. Visit www.netafim.co.za or send an email to infoza@netafim.com for more information.

PROMOTION

Carrot

packaging operations A Newtech multihead weigher and bagging system from Goldpack can play a central role in helping companies expand and improve the profitability of carrot packaging operations.

arrots are an enormously versatile vegetable and extremely popular in the South African market. Sophisticated processing can help both farmers and retailers deliver high quality, accurately weighed and packaged carrots to market. Goldpack can supply all stages of this processing line, from washers and polishers to graders, hoppers, weighers and final bagging options. Carrots can be a challenging crop as they are sometimes broken when harvested and come in a wide variety of length and diameter. However, Newtech offers both length graders and the more sophisticated optical grader. Length graders will separate product based on size. Optical graders will grade according to length and size and add an extra layer of quality control by repeatedly photographing the carrots, rejecting those that do not adhere to the required quality. Currently, graders can process between 10-15 tonnes per hour. Hopper systems are used to ensure that the weighers are fed continuously. Newtec offers a vast range of weighers, from the small single head 1100 weigher to the 4014 14 head weigher and all sizes in between. These are firm favourites in the carrot industry, processing up to 75 portions a minute on some versions. Bagging options for carrots include the handy Newtec PB40, vertical wicketed, poly bagger, which will handle up to 2 kg packs. Horizontal bagging options are offered by Gillenkirch, using premade poly bags or bags supplied on a roll in either PP or Polyprop. Carrot packhouse systems can be designed for use with multiple crops, including sweet potatoes, swedes and potatoes. Goldpack will design, supply and install a system for the producer’s packhouse. All machines supplied by Goldpack are easy to use, reliable and easy to maintain. They can achieve significant gains in efficiency and profi tability while reducing the carbon footprint.

MAY • JUNE 2021

SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

PROMOTION

Bereik volle potensiaal met BASF se oplossings vir aartappels Hunter® 24 SC: ‘n Produsent kan dit nie bekostig dat aar tappelmotlarwes die aartappels beskadig nie. Daarom is ‘n voorkomende blaarinsekdoder nodig. Hunter 24 SC beheer aartappelmotlarwes baie doeltreffend deur inname. Geen kruisweerstand teenoor ander insekdoders is bekend nie, wat die produk ideaal maak vir gebruik in ‘n bestuursprogram teen insekweerstand. Vir gemoedsrus toon die produk ook bui tengewone nawerking in die beheer van aartappelmotlarwes. Die uitstekende reënvastheid van een uur na toediening sorg vir vinnige opname in die blaar met translaminêre beweging sodat aartappelmotlarwes wat nie direk aan die bespuiting blootgestel is nie, ook beheer word.

word, mag ‘n beduidende opbrengsverhoging gekry word. Orvego® kombineer die swamdoder Initium®, wat aan ‘n nuwe chemiese klas behoort, met dimethomorf, nog ‘n beproefde swamdoder van BASF, vir uitstekende beheer van laatroes. Die formulasie is gerieflik om te gebruik, dit meng vinnig in water en bly in suspensie sonder om uit te sak. Hierdie eienskappe bring mee dat die produk vinnig aan die waslagie op die blare heg, sodat buitengewone reënvastheid bewerkstellig word. Die aktiewe bestanddele word geleidelik vrygestel en tydens vogtige toestande, soos dou, vergroot die beskermde area vir doeltreffende voorkomende beheer van laatroes op aartapples.

Fastac® SC is nog ‘n betroubare oplossing vir die beheer van aartappelmot en klein komandowurm op aartappels. Die kragtige formulasie word nie deur sonlig of temperatuur benadeel nie. Die produk is bekend vir ‘n goeie uitklopaksie wat vinnige beskerming teen vreetskade bied. Vir gerief en kostebesparing kan dit met ander behandelings gemeng word.

Acrobat® WG word vinnig in die plant opgeneem vir reënvastheid. Dit is onmiddellik in die plant beskikbaar vir voorkomende beskerming tydens toestande wat gunstig is vir laatroesontwikkeling en as siektedruk toeneem. Die produk is ‘n gevestigde staatmaker om in ‘n voorkomende laatroesbeheerprogram op aartappels te gebruik.

