
September 2024
Articles in this Issue
Spotted wing drosophila
What lessons can South African fruit growers learn from the United States? By Anna Mouton. Spotted wing drosophila is an…
Preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases
Pests and diseases threaten food security and farm profits. How can we mitigate the risk of spreading plant pests and…
Biosecurity and bugs
A 16-year quest to identify a mite intercepted on Italian kiwis highlights critical challenges in biosecurity systems. By Dane McDonald.…
There is life after chlorpyrifos
Growers can achieve effective mealy-bug control with the correct use of existing tools. By Anna Mouton. Chlorpyrifos was a mainstay…
Charting a new course
How the pome- and stone-fruit industry can adapt to losing crop protectants. By Anna Mouton. “The crop-protection industry spends a…
A rational approach to biocontrol
Successful incorporation of biological control in integrated pest management programmes requires in-depth knowledge and excellent execution. By Anna Mouton. Integrated…
Choosing a rootstock
Matching rootstock and scion genetics to environmental and management factors is essential for establishing a winning orchard. By Anna Mouton.…
Managing mineral nutrition
Ever-evolving apple production systems in a diverse Western Cape environment require a continued focus on optimising tree nutrition. By Anna…
Roots to fruit
Apple rootstocks directly and indirectly impact fruit’s mineral content and the risk of nutrient-related disorders. By Anna Mouton. “It all…
Farming with nature at ZZ2
A 20-year journey has validated their decision to transition from industrial agriculture to farming in harmony with nature. By Anna…
Consistency is key
New Zealand apple growers are maximising profitability by improving fruit quality and uniformity. By Anna Mouton. “Our goal is consistency…
SNAP-E orchard systems
Design planting systems that are simple, narrow, accessible, productive, and enduring. By Anna Mouton. “Orchard systems are not about what…
All about pears
The highlights of the panel discussion about the South African pear industry’s status and prospects. By Anna Mouton. The panel…
Cultivar innovation in South Tyrol
How the largest contiguous European apple-growing region stays up to date with new cultivar developments. By Anna Mouton. South Tyrol…
Keep your trees virus-free
Virus infections often fly under the radar while growers look elsewhere to explain underperforming orchards. By Anna Mouton. “All the…
Manage food-safety better
Consumers’ ideas about high-risk foods are not always reality- or evidence-based. By Engela Duvenage. The story of how Scottish physician…
Fruit industry must raise its voice
The South African fruit industry needs a stronger voice to influence relevant, practical, and standardised sustainability requirements. By Engela Duvenage.…
Find a sustainability North Star
Humankind is pushing earth systems and natural resources to their limits. Business strategies must meaningfully, positively, decisively, and transformatively deliver…
The case for decarbonisation
South Africa’s carbon-intensive electricity sector is cramping our economic growth and global competitiveness. By Anna Mouton. South Africa is the…
Agriculture needs rural connectivity and efficient corridors
After nearly imploding in 2023, there are minor improvements in South Africa’s freight system, thanks to government intervention and private-sector…