
July 2019
Articles in this Issue
Dynamic fruit needs dynamic storage
Let the product be your guide. By Anna Mouton. Frank van de Geijn is a senior consultant and post-harvest researcher…
Exterminate grain chinch-bugs
Trials using ethyl formate yield promising results. By Anna Mouton. “Phytosanitary issues are among the many challenges we face in…
Put the brakes on decay
Effective fungicide application on stone fruit. By Anna Mouton. Post-harvest decay of stone fruit can cause significant financial losses. Arrie…
Edible coatings
A potential multifunctional post-harvest treatment for stone fruit. By Anna Mouton. Dr Olaniyi Fawole is a senior researcher in post-harvest…
Minimising moisture loss in pears during storage
What is in the producer’s toolbox? By Anna Mouton Frank van de Geijn is a senior consultant and post-harvest researcher…
Parting ways with plastic
Exploring collaborative solutions across value chains. By Anna Mouton. “Why is plastic packaging so ubiquitous?” asked Lorren de Kock from…
The state of energy in South Africa
Will we survive Eskom? By Anna Mouton. “I ‘m here to explain where Eskom has brought us and where it’s…
Rewriting the rules
The changing landscape of international trade. By Anna Mouton. Stephanie van der Walt of Agbiz Fruit is an attorney and…
Data-driven farming
Real-time information and forecasting of pest and disease development. By Engela Duvenage. Information gathered daily on farms can be fed…
Maintain your net benefits
Managing spray application in the presence of drape nets. By Engela Duvenage. “Drape netting reduces tree canopy penetration. It influences…
Save money with scientific dosing
The MABO Dosing Model. By Engela Duvenage. Using more effective application methodologies to apply pesticide sprays, such as faster driving…
Some like it hot
Winners and losers of climate change. By Engela Duvenage. There is increasing concern about how insect pests will respond to…
Land reform success stories
Landbouweekblad panel discussion. By Engela Duvenage. Four panellists shared their experiences of South Africa’s land reform programmes at the Hortgro…
Biological control of fruit flies
Researchers turn to nature for help. By Engela Duvenage. Does nature provide its own little helpers to support the South…
Fruit-fly expert calls for new policies
Detection data should inform regulation. By Engela Duvenage. An ominous anniversary of sorts was celebrated on 5 June 2019 when…
Less is not more
The pros and cons of low- and high-density tree planting. By Grethe Bestbier. When Anton Müller, technical manager of Kromco,…
Late bloomers
The effect of extended bloom period on fruit quality. By Grethe Bestbier. “I don’t have to explain to this audience…
From blossom to apple
Understanding why some flowers set and others drop. By Grethe Bestbier. Many questions regarding fruit production were raised during the…
Train your trees for the future
Tree architecture and training systems of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. By Grethe Bestbier. If the orchard is seen as a…
Below the surface
Exploring groundwater as a significant sustainable water source. By Grethe Bestbier. “One thing I can tell you,” said Prof. Eilon…
Be savvy about salt
Brak management in crop production. By Grethe Bestbier. In South Africa, the term ‘brackish’ refers to any salt-related issues. While…
To the last drop
Reclaiming deserts for farming. By Engela Duvenage. Sewage or effluent is not waste. It is a treasure. If managed correctly,…
Reform holds the key to economic growth
Individuals should control communal land. By Engela Duvenage. Prof. William Gumede, an economist and political scientist at the School of…