Bellis® se kenmerkende dubbele wyse van werking met vinnige opname en verspreiding in die blare, gee doeltreffende beskerming teen vroeë roes vir ‘n oes se goeie opbrengs en kwaliteit. Die kombinasie van boscalid en F500® dra tot betroubare siektebeheer by. Vinnige opname en translaminêre vervoer van die aktiewe bestanddele in die blare gee volledige beskerming aan die blare en dit bevorder die aartappels se opbrengs en kwaliteit. Gerieflike lug- en grondtoediening maak Bellis die ideale keuse in ‘n spuitprogram teen vroeë roes. Die uitstekende formulasie het geen bymiddels nodig nie. Indien die produk teen die hoër dosis reeds by knolinisiasie toegedien

Registrasiebesonderhede en gebruik: BASF Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk. Sestiendestraat 852, Midrand 1685, Posbus 2801, Halfway House 1685. Tel: +27 11 203 2400. Faks: +27 11 203 2461. E-pos: agcelence-za@basf.com. Bellis® Reg. Nr L7817 Wet No. 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: F500® 128 g/kg. Boscalied 252 g/kg Versigtig. F500® - Piraklostrobien. Hunter® 24 SC Reg. Nr L8307 Wet 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Chloorfenapir 240 g/ℓ. Skadelik. Fastac® SC Reg. Nr L4992 Wet 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddeel: Alfasipermetrien 100 g/ℓ. Skadelik. Orvego® Reg. Nr L9185 Wet 36 of 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Initium® 300 g/ℓ. Dimethomorf 225 g/ℓ. Versigtig. Initium® - Ametoktradien. Acrobat® WG Reg. Nr L6526 Wet 36 van 1947. Aktiewe bestanddele: Dimethomorph 90 g/ kg. Mancozeb 600 g/kg. Versigtig. Lees asseblief produketikette vir volledige gebruiksaanwysings. Acrobat®, Bellis®, F500®, Hunter® 24 SC, Fastac®, Orvego® en Initium® is geregistreerde handelsmerke van BASF.

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Treevix

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

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

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

CITRUS

Southern African citrus to reach new heights in 2021 The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) recently announced that the South African citrus industry will likely break all previous export season records with an estimated 158,7 million cartons in 2021.

f the estimate is reached, it would represent a third consecutive season of record export volumes, with 130 million cartons exported in 2019, followed by 146 million cartons in 2020. The current projections for 2021 indicate a 22% growth in export figures in just two years. Eswatini and Zimbabwe combined have also increased their export figures from 3,9 million cartons in 2020, to an estimated 4,4 million cartons in 2021, an increase of 13%, bringing the total Southern African volume to be exported through South Afri can ports to more than 163 million cartons. According to Justin Chadwick, CEO of CGA, they are well aware of the challenges facing them at the ports. “We are duly working to be as prepared as we can be for the challenges that we will be facing during the transport of the citrus, to make sure that there are enough vessels Justin Chadwick

and that protocols are adhered too. We are also working with Transnet to see how much of the product can be transported via rail,” says Chadwick. According to information from CGA, navel oranges and lemons have shown a small increase since 2020, while Valencia oranges (5%) and grapefruit (16%) have shown a stronger increase. Soft citrus producing regions are projected to show the most significant growth, with an estimated 30,5 million cartons for export in 2021, 29% up on last year. The late mandarin varieties in particular stand out within the soft citrus cate gory, with an expected growth of 42% this year. That being said, the soft citrus focus group has cautioned that these estimates may be adjusted downwards once the season gets underway, as the continued drought in the Eastern Cape and exceedingly wet conditions in the northern growing regions may affect export volumes negatively. Medium-term crop estimates indicate that the citrus industry is expected to continue increasing its exports by another 300 000 tons over the next three years. The growth projections for soft citrus, lemons and Valencia oranges alone indicate an expected additio nal R6,8 billion in foreign exchange earnings and the creation of 22 250 sustainable jobs over the next three years. TO PAGE 26

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

CITRUS

Southern African citrus to reach new heights in 2021 FROM PAGE 24

“These figures indicate phenomenal growth within the South African citrus industry, and for the local economy. The demand for our produce overseas is a wonderful testament to the quality of South Africa’s citrus fruit. There is no doubt that citrus growers are investing heavily for the future, with more

Why you should do business with an

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than R1-milliard in grower levies over the next four years going into research and technology to support market access and transformation, while creating an enabling logistics environment to move the fruit,” added Chadwick. To maximise the potential of the citrus industry as a South African export, they will need government and other stakeholders to play their part. For example, they will be relying heavily on the efficiency of the ports in order to successfully ship the additional 13 million cartons estimated for this year alone. Industry roll players will also need to work hand-in-hand with government to secure, maintain and retain as many market access opportunities as possible. Optimising access conditions will be essential for the continued growth of the industry. “The citrus industry will continue growing as a valuable source of both income and jobs while we work together with government and other stakeholders to help rebuild the South African economy. Increasing agricultural exports, creating jobs and investment in transformation are all fundamental ingre dients of the South African citrus story. Together, we can and will continue to exceed expectations,” concluded Chadwick.

