Fire blight
A single outbreak of fire blight in Michigan led to the death of 220 000 apple trees and estimated losses of USD 42 million in 2000. This is not a disease we want in South Africa. By Anna Mouton. Fire…
Francois du Preez
“I enjoy research,” says Francois du Preez. “It’s satisfying to get good results, but it’s even more satisfying to work hard for something, struggle and then succeed. It’s not easy, but because it’s not easy, it’s even more worthwhile when…
Fruit flies
Keeping your orchard pest-free. By Dane McDonald. It is the trouble every fruit grower is trying to avoid— finding a fruit-fly larva— just one hit can ruin the day, if not the entire season. “Nobody wants a maggot in their…
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 Prof. James Carey from the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis gave an overview of…
Fruit-fly management in Europe
Climate change is driving biological invasions in temperate European zones. What is being done to protect agriculture? By Engela Duvenage. Warmer weather is increasingly allowing tropical pests and other species to persist throughout winter, and become problems, according to applied…
FruitFly Africa supports the fruit industry
Area-wide monitoring and control are essential to prevent fruit losses and maintain sustainable production. By Ilyaas Rhoda. South Africa’s reputation as a leading exporter of high-quality fruit relies on effective pest management to meet strict international phytosanitary standards. FruitFly Africa…
Fumigation to combat phytosanitary pests
Basics, benefits, and the rise of ethyl formate. By Grethe Bestbier. Worldwide, fumigation is recognized as an effective way of controlling phytosanitary pests like chinch-bugs, weevils, mites, and moths. These insects all meet their match in powerful fumigants that safeguard…
Fundamentals of fumigation
Soil fumigation is the standard control measure for apple replant disease in South Africa. By Anna Mouton. Fumigation is tightly regulated, as incorrect practices pose a safety risk, and growers have to employ one of the several licensed contractors to…
Future-proofing pest management
Research in biological control is shaping the next agricultural revolution. By Anna Mouton. The so-called green revolution of the sixties gave the world mind-boggling advances in agriculture. Crop production boomed thanks to the development of new varieties and cultivation methods…
Getting more out of monitoring
Is there a missed opportunity? Hugh Campbell, general manager of Hortgro Science, asks whether monitoring represents missed opportunities. In an interview with Fresh Quarterly, he shared his thoughts on the potential of a standardised monitoring system where data is captured…