For many years, the same person would deliver laboratory consumables, including PCR primers, to the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in Helshoogte Road. The PCR primers came in a flat, cardboard envelope. “One day, the delivery man asked me what was inside these…
A Hortgro-funded project aims to isolate the responsible pathogen and investigate whether apple-associated bacteria can help protect trees against it. By Anna Mouton. In the introduction to his 1910 monograph on crown gall in apple trees, plant pathologist George Hedgcock…
The results of glasshouse trials suggest that marigolds and brassicas could contribute to controlling lesion nematodes in apple trees. By Anna Mouton. Lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus species) feed inside plant roots and create entry wounds that are susceptible to secondary bacterial…
“I grew up in a small Karoo town called Klipplaat,” says Dr Rinus Knoetze. “It’s a farming community, and I was on farms almost more than I was at home.” His father was the postmaster, so Knoetze junior knew everyone…
A Hortgro-funded project assesses the effect of draped nets on external and internal fruit quality. By Anna Mouton. There is a growing consensus among most plum technical advisers that protective nets are becoming essential for maximising Class 1 pack-outs of…
The preliminary results of a three-year Hortgro-funded project assessing the relationship of dry matter to other fruit characteristics. By Anna Mouton. Modern shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to fruit. Supermarket shelves are brimming with a rainbow offering…
The survey that led to the detection of spotted wing drosophila in South Africa. By Anna Mouton. The first records of damage by spotted wing drosophila are from Japan in 1916. By the 1930s, it was a serious pest of…
How can growers best protect their fruit against spotted wing drosophila? By Anna Mouton. The establishment of spotted wing drosophila in fruit-growing areas worldwide is associated with significant damage to susceptible crops. Berries and cherries have been especially hard hit,…
Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is a vinegar fly that can lay its eggs in undamaged fruit. This distinguishes it from other drosophilids, such as the common fruit or vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and the African fig fly (Zaprionus indianus),…
Spotted wing drosophila was first detected in Washington State more than 15 years ago, but cherry growers still have limited control options. By Anna Mouton. Tim Pitz manages approximately 800 hectares of pome and stone fruit for Mount Adams Orchards…