• You obtain a better price through the price forming mechanism; • Having full transparency of sales transactions; • Receive payment within 5 days; • Your money is kept safe in a trust account; • Protection via the fidelity fund;

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MAY • JUNE 2021

SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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SITRUS

Plaagbeheer vorm belangrike deel van gewasbeskerming in sitrus NEXUS

itrus se jaarlikse groeisiklus sluit nie net goeie besproeiing en plantvoeding in nie, maar benodig ook maatpas gewasbeskerming. Die gewasbeskermingprogram fokus vooroes veral op vrugtevlieg- en valskodlingmot (VKM) -beheer en siektes soos bruinvrot, wat ook kan kop uitsteek.

VRUGTEVLIEG EN VKM Vrugtevlieg-beheermaatreëls is meestal op proteïen lok-envrek metodes gegrond. Hierdie metodes is baie doeltreffend en het ’n lae uitwerking op voordelige insekte, mits dit volgens die aanwysings op die etiket toegedien word. Toediening se tussenposes en herhaling hang van die gekose produk én lokvalvangste af. Die False Codling Moth Management System (FMS) en Fruit Fly Management System (FFMS), ontwikkel deur Citrus Research International en bestuur deur die Citrus Growers Association (CGA), bied ’n wetenskaplike en doeltreffende vals kodlingmot- en vrugtevlieg-beheerstelsel. Die stelsels vorm die basis vir monitering, drumpelwaardes en beheermaatreëls. VKM-beheer word ondersteun deur ’n lang lys geregistreerde en doeltreffende paringsontwrigting, biologiese en konvensio nele plaagbeheermiddels. Praktyke soos boordsanitasie vorm die basis van ‘n doeltreffende VKM-beheerstrategie. Boorde moet gereeld gemonitor word om vrugtevlieg en VKM te beheer, boordsanitasie moet minstens een keer per week toegepas word en geregistreerde plaagbeheermiddels moet gebruik word. Lokvalle en vrugbesmetting by vrugtevlieg en VKM moet weekliks nagegaan word. Verskeie lokmiddels en lokvalle is vir hierdie doel geregistreer. Vrugbesmetting word weekliks by voorafbepaalde databome gemeet. Beide peste het ’n larwale stadium in die vrug, wat daartoe lei dat die sitrus aan die boom verkleur en die vrugte afval. Dit vergemaklik die identifisering en verwydering van besmette vrugte in die boord. Enige verwyderde vrugte moet 30 cm diep begrawe óf buite die boord vernietig word. Boordsanitasie vorm die grondslag van vrugtevlieg- en VKM-beheer en indien dit nie korrek toegepas word nie, sal die res van die plaagbeheerprogram minder doeltreffend wees.

BRUINVROT Bruinvrot word deur die oomyseet Phytophthora nicotianae en P. citrophthora veroorsaak, wat in die grond voorkom. P. nicotianae veroorsaak ook wortel- en kraagvrot op die wortels

SA GROENTE & VRUGTE | MEI • JUNIE 2021

en die boom se stam. Die plant se wortels is veral tydens nat grondtoestande vatbaar. Wortels wat tydens reënseisoene beskerm word, vind groot baat hierby. Oorbesproeiing moet vermy word, goeie dreine ring moet toegepas word en minder vatbare onderstamme kan oorweeg word. Bruinvrot op vrugte kan verder vermy word deur bome te snoei sodat die vrugte nie nader as 30 cm van die grond hang nie. Enige vrugte wat op die grond lê of tekens van grond bevat, moenie geoes word nie. Boordsanitasie van besmette en laaghangende vrugte is belangrik vir die vermindering van die innokulum.

