Vegetables & Fruit January/February 2019

SINCE 1988

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019

Sheltering crops for a profitable future R40,00

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No 187

9 15 Nr 187

ISSN 1015-85 37

NEWS

Cover “Conscious decisions in all aspects of cultivation and production with the eye on the consumer of the future” – this was the key message at Interpoma 2018.

4 Farmers and agriculturists acknowledged 4 New CEO for GNFC 5 Verbruining by kernvrugte dalk iets van die verlede 5 Inner-city rooftop farming with ‘urban farmers’ 6 New Agri-intel website 6 Obaro wys verskaffer van die jaar aan 7 Ten millionth tree processed with drone software 7 Kaasfees vier 18de 9 Samesmelting plaas wynreus op koers vir langtermynsukses

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

TOMATOES 11 12 13

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Retail options for fresh produce Making a mark Relationships key to success for importing Moroccan product Sheltering crops for a profitable future

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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

DECIDUOUS FRUIT 15

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Apples: Sustainability, new varieties and global consumer trends Ongoing South African fruit initiative launches for eleventh year

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FERTILASATION & IRRIGATION 19

Grondgesondheid: Die belangrikste skakel in volhoubare voedselproduksie

Begin reg vir sukses met wortelontwikkeling Subtropical fruit continues upward trend in demand amid insatiable appetite SAMAC hosts macadamia industry day Do you know what’s happening?

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The Western Honeybee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

Slegs op intekening beskikbaar • Available only on subscription

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NEWS

Farmers and agriculturists acknowledged At a gala event held in Stellenbosch recently the Agricultural Writers SA announced the winners of the 2018 National Farmer, New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture and Agriculturist of the Year.

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NNUALLY, THE AGRICULTURAL WRITERS SA acknowledge outstanding achievements of commercial farmers, new entrants into commercial agriculture and agriculturists.

One of the aims of these awards is to give prominence to the role that farmers and agriculturists play in the agricultural sector in South Africa. It is also important to note that the award recipients also impact on the broader economy of the country and the southern African region.

The three national winners are: The 2018 National Farmer of the Year is Pieter Graaff, a farmer from Ceres in the Western Cape.

The 2018 New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture is Leonard Mavhugu, a farmer from the former Ciskei region of the Eastern Cape.

The 2018 Agriculturist of the Year is Wandile Sihlobo, an agricultural economist from Gauteng.

“Every day we are met with the challenge of feeding a growing world population. With these awards, Agricultural Writers SA acknowledges the role that farmers and agriculturists play in the agricultural sector and in addressing food security,” said Magda du Toit, chairperson of the Agricultural Writers SA.

New CEO for GNFC Green Farms Nut Company (GFNC) recently announced strategic appointments to their senior leadership team. Industry veteran, Allen Duncan, joins from JSE listed agribusiness Crookes Brothers as CEO.

“W

E ARE DELIGHTED TO have Allen and Graeme join the team. They will be integral to focussing the business and successfully implementing our strategy to take advantage, on behalf of our growers, the market opportunities ahead. Against unprecedented growth, changes and maturation of the macadamia industry this signals our ongoing commitment to deliver for farmers, and investment into shaping the company for the future,” says Jill Whyte, who will step down as CEO and take an active role as the company’s Chairperson.

Allen Duncan needs no introduction to the macadamia industry. His international experience of 20 years at executive level – across the board from listed agribusinesses to running his own farming operation, consistently demonstrates strong

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leadership and people management skills.

“The opportunity to join a visionary and forward thinking organisation like GFNC is a challenge I am very much looking forward to. No other business has through-the-line investment in the industry from farming, to processing, to being one of the largest marketers of product around the globe, as well as creating value through product innovation. This exposure enables a truly macro view of how the industry will evolve in time to come. It is an exciting time to be involved in the macadamia revolution. GFNC has built sound integrity with farmers, customers and employees; coupled with their ongoing search for truly transformational partnerships makes it a one of kind business,” says incoming CEO, Duncan.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

NUUS

Verbruining by kernvrugte dalk iets van die verlede ‘n Uiters gevorderde stelsel wat eienskappe soos suikerinhoud, waterkern en defekte soos kernvrot en interne verbruining by kernvrugte meet, is by vier van MED Automation en GREEFA se kliënte geïnstalleer.

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IE VOORDEEL VAN DIE nuwe generasie ontleding, Internal Flavour Analysis (IFA), is dat lig die hele vrug binnedring en die spektrum aan die ander kant van die vrug ontleed kan word, pleks van die refleksie-beginsel van ander stelsels. Tot soveel as 80 vrugte per sekonde kan met die nuwe metode gemeet word.

Philip van Wyk van MED Automation wys veral op die besonder akkurate meting van interne verbruining. Vrugte met selfs die geringste tekens hiervan kan van uitvoermarkte weggehou word. Interne verbruining het die bedryf voor 2016 kwaai skade berokken. “Met IFA het ons nou ‘n uitstekende hoëspoed-instrument om herhalings hiervan te voorkom.

Met vorige probleme op Pink Lady het die stelsel se akkuraatheid van 98% gou sy voordele begin toon,” sê Van Wyk. Buiten dat raaiwerk uitgeskakel word, help dit ook om vrugte wat weens verbruining nie uitgevoer kan word nie, vir verskillende doeleindes soos sap of inmaak op die plaaslike mark in te deel.

Die IFA-stelsels kan op huidige GREEFA sorteermasjiene geïnstalleer word en dit neem ongeveer twee weke vir installasie en opleiding op die perseel.

“Oor die algemeen is die inwerkingstelling baie flink en gebruikersvriendelik,” voeg Van Wyk by.

Inner-city rooftop farming with ‘urban farmers’ SAB and AB InBev Africa has introduced its first group of “urban farmers” in Johannesburg’s inner-city and surrounds with the installation of three 200 m² rooftop farms, facilitated by its youth entrepreneurship programme, SAB KickStart.

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HE FARMS, SITUATED AT the top of 1 Fox Street in Braamfontein and at Outreach Foundation in Hillborw, are run by seven young agri-entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.

The Rooftop Farms are supported by a newly formed brand called “Hola Harvest”, under which they produce a wide range of fresh produce such as leafy vegetables, strawberries, chillies and violli flowers. The produce will be sold to restaurants and local communities around Johannesburg Central and the profits will go to the entrepreneurs themselves to assist them in managing their businesses.

SAB and AB InBev join a number of organisations globally, that see opportunities in restricted spatial areas such as city centre building roof spaces to farm a vast variety of produce that will be sold to local markets.

“Global ecological challenges present opportunities for intrepid entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions,” says Phumzile Chifunyise, enterprise development manager, SAB and AB InBev Africa. “This will not only address the problem facing the sustainability of the earth and the survival of its people, but assists the drive towards creating much-needed jobs. Through this project, we are also demystifying the misconceptions of agriculture by making farming more attractive to the younger generation.

“Rooftop farming is a concept growing in popularity for being a smart and no-fuss solution to helping address, on a small scale, eco-social and economic challenges. It requires

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

minimal infrastructure and can be developed over a short period of time to yield quick results. We are always looking for innovative ways in which to improve people’s lives and society as a whole, and urban agriculture provides us this platform,” says Chifunyise.

The rooftop farms are well equipped to accommodate all seasonal weather conditions. Plastic sheet roof tunnels keep the plants warm in winter and protect them from severe whether such as storms and hail in the summer months. The sheets can be retracted to release heat, if necessary.

Back row: Sibusiso Mahlangu, Sibongile Cele, Fezile Msomi, Puseletso Mamogale and Khaya Maloney. Front row: Siyabonga Mngoma and Themba Baladzi

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NEWS

New Agri-intel website Agri-Intel has launched its new website. Many users are already aware of the benefits that Agri-Intel offers, so it comes as no surprise that the newly launched website, with a more user-friendly interface, has been well received by producers, exporters, agro-chemical representatives and industry stakeholders alike.

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GRI-INTEL OFFERS EASY access to a comprehensive database of all chemical, biological and natural crop protection and public health products registered for use in South Africa, including product labels, safety data sheets (SDS) and information on maximum residue limits (MRL) and withholding periods. Users are able to search for product information by active ingredient, crop or uses, targets, registration holders, registration numbers, categories or trade names. Users are also able to compare the label information of these products.

“The data was edited into a different format for the new website and additional information was added. Great care was taken to ensure that the information was displayed correctly. Another new feature is that data can be edited, uploaded and displayed in real time. Users are encouraged to contact us should they have any queries” says Chana-Lee White, Agri-Intel manager.

Of particular interest to exporters and growers is the ability

to search MRL data for South Africa and a number of export destinations, pre-harvest intervals (PHI) as well as market preferences for some of the major European retailers.

“Local and international regulatory authorities set MRL values for pesticide residues in or on food products, to ensure that consumers have access to safe and legal food which do not pose any health risks. MRL data therefore play a critical role in the fresh produce industry which greatly depends on the usage of pesticides to protect crops. It is important for growers, advisors and exporters to keep up to date with MRL and retailer requirements of local market and export destinations to ensure market access. If a pesticide residue exceeds the MRL, the fresh produce commodity will be withdrawn from the market which in turn could have negative implications on trade,” says Luigia Steyn, MRL consultant to CropLife South Africa.

You can find the website at www.agri-intel.com

Obaro wys verskaffer van die jaar aan Protek is weer eens as die landboumaatskappy Obaro se Verskaffer van die Jaar 2018 aangewys.

Obaro het hul top-verskaffers bedank vir hul bydrae om Obaro se “droom” te verwesenlik, naamlik om die boer se besigheid op elke plaas te wees. Die toekennings dien as erkenning vir die rol wat verskaffers in die maatskappy se uiteindelike sukses speel.

