Table Talk Grape Conversations 2024

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Information and Resources

T A B L E

T A L K

CONVERSATIONS

Creating a platform to explore topics impacting the table grape industry

INFORMATION & RESOURCES

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN

Welcome

24 • 07 Kakamas Lake Grappa

23 • 07 Groblersdal Wildwood Estate

26 • 07 Paarl Ashanti Estate

ABOUT TABLE TALK: GRAPE CONVERSATIONS: Named TABLE TALK: GRAPE CONVERSATIONS, this event has been created to share meaningful and impactful information with the South African table grape industry. The programme comprises technical and commercial topics to help inform on-farm decision making. This flagship event is held in partnership between SATI and SASEV, who share a common interest in vine science.

WHO IS SATI SATI is a non-profit organisation, mandated by the National Agricultural Products Act. 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996) to deliver a range of services in the interest of the table grape industry. Services range from technical market access to research, industry statistics and commercial information.

WHO IS SASEV SASEV is a member-based professional body that serves as a forum for presenting the latest technical and scientific information for all South African wine and grape producers to improve the quality of South African table grapes, raisin grapes, wines and related products.

Creating a platform to explore topics impacting the table grape industry

Contents

l Programme________________________________________________________________ 3 l Meet the presenters________________________________________________________4 l Sponsors___________________________________________________________________ 6 l INDUSTRY INSIGHTS ____________________________________________________ 7 Market Access and Development __________________________________________8 SATI Statistics Booklet_______________________________________________________9 SATI 2023/2024 Season Overview___________________________________________10 A predictive model to optimise logistics operations for the South African table grape industry_________________________________________11 l SUPPORT AND RESOURCES ___________________________________________ 12 Transformation and Support _______________________________________________13 SU Short Courses in Table and Raisin Grape Production______________________14 Navorsing- en opleidingsvideos op SATI-webwerf_ __________________________15 Books ___________________________________________________________________16 Beyond the Bunch ________________________________________________________17 South African Fruit Journal_________________________________________________18 Information Sheets________________________________________________________20 South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture____________________________23

l THE SATI TEAM _________________________________________________________ 24

T A B L E

T A L K

CONVERSATIONS

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Avant-Garde SA_021 863 3165

POSITIONING SOUTH AFRICA AS A PREFERRED SUPPLIER FOR THE WORLD’S BEST TASTING GRAPES

SATI’S KEY AREAS OF INTERVENTION

Technical Market Access | Market Development | Research and Technical Transfer | Industry Statistics and Commercial Information | Transformation | Technical Support | Communication and Stakeholder Engagement | Human Capacity and Skills Development. These interventions are aimed at assisting producers to G ain, R etain, O ptimise and W iden ( GROW ) market access. SATI is funded by a grower levy. SATI is a co-founder and a key supporter in the Sustain ability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA).

SOUTH AFRICA – QUALITY ON ROOT

63 Main Road, Paarl 7646 PO Box 2932, Paarl 7620

+27 21 863 0366 info@satgi.co.za linkedin.com/company/satgi @sati_sa satgi.co.za

Click to follow us on LinkedIn

T A B L E

T A L K

PRESENTED BY

CONVERSATIONS

Creating a platform to explore topics impacting the table grape industry

STAKEHOLDER INFORMATION DAYS 2024 The 2024 programme focuses on South Africa’s positioning in key export markets and sustainability related topics that impact the table grape industry.

Topic

Speaker

Registration Welcome

1 2

Mecia Petersen SATI

Keynote Address A macro-economic perspective: The South African table grape industry and key factors impacting its exports SA retailer’s perspective on fresh produce in key export markets and sustainability related matters applicable on farm A predictive model to optimise logistics operations for the South African table grape industry Phasing out of agri remedies: Implications, mitigation strategies and the way forward for the South African table grape industry Using genetics to mitigate berry cracking: What do we know so far? Optimising postharvest packaging to prolong storage and maintain quality of table grapes PAARL ONLY: BTPA feedback: Impact of shoot quality on grape quality Facilitated Q&A Tea break