GEREGISTREERDE PLAAGBEHEERPRODUKTE Indien konvensionele siektebeheermiddels oorweeg word, is geregistreerde plaagbeheerprodukte beskikbaar. Fosfonate is een groep van hierdie produkte en is baie doeltreffend indien dit as ’n blaarbespuiting toegedien word vir bruin- en wortelvrotbeheer. Fosfonate is hoogs sistemiese produkte en benodig laer watervolumes. Dit neem gewoonlik 2-3 weke ná blaartoedie ning om in werking te tree en die sistemiese beskerming is dus nie dadelik deur die hele plant teenwoordig nie. Fosfonate kan tot fitotoksisiteit lei, indien dit in uiterste temperature en versuiptoestande toegedien word. Fosfonate kan ook lei tot fitotoksisiteit op sekere mandaryn-kultivars soos Nadorcotts, veral ná kleurbreek. Verwys altyd eers na aktiewe bestanddele se intervalle vooroes vir die vrugte se spesifieke mark en hou noukeurig by die etiketaanwysings vir die produk se hantering en toediening. Kontak NexusAG by 021 860 8040 of besoek die webtuis te by www.nexusag.net vir meer inligting oor geïntegreerde gewasbestuursprogramme.

What SA agriculture needs from international trade Agriculture is a pivotal industry. It is not only crucial in providing food security worldwide, but it’s also the main source of jobs and live lihoods on our continent. Yet, despite its potential to feed the growing global population, Africa remains home to more than half of all the people in the world who face food insecurity. ANTONIE DELPORT SYNGENTA SOUTH AFRICA

ow, then, do we unlock the potential of the continent to produce the quantity and quality of food it is capable of? International trade is a critical part of the answer. The capacity of international trade participation to fuel economic growth is well established. However, from experience at Syngenta as a multinational company, markets need appropriate and robust regulation to flourish and deliver equal benefits to all participants. Trade between South Africa and the European Union (EU) is a good example. Despite the EU being South Africa’s largest trade partner worldwide, and South Africa the EU’s biggest trade partner in Africa, the parties do not always negotiate with mutual understanding. The fall armyworm is a case in point. This insect pest lays waste to crops in Africa, but is not a threat to European farmers. Yet, EU trade regulations prohibit the use of crop protection chemicals that are effective against the pest on export crops. In order to maximise the potential inherent in a free trade agreement, such as the one that exists between Europe and

SA GROENTE & VRUGTE | MEI • JUNIE 2021

Antonie Delport, head of Syngenta South Africa.

Africa, standards have to be accepted by all parties and tariff and non-tariff barriers have to be minimised. Global reference standards prepared by scientists, experts and governments are necessary and welcome. Unfortunately, standards are too often based on consumer preferences rather than science. Producers further need the cost of doing business across borders to come down. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest export and second highest import costs in the world, and the myriad registration and licencing systems across the continent severely limit the profitability of intra-continental trade. Against this backdrop, the game-changing potential of the African Continental Free-Trade Area (AfCFTA) cannot be overstated. With signatories committed to removing tariffs on 90% of all goods, progressively liberalising trade in services and addressing non-tariff barriers – the world’s largest free trade area can transform international trade, boost food security and bring economic emancipation to millions of farmers. Food markets and trade practices that support equal and sustainable access to safe, high-quality food for everyone are necessary and possible. The means to achieve it largely exist already; what is required are political will and action at all levels of society.

The farming of saffron is also ideally suited to the South African climate.

For the South African economy, saffron farming offers an invaluable source of foreign income from exports.

SA poised to become big player in saffron market Plans are in place that could see South Africa becoming a significant player in the farming and export of saffron, by far the world’s most expensive spice. Saffron is primarily used in the food industry as a seasoning to enhance flavour and aroma, but also has great use in the natural cosmetics and natural medicine industries, and as a dye in the textile industry.

or the South African economy, saffron farming offers an invaluable source of foreign income from exports, whilst also assisting in establishing emerging, small-scale farmers. Furthermore, it offers commercial farmers an alternative source of income through diversification, especially considering everchanging weather patterns, market trends and other variables that impact their existing operations. Bennie Engelbrecht, founder and a director of Saffricon, says that their saffron farming operation between Calvinia and Williston in the Northern Cape has been perfecting the art of cultivating saffron in local conditions for the last few years. They have reached the next stage of opening up the opportunity to other prospective farmers. This will be accomplished through an out-grower (contract grower) system based on three-year contracts with farmers. “We supply the farmers with our saffron corms (bulbs), which they then plant and cultivate before harvesting the saf-

fron threads (made up of the crimson-coloured stigmas and styles) and selling the annual crop back to us. Under favourable conditions, the corms multiply underground – on average, about three times per year. This means if one corm is planted at the beginning of year one, you will, on average, have three corms at the end of that year, nine at the end of year two and 27 at the end of year three. “The corms are sold back to Saffricon after year three, hence farmers’ take-up is guaranteed, and they have a doubleincome potential: from the annual saffron harvest, as well as from the multiplied corms.” Saffricon has started marketing the out-grower system to prospective saffron farmers and expects to have built sufficient corm stock by 2022 to start gaining momentum.

