A quick rootstock reference guide for South African growers that includes the results of local evaluation trials. Notes Varieties marked with an asterisk (G.757, G.41, G.213, G.214, G.969, G.210 and G.890) are not on the official South African varietal list…
Prof. Wiehann Steyn, General Manager of Hortgro Science, explains their approach to rootstock evaluation. New rootstocks offer the exciting prospect of enhancing the productivity and profitability of orchards. But a poor rootstock choice can be a costly mistake. Hortgro funds…
The industry has come a long way since M.793 ruled the roots. Three technical advisers discuss the journey and where we might go next. By Anna Mouton. The story of M.793 begins in 1920 when selective breeding for woolly apple…
Prof. Gennaro Fazio leads the Cornell-Geneva rootstock-breeding programme. He spoke to Fresh Quarterly about the science of apple-rootstock development. By Anna Mouton. The Cornell-Geneva rootstock-breeding programme is a joint venture between the United States Department of Agriculture and Cornell University…
What can physiological profiling tell us about this Cripps Pink mutation? By Anna Mouton. Apple growers are always on the lookout for new Cripps Pink strains that can deliver higher Class 1 pack-outs. Lady in Red is one such promising…
Cover crops in orchards have many benefits, but could there also be risks? By Kyra-Kay Rensburg. A Hortgro-funded project led by Dr Rinus Knoetze, senior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, screened cover crops earmarked for trials in apple orchards…
Soil fumigation is the cornerstone of replant control. Can research provide growers with more options? By Anna Mouton. Apple replant is a soilborne disease of apples established on soils previously occupied by apples. The condition primarily stunts the growth of…
Research shows that netted apple orchards need less water – but growers should read the fine print. By Anna Mouton. Deciduous-fruit growers are adopting nets to protect their crops against everything from hailstorms to sunburn. Can nets also help trees…
A Hortgro-funded project assessed the response of new and popular apple rootstocks to deficit irrigation. By Anna Mouton. Dwarfing rootstocks are quite literally the foundation of high-density apple orchards. They encourage earlier bearing that supports the rapid attainment of full…
White root rot caused by Rosellinia necatrix afflicts everything from apples to avocadoes. By Anna Mouton. Rosellinia necatrix is a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of more than 350 plant species, notably pome- and stone-fruit, grapevines, avocadoes, citrus, and…