Bheki Mahlobo Economist, Frans Cronje Private Clients

Kobus Pienaar Technical Manager Food Security, Woolworths Carsten Schubert & Pieter de Wet Transnova Africa and Jacques Ferreira SATI

Rod Bell CEO, CropLife

Dr Justin Lashbrooke Geneticist, Stellenbosch University Anné Matthee Portfolio Manager: Grape, ExperiCo

Eunice Avenant SAGWRI, SU

Networking lunch / dinner

Bheki Mahlobo

Kobus Pienaar

Carsten Schubert

Pieter de Wet

Rod Bell

Justin Lashbrooke Anné Matthee

Eunice Avenant

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Meet the Presenters

BHEKI MAHLOBO, Economist (Frans Cronje Private Clients) Presentation: A macro-economic perspective:

The South African table grape industry and key factors impacting its exports Bheki specialises in economic and financial market research and political trend analysis. He has vast experience in working with companies providing them with insights relating to long term economic, market and political trends.

linkedin.com/in/bheki-mahlobo-180651199/

CARSTEN SCHUBERT, COO (Transnova) Presentation: A predictive model to optimise logistics operations for the South African table grape industry

Carsten is a supply chain expert with over 20 years experience in transport and logistics. He started in construction sales, then moved to supply chain roles at Barloworld Logistics, working with major clients. With his deep understanding of supply chains, Carsten helps companies improve their efficiency (unlock value) across various industries. linkedin.com/in/carsten-schubert-0926076/

PIETER DE WET, Engagement Manager (Transnova) Presentation: A predictive model to optimise logistics operations for the South African table grape industry

Pieter has over 6 years of experience in building optimisation models using Enterprise Optimiser, having built various EO models across multiple industries. Pieter joined Business Modelling associates at the start of 2017 and progressed to the level of Senior Consultant. In 2022, Pieter moved over to Transnova and has since been promoted to engagement manger and is currently a integral part of the modelling team of Transnova. linkedin.com/in/pieter-de-wet-90623a98/

JACQUES FERREIRA, Commercial Affairs Manager (SATI) Presentation: A predictive model to optimise logistics operations for the South African table grape industry

Jacques is SATI’s Commercial Industry Affairs Manager, and the project lead for the prescriptive logistics model project. He has 15 years of management experience in organised agriculture. He has worked at SATI for the last 7 years in various roles, including technical and information management. Jacques holds MSc.Agric and MBA degrees from Stellenbosch University and is passionate about sustainable agriculture. linkedin.com/in/jacques-ferreira-51709643

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

ROD BELL, CEO (CropLife) Presentation: Phasing out of agri remedies: Implications, mitigation strategies and the way forward for the South African table grape industry Rod Bell has been involved in the crop protection industry for nearly three decades. After studying Botany and Zoology at the University of Pietermaritzburg, he built a career in sales and technical roles for plant protection products at global companies like DuPont. In 2018, he became CEO of CropLife South Africa, having served on their Executive Council. linkedin.com/in/rod-bell-617315115/ Dr. Lashbrooke is a grapevine researcher at Stellenbosch University. He studies grape genes, how they influence the plant, and how to breed better grapes with disease resistance and good qualities. He’s particularly interested in how grapes interact with their environment. linkedin.com/in/justin-lashbrooke-02883b31/ ANNÉ MATTHEE, Portfolio Manager: Grapes (ExperiCo) Presentation: Optimising postharvest packaging to prolong storage and maintain quality of table grapes Anné Matthee is a researcher in the field of table grapes. She works at ExperiCo Agri-Research Solutions, where she holds the position of the R&D Grapes Portfolio Manager. She is involved in various research projects, ranging from pre-harvest manipulation sprays to postharvest decay control. Her presentation showcased the effect of various packaging material on maintaining postharvest table grape quality during storage. linkedin.com/in/ann%C3%A9-matthee-b200a41b5/ EUNICE AVENANT, SAGWRI (Stellenbosch University) Presentation: BTPA feedback: Impact of shoot quality on grape quality Eunice is a researcher with over 30 years of experience in applied and basic research on table grapes and other fruit. She is the SATI Training Manager, seconded to Stellenbosch University as Extra-ordinary Lecturer in Viticulture. Her research focuses on how grapevines interact with their environment, including water use, source-sink relationships, dormancy and chemosensory profiling. linkedin.com/in/eunice-avenant-61459475/ Kobus Pienaar is responsible for looking at ways to ensure Woolworths contributes to a sustainable Food System in South Africa. He grew up on a farm and began his career as an agronomist for a fertilizer company and was responsible for advising farmers in the Eastern Free State on how to grow maize, wheat, potatoes, sunflower and legumes. He has worked for large commercial farming operations and joined Woolworths’ produce team as a Food Technologist in 2004. kobuspienaar@woolworths.co.za DR JUSTIN LASHBROOKE, Genetist (Stellenbosch University) Presentation: Using genetics to mitigate berry cracking: What do we know so far? KOBUS PIENAAR, Technical Manager Food Security (Woolworths) Presentation: SA retailer’s perspective on fresh produce in key export markets and sustainability related matters applicable on farm