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EWE VAN OBARO SE verskaffers is as finaliste benoem.

Die finaliste is uit verskillende kategorieë aangewys, wat onder meer besproeiing, meganisasie, hardeware, buitelewe, landbou- en tuinbouchemikalieë, saad en brandstof insluit.

Die finaliste was Titan Products, Petrow Agri, Willard Batterye, Bafana Petroleum, RAP Technologies, Voermol en Protek.

Algemene dienslewering, verkope en produkgehalte het as kriteria gedien en ’n persentasiepunt is aan elke verskaffer toegeken. Titan Products het die derde plek behaal en Bafana Petroleum die tweede plek. Protek is vir die derde agtereenvolgende jaar as Obaro se Verskaffer van die Jaar aangewys.

“Ons vier die jaar wat was en die jaar wat gaan wees. Ons sien uit na dit wat die toekoms inhou,” het Nic Bronkhorst, besturende direkteur van Obaro, gesê.

Hy het verder verskaffers bedank vir die toewyding waarmee hulle elke dag ‘n invloed op landbou het. Nic het ook samewerking tussen alle rolspelers in landbou benadruk.

“Dit is slegs deur samewerking wat ons verandering in

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landbou teweeg kan bring. Dit is ons verantwoordelikheid om betrokke te raak by ons gemeenskappe en ‘n positiewe invloed op ons plaaslike omgewings te hê.”

David Claassen (Jonsson), Jan Enslin (Northmec), Willie Coetzer (Engen), Norman Lundy (Bafana Petroleum), Riaan Grobler (Avidan), Tobie van den Heever (Irrigation Unlimited), Hein Meyer (Bayer) en Leon Fourie (Koedoeskop Kunsmis) is tydens Obaro se geleentheid met spesiale toekennings vir uitnemende diens vereer.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

NUUS

Ten millionth tree processed with drone software Precision agriculture company Aerobotics recently announced that it reached the 10 million milestone of processed trees and vines in Aerobotics’ proprietary software. The announcement was made by CFO and Head of Growth Tim Willis at the AfricaCom event at the Cape Town International Convention Center.

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ILLIS MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT during his presentation about harnessing the opportunity given to agriculture by leveraging artificial intelligence. Willis explained that the proprietary artificial intelligence software gets stronger and more efficient the more data that is processed through the software.

“Today, we are proud to announce that we have processed 10 million trees in Aerobotics’ software, making our artificial intelligence and solutions stronger and more efficient,” said Willis. “This is not just a major milestone for our company because of the massive number of trees we have processed, but also for the agriculture industry as we are better positioned to help tree and vine farmers around the world.”

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 information, which is displayed through web and mobile apps, helps solve early problems with pests, diseases and stress. 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. “We are increasingly hearing from our farmers that the information we are able to provide them through our products and solutions are enabling them to make better decisions,” said Willis. “Whether it is the early detection of varying vigor on wine farms, thrips on citrus farms or anything in between, farmers can mitigate

CFO and Head of Growth Tim Willis making 10 million tree announcement at AfricaCom’s AI Summit.

damage to their crop earlier than they would have with just the naked eye.”

The level of overall growth in processed trees has increased dramatically over the past six months. The company attributed this rapid growth to putting the farmer at the forefront of its mission. This has enabled them to create and improve its products and services in a way that strongly resonates with farmers around the world.

“We have made it a strategic imperative to keep the farmer at the forefront of our mission,” said co-founder and CEO James Paterson. “Nothing happens in Aerobotics unless it benefits the farmer. We believe this is why we have seen such rapid growth over the last five months and why we expect this growth to continue.”

Kaasfees vier 18de Die gewilde Suid-Afrikaanse Kaasfees vier in 2019 ‘n groot mylpaal, sy 18de bestaansjaar.

Feesgangers kan uitsien na ‘n waarlik unieke ervaring van kaas en méér tydens die driedaagse fees van Vrydag 26 April tot Sondag 28 April 2019 op Sandringham buite Stellenbosch.

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NTDEK DIE GROOTSTE verskeidenheid van plaaslike en internasionale kase, geniet opwindende proekombinasies, leer ken die mense en stories agter nisprodukte en

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

kuier saam met familie en vriende.

Die feesprogram sluit kosteaters met pas-en-proesessies in, asook musiekoptredes en prettige aktiwiteite soos die daaglikse Ladismith Kaaskerfkompetisie.

Kaasliefhebbers wat ‘n meer eksklusiewe belewenis verkies, kan vir die Fynproewerservaring bespreek waarvoor daar slegs ‘n beperkte aantal kaartjies beskikbaar is. Die Fynproewerspakket is beskikbaar by Claudine Wagner by claudine@agriexpo.co.za.

Ontdek meer oor die SA Kaasfees se groot 18-jaar viering by www.cheesefestival.co.za, of kontak Agri-Expo by tel 021 975 4440 of admin@agriexpo.co.za.

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Oplossings gedryf deur advies.

Saad | Wetenskap | Diens

Sorbetto* • • • • •

‘Mini-plum’ vrugtipe Gemiddelde vrugmassa van 25 g Brix 8-10 Diep rooi kleur Toleransie teen ToMV en Fol: 0, 1

Dolcetto* • • • •

Helder rooi druifvormige kersietamatie Gemiddelde vrugmassa tussen 10 tot 15 g Brix 10 Toleransie teen ToMV en Fol: 0, 1

SV 6112 TH* • • • •

Onbeperkte tamatie Geskik vir oopland en onderbeskermingproduksie Uitstekende vrugkwaliteit met volwassenheid Goeie siektepakket

Teccadade* • • • •

•

Vroeë, ronde beperkte tamatie Helder rooi met medium tot dik wande 180 tot 220 g gemiddelde vrugmassa Tolerant teen Verticilium, Fusarium wilt 1,2 en 3 , TMV en TYLCV Goeie raklewe

| www.nuvance.co.za |

NUUS

Wandsbeck Kelder

Samesmelting plaas wynreus op koers vir langtermynsukses Die Bonnievale Wynkelder-groep en Wandsbeck Wyne het saamgesmelt om ’n wynmaatskappy met bates van meer as R300 m te word. Die twee wynkelders in die Robertson-streek se samesmelting het die stigting van een van die Kaap se grootste wynprodusente, wat as Bonnievale Wynkelder Edms.

Bpk. bekend sal wees, tot gevolg.

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IE OOREENKOMS VOLG OP samesprekings tussen produsentelede en direkteure wat langer as 15 maande geduur het. Die besluit is in November 2018 by ’n gesamentlike stemming van die aandeelhouer-lede bekragtig.

“Wandsbeck Wyne is opgewonde om met Bonnievale Wynkelder saam te smelt,” sê Wandsbeck-voorsitter, Philbert Lourens. “Wandsbeck het goeie kultivar-diversiteit, ’n unieke styl en klimaat, wat alles sal bydra tot die groep se doelwitte en prestasies.

“Wandsbeck se ledetal en tonnemaat het die afgelope paar jaar afgeneem en die verwagting is dat die groter maatskappy die produksiekoste sal laat daal en winsgewindheid sal laat styg. Ons het ten doel om ’n goeie ekonomiese en volhoubare toekoms vir ons lede te skep.”

Volgens die Bonnievale Wynkelder-groep se voorsitter, Anton Smuts, het die veranderende produksie- en bemarkingstoestande hierdie samesmelting-strategie aangespoor om produsent-volhoubaarheid en -winsgewendheid, produk-verskaffing en uitbreiding en langtermyn marksekuriteit en toekomstige groei, te verseker.

“Die bedryf sal moet konsolideer en hergroepeer – van beide ’n produksie- en ’n bemarkingsperspektief – om langtermyn-volhoubaarheid en dinamiese vooruitgang teweeg te bring. Hierdie amalgamasie skep voorts ’n wyer voetspoor vir terroir-moontlikhede, wat die huidige spektrum versterk en uitbrei.

“Die leierspanne van beide Bonnievale en Wandsbeck het die noodsaaklikheid geïdentifiseer om ’n aantreklike en soliede platform te skep, wat ons druifprodusente aanspoor om nuwe wingerde te plant en langtermyn-winsgewendheid en groei te verseker.”

Volgens die ooreenkoms gaan produksie by die bestaande fasiliteite voort – drie van die Bonnievale Wynkelder-groep en een by Wandsbeck. Elke wynkelder sal op volle kapasiteit funksioneer, met ’n wynmaker en produksiespan in die kelder.

Ná die samesmelting is die kelderkapasiteit 40 000 ton.

Al die wynmakers bly in hul huidige poste en rapporteer aan die hoofwynmaker, Marthinus Rademeyer. Die bestuur en administratiewe personeel gaan by die voormalige Bonnievale Wynkelder-groep se kantore werk, wat ook die

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

Bonnievale Wynkelder Edms. Bpk.

tuiste is van die handelsmerk-gasvryheidsentrum en kliëntediens-middelpunt vir altwee groepe.

Die uitvoerende hoof van die Bonnievale Wynkelder-groep, John Barnardt, is in dieselfde posisie aangestel as uitvoerende hoof van Bonnievale Wynkelder Edms. Bpk. Bemagtiging bly steeds ’n groot fokus onder Bonnievale Wynkelder Edms. Bpk. Dit sluit ’n fokus op wingerd-eienaarskap, wat hoofsaaklik deur vryemark vraag-en-aanbod aangedryf word, maar met die hooffokus op bestaande plase in swart besit, verhoogde deelname in middel- en senior wynkelderbestuur, SEB-aandeelhouding in ’n filiaal wynbemarkingsmaatskappy en verhoogde deelname in gemeenskapsprojekte.

