Vegetables & Fruit March/April 2019

SINCE 1988

MARCH • APRIL 2019

Grondberoking R40,00

(BTW ingesluit) ander lande uitgesluit (Including VAT) other countries excluded

No 188

Champion yields through strong beginnings.

Seeds | Science | Service

Batavia • • •

Medium sized broccoli Grey-green colour Suitable for spring to mid summer production

| www.nuvance.co.za |

Basan • • •

Excellent quality Strong plant with upright growth habit Suitable for the fresh and processing market

Skywalker • • •

Suitable for the fresh market Good head protection Ready for harvesting in 90 days

Covina • •

Produces medium to dark green heads Suitable for the fresh and processing market

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11 Nr 188

ISSN 1015-85 37

NEWS 5 New GM at Agbiz Fruit Desk 5 Agri’s got talent 2019 6 Airbus adds to farming portfolio 6 1st Table grape crop estimate for 2018/19 7 Corteva Agriscience chooses Casablanca 7 Peruvian mangoes awarded Rainforest Alliance certification 8 Hortfin appoints new CEO 9 Analytica Lab Africa 2019 to showcase leading

edge food analysis technologies 9 Fertiliser efficiency promotes plant growth

Cover Hoewel brassicas koelweergewasse is, kon kultivars vir warmer toestande danksy navorsing geteel word. - Sakata

EDITORIAL Willie Louw (Group editor) Carien Daffue (Editor) 018 293 0622 info@mediakom.co.za PO BOX 20250, Noordbrug, 2522

BRASSICAS 11

13 15

Die belangrikheid van die regte brassica-kultivar vir die regte seisoen Waak teen nagtelike mot-aanvalle Shielding the blows of clubroot

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ADVERTISING Jana Greenall (011) 476 3702 082 780 9914 mediacom@lantic.net DESIGN Roelien vd Westhuizen westhuizenroo@gmail.com 072 930 6721

POTATOES 17

Farming success with potatoes in Africa

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30

Bagrada bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

Slegs op intekening beskikbaar • Available only on subscription

3

NUUS

New GM at Agbiz Fruit Desk Stephanie van der Walt has been appointed as General Manager of the Fruit Desk at Agbiz.

The Fruit Desk is an initiative of Fruit South Africa, and specifically the Citrus Growers Association, Hortgro, South African Table Grape Industry and the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum, in collaboration with Agbiz.

T

HE FRUIT DESK IS the third industry desk to be instituted at Agbiz. The purpose of the desk is to ensure that the South African fruit sector is represented in matters of policy, regulation and market access.

Stephanie is an admitted attorney by profession, holding an LLM degree in international trade and investment, awarded jointly by the University of Pretoria and the Washington School of Law in the US. She is currently enrolled for an MPhil in development practice at the University of Pretoria.

She joins the Agbiz team from the National Agricultural Marketing Council, where she served since 2010, first in the capacity of senior analyst: legal, markets and trade within the Markets and Economics Research Centre and later as manager: legal services in the office of the CEO. While at the NAMC, Stephanie’s work focused on legal developments affecting agricultural markets and competitiveness at both the local and international level as well as advising on corporate governance, contracts and project management.

Stephanie gained international experience while stationed at the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.

Stephanie van der Walt

Agri’s got talent 2019 The Citrus Growers’ Association has joined Agri’s Got Talent (AGT) competition as a sponsor, which means that this year AGT just got bigger and better.

T

HIS SINGING COMPETITION FOR farm workers in the citrus and deciduous fruit, wine and table grapes industries, is now accepting entries. This is the sixth year that this competition is rocking the farmyards. Songs can be performed in any genre, so whether participants are into pop, RnB, acoustic, rap or classical, Agri’s Got Talent wants to hear it all.

This opportunity can show-off talent, win big prizes and also make a mark in the community. Finalists undergo a training week in Paarl where they receive intensive singing and stage training, as well as life skills coaching. The Gala Evening will take place on 2 August 2019 at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West.

To enter, send a WhatsApp sound clip of no longer than

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

three minutes to 082 372 1557 or e-mail: agrisgottalent@ gmail.com, include your name and surname, date of birth, own cell number, name of farm / cellar / pack house, job description, how long you have been working on the farm, in the pack house or cellar and the nearest town Join the AGT community and find the latest news and action on Facebook www.facebook.com/agrisgottalent or visit www.agrisgottalent.com.

5

NEWS

Airbus adds to farming portfolio Airbus recently launched a service called Verde that delivers detailed crop analytics from satellite imagery, perfectly clipped to the field and accurately de-clouded. Served as plug and play API to any precision agriculture portal, Verde provides reliable and quantified measures of the vegetation, consistent over time and space, whatever the satellite used.

T

HE NEW SERVICE PRIMARILY addresses in-season monitoring, to help anomalies detection, optimise field scouting, irrigation, seeding, fertilisation and crop protection.

It is also of interest for off-season analysis, thanks to multiyear series of analytics, in order to review the farming strategy, define management zones based on persistent growth patterns and improve practices over the long run. It targets the entire chain of precision farming consulting providers, from the smallest start-ups to the largest machinists, seeds

Airbus Verde delivers detailed crop analytics from satellite imagery.

and fertilisers companies.

“With Verde, we underline our ambition to become the reference layer for precision agriculture portals. Both leveraging our wide imagery harvesting and crop analysis capacities, we are offering a totally different way to derive agronomic information from satellite imagery,” says François Lombard, head of intelligence business at Airbus Defence and Space.

Verde has already been adopted by DataFarming, an Australian agtech company based in Queensland, delivering precision agriculture solutions for farmers and agronomists around the world.

“We are looking at expanding our product offering to our 7 500 farm user base who wants more detail about the crop.

Having higher resolution on some of the data is also a key value proposition. This is where the product fits quite nicely. We have already processed 4 000 000 hectares of NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) to date, and want to leverage our user base to offer this value added service. Crops such as cotton, rice and sugarcane will certainly benefit,” says Tim Neale, managing director of DataFarming.

1st Table grape crop estimate for 2018/19 The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) released the first crop estimate for the 2018/19 season with volumes estimated to be between 63,2 and 70,1 million cartons (4,5 kg equivalent).

G

OOD WINTER RAINS TO date have largely broken the severe drought in the Western Cape. This positive outlook, linked to new plantings and new cultivars, brings the South African table grape industry back on its ‘organic’ growth trend over the past four years.

The new plantings are of higher yielding cultivars. According to SATI Chairman Fanie Naudé, these are all positive signs for the coming season, which will help the SA table grape industry to offer the world market its renowned quality and even better supply of the latest varieties.

6

Grapes

MARCH • APRIL 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

NUUS

Corteva Agriscience chooses Casablanca Corteva Agriscienc, the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, launched its official North-West and West Central Africa regional headquarters in Casablanca, Morocco.

T

HE CASABLANCA OFFICE WILL act as Corteva Agriscience’ s business centre for customers, partners and consumers in its main markets of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Niger, Tunisia, Togo and Senegal, bringing farmers the right mix of seeds, crop protection and digital solutions to maximize their yields and improve their profitability in these markets.

“Moroccan agriculture has made great progress in terms of modernisation and diversification and it made it a strategically sound location for Corteva Agriscience to establish its regional headquarters. This is a natural recognition of Morocco’s role as the agricultural hub for the North-West and West Central Africa region,” says Prabdeep Bajwa, President, Corteva Agriscience, Africa and Middle East.

Corteva Agriscience brings together DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences to create a market-shaping, standalone agriculture company with leading market positions in seed technologies, crop protection, and digital agriculture.

Tim Glenn, executive vice president chief commercial officer Corteva Agriscience, Prabdeep Bajwa, president Corteva Agriscience Africa Middle East and Alain Pescay, commercial director North-West and West Central Africa.

The business has been active in Africa for over 60 years and supports a broad range of crops, a wide range of farm sizes in various stages of technology adoption and a range of economic and market conditions.

Peruvian mangoes awarded Rainforest Alliance certification Halls announced that Luna Verde, one of the leading mango exporters in Peru, has earned the prestigious Rainforest Alliance certification for 30 of its mango farms. This certification is awarded to farms that meet the environmental, social and economic criteria of the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard.