DEVELOPING SMALL-SCALE EMERGING FARMERS Corné Liebenberg, the marketing director of Laeveld Agrochem (LAC), says, as a partner of Saffricon, they foresee a huge potential for saffron farming in South Africa. He believes it offers an ideal opportunity, not only for existing commercial farmers, but also for the development of small-scale emerging farmers and, as such, will assist in addressing the country’s high unemployment. “LAC wants to assist and uplift as far as possible, and the saffron venture offers many farmers that are currently under pressure an alternative option, whilst at the same time giving small-scale farmers an opportunity with solid prospects. “It is ideal for niche farming – a huge growth area for the South African economy and something that LAC is very

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

but it is also protected from adverse weather elements like hail for a large part of the year because of its corms being underground. The latter, and the fact that the corms are not edible, will hopefully also keep it out of the hands of petty criminals looking for food.”

PROSPECTS FOR WORLD MARKET Local saffron farmers can expect to receive up to R200 000/ kg from Saffricon for their produce, depending on the quality of their saffron. Engelbrecht says that, compared to most of the imported product that hardly has a smell to it and is tasteless, their saffron has a distinctive flavour and aroma, which is proof of the quality that they are achieving. Engelbrecht foresees solid growth prospects for the international saffron market, primarily because world demand far exceeds supply. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global saffron market size was valued at US$881,7 million (about R13,4 million) in 2019, with expected compound annual growth of 7,3%, reaching US$1,6 billion (about R22,4 milliard) in 2027. Grand View Research base their findings on the growing food industry, improved standard of living, and increasing consumer disposable income. “The ‘wonder plant’ has no wastage. The corms are the assets, whilst the saffron threads are most popular as a spice and the flowers have medicinal attributes and are used for perfumes and other cosmetics,” says Liebenberg.

SCAN ME

passionate about. The initial capital outlay is manageable, relatively little space is required (250 m² can accommodate 15 000 corms), and Saffricon will assist with training to bring new farmers up to speed,” says Liebenberg. “The out-grower system will uplift especially rural communities and give them the means to not only provide for their necessities, but also assist them to establish their businesses with good growth possibilities. Concomitantly, the farmer does not have to wait very long for his return as is the case with many other crops. The above-ground plant growth and eventual harvesting of the flowers happen relatively quickly after the corm is planted. “The farming of saffron is also ideally suited to the South African climate, which, in the last few years, has gone through a harsh drought, as it requires much less water compared to many of the large traditional crops in South Africa,” adds Lie benberg. Where South Africa’s most prevalent annual crops require roughly between 500-800 mm of irrigation per season, saffron – a winter crop grown from March to October – needs between 250 mm and 300 mm per season. Liebenberg continues: “Saffron can be grown in almost any environment, in conditions that are traditionally not ideally suited for most kinds of agriculture – such as the Northern Cape, which suits the cultivation of saffron. Hence it allows for the production of profitable vegetation from unprofitable soil. “Furthermore, not only is the saffron plant frost-resistant,

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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.

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A stamp of quality and assurance W

hen speaking to Daniel van Der Merwe, 10th generation from Boplaas 1743, you are acutely aware of the amazing history that built this iconic South African farm. This farm has been around for 274 years and has been called home to well-known poet Boerneef. The only remaining original farmyard in South Africa sits on the soil of Boplaas 1743 and on it you will find, among other things, a mill, a soap house and an interesting homestead; these were all built in the early Cape vernacular style. Currently, the 11th generation of Van der Merwe kids are enjoying their childhood on this farm. With such a rich history and generations of farming one would think they are quite set in an easy rhythm and not breaking with any traditions, this cannot be farther from the truth. As times have changed so has the Van der Merwe’s ability to adapt. For example, in 2019 they launched Africa’s first floating solar plant enabling them to run the farm’s Marlenique packhouse on ninety percent solar energy. Not only that, but they have given way to welcome in technology like FarmTrack to assist them in running their farm with even more efficiency. Van der Merwe says that his favourite feature of FarmTrack is the aerial map he has of the farms. Currently the system operates on nine of their tractors and covers roughly 290 hectares. He says that he gets to monitor where any of his tractors are at