Wandsbeck is in 1965 gestig en was tot 2004 as Agterkliphoogte Koöperatiewe Kelder bekend – vernoem na die gebied waar dit geleë is. Die wynkelder is sowat 60 km van Bonnievale. Sy eie handelsmerk-reeks sluit ’n diverse portefeulje rooi- en wit-, droë- en soetwyn en druiwesap in.

Dit is die tweede amalgamasie wat die Bonnievale Wynkeldergroep in 12 jaar afhandel. Die Bonnievale Wynkelder Koöperatief Bpk. is in November 2006 gestig, ná die drieledige samesmelting van Bonnievale-, Merwespont- en Nordale koöperatiewe wynkelders.

Die volgehoue fokus op hoë kwaliteit en hoë waarde, het onlangs die opknapping van sy portefeulje en bekendstelling van die River Collection-reeks ingesluit, wat reeds plaaslike en internasionale toekennings ingepalm het.

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BIND-WEIGH-PRINT-BAG

Retail Options for Quality Produce “ECO” Narrow Binding Machine

• Binds fresh produce in bundles • Uses elastics of various sizes as knotting material • Time cycle - less than one second • Can be used as stand-alone binding machine or fully integrated into packaging line

Installed and GUARANTEED by

NEWTEC 4012B 12 Head Weighing Machine DAUMAR 4012B2 Automatic Welding Machine Combo

THE AD SHOP 3318

• Convenient Carry Handle • High Quality Multi Colour Graphics • Non-abrasive Net Bagging for Breathability

CAPE TOWN Tel: 021-534 0215 DURBAN Tel: 031-569 4199 JOHANNESBURG Tel: 011-312 4976 sales@goldpack.co.za www.goldpack.co.za

TAMATIES

A bushel of mint binded with Kwik Lok.

Retail options for fresh produce

A demanding and discerning market requires fresh vegetables to be displayed in a number of ways.

There are simple options that allow the consumer to see, touch and feel the natural produce prior to purchase, and sophisticated options, that present accurately weighed produce in brightly branded bags with a carry handle.

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OLDPACK AS THE SOLE agents for many types of fresh produce packaging can supply multiple options, i.e. individually or in combination.

At the simple end is the Arc range of binding machines.

Manufactured in France and imported into RSA, this range is ideal for market gardeners, horticulturalists and nursery owners.

These handy machines bind the produce with either self-adhesive tape or elastic string and can be used as a stand-alone option or in combination with a bunching line.

This hi-speed but simple solution has a cycle time of less than a second and can bind any produce that has a stalk. It provides a neat, quick and environmentally friendly solution for the presentation of unprocessed vegetables and herbs.

This is ideal for leeks, onions, asparagus, Swiss chard, parsley and many other herbs, as well as for bundling cucumbers and or carrots. The same system can also be used to bind cut flowers.

For upgraded branding while maintaining the simplicity, the Arc binding machine can be combined with a Kwik Lok – this option is called kwik link. This is the best of both worlds, where a Kwik Lok label can be applied with a bar code as well.

At the other end of the scale is the Spanish Daumer automatic bagging machine for net / film combinations. These machines are designed to be vertically integrated with a Newtec weigher from Denmark and pack the produce into a sophisticated D-Pack. The packs are created in-line and support front-face branding, bright net colours and a carryhandle. The Daumer machinery in conjunction with the Newtec weigher provides accuracy, simplicity, versatility and high productivity.

Arc binding machine combined with a Kwik Lok.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

Tomatoes bagged with the Spanish Daumer automatic bagging machine for net / film combinations.

Bag sizes range from 0,5 kg to 5 kg and the machine can produce up to 32 bags per minute. A direct thermal transfer printer is an added option.

The system is ideal for delicate high-value produce such as citrus, tomatoes, avocados, pears, apples, onions, potatoes and garlic and is beloved by consumers because of the convenience and quality associated with the pack. Maintenance is via a remote Ethernet port, so downtime is minimal.

Whatever a client’s needs, Goldpack packaging is able to supply a modern and cost effective solution for fresh produce packaging.

Goldpack are specialists in packaging machinery, packhouse equipment and end-of-line automation. They provide a customer centric, all-encompassing approach to end-of-line packaging in their serviced markets.

For more information, call Trevor Reardon on 031 569 4199 or email trevor@goldpack.co.za or take a look at the website www.goldpack.co.za.

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TOMATOES

Making a mark Howard Champ SEMINIS

Amongst the numerous vegetable varieties on offer by Nuvance, a significant segment of their product portfolio is the tomato varieties from Seminis. With an assortment of indeterminate varieties such as SV6112TH*, SV3725TH, SV7846TH and SV4129TH*, Nuvance has a tomato variety best suited for different areas, production methods and target markets based on the grower’s preferences. In consultation with Nuvance, the correct variety is identified for each grower to ensure the highest returns with minimal input costs.

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NE SUCH PARTNERSHIP WAS with a small-scale grower just outside Bathurst in the Eastern Cape. The grower, Samuel Chitura, was looking for a tomato variety that could consistently produce similarly sized fruit throughout its production cycle for the retail market. He also wanted a variety that could withstand the harsh elements, has a good disease package whilst being vigorous enough to grow with minimal fertiliser application. Based thereon, the variety SV4129TH* was recommended to best fulfil his wishes.

This specific Seminis variety is an indeterminate tomato which reliably produces a 120 g to 160 g fruit. It is early maturing, thus during the summer months growers can expect to start harvesting the first fruit in a mere 60 days after transplant. Its comprehensive disease package includes high resistance against Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Leaf mould (Ff), Fusarium wilt (Fol), Fusarium crown and root rot (For), Verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum (Va) and Verticillium dahlia (Vd) and intermediate resistance against Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV).

Mr Chitura transplanted the seedlings directly into the soil inside his plastic tunnels with only minimal soil preparation and no basal fertiliser due to a strict planting deadline. Fertiliser was applied post-planting by hand after the seedlings had been well-watered. Irrigation was applied via drippers onto a double ridge. Once the seedlings were established after two days of monitoring and frequent irrigation, watering was withheld for the subsequent 10 days. Then a basal cup (30 g) of 2:3:4 was applied in a small shallow hole roughly 50 mm from each plant. The standard irrigation schedule was followed, with one heavy watering per day at / or after 11 am.

In an attempt to reduce cost, crop scouting was at the order of the day as Chitura opted not to spray on a preventative basis but rather react on a curative basis. Regular scouting proved to be very effective and allowed Chitura to reduce the spraying instances to less than 10 days on average. When he did however spray, he used a mixture of Chlorothalonil and Pegasus.

SV4129TH* during one of the initial harvests.

Stems of SV4129TH* after numerous harvests.

At 32 weeks, each plant received 650 ml twice per day, effectively delivering 1 300 ml/day/plant on weak sandy-clayloam soils. Plants were trellised to a height of 2,5 m and then de-leaved up to the 5th truss from the bottom. After approximately 26 weeks, the main stems were dropped to allow further aerial growth and truss production.

To date, the average plant produced 13 trusses whilst being remarkably healthy and showing no signs of slowing down.

Chitura is confident that he will be able to extend the production period of the SV4129TH* until February 2019, which equates to at least 40 weeks after transplant, which is an outstanding result, even more so, given the sub-optimal growing conditions. For the last months, the average fruit size was ±130 g, with very little variation. It is important to note that fruit are being picked slightly early to avoid theft temptation, if left a little longer however, the fruit could easily reach ±150 g.

From the images it becomes evident how resilient and productive SV4129TH* can be. This is a great measure of the Seminis tomato varieties and what they have to offer grower across South Africa. Please visit www.seminis.co.za for more information on all the available varieties and contact the nearest Nuvance sales office (www.nuvance.co.za) to get the right Seminis tomato variety for your area.

Varieties listed throughout this article, marked with * indicate that the cultivar is currently undergoing trials and will thereafter be submitted for registration.

SV4129TH* received a daily mix of the following:

12

Potassium Nitrate

Mono Ammonium Phosphate

Sulphate of Potash

Calcium Nitrate

0,26 g / plant

0,08 g / plant

0,04 g / plant

0,4 g / plant

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

TAMATIES

Relationships key to success for importing Moroccan product In recent years, tomato production in the North African country Morocco has grown steadily.

However, Moroccan exporters and European importers don’t always have good, mutual experiences. Relationships are the key to success, emphasises Jean-Paul Nuijten of Special Tom, who started his own production project in 2017. He is specialised in the import from Morocco and Spain.

M

OROCCO HAS FOUR PRODUCTION regions for tomatoes. As the son of a grower, Jean-Paul has experience in the production of tomatoes. His greenhouse can be found in Agadir, in the north of the country.

“A lot of Moroccan exporters have had bad experiences with export to Europe in the past,” he says. Those who invest in their relationship with the Moroccan traders can be successful. When Nuijten started his own business, he already had contacts in Morocco. Those suppliers helped him build his company. “We started with baby plum tomatoes, but we soon also had cherry, cherry vine and round tomatoes in our assortment.”

Import tomatoes are a totally different market “When your affairs aren’t in order, import from Morocco is doomed to fail,” Nuijten says. “It’ll cost you. For example, it’s important to regularly visit suppliers.”

“The market for import tomatoes can’t be compared to the market for Dutch tomatoes,” he continues. The biggest difference is due to transport times. From the North African country, the tomatoes are on the road for four to five days.

The tomatoes are harvested two to three days before that.

The packing station and transport are therefore crucial factors for the quality of the tomatoes.

Import from Morocco is only viable in the months without import levies and when prices are high enough to compensate for the levies. “Levies are dropped on 1 November, and we can then import until 1 April,” Nuijten explains. The Moroccan government implements export quotas for the growers, which limits supply. On the other hand, the EU implements import levies on Moroccan tomatoes to protect the market.