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

T A B L E

T A L K

PRESENTED BY

CONVERSATIONS

Creating a platform to explore topics impacting the table grape industry

The SATI SASEV Stakeholder Information Days provide an optimal platform for industry to meet face to face, network and exchange ideas. A huge thank you to all the sponsors, contributors and exhibitors who play an integral part in the success of this event. WE VALUE YOUR SUPPORT!

Exhibitors & Additional Sponsors

Dinner Sponsor

Regional Partners

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GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Industry Insights

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Market Access and Development

100 120 140 160 180 200

- 20 40 60 80

4.5kg EQV IN MILL

USA

SPAIN

CHINA

JAPAN

BANGLADESH MEXICO

FRANCE

POLAND

CANADA

BELGIUM

VIET NAM

THAILAND

GERMANY

INDONESIA

PHILIPPINES

NETHERLANDS

UNITED KINGDOM

HONG KONG, CHINA

KOREA, RUPUBLIC OF

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

*DATA BASED ON 2023 FIGURES. SOURCE: TRADEMAP

In our view, South Africa currently enjoys access to 16 of the top 20 most important import grape markets in the world (green bars above). One of SATI’s key priorities therefore remains to ensure that market access is preserved within current markets, whilst market access to developing markets is pursued. Together with industry stakeholders we will continue working to maintain South Africa’s position as a preferred supplier of the world’s best grapes.

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

STATISTICS OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2024

57%

20%

TO VIEW THE LATEST STATISTICS ONLINE, CLICK HERE

IN THE 2023/2024 SEASON

POSITIONING SOUTH AFRICA AS A PREFERRED SUPPLIER FOR THE WORLD’S BEST TASTING GRAPES

KEY INSIGHTS 2023/2024 SEASON

74.1 million 4.5 kg cartons exported (333 673 tons)

77% of product exported to EU & UK

l Top 3 exported cultivars were Crimson Seedless, Sweet Globe™ & Sweet Celebration™ The top 5 varieties now account for half (50%) of the total 19,500 hectares planted, namely: Crimson Seedless (16%), Autumncrisp ® (9%), Sweetglobe™, (9%), Sweet Celebration™ (8%), & Prime (8%).

2024 TABLE TALK

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

2023/2024 SEASON OVERVIEW

EXPORT STATISTICS

TOP 12 EXPORTED VARIETIES

CULTIVARS 2023/2024 (4.5 KG CARTONS)

74 149 581 Cartons Exported COMPARED TO 63 592 393 LAST SEASON (4.5 kg equivalent)

333 673 Tons Exported COMPARED TO 286 166 LAST SEASON

20 597 Containers Exported COMPARED TO 17 665 LAST SEASON

Crimson Seedless 10 352 911 IFG Ten (Sweet Globe™) 6 994 374

3% YoY ↑ 14 Share

37% YoY ↑ 9% Share

Exported Variety Groups (Cumulative) 2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023