T

HE RAINFOREST ALLIANCE IS a growing network of farmers, foresters, communities, scientists, governments, environmentalists and businesses dedicated to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

As a leading mango exporter internationally, Luna Verde complies with international standards for food and agriculture. It is more than committed to supporting sustainable development through social responsibility policies and projects aimed at increasing shared value for all its stakeholders. Rainforest Alliance certification works to protect ecosystems, including wildlife habitat and water, and helps ensure farm workers have safe working conditions, decent housing and access to medical care and schools for the

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

employees’ children. Choosing produce with the Rainforest Alliance Certified “green frog” seal provides consumers with the opportunity to support these endeavours.

Luna Verde supports the local economy by providing jobs, remaining committed to social responsibilities through compliance with labour laws, caring for the environment and developing and sustaining good human resources practices.

As a company with Rainforest Alliance Certified lychee and avocado farms, Halls is delighted to be working with their long term grower-partner Luna Verde who, with the Rainforest Alliance certification of their mango farms, align with Halls’ passion for growing and caring for their people, environment, and partners, as well as their produce.

7

NEWS

Hortfin appoints new CEO Hortfin, the first ring-fenced loan facility of the fruit and wine industry value chain, has appointed Michael Brinkhuis as its new Chief Executive Officer.

B

RINKHUIS, WHO QUALIFIED AS a horticulturist and holds a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Stellenbosch, has worked in agriculture research, retail and development and has lectured in Horticulture and Environmental Studies.

Hortfin Chairman Tshililo Ramabulana said that Brinkhuis has demonstrated his ability to work successfully in different environments throughout his career. “He has designed leading strategies which resulted in impressive value creation. I, for one, am looking forward to working with him in creating the next successful transformation chapter of the fruit and wine industries.”

Hortgro Operational Manager and Interim Hortfin Manager, Mariette Kotze, said that they were excited about the appointment of Brinkhuis as the CEO of Hortfin.

“He is well-known and respected within the agricultural community. His experience, skills, and attitude will result in favourably positioning Hortfin to enable inclusive growth within both the deciduous fruit and wine industries.”

Brinkhuis has for the latter part of his career leant towards the public sector, and spent the last four and half years as CEO of a state-owned entity responsible for agriculture and economic development programmes.

“My goal is to strive for development and sustainability in endeavours and creating partnerships aimed at augmenting initiatives,” Brinkhuis said. He is an outdoors person who enjoys nature, sports and reading.

Michael Brinkhuis, CEO Hortfin.

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NUUS

Fertiliser efficiency promotes plant growth Grolite is a naturally-occurring processed mineral used as a growing medium.

P

RATLEY PERLITE MINING, part of the Pratley stable of companies which first brought its solutions to market in 1948, actively mines a mineral called Perlite at a unique deposit in South Africa. The ore is processed using proprietary technology to produce major products such as Grolite for the farming industry.

It is a mineral employed as a horticultural or hydroponic growing medium. It allows for improved fertiliser efficiency, which boosts plant health and growth. It also promotes water drainage, while retaining the required

Increased fertiliser efficiency, together with effective water drainage and optimal soil aeration, are essential for increased productivity in the horticultural sector. Grolite® from Pratley is a naturally-occurring processed mineral used extensively as a horticultural growing medium.

moisture, leading to healthier plants and increased crop yields. “In a water-scarce country like South Africa, this is vital to horticulturists,” Pratley marketing director Eldon Kruger comments.

Tiny micropores on the surface of the particles assist in capturing nutrients and water molecules. The capillary action occurring in the voids between the particles ensures uniform distribution of water and nutrients, which results in consistent crops. Grolite maintains optimal soil aeration, a critical factor in normal plant growth. This is because the

supply of oxygen to roots in adequate quantities is essential for healthy plant growth.

It is processed at temperatures in excess of 950 °C, resulting in a sterile product that is completely free of weeds and pathogenic microbes. Unlike ordinary horticultural Perlites, the strong surface structure of the product means it does not deteriorate during transportation or when being mixed. This unique feature means hydroponic farmers, for example, can reuse the product for more than one season, increasing its cost-effectiveness.

Analytica Lab Africa 2019 to showcase leading edge food analysis technologies With food safety awareness at a peak around the world, food quality assurance and testing has never before been more important to ensure consistency, safety and customer satisfaction.

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NALYTICA LAB AFRICA 2019, to be presented by international exhibition organiser Messe Muenchen at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from July 9 to 11, 2019, will curate modern technologies for food testing, sampling and quality assurance.

International market leaders will present their products for testing food ingredients and preservatives, contaminants, the origin of raw materials, animal species identification

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

and micro-biological contamination, among others. The event will feature a range of leading solutions for sample preparation, chromatography, titration and spectroscopy, with a focus on digital innovation for Laboratory 4.0.

The event will include three days of industry specific conferences, workshops and special features, with knowledge sharing by international leaders in their fields. For more information, or to reserve exhibition space, visit http://analytica-africa.com/

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BRASSICAS

Die belangrikheid van die regte brassica-kultivar vir die regte seisoen

Optima kool – uitmuntende keuse vir somer koolproduksie.

Alhoewel brassicas werklik as koelweergewasse geklassifiseer word, het telers van regoor die wêreld jare lank navorsing gedoen om sodoende kultivars te teel wat ook in warmer omstandighede kan aard. Dit beteken dus vir die eind-verbruiker dat daar reg deur die jaar broccoli, blomkool en koolprodukte op die rakke sal wees.

Kool wat saadskiet as gevolg van kouestremming.

D

Ares* broccoli – vinnig uit die blokke en perfek aangepas tot warm omstandighede.

IE BRASSICA-PRODUSENT WORD dus nou in staat gestel om fokus te plaas op sekere gewasse, maar dit is steeds sy/haar verantwoordelikheid om die regte variëteite te identifiseer vir die regte seisoen. ‘n Verkeerde keuse tydens seisoenbeplanning kan baie nadelige nagevolge hê, aangesien die eindproduk totaal onbemarkbaar kan wees en die oes dan as ‘n misoes geag kan word.

Wanneer ‘n variëteit nie in sy ideale toestande groei nie is daar ’n paar risiko’s waaraan die plant blootgestel word. Hierdie risiko’s sluit die volgende in: • Saadskiet • Ontwikkeling van sy-lote • Rysagtigheid (blomkool) • Verkleuring na bruin/pers (blomkool & broccoli) • Bitter of branderige smaak (kool) • Blare wat deur die koppe druk (broccoli) • Onvoldoende blaarbedekking • Geen bemarkbare produk Sakata is alom bekend vir sy uitstekende brassica-reeks wat bestaan uit ‘n verskeidenheid van brassica-variëteite wat by elke produsent se plantprogram kan inpas: Seisoen

Somer

Herfs

Winter

Lente

Kool

Optima

Grandslam

Metador

Conquistador/ Optima

Blomkool

Merton*/ Alston*

Merton*

Incline/Eskimo

Merton*

Broccoli

Ares*/ Naxos

Triton*

Parthenon

Parthenon/ Triton*

Broccoli wat verkleur, knopperig raak en blare deur die kop stoot as gevolg van hittestremming.

Gewas

Besoek gerus Sakata se webwerf by www.sakata.co.za vir meer besonderhede oor die verskeie brassica-variëteite wat beskikbaar is.

Alston* Blomkool – uitstekende blaarbedekking, selfs in die strawwe somermaande.

* Eksperimenteel: Hierdie variëteit is steeds eksperimenteel, maar registrasie is reeds ingedien vir Suid-Afrikaanse kultivar lysting.