This year, the supermarkets had Dutch tomatoes longer.

That made it difficult for the import of tomatoes from Morocco and Spain.

Because of the changeable weather, the Spanish season had a delayed start. In 2017, the entire season was “dramatic.” Prices were high, but because of the disappointing harvest, there were not enough Spanish products to sell. “The Moroccan production of round tomatoes received quite a

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

blow in 2017, a lot of growers decided to do something else.”

Although demand peaks in the winter months, Northwestern Europe also has demand for Spanish tomatoes in the summer months. The Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia are the most important markets for Special Tom. Own production and expansion of the assortment As of last year, Special Tom has had their own production in plastic greenhouses in Agadir. The plants grow on coconut matting, so that we remain free of viruses.

An additional advantage is that applying manure and water can be guided better, so that flavour is improved. He also shares this knowledge of the tomato production with other growers.

To keep his knowledge up-to-date, Jean-Paul also visits production companies in countries such as Spain, Turkey and Egypt. “We’re trying to extend supply to other countries, such as Senegal and Egypt..

For more information: Special Tom, Jean-Paul Nuijten, email: jp@specialtom.com www.specialtom.com.

Jean-Paul Nuijten.

13

TOMATOES

Planting tomatoes under the right type of shading can help with yield.

Sheltering crops for a profitable future The future of shade net in the agricultural sector is growing at an exciting pace. Many farmers have already made the choice to erect large-scale shade net structures and are reaping the benefits from it.

G

ROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE is directly related to a plant’s environment and food source. In the shortterm, shade net structures boost farmers’ profits, by cutting costs and increasing their quality of yields. Over the longer term, it may even contribute to the solution of feeding the world’s growing population.

A well-constructed shade house can provide the grower with a protected microclimate, ideal for seedlings, vegetables, cut flowers, pot plants, etc. In hot climates, vegetables and cut flowers are grown under shade cloth to reduce heat and light intensity. With the help of science, innovative light manipulation and UV management, photo-selective colour netting creates an environment that can be manipulated into optimal growing conditions for crops to flourish in. Shade netting can also help benefit water efficiency as it reduces the amount of evaporation from free water surfaces.

The key is to provide the plant with the best quality of light, but what is meant by light quality? Photosynthesis is most efficiently driven by blue and red light. Blue light with a wavelength range of 425 to 500 nm is particularly important for the initial stage of plant growth as well as during the blooming and fruit colouring process due to its higher energy level. Red light, on the other hand, with a wavelength range of 650 to 700 nm, provides for excellent plant growth and development due to its moderate energy level.

Tomatoes grown under net.

14

The SpectraNet range gives producers the highest results and best return on their investment.

In the production of fruit, vegetables or flowers one must appreciate that in order to obtain best quality in fruit size and colour or vegetable size or flower size and stem length, the quantity of blue and red light as well as the ratio of blue to red light must be manipulated by the grower. This process is done by using SpectraNet in different densities and colours or a combination thereof to absorb, reflect, transmit and diffuse selected light wavelengths as required for specific plants.

Knittex commenced trading in 1964 and has since grown to be an industry-leading manufacturer of high quality knitted fabric that is durable and 100% recyclable. Their SpectraNet range gives producers the highest results and best return on their investment. This is backed by years of research and development to ensure that nets have a guaranteed lifespan of 10 years or more.

Some other advantages of their nets is that the fabric does not unravel when cut. If the material is damaged, repair work can easily be done. Due to the flexibility, durability and lightweight of Knittex’s fabric, it is easy to erect and it is a very economical cover and it breathes, due to the open mesh configuration.

It is very important to note that there is no universal shade net to manipulate light. Each plant has its own unique requirement, and each region and crop has its own challenges.

Speak to one of the Knittex specialists for the best advice for shade netting needs. Tel: 011 692 1658 or e-mail: clientliaison@knittex.co.za or visit www.knittex.co.za.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

DECIDUOUS FRUIT

Interpoma, the biggest trade show of its kind focussing on the cultivation, storage and marketing of apples.

Apples: Sustainability, new varieties and global consumer trends Carmé Naudé HORTGRO

“Conscious decisions in all aspects of cultivation and production with the eye on the consumer of the future” – this was the key message to delegates at Interpoma 2018.

This 11th apple trade which was held in Bolzano, Italy, is aptly named “the apple capital of Europe”, as every tenth apple that is grown in Europe, grows in South Tyrol. It is also home to 7 000 farming families who cultivate their own orchards.

I

NTERPOMA IS THE BIGGEST trade show of its kind and focuses on the cultivation, storage and marketing of apples.

This year there were 489 exhibitors from 24 countries and 20 000 professional visitors from around the world.

Hortgro’s Carmé Naudé attended and reports on a presentation by Walter Guerra from the Laimburg Agricultural Research Centre in Auer Italy, who shared his ideas on global trends in variety innovation.

According to Guerra, the consumer wants a bigger and brighter Gala variety of which mutations exist as the Gala is able to “hold its own in the market”. Especially the red flesh varieties are becoming more popular and commercial entities are considering market entrance. He emphasized that rigorous quality assessment and testing should be done on new varieties to eliminate the potential risk of an under-par product entering the market too soon.

Around the world, there are about a hundred different breeding technologies. Breeding scab-resistant varieties

should be one of the focus areas for the future, according to Guerra. Some of the most commonly grown scab-resistant varieties are Topaz, Modi, GoldRush, Ariane, Opal, Crimson Crisp, Juliet and Rubinoloa. In the trails and orchards, there are red-fleshed varieties, of which most are scab-resistant. The most well-known are Redlove, RedMoon and Kissabel. Not only club varieties but free market varieties are also entering and enabling the markets.

“Adapt varieties to the consumer and not the consumer to the varieties,” Guerra said. “Global drought conditions lead to water scarcity and stricter legislation and governing of its use. It has become tougher and more expensive for growers to comply with water-use standards. Planting varieties that are more adaptive to perform better in drier conditions should be of huge interest. Growers face greater competition for a potentially more expensive, yet dwelling supply of water in the future.

“It would be difficult for Spain to plant new varieties because TO PAGE 16

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

15

DECIDUOUS FRUIT

Apples: Sustainability, new varieties and global consumer trends FROM PAGE 15 Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Jonagored, Honeycrisp, Jazz, Pinova, Red Jonaprince, Ambrosia and Kanzi.

The Southern hemisphere holds the largest share in production, around 60%. Exports to Europe have been declining and been in favour of Asian markets. Pink Lady, Jazz and Fuji are increasing in production because of the preference towards well-coloured and sweet apples. There is also a growing interest in club varieties such as Ambrosia and Envy. For the Asian markets the brand is more important than whether it is a club variety or not, therefore it is not essential to cultivate a club variety to guarantee success.

Multi-resistant crosses of apple will be on the market within the next decade and rootstock choice is very important, concluded Guerra.

Multi-resistant crosses of apple will be on the market within the next decade.

of their extreme weather conditions and climate. In contrast, Switzerland is a playground for new varieties and with regards to club varieties, Switzerland would be consi- dered a relatively closed market. China’s preference would be the Fuji because of its shelf life and aroma. They have already started planting Crisp pink and we will see more new varieties coming from China in the future, like ‘Venus Gold’.”

According to Guerra, the Arctic apple is also one to watch because of its transgenic non-browning trait that is done by eliminating enxymatic browning through Polypenol oxidase (PPO) gene silencing. The varieties that have been sold in the USA from October 2017 under the Arctic apple brand, is Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Fuji apples. Honeycrisp is a big seller with regards to consumer consumption. The EU is trying to expand and plant more of this variety. The Italian markets distinguish themselves from the main competitors and will continue to do so in the future.

“As the markets are changing in variety preferences, the grower will need to adapt and make a varietal change as well,” Guerra said. Among the varieties whose share in the global markets will increase until 2025, Guerra mentioned

What the South African delegates had to say: “We as growers should demand quality rootstocks and not accept substandard rootstocks from nurseries. Quality rootstocks equal good yields.” – Frederick Conradie, technical advisor.

“Attention to detail! We have to go back to the individual tree as well as do the basics on time.” – Keith Bradley, Fruitways.

“With climate change, the stress index on the trees change and they react differently. Thinning profiles are very important.” – Prof Karen Theron, Stellenbosch University.

Growers had the chance to look at different varieties.

Visitors had the chance to look at the newest technology.

Walter Guerra from the Laimburg Agricultural Research Centre in Auer Italy who shared his ideas on global trends in variety innovation.

16

The trade show had multiple opportunities for networking.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

DECIDUOUS FRUIT

Hortgro worked with retailers, the media and directly with consumers to promote under the Beautiful Country, Beautiful Fruit banner.

Ongoing South African fruit initiative launches for eleventh year

HORTGRO

South African growers begin preparations for their 2018/19 campaign to support the development of the UK market for their fruit.

I

T’S THE ELEVENTH SUCCESSIVE year that Hortgro, the organisation representing South African growers of stone fruit and top fruit, has worked with retailers, the media and directly with consumers to promote under the Beautiful Country, Beautiful Fruit banner. The initiative began in 2009 with a pilot project on plums and rolled out to peaches, nectarines, apples and pears the following year.

A severe drought in South Africa affected volumes of stone fruit exported during the 2017/18 season. However, volumes are looking set to return closer to a normal crop during the 2018/19 season. Young orchards coming into production will also contribute to the expected increase – a 5% increase was expected for nectarines and 8% for peaches. Plums are likely to see a slight decrease early season, but the mid to late season volumes will hopefully bring the total export estimate up by 7% on the previous season.

Annual activity begins in the stone fruit season, which runs from November to May. This year, it will feature a promotional offer, which will be advertised on packs of South African fruit and in consumer magazines.