IFG 68-175 (Sweet Celebration™) 6 439 909

40% YoY ↑ 9% Share

White Seed less Red Seed less Black Seed less

Prime 6 026 959

18% YoY ↑ 8% Share

Sugrathirtyfive (Autumncrisp ® ) 5 942 333

MILLIONS

29% YoY ↑ 8% Share

MARKET SHARE & GROWTH

Sugranineteen (Scarlotta Seedless ® ) 4 012 323 Sugrasixteen (Sable Seedless ® ) 2 657 655

2% YoY ↑ 5% Share

57%

20%

12% YoY ↑ 4% Share

Europe

United Kingdom Canada & USA

Middle East

Tawny Seedless 2 407 967 Sheegene 20 (Allison™) 2 345 364

-7% YoY ↓ 3% Share

South East Asia

Russian Federation China & Hong Kong

PRODUCTION BY REGION

12% YoY ↑ 3% Share

Olifants River Region 5%

Northern Provinces 8%

Sugrathirteen (Midnight Beauty ® ) 2 214 331

10% YoY ↑ 3% Share

Hex River Region 31%

Grapaes (Early Sweet ® ) 2 101 992 Thompson Seedless 2 080 366

Orange River Region 32%

17% YoY ↑ 3% Share

34% YoY ↑ 3% Share

Berg River Region 24%

Red Grapes White Grapes Black Grapes

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GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

A Predictive Model to Optimise Logistics Operations for the South African Table Grape Industry

BACKGROUND As a proactive response to challenges experi enced, SATI explored an alternative approach to help improve future logistics scenarios. Transnova Africa was appointed to develop a predictive logistics model aimed primarily at reducing stock levels during peak weeks of the table grape ex port season. The model will create a digital twin of the table grape supply chain; enabling industry to apply scenarios, see results and make decisions. SATI’s objective is to provide industry with insights that can guide commercial decisions, in the interest of upholding grape quality during peak export weeks. Planning and implementation has been a collab orative project and SATI thanks all stakeholders who are participating in the project and have collaborated in various ways including providing data, insights and information. WHAT IS A DIGITAL TWIN PRESCRIPTIVE MODEL? A digital twin represents a digital depiction of an actual supply chain. This helps companies and in dustries easily, quickly, and thoroughly assess a truly end-to-end set of scenarios. A prescriptive model answers the question “What should we do next?” WHY HAS SATI EMBARKED ON A DIGITAL TWIN PRE SCRIPTIVE MODEL PROJECT & WHAT ARE MODEL’S OBJECTIVES? A prescriptive logistics model is proposed to enhance supply chain efficiency and provide industry guidance and insights, with the aim of up holding grape quality during peak export periods.

It will engage with stakeholders such as produc ers, shipping lines, port authorities (Transnet), cold storage facilities, and freight forwarders to explore various port utilisation strategies and shipping schedules.

WHICH SCENARIOS ARE CURRENTLY INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT?

The current scenarios include an assessment of the 2023/2024 season data to validate the model. Two primary scenarios will be explored:  An optimised baseline which removes capacity constraints at specific ports and  An optimised network which considers constraints at Cape Town Port and alterna tive port utilisation. In addition, the following 3 scenarios have been identified as valuable analysis and are included in the project scope:  SEASONAL EVENT: Shows the possible outcomes if certain events played out in the 2023/2024 season (e.g. vessel not able to berth, extended windbound periods, lack of key equipment etc.)  CROP SIZE: Best possible solution based on different crop sizes (e.g. regional weather impact) and regional distribution.  INDUSTRY VIEW: Best "guess model" for 2024/2025 season and ‘what if’ scenarios for 2023/2024 season, to assess the impact of a different set of variables.

PROJECT COMMISSIONED BY SATI

MODEL DEVELOPED BY TRANSNOVA AFRICA

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Support and Resources

Transformation and Support

SATI views transformation as the creation of equal opportunities for black agriculturalists and/or entrepreneurs to participate as owners, co-owners, management and/or professionals in the table grape industry and share in the economic benefits the industry potentially offers, to all.