AFWYSENDE KLOUSULE: Hierdie inligting is op ons waarnemings en/of inligting vanaf ander bronne gebaseer. Aangesien gewasprestasie van die interaksie tussen die genetiese potensiaal van die saad, die fisiologiese eienskappe daarvan en die omgewing, bestuurspraktyke ingesluit, afhang, gee ons geen waarborg uitdruklik of deur implikasie, vir die prestasie van gewasse relatief tot die inligting gegee, nog aanvaar ons enige aanspreeklikheid vir enige verlies, direk of as gevolg daarvan, wat tewyte aan enige oorsaak ookal mag ontstaan. Lees eers asseblief Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd se verkoopsvoorwaardes voordat saad bestel word.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART• APRIL 2019

Blomkool wat rysagtig, geel en knopperig word as gevolg van hittestremming

11

SUMIPLEO

®

Unieke chemie vir doeltreffende insekplaagbeheer…

SumiPleo® word reeds wyd vertrou as effektiewe alternatiewe chemie vir weerstandsbestuur van Lepidoptera plae in S.A. Beheer van Afrika bolwurm, Aartappelmot en Tuta absoluta in aartappels, Afrika bolwurm en Tuta absoluta in tamaties, Ruitrugmot in Crucifereae soos kool, blomkool, broccoli, brusselse spruite asook Afrika bolwurm in blaarslaaisoorte is geregistreer. Registrasie vir die beheer van Herfskommandowurm (Spodoptera frugiperda), die nuwe indringerplaag op mielies en suikermielies is ook nuut verkry. ’n Afname van Amerikaanse en Ertjie Lyriomyza blaarmyners op aartappels en tamaties, asook vermindering van Tamatievalslandmeters in tamaties kan ook na toedienning verwag word.

VERSTANDIGE KEUSE Die kragtige werking van die aktiewe bestanddeel Piradaliel dichloropropeen derivaat bied talle uitstaande voordele: • Lae risiko vir soogdiere en voëls (Toksklas 3: Blouband).

• Lae risiko vir operateurs.

• Doeltreffend teen groter Lepidoptera larwes met lae risiko vir voordelige plaagvyande, asook bye en erdwurms.

• Ideale produk vir gebruik in Geïntegreerde Plaagbeheer Programme ( GPB, Eng.: IPM).

• Aktief teen chemies weerstandige Lepidoptera spesies, veral as dit afgewissel word met alternatiewe produkte soos DiPel® DF en Florbac® WG met ander werkswyses.

• Geen kruisweerstand met ander chemiese groepe is tans bekend nie.

• SumiPleo® werk stadiger as peritroïedes maar vreetskade aan bespuite gewasse staak gou na bespuiting deur inhibisie van voeding.

Vir meer inligting oor SumiPleo®, gesêls vandag nog met jou naaste Philagro-agent of produkbestuurder, Henk Terblanche - 082 829 4070.

SUMIPLEO® RAADPLEEG DIE PRODUKETIKET VIR VOLLEDIGE GEBRUIKSAANWYSINGS SumiPleo® is die geregistreerde handelsmerk van Sumitomo Chemical company, Tokio, Japan. (Reg.nr. L8377, Wet 36/1947) bevat Piradaliel dichloropropeen derivaat, Versigtig. DiPel®DF (Reg.nr. L6441, Wet 36/1947) bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Versigtig en FlorBac®WG (Reg.nr. L 5531, Wet 36/1947) bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, Versigtig.

DiPel®DF en FlorBac®WG is die geregistreerde handelsmerke van Valent Biosciences, VSA. Tindrum 19/029

Philagro Suid-Afrika (Edms) Bpk Reg nr: 98/10658107

PostNet Suite #378, Privaatsak X025, Lynnwoodrif 0040 Pretoria Tel: 012 348 8808 Somerset Wes Tel: (021) 851 4163

www.philagro.co.za

BRASSICAS

Waak teen nagtelike mot-aanvalle Henk Terblanche Philagro Insekdoder-produkbestuurder – Philagro SA

Verskeie ernstige vyande van groenteboere skuil in die insekteryk. Die grootste gevaar hiervan verskyn as ‘n groep boosdoenermotte en ernstige landbouplae wat groenteprodusente jaarliks wêreldwyd bedreig.

H

ULLE IS MEESTAL MOTTE (Lepidoptera orde) wat onder meer behoort aan die nag- of uilmotfamilie of Noctuidae, met eg militêre eienskappe, naamlik (1) kriptiese bruin kleurskakerings vir goeie kamoeflering, (2) meestal ontwykend, ongesiens en nagaktief, (3) aanvallers van groenteteikens, (4) toegerus met verdedigingsmeganismes teen roofdiere – ‘n spesiale foptoestel wat vlermuise se opsporingsradarseine kan verwar, en (5) uilmotte verwar ook vlermuise met ontduikende vlugmaneuvers soos afskilfering of skielike tuimeltoertjies grond toe.

Sommige van die plaagmotte kan snags lang afstande aflê, soos die Afrika-bolwurm wat veral na reën saam met heersende winde oor lang afstande gemaklik hulle aanslag na groente-aanplantings loods.

Die insekwêreld beskik egter ook oor ‘n arsenaal ‘natuurlike vyande’ wat die terroristiese ruspes suksesvol kan pypkan, soos goudogies, roofwespes, parasitiese wespes, roofvlieë, sweefvlieë, roofmyte en spinnekoppe. Hulle is van groot belang vir ‘n volhoubare biologies geïntegreerde verdedigingstrategie.

Bemagtiging van natuurlike vyand kan slegs suksesvol in kombinasie met die spuit van moderne, sagter chemiese middels uitgevoer word, met ander woorde ‘n strategie met minimale omgewingsgevolge vir volhoubare eindresultate.

Dit is ‘n konsep wat as geïntegreerde plaagbestuur (GBP, Engels: IPM) bekend staan. Moderne sagter chemiese middels beskik meestal oor ‘n nouer beheerspektrum en is meer teikenspesifiek vir gefokusde plaagbeheer sonder om nuttige insekte en myte in die beheerprogram uit te wis.

Plaaginsekte en -myte beskik soms oor ‘n gevaarlike troefkaart teen beheer, naamlik ‘weerstand’. Ongelukkig is weerstand die resultaat van kortsigtige en herhaalde gebruik van dieselfde middels of insekdodergroepe teen plaaginsekte en -myte. Die meeste ouer chemiese middels soos organofosfate, karbamate en piretroïede het reeds weens herhaalde en oormatige gebruik bevestigde weerstand by sommige plaaginsekte en -myte verwerf.

Philagro SA beskik oor ‘n ideale reeks moderne chemiese middels wat steeds uitstekend teen die meeste Lepidoptera-vyande van groente werk en tot dusver nie aan weerstandsprobleme onderworpe was nie, naamlik: 1. Van organiese oorsprong: • DiPel® DF (Reg. Nr. L6441, Wet 36 van 1947, bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki. Versigtig) geregistreer vir motplae soos Afrika bolwurm, vals- of Plusialandmeterwurm, asook kommandowurm op ‘n groot verskeidenheid gewasse.

• FlorBac® WG (Reg. Nr. L5531, Wet 36 van 1947, bevat Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai. Versigtig) is meer spesifiek vir ruitrugmot op koolgewasse geregistreer.

• Milbeknock® 1% EC (Reg. Nr. L6654, Wet 36 van 1947, bevat milbemektien. Versigtig) sal spinmyte in tamaties, komkommers en aarbeie kafdraf.

Pragtige tamaties.

2. Van chemiese oorsprong: • Sumi-Alpha® 200 EC (Reg. Nr. L6452, Wet 36 van 1947, bevat esfenfaleraat. Giftig) ‘n nuwe generasie piretroïede, bestand teen sonligafbreking en geskik vir snywurmbeheer op alle groentegewasse.

• SumiPleo® (Reg. Nr. L8377, Wet 36 van 1947, bevat NA BLADSY 14

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

13

BRASSICAS

Waak teen nagtelike mot-aanvalle VANAF BLADSY 13

piridaliel-dichloropeen derivaat. Versigtig) met `n unieke fisiologiese werking en, anders as enige ander bekende middels, is dit ideaal vir gebruik in weerstand-bekampingstrategieë. SumiPleo® registrasies sluit in: o aartappels vir aartappelmotbeheer o koolgewasse vir ruitrugmotbeheer o tamaties vir Afrika bolwurmbeheer asook om valslandmeterwurm- en blaarmynergetalle te verminder o slaai vir bolwurmbeheer o suikermielies vir herfskommandowurmbeheer.

