Ever-evolving apple production systems in a diverse Western Cape environment require a continued focus on optimising tree nutrition. By Anna Mouton. Mineral-uptake characteristics aren’t a primary consideration in rootstock selection, but growers should be aware of the interactions between rootstocks,…
Apple rootstocks directly and indirectly impact fruit’s mineral content and the risk of nutrient-related disorders. By Anna Mouton. “It all starts in the soil, but the soil is often not the main factor driving nutrient-related disorders — it’s the plant’s…
How the largest contiguous European apple-growing region stays up to date with new cultivar developments. By Anna Mouton. South Tyrol is the northernmost province of Italy. It has a population of 530 000 and an area of 7 400 km2 — about…
A summary of Hortgro-funded apple-rootstock research projects. By Anna Mouton. Rootstock research at Hortgro Science includes evaluation trials and horticultural and disease-related projects. Rootstock evaluation The first Hortgro-funded trials of Geneva rootstocks, led by Carlo Costa of the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij,…
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…
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. Leo Rufato of the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina in Brazil shared his latest research results. By Anna Mouton. “Ten years ago, we had only two rootstocks — the one was M.9, and the other was Marubakaido with…
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…
Why grow nursery trees in containers? By Anna Mouton. The traditional way to produce a nursery tree is to grow it in a field and lift it during dormancy. The biggest problem with this approach is transplant shock. Root damage…
Maximising returns on investment. By Anna Mouton. “To earn more money, you need to put more apples into the export market,” says Willie Kotze, technical adviser with Dutoit Agri. “You’re not going to win by trying to cut costs.” The…