TRANSFORMATION FOCUS AREAS: • Enterprise Development • Skills Development • Socio and Economic Development

VINEYARD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Purpose:

Benefits of this support to farmers: • Varieties that are attractive to SA’s export markets • Higher yields, which means higher income per hectare • Derisking the financing of new developments Most planted varieties: • Autumncrisp ® • Sweet Globe™ • Sweet Celebration™ SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Purpose: Support professional development with the aim of increasing the success rate of B-BBEE initiatives. Who can apply: Any person meeting qualifying criteria. Preference will be given to land reform beneficiaries and their children. Areas of intervention: • Bursaries for relevant agricultural degrees, diplomas and certificates. • Training in relevant modular and business courses.

Cultivar choice is one of the most important decisions in table grape production. SATI offers financial support to assist first generation farmers in replacing older varieties with modern varieties.

HELPDESK Purpose: Support potential and/or existing B-BBEE initiatives as follows: • Business Planning

• Business Performance • Business Compliance

Areas of intervention to date: • Resource utilisation studies (soil mapping) • Advisory services

• Mentorship • Coaching • Information systems

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SU Short Courses in Table and Raisin Grape Production/ SU Kortkursusse in Tafel- en Droogdruifverbouing 2024

PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH SATI AND RAISINS SA/ AANGEBIED IN SAMEWERKING MET SATI EN RAISINS SA

PROGRAMME / PROGRAM TIME / TYD: 08:30 – 16:30

TARGET GROUP / TEIKENGROEP: Production managers, supervisors, producers, technical persons/ Produksiebestuurders, toesighouers, produsente, tegniese persone.

Nr/ No

Topic/ Onderwerp

Days/ Dae

Date/ Datum

Presenters/ Aanbieders

Short Course 1: Industry overview, grapevine structure and seasonal cycle; Establishment; Vine development, pruning and dormancy management/ Kortkursus 1: Bedryfsoorsig, wingerdstruktuur en seisoenale siklus; Vestiging; Stok-ontwikkeling, snoei, en dormansiebestuur

Industry overview; Grapevine structure and seasonal cycle/ Bedryfoorsig; Wingerdstruktuur en seisoenale siklus.

1.1

6/5/2024

Establishing, grafting and top-working/ Vestiging, ent en oorwerk.

1.2

7/5/2024

J.H. Avenant & E. Avenant

Trellis systems, vine development and pruning/ Prieelstelsels, stok-ontwikkeling en snoei .

8/5/2024

1.3

Dormancy and restbreaking/ Dormansie en rusbreking.

1.4

9/5/2024

Short Course 2: Cultivation practices, harvest and post-harvest handling/ Kortkursus 2: Verbouingspraktyke, oes en na-oes

Spring and summer practices/ Lente- en somerbehandelings.

2.1

13/5/2024

J.H. Avenant & E. Avenant

2.2 Table grape rootstocks and cultivars: characteristics and cultivation requirements/ Tafeldruif-onderstokke en kultivars: eienskappe en verbouingsvereistes.

2 14-15/5/2024

Harvesting and post-harvest handling of table grapes/ Oes-en na-oeshantering van tafeldruiwe. Short Course 3: Soil, nutrition and water management/ Kortkursus 3: Grond-, voeding- en waterbestuur

2.3

16/5/2024 Prof M. Huysamer

Soil requirements and soil preparation/ Grondvereistes en grondvoorbereiding.

3.1

21/5/2024

D. Kritzinger

Fertilisation/ Bemesting.

22/5/2024

3.2

Soil cultivation, weed control and cover crops/ Bewerking, onkruidbeheer en dekgewasse.

3.3

23/5/2024

Dr C. Howell

Irrigation/ Besproeiing.

2.4

24/5/2024

Short Course 4: Plant protection/ Kortkursus 4: Plantbeskerming

Pests and diseases/ Plae en siektes.

A. Vermeulen & P. de Kock J.H. Avenant & E. Avenant

4.1

2 30-31/7/2024

Physiological and other problems/ Fisiologiese en ander probleme. Short Course 5: Raisin grape production/ Kortkursus 5: Droogdruifproduksie

4.2

1/8/2024

5.1 Raisin grape production: Industry overview, cultivars, production practices, raisin products/ Droogdruifproduksie: Bedryfoorsig, kultivars, produksiepraktyke, rosyntjieprodukte.