Gebruik DiPel® DF of FlorBac® WG vroeg in die seisoen op kleiner larwes by laer besmettingsvlakke. SumiPleo® is bekend vir effektiewe beheer van groter larwes. Volg die vroeë seisoen se sagter biologiese middels (DiPel® DF of FlorBac® WG) in die mid-seisoen of later op met SumiPleo® en bly so roofdier- en heuningbyvriendelik.

Strategies is afwisseling van middels uit verskillende IRAC-groepe (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) die gevreesde weerstand se moses.

Die kort onthoudingsperiodes vir SumiPleo® (aartappels 14 dae, tamaties en koolgewasse 3 dae en geen onthouding vir

14

DiPel® DF of FlorBac® WG) toon hul gebruik as veilige middels om selfs kort voor oes teen die groentevyande ingespan te word.

Met onderlinge afwisseling sal die genoemde Philagromiddels korte mette maak van die alomteenwoordige vyandige mot- en myt-alliansie wat oorlog teen groenteboere voer, sonder om kosbare natuurlike plaagvyande, asook ander bondgenote soos solitêre -en heuningbye, die doodskoot te gee.

Kontak gerus Philagro SA vir bystand om potensiële plaaginsekte en -myte met doelgerigte Philagro- chemie en biologiese middels in die groot groente-oorlog sonder repurkussies te oorwin.

Raadpleeg altyd die etiket van enige landboumiddel vir waarskuwings en voorsorgmaatreëls en volg alle gebruiksaanwysings op die geregistreerde produketiket noukeurig.

DiPel® en FlorBac® is die geregistreerde handelsmerke van Valent Biosciences, VSA. Milbeknock® is die geregistreerde handelsmerk van Sumitomo Corporation, Tokio, Japan.

Sumi-Alpha® en SumiPleo® is die geregistreerde handelsmerke van Sumitomo Chemicals, Tokio, Japan.

BRASSICAS

Shielding the blows of clubroot Historical reports of clubroot in brassica crops date back to the 13th century in Europe. In 1875 Russian scientist Mikhail Woronin gave it the name Plasmodiophora brassicae after large portions of the cabbage crop in St. Petersburg was destroyed. The damage caused by clubroot can be devastating and a 100% loss in yield is possible.

C

LUBROOT HAS A WIDE Clubroot has a wide host range and can infect all cruciferous vegetables. As it is a soil pathogen, it can spread by various means, such as wind erosion, water erosion and farm movement, which include shoes or footwear, tools, vehicles and equipment and the hooves of cattle. It has been shown that the highest incidence of clubroot is normally near the entrance to fields (Cao et al. (2009) Can. J. Plant. Pathol.). The spread is quite rapid as has been seen in canola in Canada where the total area under clubroot doubles every three years and it is estimated to spread about 25 km per year.

Once it is established in a field, there are a few management practices to consider. Crop rotation is helpful, but long breaks are needed. By rule of thumb the half-life of clubroot spores are four years. The resting spores need a low pH to germinate, so increasing the pH of soil will stop germination, but not destroy the spores. Currently chemical control options are very limited or not practical.

Syngenta started its breeding programme for clubroot resistant varieties more than 30 years ago. The goal of the project was to develop broad spectrum resistance in brassica crops. In 2005, the first commercial varieties was ready for marketing. Locally, Syngenta has a solution for clubroot through Clarify* cauliflower variety and Monclano* broccoli variety, both with high resistance against this pathogen.

In trials where conventional varieties have had complete crop failure due to infection, Syngenta’s varieties have shown to have up to 100% healthy plants. Not only would these varieties ensure a marketable yield on lands deemed unusable, but it is also an excellent tool as part of an integrated clubroot management system.

Contact the local InteliSeed Seed Specialist to find out if these varieties might be the solution to your problem.

Clarify (left) vs conventional variety (right).

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

15

Die hele seisoen is op die spel

Rugby 10 ME ®

aalwurmbeheer

Die beste verdediging teen aalwurms in aartappels begin in die voorseisoen. Rugby® 10 ME word reeds wyd en syd vertrou om ‘n betroubare, beskermende groeisone vir die gesonde ontwikkeling van aartappels te skep. Toediening met Rugby® 10 ME voor plant skop die seisoen reg af, en gee jou gewasse die heel beste kans om te presteer.

Rugby® 10 ME bevat kadusafos (organofosfaat) Reg. Nr. L6368 Wet Nr 36 van 1947, skadelik.

FMC Chemicals (Edms) Bpk, Posbus 44, Postnet Menlyn, Waterkloof Glen, 0181, Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Tel: +27 12 003 2938.

Rugby® is die handelsmerk van FMC Corporation of sy affiliate. Datum: 01/2019.

TD 19/023

GEBRUIK PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE MET VEILIGHEID EN VERANTWOORDELIKE SORG. VOLG TEN ALLE TYE AANWYSINGS OP ETIKET MET TOEDIENING VAN PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE.

AARTAPPELS

Farming success with potatoes in Africa INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTRE

When it comes to the fertile soil of East, Central, West and Southern Africa, not only are they blessed with ideal temperatures, but also relatively dependable rainfall.

The continent is therefore ideal for growing potatoes.

U

NFORTUNATELY NOTHING IS WITHOUT its challenges, and potato farming in Africa is no different.

According to the International Potato Centre (CIP) website, rising populations and growing cities are shrinking landholdings, pressuring small-scale producers to increase farm incomes in order to offset the loss in acreage. For this region’s six million smallholder potato producers, potato is one of the few choices for cash crops on farms as small as half a hectare.

Troubling is that many farmers are trying to meet the growing demand for potato by expanding the areas under production rather than tackling productivity constraints. This is costly and inefficient. Yields range from 6 to 10 t/ha, far below attainable yields of 25–35 t/ha and the global average of 17,4 t/ha.

According to the CIP, producers’ knowledge of good agronomic practices, which could boost potato yields and marketability, is uneven. The single major bottleneck to increasing productivity is producers’ limited access to quality seed potato of suitable and more nutrition varieties and bio-fortified with micronutrients.

Producers in this broad area of Africa tend to grow potatoes in very close rotations or even, in some cases, continual mono-cropping. As a result, diseases accumulate in crops and soils, yields decline and farmers are left with less to sell. Another problem is that seed sourced from markets or own fields is also prone to diseases, which can build up and spread in saved seed stocks and the seed system in general.

Producers often are unaware of how to select quality seed or use good agricultural practices; many have limited capacity for storing healthy potato.

On their website the CIP says that seed certification standards exist but are difficult to implement in practice. Many national policies do not recognise alternative approaches and more practical quality standards, such as Quality Declared Planting Material, or efforts to maintain quality seed in producers’ own fields. Access to quality seed is limited further.

Policy advocacy at national levels for more practical quality standards is sorely needed.

Transforming livelihoods with potato For more than 40 years, breeding for adaptive and disease-resistant traits has been a defining pursuit at CIP, which has an inventory of advanced materials with demanded traits available.

These traits include resistance to diverse diseases such as late blight and various viruses, drought and heat tolerance, and high levels of iron and zinc. However, according to them, having good varieties is not enough when the supply of planting material is limited, or when conventional multiplication usually takes several generations to produce high-quality seed. Ineffective seed dissemination schemes further delay seed’s timely availability. Producer’s inability to access quality seed of potato varieties with desired traits undermines all investments and innovations in breeding for new varieties.

Accelerating the multiplication of high-quality seed and TO PAGE 19

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

17

for your money

Ten years, more than 40 trials and an average of 600 bags more per hectare.

POTATOPACK™. The smart choice.

Syngenta South Africa (Pty) Limited, Private Bag X60, Halfway House, 1685.

Tel. (011) 541 4000. www.syngenta.co.za © Syngenta Ag, 2000. Copyright of this document is reserved. All unauthorized reproduction is forbidden.

@SyngentaSA

15619 A4 FP FC IDEA ENGINEE ® S

more chips

AARTAPPELS

Farming success with potatoes in Africa FROM PAGE 17

African potato-growing countries reveal that decentralised multiplication, on- farm seed maintenance, and capacity building can improve farmers’ access to quality seed.

Ramping up potato production provides promising employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.

Seed sourced from markets or own fields is also prone to diseases.

increasing its supply to smallholder potato farmers have been critical to breaking the seed bottleneck. The centrepiece of this effort is the three-generation (3G) seed multiplication strategy that can reduce the number of specialized multiplications from the conventional five generations to just three.

