Esmé Louw
Dr Esmé Louw was born in the Langkloof but grew up in sugarcane country in Empangeni. She went to Tuks where she majored in microbiology and biochemistry. “I’ve always had a love for animals,” says Louw. “I went to the…
Comparing apples with apples
Why is there so much variability? By Anna Mouton. Inconsistent fruit quality and ripening is the bane of apple growers everywhere. How is one supposed to harvest at optimum maturity when there is so much variation on the same tree?…
How are dosages determined?
We examine the science behind the numbers. By Anna Mouton. Growers know the dosage rates for chemicals because the numbers are provided with the products. But how do scientists evaluate deposition parameters when they are researching ways to optimise spray…
Time is money
Why optimal tractor speed matters. By Anna Mouton. South African apple growers are turning to high-density orchards because these promise to increase profits. High-density orchards improve productivity — which we all know improves the bottom line. But is there more…
Protect your crops with effective spray application
Expert insights into achieving good deposition. By Anna Mouton. Effective crop protection is conditional on effective spraying. Growers need to apply the appropriate products at strategic times using correct techniques. Sounds straightforward — except spray application turns out to be…
Forewarned is forearmed
New research projects will help growers plan for the future. By Anna Mouton. We could all use a crystal ball. Imagine if we could know today whether Saturday a month hence will be braai weather? Or whether or not we…
Five factors affecting fruit set
Expert advice on getting the best out of your Japanese plums. By Anna Mouton. The past season was remarkable for the disastrous set in certain Japanese plum cultivars in some areas, most notably the Breede River Valley and Klein Karoo…
Hot and bothered
The reasons behind the poor Japanese plum harvest. By Anna Mouton. Add the Japanese plum harvest to the list of disappointments for this year. At least fifteen percent fewer cartons were exported than anticipated given the potential production. Several factors…
The fundamentals of fruit set
What does it take to get from blossom to bin? By Anna Mouton. Technical input by Prof. Karen Theron, Chair in Applied Preharvest Deciduous Fruit Research at Stellenbosch University. Fruit set is that hopeful moment when the base of a…
Figuring out the cause of pitted pears
Stink bugs or stem-pitting virus? By Anna Mouton. A new research project funded by Hortgro aims to establish the cause of dimpled and deformed pears seen in Western Cape orchards. The project is led by Dr Rachelle Bester and Prof…