S. Jordaan & P. Jooste

2 13-14/8/2024

Raisin grape production: Dry-on-Vine. Mechanisation/ Droogdruifproduksie: Droging-aan-stok. Meganisasie.

5.2

15/8/2024 J.H. Avenant

COURSE FEE / KURSUSKOSTE: IN-PERSON: R1 100 per person per day. ONLINE: R700 per person per day/ IN-PERSOON: R1 100 per persoon per dag. AANLYN: R700 per persoon per dag.

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Navorsing- en opleidingsvideos OP SATI-WEBWERF

Hierdie videos dek ’n reeks belangrike onderwerpe en is ontwikkel om kennis en vaardighede ten opsigte van produksiepraktyke te verbreed en te verbeter. NAVORSINGSVIDEOS Hierdie videos gee oorsigtelike opsommings vanuit afgehandelde navorsingsprojekte, asook aanbevelings vir praktiese toepassing van kernbevindings.

Besproeiing vir optimale produksie

Bestuur van blaaspootjie

Phylloxera

Titrasie

ONDERWERPE

OPLEIDINGSVIDEOS Die “hoekoms” en “hoe” van verbouingspraktyke word eenvoudig en prakties, maar ook wetenskaplik en tegnies korrek visueel uitgebeeld en verduidelik.

Geïnte greerde plaagbestuur

Wingerd manipulasie

Voeding

Besproeiing

Oes- en na oeshantering

ONDERWERPE

Siekte- bestuur

Die videos is slegs vir tafel druifprodusente beskikbaar – en vir sekere belanghebbendes aan wie toegang verleen is om aan te teken.

Neem asseblief kennis dat produsente by die SATI webtuiste ingeteken moet wees om toegang tot die videos te verkry. Vir navrae oor die webtuiste of bystand, kontak info@satgi.co.za

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Books

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ARE FREE AND ARE AVAILABLE IN HARD COPY AND AS E-BOOKS

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ARE FREE AND ARE AVAILABLE AS E-BOOKS

TAFELDRUIF ONDERSTOKKE IN SUID-AFRIKA , N SAMEVATTING VAN 27 JAAR SE EVALUERING

TABLE GRAPE ROOTSTOCKS IN SOUTH AFRICA A compilation of evaluations spanning 27 years

In hierdie boek word aandag geskenk aan aspekte soos die huidige onderstokgebruik en onderstok-eienskappe, insluitend aanpasbaarheid by grondtoestande. Dit bevat waardevolle inligting wat tafeldruifprodusente in staat sal stel om ’n onderstokkeuse vir hul spesifieke kultivars, grondtoestande en klimaat te kan maak. ’n Magdom navorsingresultate word op ’n inligtingryke, visuele en toeganklike wyse aangebied.

J.H. Avenant

Foto: Jan Avenant

J.H. Avenant

FOR THE FOLLOWING BOOK, HARD COPIES ARE FREE. THE E-BOOK CAN BE BOUGHT ONLINE FROM AMAZON

FOR SUSTAINABLE WINE AND TABLE GRAPE VINEYARDS SOIL PREPARATION FOR SUSTAINABLE WINE AND TABLE GRAPE VINEYARDS J.L. VAN ZYL & J.E. HOFFMAN

This book covers knowledge gleaned from research and practical experience that accumulated in South Africa over the past 100 years. Soil preparation, often regarded as deep tillage only, also includes many other forms of soil profile modification such as ridging, drainage, terracing, reclamation of saline soils and even planting holes. Soil type predominantly determines what soil preparation practices and implements are required. The book aims to give practical information on these topics, but also to explain the background to such recommendations and to provide experimental evidence in support. Throughout the book, the aim of soil profile modification takes into account root distribution, which is a prerequisite for maximised and sustainable grapevine performance. The target readership is growers, students, technical advisers as well as researchers who wish to delve further into the subject in order to continue work in this field.