A three- year pilot project implemented by CIP and its national partners pioneered the 3G approach and supported the development of rapid multiplication techniques (RMTs) in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. More than 15 000 smallholder growers also gained knowledge and skills on potato production technologies and best practices, and saw average yields increase by 20%. Results from similar projects in other African potato-growing countries reveal that decentralised multiplication, on- farm seed maintenance, and capacity building can improve farmers’ access to quality seed.

Farmers across Kenya’s potato growing regions are learning to farm successfully, thanks to a USAID funded programme; Feed the Future Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD). A quickly growing staple in the local diet, the potato sector provides employment for 2 million Kenyans and is valued at almost R7 billion annually.

According to the CIP website, Doreen Wanja used to have to travel 30 kilometres from her village to purchase ware potato of unknown origin to plant in her fields. Such distances can make it difficult for farmers like Doreen to access certified seeds of improved varieties of potatoes. This year, Doreen was able to pre-order clean seed from a Decentralised Seed Multiplier right in her village.

“I bought this variety (Asante) because I loved how the one kg promotional pack performed. I harvested 18 kg from the one kg that I received in April last year. I was so impressed that I pre-paid KES 600 (USD 6) for 20 kg. I expect to harvest 300 kg in March,” says Doreen.

Ramping up potato production provides promising employment opportunities for Kenyan youth. An increase in productivity through ease of access to TO PAGE 20

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

19

POTATOES

Farming success with potatoes in Africa FROM PAGE 19

technologies and quality seed makes agriculture a more alluring prospect for youth who might otherwise migrate to the city in search of jobs. CIP is working to empower young people to take up lucrative business opportunities within the potato value chain. The youth train in business and entrepreneurial skills development and are actively developing threeyear business plans on the value addition of potato.

Farmer Margaret Karuiru learned first-hand what it means to harvest abundance. She transformed 1 kg of Asante certified seed potato, into 18 kg of clean seed potato, which she planted the following season and yielded a harvest of 110 kg.

She saved 10 kg for her family’s consumption and sold the surplus and used her earnings to purchase a goat. Margaret previously recycled 100 kg of uncertified seed and would only reap 400 kg of potatoes.

For more information on this initiative please visit www. cipotato.org lowing season and yielded a harvest of 110 kg.

She saved 10 kg for her family’s consumption and sold the surplus and used her earnings to purchase a goat. Margaret previously recycled 100 kg of uncertified seed and would only reap 400 kg of potatoes.

For more information on this initiative please visit www. cipotato.org

20

Voeding volgens plantontwikkeling MIDDEL VEGETATIEF

KynoPop®/ KynoPop® vir Aartappels Vir ‘n vinnige wegspring en groeikragtigheid.

KynoPlus®-NPKSplantermengsels soos Zest®, Blitz en Finesse® Plantermengsels met verhoogde doeltreffendheid om veral in die vroeë behoeftes, maar ook in die latere voedingbehoeftes van die aartappelplant te voorsien.

LAAT VEGETATIEF EN KNOLVORMING

Met Kynoch se innoverende en pasmaakprodukte kan jy bemesting toedien volgens jou aartappelplant se behoeftes en groeistadiums. So verseker Kynoch dat jou aartappels kry wat hulle nodig het, wanneer hulle dit die nodigste het.

CalciBor™, GreenGold 30® Achilles™, Seniphos, CalciBor™ , GreenGold 30® Foli-Grande® en Achilles™, Foli-Grande®, Foli-Plus® Gebruik in kombinasie as top- Foli-Plus® en Unika Calcium™ bemesting om knolinisiasie en opbrengs te bevorder.

Veggie Oemff® Starter

’n Blaarvoeding om vroeë wortelontwikkeling te help en om knolinisiasie te verbeter.

Zintrac of Zink Sulfaat kan ook gebruik word.

Veggie Oemff® Grow

Gebruik in kombinasie na knolinisiasie vir opbrengs en aanleg tot beter kwaliteit.

Gebruik in kombinasie as topbemesting om opbrengs en kwaliteit te bevorder.

Veggie Oemff® Fruit

Gebruik gedurende knolgroei vir verbeterde werkverrigting wat lei tot beter opbrengs en kwaliteit.

KynoPop® Reg. No: K9101, KynoPop® Aartappels Reg. No: In proses, KynoPlus® is geregistreer as kunsmis groep 1 – Reg. No: K8024, GreenGold 30® Reg. No: K8034, Achilles™ Reg. No: K8967, Foli-Grande® Reg. No: K8045, Foli-Plus® Reg. No: K9397, CalciBor™ Reg. No: K9739, Seniphos Reg. No: K7682, Veggie OEMFF® Grow Reg. No: K9090, Veggie OEMFF® Fruit Reg. No: K9091, Veggie OEMFF® Starter Reg. No: K9088, Blitz Reg. No: K10049, Zest® Reg. No: K10048, Finesse® Reg. No: K10051, Unika Calcium™ Reg. No: K6641 (Alle produkte is geregistreer onder Wet 36 van 1947)

Kynoch – verbeterde doeltreffendheid deur innovasie.

011 317 2000 | info@kynoch.co.za www.kynoch.co.za Farmisco (Edms) Bpk. h/a Kynoch Fertilizer Reg. No. 2009/0092541/07

uppe marketing A16339

AARTAPPELS

VROEG VEGETATIEF, MET PLANT

MEGANISASIE

Aerobotics processes data from drone and satellite imagery through its proprietary artificial intelligence software to discover and analyse problems.

Partnership brings leading tree crop analytics to 1 300 farms AEROBOTICS

Given that the bulk of South Africans lack enough space in which to grow their own fruit and vegetables, or the expertise to do so, consumers remain dependent upon the nation’s farmers to produce the components of their meals.

T

HE BULK OF FARMERS’ crop is destined to be delivered to factories where it will be frozen, dehydrated, pureed, vacuum-packed or modified in some way to render it more convenient for the consumer. Whether fresh or processed, its origins are the result of an ongoing contest between the farmer and nature in the bid to improve farm productivity and meet the needs of a growing population.

Since much of the country is semi-arid, irrigation systems are one of the most vital requirements on many farms, as well as dams to capture and store rainwater. Some even install their own treatment plants to recycle wastewater in order to reuse it. However, the weather is not the only obstacle with which growers must contend.

Posing an even greater threat to their crops are the many tiny lifeforms that share man’s appetite for farm produce.

Insect pests such as mealybugs, fruit flies and codling moths take their toll annually and, together with plant diseases such as thrips and red scale, are believed to account for an almost 50% reduction in farm productivity in some areas.

While long-term provisions are necessary to cope with drought, outbreaks of insect predation or disease are often best dealt with on an ad hoc basis, as long as such problems are detected in time. This is both a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option than simply spraying an entire crop. While this might sound like a good idea, keeping a constant eye on perhaps 15 000 citrus trees spread over 10 ha can present a challenge when it comes to inspecting each one for trouble signs.

The task normally requires farmers to divert manpower and time from other essential activities.

The aerial survey is the answer and smart drones are the perfect tool for the job. Not only can they in 20 minutes cover an area that would take an entire day for a worker on foot, but, with the aid of advanced software and AI, they can identify the specific pest or disease, map each affected tree, and return to them to deliver the appropriate spray treatment. Precision Agriculture Company Aerobotics offers this facility as a service or a DIY app to improve farm productivity.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

Aerobotics and The Co-op (also known as “Die Koöperasie”), a major farming co-operative based in Humansdorp, have formed a partnership that will make Aerobotics’ leading tree crop analytics technology and software available to 1 300 farms in the Eastern Cape. This partnership is the first of its kind in South Africa and is set to serve as a template for others like it in the future.

As part of the partnership, Aerobotics will provide its cutting edge tree crop analytics to farms that are members of The Co-op. Farmers will be able to utilise their relevant Coop account to purchase services, which means they have the option to pay for the advanced tree crop analytics provided after harvesting. These include two separate packages, the Seasonal Drone Service and the Fly Your Own Drone package.