any given moment. The ability to make sure that all the blocks have been sprayed correctly and at the correct speed give him more peace of mind. They currently produce a variety of fruits like apples, citrus, pears, and peaches. Taking into account the number of fruits and the fact that they mainly export these fruits, it is understandable that it is important to keep a close eye on operations. He says that, “If you over - or under spray your fruit it could have a damaging effect on your bottom line. FarmTrack is like a stamp of assurance.” Van der Merwe adds that in the current economic climate, it is important to know that a job has been done properly; this assures that there is a higher yield of quality export fruits than before. It helps to have a tangible way of seeing that a job is being executed well and this lends itself to longevity and sustainability. This type of business is not only important for the livelihoods of many people but it also preserves heritage whilst building towards a new and bright future for generations to come with technology like FarmTrack lending a very needed helping hand. For more information visit farmtrack.co.za or contact us at 021 880 1163.

WWW.FARMTRACK.CO.ZA

The Pro-Hort programme and the future of the deciduous fruit industry HORTGRO

ortgro and Provar recently launched “Fruit tasting in the orchard” exhibitions in Ceres and Grabouw to give producers a chance to taste and experience new cultivars that are currently being evaluated by Provar. The future success of the deciduous fruit industry lies, among other things, in the planting of new and adapted cultivars, says Dr Iwan Labuschagne from Provar. “Therefore, we must be prepared to present producers with objective and relevant data and information on new cultivars.” The fruit exhibitions are an attempt to support this need and will become an annual institution for the fruit producer to attend. According to Thea van Zyl, Hortgro’s event’s organiser, the fruit tastings were well attended. “What stood out for me during the recent fruit exhibitions was the great need of producers and stakeholders, including the licensees and owners of the cultivars, to be able to view and experience the new cultivars at an independent event, but also to socialize and stroll around in the evaluation orchards,” says Labuschagne. Apart from the fruit tasting exhibitions, an eight-year research project is also well on its way at some of the Pro-Hort sites. According to Prof Wiehann Steyn, Hortgro Science Gene ral Manager, the project aims to develop an index to evaluate the adaptability of apples, plums and cherries. This initiative brings together Hortgro, Provar, academics and students from the department of horticultural science at Stellenbosch University (SU). The drivers of adaptability for a range of cultivars will be investigated. To achieve the goal, the team will assess tree architecture and other traits to understand the interaction between cultivars and climate. The students will be measuring bud break, how long it takes from initial bud break until last bud break, tree architectural properties such as branch angles, thickness and distribution of branches, as well as fruit size, production volume, and ripeness variables. Trees for each fruit kind were planted on three sites with variable cold units. Apples at Nooitgedacht, Oak Valley, and Klipboschslaagte. Plums at Nooitgedacht, Klipboschlaagte and Boland Landbouskool and Cherries at Nooitgedacht, Lushof and Klipboschlaagte. “A lot of data will be collated in order to establish which cultivars work best in which area. For instance, a cultivar may excel in one area, but prove disappointing in another area. Some cultivars are all-rounders and fare well in different areas,” said Steyn.

SA GROENTE & VRUGTE | MEI • JUNIE 2021

Labuschagne said that they are very excited about the project which will take eight years to complete. Large amounts of data are collected that will identify different characteristics, which will point out drivers for adaptability and stability. “The ultimate goal is to develop an index that will enable us to test adaptation of new cultivars in support of independent evaluation.” According to Steyn, another project, the pheno-phase project, has been developed as an extension of the adaptability project. This will be run by Dr Esmé Louw from the department of horticultural science at SU. Louw will use the bud break data from the adaptability project and match that to various cold models that are currently available. “Cold models have been developed all over the world,” says Steyn. “Most producers are familiar with the Utah model and the Daily positive chill model, while some might also know about the Dynamic model. Each model tries to improve on aspects of an older model that were not working, so the information Esmé and the team are going to collect can then, for example, tell them which model fits best with the rest-break data. The best-case model may, for example, correlate 70% with the rest-breaking results you get in our regions. This can then become the best cold model to use. “Different models may also work better for different fruit types or in different areas. In addition, we might be able to further fine-tune the best model for our particular climates. The same sites are therefore used for dual purposes which unlock a lot of value,” he says. Labuschagne said that a lot of science will go into both projects. “The students are in the orchards, come rain or sunshine.” It is also great exposure for the students who get to work on a project that will benefit the industry in the long run. “In the end, this is a team effort between Hortgro, Provar, and SU. We are looking forward to the next couple of years and the solutions the data will bring.”