TO ORDER YOUR COPY, CLICK HERE

J.L. VAN ZYL & J.E. HOFFMAN

ACADEMY

ISBN 978-0-620-84093-4

9 780620 840934

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BEYOND

TO READ THE FULL ARTICLES, CLICK HERE

Naam van artikel: Bewaringslandbou in Kort Skrywer: Anna Mouton

QUARTER 1 (2024)

Quarter 1

Daar is uitstekende redes waarom tafeldruifprodu sente bewaringslandbou moet oorweeg maar dit gaan nie alle probleme rondom volhoubaarheid oplos nie. Hierdie oorsig beantwoord vrae wat SATI van tafeldruifprodusente onvang: l Is bewarings- en herlewingslandbou dieselfde? l Kan ek diere in my wingerd inbring? l Hoe kan produsente organiese materiaal in die grond verhoog? l Gaan bewaringslandbou my in staat stel om che mie te verminder? l Hoe verhoog bewaringslandbou grondvrugbaar heid? Rain protection is the most common use of plastic covers in South African table-grape production. The article describes the practical aspects of rain covers and other applications. We start by contrasting earlier and later covering and then look at the pros and cons of different systems. One application of using plastics is manipulating the harvest window. Article Name: A plastics primer Author: Anna Mouton Table-grape growers can use plastic covers, for micro climate modification and harvest protection. Achie ving success starts with understanding how plastic covers modify the following growing conditions: Article Name: Plastic Practicalities Author: Anna Mouton

BEYOND

2 0 2 4

FOKUS OP: Bewarings- landbou

QUARTER 2 (2024)

Quarter 2

BEYOND

2 0 2 4

FOCUS ON: Climate manipulation

ADOBE FIREFLY

l Light l Temperature l Water l Sustainability l Other effects

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South African Fruit Journal

(ARTICLES PUBLISHED BY SATI BETWEEN JULY 2023 AND JUNE 2024)

PUBLISHED IN JUN/JUL 2024 Articles: • BTPA 34th Annual Block Competition, by Eurica Scholtz (page 8) • Leveraging alternatives to mitigate logistical challenges, by Billy Viljoen & Jacques Ferreira (page 10) • Essential risk management strategies for table-grape growers, by AJ Jansen van Vuuren (page 14) • The future of pest management, by Anna Mouton (page 49) • What drives cluser uniformity, by Anna Mouton (page 53) • Big data enables better breeding, by Anna Mouton (page 56) PUBLISHED IN APR/MAY 2024 Articles: • 10ITGS: Efficiency for increased global market share, by Catherine Milward Bridges (page 20) • Topfruit 10ITGS insights, by AJ Jansen van Vuuren (page 23) • Climate trends, by Johan van den Berg (page 24) • ORPA Blokkompetisie, deur Eunice Avenant & Jan Avenant (page 26) • Table-grape growers and leafroll, by Anna Mouton (page 56) • Carbon Sequestration in Agri,by Lisa Matthews & Chantelle Smit (page 58)

PUBLISHED IN FEB/MAR 2024 Articles:

• 10ITGS: Looking for answers, by Catherine Milward-Bridges (page 30) • 10ITGS: Working together, by Catherine Milward-Bridges (page 32) • Biocontrol of false codling moth, by Anna Mouton (page 67) • Potential for Margarodes control, by Elleunorah Allsopp (page 68) • Riglyne vir hantering van tafeldruiwe, deur Dawie Moelich (page 70) • Watergebruik van tafeldruifwingerd onder nette: Oranjeriviergebied, deur Eunice Avenant & Jan Avenant (page 74)

TO READ THE ARTICLES, CLICK HERE.