Hortgro will be running in-store point-of-sale material, online advertising and advertorials in store magazines – as well as head office sampling for some of its best varieties of stone fruit and presenting the yearly South African Stone Fruit Retailer of the Year award, which rewards performance and support for the category during the previous season.

This will be supported by the long-standing Help a South African School initiative, which aims to teach UK schoolchildren about how buying South African fruit has helped to develop the country and its people. Schools around the UK donate unwanted story and text books to send to primary schools in South Africa. The South African Young Chef of the Year competition will also launch, which aims to discover the UK’s top young chef in South African cuisine.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

Young orchards coming into production will also contribute to the expected increase - a 5% increase.

A severe drought in South Africa affected volumes of stone fruit exported during the 2017/18 season.

As the campaign moves through the 2018/19 seasons for stone fruit and top fruit, it will be further supported with outdoor and print advertising, advertorials and editorial in the trade and consumer press, showcasing the great flavour and freshness of South African fruit, the ethical reasons for buying it and the exclusive varieties growers in the country produce.

17

GESONDE GROND IS 'N KRITIESE SUKSESFAKTOR OM EFFEKTIEWE PRODUKSIE EN VOEDSELVEILIGHEID VIR 9 MILJARD MENSE TEEN 2050 TE VERSEKER

WAARUIT BESTAAN GROND? 25% LUG

45% MINERALE

5% ORGANIESE MATERIAAL

25% WATER

GEWAS DEKLAAG GESONDE GROND

GESONDE GROND LEI TOT GESONDE

GEWASSE

PRODUKSIE EENHEDE

EKOSISTEME

VOEDSEL

WAAROM IS GRONDGESONDHEID BELANGRIK?

Grondgesondheid vorm die basis van ‘n suksesvolle oes met voordele wat oorspoel na die kwaliteit van die oes asook volhoubare winsgewende landbou.

GESONDE GEWASSE

GESONDE PRODUKSIE EENHEDE

GESONDE EKOSISTEEM

GESONDE VOEDSEL

‘n Pro-aktiewe ingesteldheid op grondgesondheid verseker die optimering van insetkostes en skep omgewings vir optimale plaagbeheer.

Gesonde grond bevat organiese materiaal wat bydra tot oeste wat opbrengste maksimeer wat lei tot volhoubare winsgewende plase.

Die organiese materiaal in gesonde grond skep ‘n omgewing waar voordelige mikro en makro organismes kan floreer wat bydra tot biodiversiteit.

Gesonde grond bevat die nodige elemente wat plante voed om verhoogde voedingswaarde, geur en smaaklikheid te bevorder.

HOE KRY MENS GESONDER GROND?

WAT DOEN NEXUSAG OM GRONDGESONDHEID TE BEVORDER? NEXUSAG MEET EN ANALISEER AL DIE FAKTORE WAT BYDRA TOT GESONDE GROND MET BEHULP VAN GRONDKARTERING EN GRONDMONSTERNEMING.

FISIES

BIOLOGIES

CHEMIES

GESONDE GROND VEREIS ‘N BALANS TUSSEN DIE CHEMIESE, FISIESE EN BIOLOGIESE EIENSKAPPE VAN DIE GROND.

HIERDIE DATA WORD VERVAT IN NEXUSAG GRONDGESONDHEID-BESTUURSPLANNE

PRODUKTE WORD TEGNIES KORREK EN KOSTE EFFEKTIEF AANGEWEND EN GEMONITOR

KONTAK ONS VIR MEER INLIGTING:

021-860 8040 www.nexusag.net

NEXUSAG INKORPOREER DIE DATA IN MAATPAS GEWASBESTUURSPROGRAMME.

FISIESE EN CHEMIESE REGSTELLINGS WORD GEDOEN

METINGS WORD GENEEM OM DEURLOPENDE VERBETERING EN VORDERING TE MONITOR

FERTILISATION & IRRIGATION

Grondgesondheid: Die belangrikste skakel in volhoubare voedselproduksie Grondgesondheid dui op die grond se vermoë om optimaal te funksioneer om plante, diere en mense te onderhou.

C

ORRIE SWANEPOEL, GRONDKUNDIGE BY die Landbounavorsingsgraad se kampus vir grondklimaat en water, het in ‘n radio-onderhoud genoem dat slegs 4% van Suid-Afrika se grond oor meer as 2% organiese materiaal beskik, wat dit as vrugbare grond klassifiseer. Boonop bevat meer as 60% van die grond minder as ‘n halwe persent organiese materiaal. Met uiterste klimaatomstandighede en verhoogde eise op voedselproduksie en verwerking weens bevolkingsgroei word hierdie beperkte natuurlike hulpbron bedreig. Dit beklemtoon die belangrikheid om volhoubare bewaringsboerderypraktyke te implementeer. Hierdie benadering fokus op die bevordering van natuurlike prosesse en biologiese stelsels om die ekosisteme in die grond optimaal te benut.

Elke rolspeler wat die voedselketting beïnvloed het die verantwoordelikheid om bewus te wees van grondgesondheid en ook deurlopend ondersoek in te stel na die jongste navorsing en ontwikkeling in die bedryf om volhoubare produksiepraktyke te bevorder.

Dit is alombekend dat gesonde grond die perfekte balans handhaaf tussen biologiese, chemiese en fisiese eienskappe van die grond. In die verlede is grondvrugbaarheid uit ’n hoofsaaklike chemiese oogpunt bestuur, met grondontledings en die toediening van chemiese middels om enige tekortkominge aan te vul. Bo en behalwe die koste van die chemiese middels lei hierdie eensydige benadering ook tot ‘n ongunstige uitwerking op die omgewing: ’n duur prys om te betaal.

Met ’n benadering wat biologiese bestuurspraktyke insluit, beoog NexusAG om die volhoubare sukses van produsente te bevorder. Daar is werklik eenvoudige, praktiese stappe wat gedoen kan word om op omgewingsvriendelike wyses grondgesondheid te verbeter.

Gesonde grond is altyd bedek ’n Deklaag voorkom erosie, grondverdigting en verdamping, wat bydra tot die regulering van die grondtemperatuur.

Dit skep ideale omstandighede vir komplekse ekosisteme, wat onder meer erdwurmpopulasies huisves wat jaarliks tot soveel as 800 kg droë materiaal verwerk, om te floreer om

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

waardevolle organiese materiaal te verwerk tot plantvoedingstowwe wat deur plante geabsorbeer kan word. ’n Deklaag beperk ook onkruidgroei, wat daardie insetkoste verlaag. Die keuse van die regte dekgewas hang gevolglik af van verskeie faktore wat die spesifieke behoeftes van die grond en die toekomstige gewas wat daar geplant gaan word, in aanmerking neem.

Gesonde grond bevat stabiele organiese materiaal wat water en voedingstowwe absorbeer en opberg. Dit reguleer die voginhoud deurlopend en gee die gewas die beste kans om te floreer om sodoende maksimum opbrengste te lewer in uiterste klimaatomstandighede, wat al hoe meer ’n realiteit word. Die VSA se departement van landbou berig ’n toename van 38 500 liter grondwater per hektaar vir elke 1% toename in organiese materiaal, wat die belangrikheid hiervan beklemtoon.

NexusAG se persoonlike belang in produsente se sukses dien as motivering vir produsente se volhoubare vooruitgang. Die maatskappy se span gewasadviseurs kan waarde toevoeg deur die eerste stappe van ’n langtermyn-visie op biologiese bestuur saam met die produsent te neem. Die proses begin met ’n volledige evaluasie van grondgesondheid. Hierdie inligting dui oor tyd die volhoubaarheid van die bestuurspraktyke aan en dit dien as bestuursmiddel om die effektiwiteit van verskillende bestuurspraktyke te ondersoek.

NexusAG het ’n reeks produkte en dienste wat aangepas word vir die produsent se eiesoortige omgewing en die omstandighede van die boerdery. Dit sluit die jongste tegnologie in grondmonsterneming en grondkartering in, asook die interpretasie van hierdie data, wat vervat word in ’n bestuursplan vir kort- en langtermyn-grondgesondheid.

Hierdie plan gee aandag aan die grond se fisiese en chemiese eienskappe met voorkeur aan dié aspekte wat aanvanklik die grootste uitwerking en opbrengs sal lewer. Die aanvanklike opname vorm ook die belangrike maatstaf waarteen toekomstige data vergelyk kan word om vordering te bepaal en ook om aanpassings te maak om die grondgesondheid doeltreffend te bestuur.

Die omvang van NexusAG se kennis en ervaring word versterk deur die maatskappy se netwerk internasionale en plaaslike vervaardigers om die beste produkte en diens aan produsente te lewer.

Vir meer inligting oor geïntegreerde gewasbestuursprogramme, skakel NexusAG by 021 860 8040 of besoek www.nexusag.net.

19

GENERAL

Begin reg vir sukses met wortelontwikkeling Johan Stronkhorst SAKATA

Weens die groeiende vraag na soetrissies behoort produsente sekere produksieriglyne te volg sodat produkte voldoen aan hierdie groentesoort se hoë vereistes. Die uiteindelike doel is om ‘n produk van kwaliteit te lewer wat steeds winsgewend verbou word. Onder die huidige klimaatsveranderinge raak uitdagings al hoe moeiliker, veral met verbouing in nethuise of plastiekkweekhuise. Die produsent moet poog om die hoogste opbrengs per vierkante meter te lewer.