“We are proud to take our partnership with the farming community to the next level through this agreement with The Co-op,” said Aerobotics’ CEO James Paterson. “Our technology and software could quite literally change the face of farming in the Eastern Cape and help over a thousand farmers mitigate damage to their crops from pests and diseases, increase their yield and produce a more balanced crop.”

Aerobotics processes data from drone and satellite imagery through its proprietary artificial intelligence software to discover and analyse problems, pests and diseases affecting individual trees or vines on a farm. In addition to health, the software also measures size, height and canopy volume. This type of highly accurate data empowers farmers to make better decisions in the field, so they can increase their yield and produce a more balanced crop.

Through affiliates, The Co-op also has a footprint in the Western Cape and former Transkei and Ciskei areas. Products and services are provided to dairy, citrus, deciduous fruit, sheep, ostrich and grain farmers.

Chief Operating Officer, Jannie Louw, describes the unique partnership as a great step towards adding value to agriculture in general.

“We are working and living in exciting times in South Africa.

Partnerships like these are energising, and it makes us proud to stay involved in agriculture,” said Louw.

21

BIED 'N WETENSKAPLIKE BENADERING TOT GRONDBEROKING MET AGROCELONE NE TM

WAT IS GRONDBEROKING?

Dit is die disinfestering en disinfeksie van grond deur middel van die toediening van geregistreerde berokingmiddels soos Agrocelone NE™.

DOEL VAN GRONDBEROKING? Grondberoking word voor plant gebruik om herplantsiekte wat deur patogene en aalwurms veroorsaak word te beheer. Dit sal ook ontkiemende onkruidsaad beheer.

WAT IS AGROCELONE NE™?

Agrocelone NE™ bestaan uit twee aktiewe bestanddele, 1,3 Dichloropropeen en Chloropikrien. Agrocelone NE™ het `n unieke formulasie wat toediening makliker en veiliger maak.

WATTER TOERUSTING WORD BENODIG?

NexusAG se span van gelisensieërde pesbeheer operateurs maak gebruik van die nuutste vloeimeters, pomptoerusting en GPS gedrewe trekkers vir die akkurate toediening van Agrocelone NE™.

HOE WORD DIT TOEGEDIEN?

Agrocelone NE™ kan deur drip-besproeiing of deur middel van ’n trekker-ondersteunde tand-implement 30 – 90 cm diep in die grond toegedien word. Grond word met plastiek geseël na toediening.

NEXUSAG BIED DIE VOLGENDE: • Unieke formulasie: Agrocelone NE™ • Opgeleide personeel • Nuutste toedieningstegnieke en -toerusting • Dubbele kalibrasie-sisteem vir akkurate toediening KONTAK JOU NAASTE NEXUSAG GEWAS ADVISEUR VIR ‘N VOLLEDIGE KWOTASIE.

021-860 8040

www.nexusag.net

MEGANISASIE

Grondberoking.

Nexus vestig berokingseenheid om grondberoking te verbeter Die herhaalde of langdurige verbouing van gewasse op dieselfde stuk grond laat patogeniese swamme en aalwurms opbou en veroorsaak herplantsiekte. Dit lei tot jong bome se swak verpotte groei en gevolglik laer opbrengste oor die boom se leeftyd.

Grondberoking is die aangewese behandeling en behels grond-disinfeksie.

V

ERSKEIE PRAKTYKE TEEN herplantsiekte word gebruik, waaronder gewasrotasie en biologiese praktyke.

Gewasrotasie op meerjarige gewasse of die ontbossing van natuurlike veld is egter nie altyd moontlik nie. Onderstamme wat minder vatbaar is vir herplanttoestande kan oorweeg word, maar is nie in alle gevalle en vir alle gewasse beskikbaar nie. Biologiese praktyke soos bio-beroking, solarisasie of anaerobiese disinfeksie, is ook opsies. Hoewel sommige van hierdie praktyke doeltreffend is, is die toepassing daarvan uitdagend en duur.

Chemiese grond-disinfeksie is tans die gewildste manier om herplantsiekte te bestry. Chemiese produkte wat in lae temperature verdamp, word gebruik. Die produk word as ’n vloeistof in die grond toegedien en verander in ’n gas, wat deur die grond beweeg.

Verskeie berokingsmiddels is beskikbaar, elkeen met hul unieke voor- en nadele. Agrocelone NE word wêreldwyd as ’n hoogs-doeltreffende berokingsmiddel beskou en gee betroubare resultate onder verskeie herplanttoestande. Agrocelone NE bestaan uit twee komponente: chloropikrien en 1,3 dichloropropeen. Die eerste komponent is ’n uitstekende siekte-doder en die tweede ’n uitstekende aalwurm-doder.

Dit word aanvaar as die beste berokingsmiddel naas metielbromied, mits dit korrek toegedien word. Metielbromied is egter nie meer in Suid-Afrika vir landbou-doeleindes

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

beskikbaar nie.

Agrocelone NE, of soortgelyke middels, het egter nie metielbromied se penetrasievermoë of beweeglikheid nie.

Noukeurige toediening deur trekker-ondersteunende implemente en pompe, wat die produk teen die regte dosis by die teiken-area kry, is nodig vir optimale sukses.

Gewoonlik word gemik om die produk 30-40 cm diep toe te dien.

Agrocelone NE se unieke EC-formule maak ook voorsiening dat toediening deur drupbesproeiing kan geskied, wat trekker-gebruik uitskakel. Dit lei op sy beurt weer tot ’n verlaging van koste. Toediening deur drupbesproeiing hou die verdere voordeel in dat dit die optimale verspreiding van die gas deur die grond teweegbring.

Nexus AG, in samewerking met AQL in Spanje, het ’n berokingseenheid gevestig om grondberoking in Suid-Afrika na die volgende vlak te neem. Dié berokingseenheid het in hulp-apparate van hoë kwaliteit belê, waaronder GPS-aangedrewe trekkers, hoë tegnologie vloeimeters en sensors, wat onder meer verstoppings rapporteer.

NexusAG is ideaal geposisioneer om onder meer kernvrugte, steenvrugte, aarbeie, sitrus, groente en tafeldruiwe in al die hoofproduksiegebiede te bedien. Kwotasies word binne 24 uur opgestel en uitgereik.

Ná die kwotasie goedgekeur is, besoek ’n gekwalifiseerde plaagbeheer-operateur die klant om ondersteuning te verleen rakende die korrekte grondvoorbereiding vir optimale beroking. Beroking geskied volgens ’n vaste rooster en ’n berokingsertifikaat word na voltooiing aan die klant uitgereik.

Landboukundiges van Nexus AG kan ook raad gee met die vestiging en bestuur van jong bome na beroking.

Die suksesvolle vestiging van nuwe boorde is krities tot die sukses van daardie boord. Nexus AG sien hierdie nuwe onderneming as ’n geleentheid om by hul klante betrokke te raak en by die kritieke fase in boordvestiging waarde toe te voeg, sodat die produsent die beste voordeel kan trek.

Vir meer inligting oor grondberoking, skakel NexusAG by 021 860 8040.

23

MAKADAMIA

Call for closer collaboration “F

South Africa’s macadamia industry is, together with Australia, the most sophisticated in the world. It is also the largest producer globally. This competitive advantage could be under threat due to lack of collaboration with government to ensure ongoing and new market access.

OR THE LONG TERM, as an industry we are not leveraging our reputation and premium supplier status in the global macadamia market as strategically as possible,” says Mark Hassenkamp, director, Red Sun Hortitech – one of only five of the industry body, SAMAC’s, accredited macadamia nurseries.

“In recent years we have ridden a wave of insatiable demand. Global macadamia supply continues to increase rapidly and opportunity for growth in this industry still remains favourable. However the type of demand will mature into new markets and more enlightened consumer needs. We are unfortunately not thinking with a mindset for where growth potential lies to meet this new demand. Our biggest future challenge is market access.

“Proactive industry body and government collaboration is integral to ensure the standard is set for our industry’s future,” says Hassenkamp. “Together with leading quality assurance and compliance standards, Australia leads the way in its beneficial bilateral trade and import tariff agreements with key territories around the world. We need to follow suit to remain in top spot too. The last few years have been profitable for all involved in the macadamia industry. A large part of South Africa’s focus being on the Chinese market (estimate is that roughly half our crop lands there). With China’s projected growth in their domestic crop, alongside a doubling of global supply in the next ten years, market access is more important than ever.

