Apple scab 101
What is it and what can be done about it? By Anna Mouton. Apple scab or black spot is a disease of apples caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis — unaffectionately known to many growers as fusi — short for…
Fifty years of apple-scab research
A summary of historical South African research on apple scab starting in 1970 with the work of Dr Wolf Schwabe. By Anna Mouton. Schwabe conducted extensive research on apple scab while with the Fruit and Fruit Technology Research Institute —…
Monitoring and mitigation
How can growers best protect their fruit against spotted wing drosophila? By Anna Mouton. The establishment of spotted wing drosophila in fruit-growing areas worldwide is associated with significant damage to susceptible crops. Berries and cherries have been especially hard hit,…
Sanitation in the pack house
Postharvest hygiene is crucial for maintaining fruit quality and safety during handling and storage. By Anna Mouton. Sanitisers can help prevent postharvest decay and foodborne diseases by reducing microbial numbers, but only if used correctly. “Sanitisers or disinfectants must be…