Smart Orchard 2.0
An ongoing project in Washington State puts technology to the test. By Anna Mouton. The explosion of new technologies has been a mixed blessing for fruit growers. Never before have growers had access to so much data — and never…
SNAP-E orchard systems
Design planting systems that are simple, narrow, accessible, productive, and enduring. By Anna Mouton. “Orchard systems are not about what we know right now,” said horticultural consultant Craig Hornblow. “Every time we plant a tree, we’re planting with the belief…
South African agriculture and the European Green Deal
The world is going green, and the South African fruit industry needs to go with it. By Kara van der Berg. Europe is becoming greener, as indicated by the increasing number of votes won by Green parties in different European…
Spotted wing drosophila
What lessons can South African fruit growers learn from the United States? By Anna Mouton. Spotted wing drosophila is an invasive fruit fly that attacks many wild and cultivated fruits. Female flies lay eggs under the skin of ripening fruit…
Systems approach proves its worth
Dr Aruna Manrakhan of Citrus Research International reviews its use in South African citrus and deciduous fruit. By Engela Duvenage. “Prior to 1980, fruit industries relied on single-point disinfestation treatments to mitigate insect pest risks,” said Manrakhan. “The ban or…
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 world’s 12th biggest energy consumer in terms of kilowatt-hours used per dollar GDP according to 2022 figures compiled by Our…
The enigma of pear stony pit
What causes pitted pears in South African orchards? Apple stem pitting virus or antestia stink bug? By Anna Mouton. Pear stony pit is a disease of pear trees characterised by deformed fruit. Moderately affected fruit are dimpled or pitted. Severely…
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 for controlling mealy bugs and other sucking insects for nearly 50 years until safety concerns spelled its doom. “The first…
What is Hortgro’s plan going forward?
Anton Rabe, Executive Director of Hortgro, addressed the Hortgro Technical Symposium in a pre-recorded message. By Kara van der Berg. Rabe spoke about the deciduous fruit industry’s current circumstances as well as its vision and ideas for the future, as…
Who is going to eat South African apples?
And what should growers be doing to prepare for the future? By Anna Mouton. Rising prosperity in developing countries will boost market opportunities for South African apples over the next twenty years according to data presented by Dr Nigel Cook…