“We’re driving into a surprisingly strong and growing trend of plant based eating. Society is adjusting to sustainability, affordability and health awareness: and it’s here to stay. To protect and grow our industry we have to behave as a premium producer. This includes meeting food safety, quality assurance, sustainability and traceability standards through thevalue chain: from propagation of plants through to export of nut,” continues Hassenkamp.

Proactive industry body and government collaboration is integral to ensure the standard is set for the macadamia industry’s future.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

Global macadamia supply continues to increase rapidly.

Red Sun Hortitech undergoes its annual GlobalGap accreditation in March. This standard is measured against a number of criteria including responsible chemical use, inclusive labour standards and sustainable practices to be competitive and improve quality. The nursery focuses on promoting cohesion in the workplace with staff equity shareholding program. It also runs rural community development initiatives and youth skills development and training activities.

The business started out, five years ago, with the future in mind: by planning and implementing best practices to meet future standards of sustainability, inclusiveness, integration and transformation. Their management and audit process promote the 17 UN sustainability goals. For example, using fractal technology they innovate to achieve better water utilisation. Additionally focus is dedicated to using affordable, clean energy and establish new infrastructure. This, together with improved genetics and microbiology, propagates quality, high performance trees in the field.

This level of differentiation – including productivity, traceability, consistency and reliability at each stage of the macadamia value chain in South Africa – is imperative. Any future risk of a customer product recall is devastating: a reliable, safe nut sources in a competitive market everything. Implicit in not getting it right is that the reputation of South Africa’s macadamias could fall foul into those of less developed markets that offer poorer quality product at present.

“Discussion around food consumption trends alongside continued population growth remains at the forefront. The macadamia market’s customers are going to ask more and more questions around where their food comes from. They are strong lobbyists, and also our greatest critics. Being prepared, in the face of exponential growth in crop supply, means thinking about how the landscape looks in years to come. To achieve this we need to collaborate as an industry together with government,” concludes Hassenkamp.

25

GENERAL

An average outlook for pome fruit growers Hortgro reports that good rain during the winter of 2018 has brought much-needed relief too many pome fruit growers.

A

LTHOUGH THE DROUGHT HAS not been completely broken, growers are in a much better position than last year. A bumper crop isn’t expected, but volumes are looking better and growers are much more positive with an average export crop anticipated for the 2019 season. The 2019 crop will see an increase in specific varieties. This is due to young orchards coming into production. During 2018, many of these young orchards countered the massive impact of the drought and now, in 2019, a 5% increase is estimated for apples.

Pome fruit export estimate (12,5 kg equivalent cartons) Slight downward adjustments were made to Golden Delicious, Royal Gala/Gala, Fuji, and Topred/Starking. This was mainly due to a lighter fruit set. Volumes are still anticipated

to increase +5%, +7%, +6%, and 2% respectively due to young orchards coming into production.

Pear plantings have stabilised over the past few years and one could say we are moving into a consolidation phase.

Although Packham’s Triumph and Forelle exports are still increasing, the past 2 to 3 seasons have seen the plantings stabilising and growers are replacing older and marginal orchards.

The heat wave of October 2018 negatively impacted Packham’s Triumph as trees was in full bloom. Export volumes are estimated to be on par with last season: 5,62 mil equivalent cartons. Williams Bon Chretien volumes are also expected to decrease by 7%, due to smaller fruit size.

In general, the outlook for 2019 is good and there is enough water to raise a proper crop. Current weather conditions are good for growing and colour development that will hopefully result in higher pack-out ratios for Cripps Pink/Pink Lady®, Cripps Red/Joya®, Forelle and Vermont Beauty as well as Rosemarie and Flamingo.

26

Perfekte oplossings in besproeiingsbestuur

Doen navraag by jou naaste besproeiings handelaar oor Agriplas Produkte

www.agriplas.co.za KAAPSTAD - Hoofkantoor Posbus 696, Brackenfell 7561 Tel: +27 21 917 7177 Faks: +27 21 917 7200

GAUTENG

Postnet Suite 57, Private Bag x3, The Reeds, 0061 Tel: +27 12 6610340 Faks: +27 12 6610097

sales@agriplas.co.za MPUMALANGA

Suite 63, Postnet X 11326, Nelspruit 1200 Tel: +27 13 755 3510 Faks: +27 13 755 3505

ALGEMEEN

New registrar for APAC Francois Knowles recently joined the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) as registrar. Francois is no stranger to the industry, having spent the last 24 years at Tshwane Market, managing operations.

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EGETABLES & FRUIT CAUGHT up with him to hear what is currently happening at APAC and where he sees them in the future. APAC regulates the occupations of fresh produce, export and livestock agents and maintain and enhance the status and dignity of those occupations and the integrity of persons practicing those occupations, according to Section 9 of the Agricultural Produce Agents Act, Act 12 of 1992.

The ultimate goal of APAC is to protect the interests of the farmer. Registered agents (that act on behalf of the farmer) who are involved in fraudulent activities or theft will be subjected to a disciplinary process (disciplinary tribunal) defined

Francois Knowles, the registrar for APAC.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | MAART • APRIL 2019

in terms of the Act. If an agent is found guilty and if all other options are exhausted, farmers can register a claim for monies lost against the Fresh Produce Agent’s Fidelity Fund. This fund is administered by APAC with the purpose to ensure that all legitimate and substantiated claims by farmers are paid.

When asked what the importance is of a governing body for this industry, Knowles says that producers require protection and this even more so in a regulated environment.

That is what APAC provides. As a statutory body APAC was established to regulate agents in order to protect farmers. It is important to remember “No farmer no industry”. It is thus crucial that APAC look after agriculture in South Africa.

When it comes to the future, the APAC vision is clear: “to be an innovative, supportive, proactive and responsive regulatory body”.

The goal is to effectively and efficiently regulate the occupations agents and fulfil their mandate under the Act to protect against dishonest practices, uphold their responsibility to maintain and enhance the occupations of the agents and to position APAC to effectively contribute to the development and transformation of the agency system of trading agricultural products.

“To summarise, APAC will ensure clean and ethical business between an agent and a farmer,” says Knowles.

What about the future? There is always room for change – as a regulator they will engage the process to request changes to the Act. Proposed changes are submitted to the DAFF who in consultation with the Minister will decide if changes are necessary and warranted. A lot of work must be done to enhance the Act to be relevant to a changing agricultural environment.

During the past years a lot has been said about changes that are needed at market level. He adds that fresh produce markets remain one of the most important distribution channels in the industry. The commission system currently in place at markets where price is discovered through supply and demand remains one of the best systems in the world. Price discovery is core to the success with which fresh produce sales occur at fresh produce markets in South Africa.

“This should be cherished and looked after, but markets are no longer the beautiful and majestic trading platforms that we grew up with – market authorities should revitalise markets and allow them their rightful place in the agricultural value chain. Markets must be restored in terms of hygiene, security and food safety to name but a few, to their former glory,” concludes Knowles.

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GENERAL

Tyres designed to protect soil Designed to protect the soil, the Agrimax RT 855 tyres and Agrimax RT 765 display a range of similarities such as better traction, high-load capacity, reduced soil compaction and extraordinary driving comfort.

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IMITED SOIL COMPACTION, HIGH load capacity and enhanced traction are the peculiar traits of these tyres ranges, which do not only provide high performance, but also allow time, fuel and money savings.

BKT row crop tyres are suitable for the most diverse applications and manifold types of machinery.

They are available in numerous sizes and can be divided into products for tractors, sprayers and harvesters, into products for field and road transport, soil tillage, spraying and harvesting.

These tyres are perfect for vegetable and fruit farming, grape harvesting and row crop spraying and Agrimax RT 855. for combined road and field transport alike. Therefore, they enable frequent transfers, which are typical for these kinds of applications.

Agrimax RT 855 is a radial tyres that combines high load capacity and excellent flotation performance.

Agrimax RT 765, instead, is a tyres of the BKT 70 series, ideal for equipping tractors employed in heavy-duty operations. Its wide footprint provides excellent traction on all sorts of surfaces.