S

OET- EN WARMRISSIES (Capsicum annuum L.) is deel van die Solanaceae-familie, wat aartappels, tamaties en eiervrugte insluit. Die vrugte wissel in vorm, kleur, smaak en wanddikte, en verskeie geleenthede bestaan vir nuwe

markte en segmente binne die groep. Die gewas se winsgewendheid is egter afhanklik van goeie produksiepraktyke en die vestiging van ‘n sterk plant om sodoende die potensiële opbrengs te realiseer.

20

Sakata vir Kwaliteit Wortelstokke

Bowman*

Nerine*

Guardian*

Cherokee*

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

Tel: 011 548 2800 www.sakata.co.za e-pos: info.saf@sakata.eu

ALGEMEEN

• Warmrissies: Oopbestuifde variëteite lewer ongeveer 8 ton/ha (vars) of 1,5 ton/ha (gedroog) en F1-baster oopland-tipes produseer 14 tot 35 ton/ha (vars) of 3 tot 5 ton/ha (gedroog).

‘n Soetrissie onderstam met ‘n sterk groeikragtige wortelstelsel wat die plant se opname van water en voedingstowwe verhoog.

’n Besoek aan ’n varsproduktemark of winkel se groenteafdeling sal die toenemende gewildheid van groenrissies bevestig. Soos in die geval van baie groentesoorte, is hierdie mark ook hier besig om te diversifiseer. Rissies is deesdae in ‘n magdom van vorms, kleure en smaak beskikbaar. Daar is ’n hoogs betalende mark vir hoë gehalte en verskeidenheid waarvan produsente kennis kan neem.

Rissies se brandsmaak word deur die bestanddeel capsaicin veroorsaak. Capsicum frutescens, ’n warm rissie wat in die vervaardiging van warm rissiesous gebruik word, bevat tot 1% capsaicin. Die brand van ’n rissie word in Scoville-hitte-eenhede gemeet. Jalapeno- en Cayenne-rissies wissel van 2 000 tot 25 000 eenhede, terwyl die warmer “Tabasco” -rissie van 50 000 tot 70 000 eenhede wissel.

Soetrissies bevat min of feitlik geen capsaicin, wat as nul op die Scoville-skaal beskou word.

Opbrengspotensiaal Dit is seker die vraag wat die meeste in landboukringe gevra word en die antwoord oor gewasse se potensiële opbrengs is ongetwyfeld een van die moeilikste om te antwoord.

Soveel faktore speel ‘n rol as dit by opbrengspotensiaal kom en by rissies is dit krities om reg te begin om sodoende die plant in staat te stel om hoë opbrengste van goeie kwaliteit vrugte te lewer.

• Soetrissies: Oopbestuifde variëteite behaal 15 tot 30 ton/ha en F1-basters onderskeidelik 30 tot 80 ton/ha (oopland-tipes) en 80 tot 180 ton/ha (tonnel-tipes).

Klimaat speel ’n belangrike rol in die ontwikkeling van rissies en het ’n groot invloed op die opbrengspotensiaal. Heelwat hoër opbrengste word verkry in gevalle waar goeie wortelontwikkeling aan die begin verkry is. Dit stel die plant in staat om die balans van bogrondse vegetatiewe en reproduksiewe groei te beheer en om moontlike tydperke van stremming beter te verduur. Die mate waartoe ‘n plant stremming verduur, het ‘n direkte invloed op byvoorbeeld die bestuiwing van die blomme en dit bepaal uiteindelik die opbrengs.

Rissies floreer in warm toestande en kan ’n besondere lang groeitydperk hê. Die groeiseisoen word egter deur die wortels bepaal en klein, onderontwikkelde wortelstelsels is meestal die direkte oorsaak van korter produksieseisoene met laer opbrengste en swakker kwaliteit. Rissies benodig oor die algemeen méér hitte-eenhede as tamaties: temperatuur van ongeveer 24ºC vir vier tot vyf maande is ideaal. Teen lae temperature (5 tot 15ºC) ontwikkel die plante stadig en swak. Misvormde vrugte kan dan ook voorkom en dit moet verkieslik so spoedig as moontlik verwyder word. Langdurige bewolkte weer sal verder tot die vertraging van vrugvorming bydra.

Afgesien van die rissieplant se behoefte aan hitte, is die plant nogtans gevoelig vir temperature hoër as 32ºC, wat daartoe aanleiding gee dat blomme aborteer. Min, indien enige vrugset vind plaas by temperature hoër as 35ºC, veral as dit met droë, warm winde gepaard gaan. Hierdie tendens is veral in die afgelope seisoen wyd waargeneem waar reënval laer en temperature hoër as normaal was. Onder sulke toestande gaan vrugte wat wel vorm misvormd wees weens die belangrike rol wat bestuiwing in vrugvorming speel. Die vrugte is ook gevoelig vir sonbrandskade en variëteite met goeie blaarbedekking moet oorweeg word.

Grondvereistes Soos genoem is vinnige, sterk wortelontwikkeling krities vir die rissieplant. ‘n Belangrike eienskap van die rissiefamilie is dat wortelontwikkeling dramaties afneem sodra die eerste vrugte gevorm word. Terselfdertyd is dit juis die omvang van die plant se wortelstelsel wat die produksiepotensiaal bepaal.

Daarom moet verbouingspraktyke op die ontwikkeling van ’n goeie wortelstelsel gerig word. Rissies is sensitief vir grond met lae suurstofinhoud (versuipte grond), asook gekompakteerde grond of enige beperkende lae of faktore soos grondsuurheid. As rissies op swaar grond met ’n hoë klei-inhoud geplant word, is dit raadsaam om die plantjies op walle te plant om dreinering te verbeter.

Dit is nie wenslik om ’n bemestingaanbeveling sonder ’n volledige grondontleding te maak nie. Daar bestaan verskeie bemestingsriglyne vir soetrissies, maar die belangrikste NA BLADSY 22

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

21

GENERAL

Begin reg vir sukses met wortelontwikkeling VANAF BLADSY 21 verhoog die opname van water en voedingselemente deurdat ‘n groter area deur die wortels benut word. Die onderstam kan ook baie nuttig wees teen siektes soos nematodes en Phytophthora. Veral produsente wat in strukture in die grond plant, maak van hierdie praktyk met onderstamme gebruik.

Dit is egter baie belangrik om te meld dat die gebruik van onderstamme nie sonder uitdagings is nie. Die sorgvuldige plant en nasorg van plante is noodsaaklik. ‘n Bostam wat wortels maak en verby die onderstam groei sal tot gevolg hê dat die effek van die onderstam nie tot sy reg kom nie en siektes kan ook oorgedra word.

Weens die toenemende vraag na rissies van hoë gehalte is dit nodig om verbouingspraktyke aan te pas. Dit is gevolglik vir die produsent noodsaaklik om ‘n behoorlike studie te doen ten opsigte van die koste van verbouing en die uiteindelike markpryse of kontrakpryse. Indien die verlies in aanmerking geneem word van plante wat ondergemiddelde opbrengste lewer of deur siektes besmet word, kan dit die gebruik van onderstamme regverdig.

Guardian*, Sakata se rissie onderstam varieteit wat kan bydra tot hoër opbrengste en help met die beheer van nematodes.

beginsel om hulle reg te bemes is om na die plante te kyk en uiteindelik die balans te vind tussen die hoeveelheid en grootte van die blare en die hoeveelheid vrugte wat die plant op ‘n spesifieke stadium kan grootmaak. Oor die algemeen word aanbeveel dat die eerste of selfs die tweede stasie blomme uitgebreek word, om die plant kans te gee om ‘n groter raam te produseer. Dit kan ook reggekry word deur die regte bemestingsprogram te volg en te verseker dat enige wanbalans tussen die verskillende elemente reggestel is.

Verbouing onder beskerming In die beginstadium, kort ná uitplant, is voldoende fosfaat (P) belangrik om die jong plantjie te help vestig. Fosfaat bevorder wortelontwikkeling en dit moet daarom ten tye van uitplant reeds in ‘n opneembare vorm wees. Nadat die plant goed gevestig is, styg die behoefte aan stikstof (N), aangesien dié stadium met sterk groei en ontwikkeling van die plant gepaard gaan.

Die plant moet sterk ontwikkel voordat vrugset plaasvind.

Fosfaat moet in die vroeë stadiums toegedien word, terwyl kalium (K) net voor en tydens vrugset toegedien kan word.

Soos reeds genoem het die soetrissieplant oor die algemeen nie ‘n sterk wortelstelsel nie. Terselfdertyd is die wortel meestal baie gevoelig vir grondgedraagde siektes. Een oplossing vir die probleem is om ‘n onderstam te gebruik.

Die onderstam is meer groeikragtig as die plant self en

22

Samevatting • Rissies is bekend vir swak wortelstelsels.

• By saailinge is dit belangrik om te let op die penwortel.

Saailinge moet so gou as moontlik uitgeplant word, verskeie nuwe metodes bestaan om dit te vergemaklik.

• As die penwortel beskadig is, groei dit nie weer nie en die plant maak dan slegs bywortels wat nie so diep soos penwortelstelsels groei nie.

• Kleiner saailinge plant wel moeiliker uit, maar het die vermoë om vinniger te groei en die uitplant-skok is baie minder op saailinge.

• Wortelontwikkeling verlaag met die aanvang van vrugset.

• Indien die plant nie sterk ontwikkel het voor blomvorming begin nie, verwyder die eerste blomme, wat gewoonlik voorkom waar die stam die eerste keer verdeel.

• Verwyder so gou as moontlik alle vrugte wat abnormaal lyk of beskadig is (soos sonbrand). Dit sal die vorming van nuwe vrugte stimuleer.