Room for growth in the South African avocado sector Over the last five years, the South African avocado sector harvested approximately 125 000 tons of avocados per annum.

he area under commercial avocado orchards stands at around 14 700 hectares, with new plantings of about 900 hectares added per annum. The sector contributes to at least 11 500 jobs on farms and packhouses. South Africa expects an uptick in avocado exports this season of 66 000 tons compared to 60 000 tons in the previous season. This is according to Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop), who presented at PMA South Africa’s live broadcast, in partnership with Beanstalk Global recently. Leading sector experts who joined the discussion were Trevor Dukes, CEO of The Fruit Farm Group SA (TFFGSA), Lindie Stroebel, Southern Africa Country Manager at Mission Produce (“Mission”), Roger Armitage, Managing Director at Hall Fresh Produce, and Joe Shaw Roberts, Consumer Insight Director at Kantar. Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been concentrated in the warm subtropical areas of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in the north east of the country. However, production is expanding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. The South African avocado season spreads from February to November, with most fruit being harvested from March to September. South Africa is part of the World Avocado Organisation (WAO) that represents the leading producers, exporters and importers of avocados. Other countries involved include Peru, Colombia, Spain, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Mexico and the United States.

“Between 45 and 50% of South Africa’s avocados are exported; 10 to 12% are processed into oil and guacamole; and the rest are sold locally. About 95% of South African avocado exports are to Europe, the United Kingdom (UK), and Russia. The South African industry and government are currently negotiating market access to the USA, China, India and Japan,” Donkin said. According to Joe Shaw Roberts, the UK avocado market has seen astronomical growth over the last five years, however, long term growth is at risk if price deflation continues in the market. Dukes said, to offset the price pressure expected from Europe, the South African avocado sector needs to increase production from 10 tons to at least 15 - 20 tons per hectare. “We also need to develop alternative markets, and undoubtedly the focus on the East is going to help us release some of the pressure. Finally, with extended seasons - if you are fortunate enough to have production in different regions - you could balance the windows of supply. “In the off-season, South Africa imports from Israel and Spain and is looking into importing from Tanzania. That will give us a full season of consumption in South Africa,” Dukes said. Armitage said there are countries in Africa where per capita income, economic and population growth provide a good opportunity for exports. In terms of engaging the risk of exporting to these countries, one needs to understand their logistics chain, seaport and cross border constraints and trade agreements. Stroebel commented that the consumption of avocados in China grew 1 000% since 2014. “The Chinese currently consume 40 grams per capita. If they would reach 4 kg per capita,

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop).

Trevor Dukes, CEO of The Fruit Farm Group SA (TFFGSA).

like in the USA, we still need much more extra production to supply the demand. “It is a costly process to develop a market from scratch, to ensure your customers are comfortable with your product, and to increase consumption. However, if you get that right, the growth potential will be there. “We see potential to grow exports to Europe and the UK, since per capita consumption might become even bigger than in the US. EU per capita consumption is currently a third of what it is in the US. The question remains on how to unlock that potential,” Stroebel remarked.

Lindie Stroebel, Southern Africa Country Manager at Mission Produce.

Roger Armitage, Managing Director at Hall Fresh Produce.

Dukes expect that innovation in the avocado sector will be continual and gradual. “The introduction of precision agriculture and agtech are the areas where we will see the greatest innovation and the largest leaps in the South African avocado sector. With existing and new varieties and rootstocks, we are already harvesting better than before, and we are using innovative techniques to manage orchard conditions and tree architecture. One thing we do not have yet that will change projection, is the availability of dwarf type genetic material to plant high density. It is a little bit of everything that adds up to a lot,” Dukes concluded.

INSECT COLUMN

Onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Thrips tabaci, onions thrips, is common in South Africa. It is indigenous to eastern Mediterranean, which is the center of origin of onions, the most important host plant of onion thrips.

