Technical advisers from the main production regions share their approaches to rest-breaking in apples and pears. By Anna Mouton. “I think there are very few places in the Western Cape where you don’t need to spray rest-breaking agents,” says Christo…
How to think about cross-pollination when planning orchards. By Anna Mouton. Effective cross-pollination is crucial for maximising productivity of self-incompatible deciduous-fruit orchards over their lifetime. This article shares insights on cross-pollinator selection and management from horticultural adviser and plant breeder…
Growers consider many factors when deciding which cultivars to plant — postharvest performance should be one of these. By Anna Mouton. Planting trends often follow fruit prices, observes Keith Bradley, general manager of Fruitways AgriServices. “People look at their returns…
Researchers aim to understand how the interaction of genetics and environment drives tree performance. By Anna Mouton. An eight-year Hortgro-funded project in collaboration with Stellenbosch University and independent cultivar-evaluation company Provar is untangling the factors driving adaptability and stability in…
A summary of past and present Hortgro-funded Forelle research not covered elsewhere in this issue. Hortgro-funded work on other pear cultivars is not discussed here – consult the research inventory in the PDF for a complete list of pear-related projects…
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…
The fundamental flaws of chill models Why they don’t work well in South Africa. By Anna Mouton. Chill models matter — their outputs have real-life implications. Growers in areas with mild winters depend on chill models for the management of…