• Die gebruik van onderstamme bied vir die produsent moontlikhede om strukture langer te benut of die groeiseisoen te verleng. Dit het egter sy eie uitdagings en vereis eiesoortige bestuurspraktyke. * 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 im- plikasie, 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.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ALGEMEEN

Subtropical fruit continues upward trend in demand amid insatiable appetite More than five hundred delegates attended the recent Subtrop marketing simposium held at the Ingwenyama conference and sport resort in Witrivier. The popular event attracted a lot of media and industry leaders.

G

LOBAL GROWTH IN DEMAND for avocado and mangoes has been consistently increasing, rising 10% per annum in some instances. However, continuous promotion and consumer education campaigns are essential to ensure the exponential growth of the crop has a stable, profitable market going forward.

Speakers at the Symposium said that although market growth has been high, there is still further room for expansion provided promotions are correctly aimed at consumers.

Greg Vicherat, European Business Development Manager at Halls, noted that in 2018 globally traded avocados reached 1,9 million tons, up 11% from the previous year. “The European Union broke through the 1 kg per annum per capita consumption and the United States avocado breakfast market alone reached $65 billion. At this rate we would need an additional 190 000 tons of avocados per year to meet demand world-wide.”

He said that while consumption per capita in China is still low, it had the potential to become the largest avocado market in the world if promotional activities were geared up.

With the bumper crop that was experienced globally in 2018, prices were consequently suppressed, but Zac Bard, chairman of the World Avocado Organisation (WAO), noted that the current campaigns aimed at increasing avocado consumption, resulted in good returns to growers.

“The priority for 2019 will be to ensure there are no bottle necks in future that would impact prices if we should be in an over-supply situation again.” WAO planned on the first promotions in the Chinese market, which would grow demand in this young market.

Trevor Dukes, South Africa’s representative of the WAO, added that future campaigns included a focus on the younger generation to grow the market base from a young age.

A marketing campaign conducted locally, tested avocado’s suitability and likeability when paired with South Africa’s most popular street food – magwinya or vetkoek. While there was an overwhelmingly favourable response to avocado magwinya, what was interesting was that 20% of the buyers were children of school going age.

“We have an opportunity to instil new eating habits and develop a love for avocados from a young age, which offers great potential to grow this market in the future,” said Ruth Behr, owner of Promofresh.

Swazi Khumalo representing Durban Fresh Produce Market at the Subtrop marketing symposium.

Glynnis Branthwaite from Protactic Strategic Communications noted that it was important to understand the purchasing habits of consumers, to accurately aim marketing campaigns to increase avocado consumption.

“We need to change the consumers’ mindset from wanting an avocado to needing an avocado. There is also still much needed education on dark versus green skin fruit as consumers still perceive dark skin-types as overripe.”

In a survey to determine dietitians’ perceptions and likelihood of recommending inclusion of avocados in a healthy diet, it was found that over 97% would recommend it to their patients. Monique Piderit, registered dietitian from Nutritional Solutions, noted that those that are not recommending avocados were deterred by the often high prices.

The biggest reasons dietitians were recommending avocados was for management of cardiovascular disease, weight loss and type 2 diabetes.

Focusing on market access, Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, said that gaining and maintaining market access for South Africa’s litchis, mangoes and avocados was one of the biggest focus areas going forward.

“This includes cultivar development to ensure we have the right varieties for specific markets, adhering to phytosanitary requirements and maximum residue levels in our export markets. The latter two are especially becoming more stringent and non-compliance could cost us existing markets.”

TO PAGE 24

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

23

GENERAL

Subtropical fruit continues upward trend in demand amid insatiable appetite FROM PAGE 23

The Subtrop staff at the Subtrop Marketing Simposium: Anisca Croucamp, Lizelle de Wet, Heinrich Viljoen, Christa de la Port and Kate Hamilton-Fowle.

said that they held much potential for exports, but a lack of protocols in place for fresh produce made border crossings problematic. “There is also a greater need for packaging that could aid in keeping produce fresher for longer and limit bruising. Packaging that was more robust and could withstand long journeys was crucial.”

Delegates at the symposium were given an overview of the expected political and economic climate for 2019.

Standard Bank economist Shireen Darmalingam predicted the exchange rate to end at R14,30 / $1 in 2018 and at R13,40 / $1 in 2019. “The emerging market rout is likely to continue in the near term. Disputes between China and the US will keep going back and forth, which does not bode well for local financial markets.”

David Ansara, a policy analyst from the Centre for Risk Analysis, said that uncertainty around property rights is contributing to lower investment and higher unemployment in the agricultural sector.

“Job creation is a by-product of investment. Creating a more conducive policy environment for agriculture to succeed will lead to higher levels of employment and give farmers the confidence to invest,” he said.

During the simposium the Mango Industry Merit was awarded to David Elphick for his contributions in establishing the Southern African Mango Growers’ Association and supporting the industry.

The speakers at the Subtrop symposium were (front row) Ruth Behr (Promofresh), Glynnis Branthwaite (Protactic Strategic Communications), Shireen Darmalingam (Standard Bank) and Monique Piderit (Nutritional Solutions). Back row: David Ansara (Centre for Risk Analysis), Pieter Buys (Southern African Mango Growers’ Association), Greg Vicherat (Halls) and Derek Donkin (Subtrop).

He noted that gaining access to new markets was a notoriously slow process, taking on average 15 years. “We are expecting some progress on the US and Chinese markets next year to enable avocado and mango exports to those countries. These are currently the two countries that hold the biggest potential for our produce.”

While export markets were needed in peak season for mangoes when there was an oversupply in the market, Pieter Buys, SA Mango Growers’ Association Chairman, noted that the local industry was for the most part more profitable than export markets.

“International prices are not necessarily more lucrative, especially when you consider the cost to export and market the product in those countries. In India the price can be as little as R8,50 per kg and in China R14,20 per kg.”

Buys is positive about the outlook for mangoes and expects demand to grow globally, especially considering the versatility of mangoes. “Available land for planting more mangoes is however limited and since demand is expected to increase, prices will follow the same upward trend.”

With regards to emerging markets, Jurie Welman, President CHEP SSA & Automotive Europe, India, Middle East Africa,

24

Derek Donkin, Richard Elphick and Pieter Buys. Richard Elphick received the Mango Industry Merit Award in recognition of his pioneering contribution to the mango industry and the efforts in establishing SAMGA.

The Agricultural Produce Agents Council team attending the marketing symposium: Madelein Goosen, Francois Knowles and Ruben Erasmus.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

ALGEMEEN

SAMAC hosts macadamia industry day The third annual Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO) Expo continued to grow its successful trade platform for the agriculture and forestry sectors, offering significant networking and business opportunities and a new start for five bursary winners.

H

ELD AT THE CASTERBRIDGE Lifestyle Centre in White River, Mpumalanga, the expo joined forces with the Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) to showcase the latest research and industry information at the Macadamia Industry Day. Close to 450 macadamia stakeholders, from across South Africa, attended to listen to speakers, such as Australia’s world-renowned plant pathologist Prof André Drenth and well-known economist Dr Roelof Botha, who shared the results of a study on the impact of land expropriation without compensation and how this will affect South Africa’s economy.

Congratulations to the companies that won SAMAC’s annual awards in 2018, namely: • Mpumalanga’s Joubert & Seuns, which won the Lowest Unsound Kernel in 2017 (category: 25 to 100 ton dry nut in shell – 0,05% unsound); • Du Twa Boerdery in Mpumalanga, Lowest Unsound Kernel in 2017 (category: more than 100 ton dry nut in shell – 0,26% unsound); • Canestay Manufacturing (KwaZulu-Natal), Highest Sound Kernel in 2017 (category: 25 to 100 ton dry nut in shell – 44,5% sound kernel recovery); • Sea View Farm, Highest Sound Kernel in 2017 (category: more than 100 ton dry nut in shell – 43,1% sound kernel recovery); • Limpopo’s Zetmac, Most Meticulous SAMAC Handler to Supply Industry Data in 2018.

“Benchmarking compared over several years indicates improvement of quality, which is attributed to farmers following best practices principles. Producing quality macadamias is what has always given South Africa the competitive edge and

Louw Struwig, John Barry, Armin van der Walt, Christiaan Erasmus and Ben Koen from Systeco.

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

will be of even more importance in the future, with expected increase in supply from China, Vietnam and other producing countries,” says SAMAC CEO, Lizel Pretorius.

“The expo committee is grateful to SAMAC for this opportunity and we look forward to future collaboration to ensure the growth of the macadamia industry,” says AGFO Expo chairperson, Joey Lascelles.

Patrick Lennon and Sheldon Viljoen from Plan-A-Head.

Mingling during the break at the macadamia day 2019.

SAMAC CEO Lizel Pretorius, Stephen and Louretha Saayman and Barry Christie from SAMAC at the networking event.

25

GENERAL

Do you know what’s happening?

It’s easy to turn a blind eye and languish in the half-light, but honestly, farm activities can only be managed properly if they are measured properly.

T

HE FARMER CAN ELIMINATE guesswork around everyday tasks simply by keeping accurate records. Better still, by doing this, he or she will be enabled to improve production processes and make informed management decisions.

Real time tracking data helps to reduce risks and to improve productivity and efficiencies, but GPS tracking systems that are used on the tractors of many leading original equipment manufacturers are expensive.

FarmTrack is a cost-effective farm management tool that helps farmers to not only monitor their vehicle efficiency, but also assists with fuel saving, crop protection and optimum crop output.

Using GPS technology, the tracking device is linked to a server where the data is stored, processed and organised automatically. The farmer gains access to the information in real time via the internet.

Crops without proper protection are vulnerable to disease

26

Farmtrack is a cost-effective farm management tool.

and/or lower yield. Missed rows also require additional expenditure on pest control. Similarly, incorrect spraying speed can affect the performance of the product being applied.