Figure 1. Damage of onion thrips on onion leaves (left) and several onion thrips adults and nymphs on an onion leaf (right). Source: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/onion-thrips/

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

Onion thrips classification: Class: Insecta (Insects) Order: Thysanoptera (thrips) Family: Thripidae Genus: Thrips Species: tabaci

t is now worldwide distributed in Europe, North America, South America, Africa (including South Africa), Asia and Australia. Onion thrips have a wide range of host plants in comparison to other thrips species. Vegetable host plants of onion thrips include onions, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, garlic, lettuce, leek, peas, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes. Other hosts of onions thrips are apple, fig, orange, plum, peach, cotton, tobacco, clover, wheat, lucerne, lupin and pasture grass. The eggs of onion thrips are white or yellow in colour, kidney shaped and are microscopic with the size of approximately 0,26 mm. The larvae of onion thrips are difficult to distinguish from the larvae of other thrips species. However, it can be distinguished from other thrips species by having the shortest macrosetae and the absence of dark grey chitinous markings on the dorsum of the thorax. The 1st instar is smaller with the length of 0,35-0,38 mm. It is semi-transparent and dull white, and changes to yellowish white at a later stage. The 2nd instar is bigger and yellow in colour with red eyes and a length of 0,7-0,9 mm. The prepupa and pupa of onion thrips is distinguishable from the larvae by the presence of wing sheaths. Another distinguishing feature of the prepupa and pupa from the larvae is the development and orientation of antennae and the size of the antennae and wing sheaths. Prepupa is 0,9 mm in length and 0,23 mm in width with whitish-yellow colour. Pupae are yellowish-white and changes to yellow before adult emergence. Adult onion thrips vary in colour from pale yellow to dark brown depending on temperature during their development. Adults that develop quickly during summer or at high temperatures are usually smaller and paler than those that develop slowly during winter or at low temperatures. Males are smaller and paler than females. The body colour and size of adult onion thrips are determined by temperature during the pupal and larval stages. Adults are elongated with females having a body length of 1,0–1,3 mm while males are ≈ 0,7 mm. Adult longevity ranges from 28 to 30 days on onions.

Figure 2. Adult onion thrips female on an onion leaf. Source: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/onion-thrips/

The life cycle of onion thrips comprises of egg, 1st and 2nd larval instars, prepupa, pupa and adult stage. Females have a one week preoviposition period and can lay eggs for the duration of three weeks. Eggs are deposited singly either on the upper or lower surface of a leaf near to the surface and are always deposited diagonally. Eggs hatch within 5 to10 days under cooler environmental conditions. The duration of the 1st instar ranges from 2 to 3 days, while the 2nd instar ranges from 3 to 4 days. Pupation occurs at the base of the onion’s apical meristem or within the soil and ranges between 3 to 10 days. Onion thrips reproduce both sexually and asexually. It is one of the few species of thrips that reproduce through parthenogenesis (asexually), which is the production of offspring without fertilization by a male. Onion thrips usually overwinter as adults in the soil. Onion thrips has become a pest of increasing concern on commercial onions globally, and it is a difficult pest to control on onions. This is due to their ability to develop resistance to insecticides, transmit plant pathogens, and produce more gene rations at high temperatures. Onion thrips leads to both direct and indirect damage to onions by feeding and ovipositing on leaves resulting in unmarketable green onions and reduced size of dry onion bulb. The 1st and 2nd instar larvae are active feeding stages. Feeding directly on the leaves, results in blotches and premature senescence as well as distorted and small bulbs. Plants that are heavily infested grow slow and remain small while leaves show a silvery-white sheen. Leaves that suffered serious damage become curly and crinkled. Immature and mature onion thrips can be observed by separating young leaves of onion plants. Onion thrips reduces the yield of onions and garlic. They also affect stored onions and garlic. Yield loss caused by onion thrips on onions can be >50%. Onion thrips feed and shelter between the leaf scales of onion, thereby, redu cing the quality of bulbs and shortening storage life of onions. High populations of onion thrips are favored by environmental stresses such as drought, insufficient nutrition, or alkaline soils. Onion thrips can be managed through chemical, biological, cultural control and host resistance. Insecticides that are registered to control thrips are organophosphates, chlorinated carbohydrates and pyrethroids. Enquiries: mashimanenozi03@gmail.com.

MAY • JUNE 2021 | SA VEGETABLES & FRUIT

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Vegetables & Fruit May/June 2021

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Onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae

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