Developing perfect tyres for vegetable and fruit farming, as well as for vineyards and orchards, is a challenge that BKT has taken up without hesitation.

Heading lively and steadily for broadening the tyre lineup with always new sizes that are suitable to equip diverse modern vehicles and machinery in the most differing applications, including vegetable and fruits farmlands, crops, vineyards and orchards, is BKT’s constant goal. They are driven by the awareness of being able to offer the perfect mix of performance, functionality, duration and driving Agrimax RT 765 . comfort as added value.

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Draslovka

A DAFF accredited and licensed soil fumigation company that specialise in soil fumigation for fruit-, vegetable- and berry farms, nurseries, golf courses, sports field and more.

ORCHARD REPLANT FUMIGATION

FULL SURFACE FUMIGATION

Replant disease (soil-borne diseases and eelworm) can only be eradicated by fumigation.

Fumigation eradicates all soil pathogens and specifically plant parasitic eelworm.

Draslovka Services RSA 021 903 2288 | 083 261 8478 www.draslovka-services.com

The 1st soil fumigation company that became a SAPCA member (South African Pests Control Association).

SPORTS FIELDS

GREENHOUSES

Fumigate before new grass seeds are sown to prevent it from getting infected by fungi and invested by parasitic nematodes.

Soil fumigation will help render the greenhouse’s soil without having to relocate the greenhouse to new unused soil.

ALGEMEEN

‘n Jaar van vordering en sukses 2018 was ‘n jaar van hoogtepunte vir die span by Nuvance, K2 se saadafdeling, wat aan die einde van 2018 hulle nuwe naam en identiteit aan die bedryf bekend gestel het.

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ROENTE & VRUGTE GESELS met Eugene Muller, besturende direkteur van K2, oor hoogtepunte in die afgelope jaar terwyl hy aan K2 se stuur was. Dié tydperk het vir hom vinnig verloop en hy vermeld slegs enkele hoogtepunte.

Daar was ‘n hernude doelgerigtheid binne K2, met verskillende afdelings wat elk opnuut gefokus is. Die bekendstelling van K2-Saad se groente-afdeling as Nuvance het by ‘n suksesvolle boeredag plaasgevind.

Nuvance is ‘n groep sterk individue wat as ‘n span funksioneer. Saam met die verkoopspan se positiewe ingesteldheid het goeie aanstellings en dryfkrag bygedra dat sake steeds gegroei het, selfs onder moeilike omstandighede.

Daar was ‘n sterk kultuurverandering en sterk inkoop in die waardes wat hulle intern rig, asook wilskrag in die span om werklik ‘n verskil te maak.

Geen jaar is sonder sy uitdagings nie en Eugene sê één daarvan is om in tye van onsekerheid steeds die regte besluite te neem sodat ‘n verskil oor die lang termyn gemaak kan word. Onder die huidige omstandighede was prestasie met tye onder druk, wat weer verhoudings met verskaffers onder druk geplaas het. Hulle glo egter dat hulle die regte aanpassings maak om te verseker dat die maatskappy se voetspoor verbeter en dat hulle volhoubare prestasie bewerkstellig.

Volgens Muller is die beskikbaarheid van werkskapitaal in die bedryf een van die groter uitdagings en risiko’s. Landbou bevind hom oor die algemeen in ‘n moeilike deel van die siklus en die kapasiteit van al die rolspelers in die waardeketting om tydige betalings te maak is onder druk. Die veran-

dering in die maatskappy beteken noodwendig ook dat daar nog klein jakkalsies uit gate spring, maar die span is gereed om hulle so gou moontlik hok te slaan. ‘n Belangrike faset van die naamsverandering is dat dit slegs K2 se groentesaadafdeling is wat voortaan as Nuvance bedryf word. Die grootste dryfveer agter die verandering was om eerstens seker te maak dié deel van die maatskappy kry die fokus en aandag wat dit nodig het, en dat dit nie maar net ‘n deel van die groter maatskappy is nie.

Dit was ook belangrik om ‘n identiteit te skep wat nie meer direk aan K2 se herkoms gekoppel is nie. Voorheen het die wanopvatting bestaan dat K2 slegs in die Karoo werksaam was. Die werklikheid is dat hulle nasionaal werk en mettertyd na lande in die Suider-Afrikaanse Ontwikkelingsgemeenskap (SAOG) gaan uitbrei. Tot dusver was die terugvoering positief, hoewel daar nog stelselveranderings en ander sake is wat aandag kry.

Muller sê in Nuvance is hulle doelwit om ‘n groter rolspeler in die bedryf te word. Hulle wil ‘n daadwerklike bydrae lewer vir voedselsekerheid in die SAOG. Dit is gevolglik belangrik dat die regte variëteite vir elke streek se behoefte beskikbaar sal wees. In die opsig deel Nuvance met die verskaffers van die voorstel genetika wêreldwyd, om te verseker dat die optimale oplossing aan kliënte beskikbaar gemaak word. Hulle kan egter nie net op die bemarking van groentesaad fokus nie, want advies en tegnologie begin alreeds ‘n groter rol speel.

“Ons wil werklik die produsent se hand vat en ‘n verskil maak in sy of haar onderneming,” sê Muller.

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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INSECT COLUMN

Bagrada bug

(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) They say dynamite comes in small packages. Truer words could not be said about Bagrada hilaris, also known as the African painted bug or simply the Bagrada bug. This little stink bug insect packs an explosive punch.

Andri Visser IPM PROGRAM, NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY, POTCHEFSTROOM

e-mail: visseran3@gmail.com

Bagrada Bug classification: Class: Insecta Order: Hemiptera Family: Hemiptera Genus: Bagrada Species: Bagrada hilaris

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DULT BAGRADA BUGS RANGE in size between 4 and 7 mm in length, and 3 to 4 mm in width. Their colouration is mostly black with red, yellow and white markings, and their shield-shaped bodies are typical of all stink bugs.

The male and female adults are very similar in appearance; however, females are noticeably larger than males. Like all other hemipterans, Bagrada bugs are hemimetabolous. This means their young (referred to as nymphs) resemble the adult stage to a large degree and do not undergo metamorphosis into pupae, but into larger nymphs that resemble adults.

The eggs are oval or barrel-shaped and can range in colour from opaque white to light red. Bagrada nymphs are bright red after hatching but become progressively darker as they moult.

Females generally lay eggs singly or in small clusters of 2-7 eggs in the soil beneath host plants. Eggs are occasionally oviposited on the undersides of leaves or on the stems of host plants. During the nymphal stage, Bagrada bugs undergo four moults, acquiring functional wings during last moult. The entire lifecycle spans over 21 to 35 days, depending on the favourability of the environmental conditions.

Bagrada bugs overwinter as adults; thus, several generations can occur throughout the year.

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The bugs mainly attack cultivated host plants in the Brassicaceae family, which include crops like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, canola and radish. However, they will readily accept a diverse range of secondary host crops such as legumes, cotton, wheat, millet, potato, lettuce, papaya and even rooibos tea. Apart from crops, Bagrada bugs will also feed on brassica weeds, which allow them to reproduce and sustain populations during the crop off-season.

All stages of Bagrada bugs are prone to aggregate on plants, and nymphs and adults are often found feeding in groups when infestation levels are high. They will feed on all aboveground plant parts by extracting sap using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Symptoms and the degree of damage depend on the type of crop, the growth stage of the plants and the affected plant parts. Generally, healthy, vigorous plants beyond the seedling stage will be less affected. However, seedlings are severely damaged due to feeding on the apical meristems (growing point of plants). Damage to the growing points leads to stunting and the development of unmarketable produce.

Some crops, including broccoli, cauliflower and head cabbage, may not produce any heads at all due to Bagrada damage – a condition known by farmers as “blind” plants.

Bagrada bug populations can increase rapidly, hence regular monitoring and early detection is a crucial part of an effective management strategy. Care must be taken, however, that the early nymphal stages of Bagrada bugs are not mistaken for ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), since they are similar in size and colouring to some species.

MARCH • APRIL 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

Tel: +27 31 311 5100 Fax: +27 31 465 4222 www.durban.gov.za/durbanfreshproducemarket

FRESHNESS FOR THE ZULU KINGDOM