FarmTrack is especially useful to determine the movement of TO PAGE 28

‘n Gelukkige einde

begin by die begin

insekbeheer aangedryf deur aktiewe bestanddeel

Dis ‘n uitdaging om konsekwent aan verbruikers se vraag na hoë gehalte en esteties aantreklike groente te voldoen. Deur Benevia® insekbeheer vroeg in die seisoen te gebruik, help dit jou om hul behoeftes te bevredig deur jou gewasse ‘n voorsprong te gee tydens die mees kritiese stadium van plantontwikkeling.

Benevia® bevat siaantraniliprool (antraniliese diamied) (Cyazypyr®) Reg. Nr. L10390 Wet Nr 36 van 1947, versigtig.

FMC Chemicals (Edms) Bpk, Posbus 44, Postnet Menlyn, Waterkloof Glen, 0081, Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Tel: +27 12 003 2938.

Benevia® en Cyazypyr® is handelsmerke van FMC Korporasie of sy affiliate. Datum: 10/2018.

TD 18/182R

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

GENERAL

Do you know what’s happening?

FROM PAGE 26 a machine in order to detect missed rows during spraying and to ensure spraying is done at calibrated speeds.

Effective spraying “As a large wine estate with many vineyards, it is essential for us to have an effective device that ensures all rows are sprayed correctly and accurately,” explains Kallie Fernhout of Delaire Graaff Vineyards in the Stellenbosch valley.

FarmTrack allows Fernhout to monitor and manage spray accuracy of the vines as well as measure the speed of, and time spent in, spraying by each row and vineyard block. The results provide Delaire Graaff with accurate farm management reports that help with planning, cost-saving, efficiency and properly sprayed crops.

“Our crop spraying efficiency has increased, and so has the quality of our crop yield. FarmTrack is user-friendly and I wouldn’t be without it now,” adds Fernhout.

Other advantages Managing risk is important for Karin Cluver of Cluver Farms.

They farm with apples and grapes on 200 ha in the Grabouw district. “When we first tested the device, we were excited about measuring our spray efficiency. We were surprised by

28

the positive spin-offs of other functions that we can now also measure daily,” she says.

One is that Cluver Farms is able to accurately monitor tractor driver efficiency. “The distance between crops and filling stations can be an issue,” explains Cluver. “To improve efficiencies of our diesel usage, we’ve been able to determine where we should install more filling stations and this will contribute to significant savings.”

Another positive consequence is the monitoring of driver behaviour. Johan Pienaar, who farms near Swellendam, testifies that FarmTrack allows him to view the activities of all his drivers at any given time. “It is very difficult to calculate the productivity of each tractor driver without any data”, he says.

“I am now able to determine when the tractor stops, idles and is switched on and off.”

Developed by ETSE Electronics which has 20 years’ experience in the agricultural environment, FarmTrack is being used on 280 farms countrywide. This simple, effective device is allowing farmers to “see the light” by giving them what they want, in terms of accurate reporting and data, when they need it.

Contact FarmTrack for information. Tel: 021 880 1163 or visit www.farmtrack.co.za.

ALGEMEEN

The current area planted under Rooibos in South Africa is at a record high of 57 000 ha.

Rosy outlook for rooibos Rooibos, which is exclusively farmed in the Cederberg and Sandveld areas of the Western Cape is fast becoming one of the most attractive agricultural products to invest in.

N

ICIE VORSTER, SPOKESPERSON FOR the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), says increasingly the world is counting on agriculture to produce more nutritious food, and Rooibos fits the mould.

“Major Rooibos markets view the tea as a premium healthy lifestyle product and promote it in its pure and unblended form, which health-conscious consumers want more of. The increased emphasis on health and well-being globally is fuelling a revival and preference for experiences and products that promote wellness. These days, consumers are placing far more value on health, such as using devices and apps to encourage exercise, consuming organic and natural foods, taking health supplements, etc more than ever before, and it’s a trend that will continue well into the future.

“It’s not only Rooibos’ health benefits that make it highly sought-after, but also its versatility. Apart from enjoying it as a hot or cold beverage, whether plain or flavoured, Rooibos is used in multiple other applications, ranging from beauty products and nutraceuticals to alcoholic drinks, confectionary and everyday foodstuffs, such as yoghurt and cereal. Every year, we are seeing new and exciting innovations in the Rooibos category as entrepreneurs and branders experiment with the product,” he says.

The current area planted under Rooibos is at a record high of 57 000 ha, almost double that of a decade ago as more farmers, especially those in the Swartland region, have cleared existing farmland to make way for Rooibos. The increasing agricultural footprint of Rooibos demonstrates the growing demand, both locally and internationally, for our homegrown brew.

The sector is also attracting more growers, especially grain

GROENTE & VRUGTE | JANUARIE • FEBRUARIE 2019

farmers who are looking to diversify, since Rooibos is a hardy, dry land crop which is generally less affected by drought when compared to other rain dependent crops.

Vorster says Rooibos farmers took various steps to proactively manage supply in the face of the severe drought that plagued the Western Cape over the past few years, by implementing more sustainable farming practices, removing water-thirsty alien invasive plants in the vicinity of fields and limiting pest and disease outbreaks.

“Even though Rooibos farmers are accustomed to periods of drought, since the region is considered a semi-desert, harvests are not immune to the effects of climate change. Yet, based purely on the average rainfall for the past year, we should see an improvement in crop size in 2019,” says Vorster.

Some more good news includes government’s recent approval to raise the Clanwilliam Dam wall by 13 meters. The move will treble the dam’s storage capacity and provide farmers in the area with a more secure water supply. Construction on the project commenced recently and should take about five years to complete.

The Rooibos industry currently employs an estimated 8 000 farmworkers and additional employment is created in upstream activities, such as processing, packaging and retailing.

According to the SARC, South Africa holds a competitive advantage in a number of fruit and beverage sectors, including Rooibos, which if fully exploited, could place the country amid the top export producers of high-value agricultural products.

About half of Rooibos production – between 6 000 and 7 000 tonnes – is consumed locally, while the balance is exported to more than 30 countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, the UK and US.

29

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

The western honeybee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Did you know that most modern hives used today throughout the world are still based the wooden hive designed by Lorenzo Langstroth in 1851? However, man’s relationship with bees goes all the way back to 15000 BC: drawings in Spanish caves and the Egyptian tombs have been found that depict our ancestors collecting honey from wild nests. However, honey is just one of the several products that can be harvested and used today. Other products such as beeswax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and venom are also available on the market. And don’t forget the crucial pollination services that bees provide for agricultural crops.

Andri Visser NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY, POTCHEFSTROOM

e-mail: visseran3@gmail.com

Western honeybee classification: Class: Insecta (Insects) Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae Genus: Apis Species: Apis mellifera

T

HE WESTERN HONEYBEE IS believed to have originated in South-East Asia, from where it spread naturally and with the help of humans to every continent except Antarctica. As they spread to new areas, these bees adapted to the local environments and gave rise to 28 subspecies.

South Africa is host to two indigenous subspecies, namely Apis mellifera capensis (Cape honeybee) and Apis mellifera scutellata (African honeybee).

A honeybee colony typically consists of a single mated queen and up to 60 000 worker bees, which are all female.

The queen is solely responsible for laying eggs, whereas the worker bees build, clean and maintain the hive, collect pollen and nectar, and tend the brood (young bee larvae). Colonies also contain a number of drones (male bees), whose only purpose is to fertilise a new queen. The mating takes place during what is called nuptial flights, after which the drone dies, and the queen returns to the hive to lay eggs.

Figure 1: Apis mellifera 3. tion services in an orchard.

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The two subspecies present in South Africa, Apis mellifera scutellata (left) and Apis mellifera capensis (right).

Photos: Jeffrey Lotz (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org) and SANBI (https://www.sanbi.org/ animal-of-the-week/cape-honeybee/)

The queen can choose the sex of her offspring by laying either fertilised eggs, which produce female offspring, or unfertilised eggs, which develop into drones. The Cape honeybee is unique among honeybee subspecies because the workers can lay eggs that produce females, while workers of other subspecies can only lay male eggs. This ability allows the Cape honeybee to invade and overrun African honeybee colonies, causing the host colonies to decline and die out.

The worker bees have a body length of about 13 mm, which is mostly black and has light hairs on the head, thorax and base of abdomen. The basal segments of the abdomen are banded with yellow to reddish-brown stripes. The wings are clear, and a pollen basket (used to collect and transport pollen) is located on the hind legs. The queen resembles the workers, but are significantly larger, with an elongated abdomen. The drones are also larger than the workers and are significantly darker.

The perennial nature of honeybee hives means that all four life stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult) occur simultaneously throughout much of the year. The queen deposits a single egg into each cell of a honeycomb. The egg hatches after 3 days into a larva fed by “nurse” bees (worker bees who maintain the interior of the colony). After 5 days, the larva is sealed in its cell by the nurse bees and begins its pupal stage. After another 7-10 days, it emerges as an adult bee, ready to take its place in the growing colony.

Honeybees have highly organized division of labour and individual bees are not able to survive by themselves for long.

This has led many experts believe it is more prudent to think of a bee colony as a single superorganism, i.e. an organism that consists of many different organisms.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2019 | VEGETABLES & FRUIT

UITGEWERS VAN: Koringfokus / Wheat Focus: Die spesialistydskrif vir kleingraan in Suid-Afrika Vegetables & Fruit / Groente & Vrugte: Ontgin alternatiewe moontlikhede in nismarkte Subtrop Journal: Joernaal vir avokado-, mango- en lietsjiekwekers Navorsingsjoernale: SA Avokadokwekersvereniging, SA Mangokwekersvereniging, SA Makadamiakwekersvereniging en SA Lietsjiekwekersvereniging.

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

FRESHNESS FOR THE ZULU KINGDOM