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GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

PUBLISHED IN DEC 2023/JAN 2024 Articles:

• SAFPRO: an Asian Journey, by Craig Jensen (page 6) • CCC Carbon Heroes, by Chantelle Smit (page 8) • Somersnoei van wingerd, deur Jan Avenant & Eunice Avenant (page 31) • Choosing table-grape rootstocks, by Kebo Toolo (page 36) • Kolidraat-indeks as fisiologiese indicator van plantprestasie, deur Dr Elmi Lötze (page 38) • New Breeding Technologies in Cultivar Development, by Manuela Campa & Justin Lashbrooke (page 40) • Quality and efficiency from farm to table, by Jorisna Bonthuys (page 28) • Tafel- en droogdruifverbouing nuut geakkrediteerde SU kortkursusse in Kakamas, deur Eunice Avenant (page 30) • Conrad Burger – new agri business analyst, by Johan Engelbrecht (page 32) • EPNs – using nature to fight nature, by Prof Antoinette Malan & Dr Murray Dunn (page 68) • Managing late season thrips, by Elleunorah Allsopp & Michael Stiller (page 69) • Integrating molecular markers in table grape breeding, by Justin Lashbrooke (page 86) • Market access from farm to table, by Jorisna Bonthuys (page 40) • Shaping the future of SA table grapes, by Chantell Ilbury (page 44) • ARC table-grape breeding, by Jorisna Bonthuys (page 46) • Producer information days, by Mecia Petersen & Tarryn Wettergreen (page 50) • 10ITGS – where science meets industry, by Mecia Petersen & Tarryn Wettergreen (page 82) • Beginsels van vrugtevlieg- en valskodlingmotbeheer, deur Anna Mouton (page 84) • Tips for cultivating sugarthirtyfive in SA, by Michele Melillo (page 87) PUBLISHED IN OCT/NOV 2023 Articles: PUBLISHED IN AUG/SEP 2023 Articles: • Meet some of our researchers, by Anna Mouton (page 37)

2024 TABLE TALK 19

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Information Sheets

PEST MANAGEMENT

INLIGTINGSBLAAIE: WINGERDPESTE

PESBESTUUR

FILLOKSERABEHEER IN KWEKERYE: HOEKOM EN HOE?

FILLOKSERA: MOENIE DIÉ ONGESIENE VYAND ONDERSKAT NIE

WAT IS FILLOKSERA? Filloksera ( Daktulosphaira vitifoliae ) is ’n baie klein tipe plantluis wat slegs op wingerd ( Vitis spesies) voorkom en nie met die blote oog sigbaar is nie. In Suid-Afrika kom dit hoofsaaklik op wingerdwortels voor, maar by vatbare onderstokke kom dit ook in galle aan die onderkant van die blare voor (Fig. 1).

WAT IS FILLOKSERA? Filloksera ( Daktulosphaira vitifoliae ) is ’n baie klein tipe plantluis wat slegs op wingerd ( Vitis spesies) voorkom en nie met die blote oog sigbaar is nie. In Suid-Afrika kom dit hoofsaaklik op die wortels voor en verkies grond met ’n swaarder tekstuur (<60% sand). Dit is wêreldwyd ’n ernstige plaag van wingerd en het byna die Suid Afrikaanse wingerdbedryf gekelder nadat dit die land in 1886 binnegekom het. Die bedryf is gered deur wingerd op weerstandbiedende onderstokke te ent.

Simptome en verspreiding Kenmerkende haakvormige galle vorm op fyn wortels waar filloksera voed (Fig. 1). Dit verswak die wortelstelsel en het ’n ernstige impak op die stok se prestasie. Erg besmette stokke vrek mettertyd. Filloksera het ’n komplekse lewensiklus, maar slegs vlerklose wyfies wat sonder paring voortplant, kom in Suid Afrika voor (Fig. 2). Die insek oorwinter op wingerdwortels as eerste instar larwes wat selfs onder ’n mikroskoop moeilik sigbaar is. Filloksera versprei deur besmette plantmateriaal en deur besmette grond wat aan implemente, voertuigbande of skoene vaskleef. Is filloksera nog ’n bedreiging? Onderstokke se weerstand teen filloksera is nie absoluut nie en lae getalle filloksera kan op weerstandbiedende onderstokke voortbestaan. Solank so ’n onderstok onder optimale toestande sterk groei, kan dit selfs hoë getalle filloksera weerstaan. Indien toestande egter sub-optimaal word (teenwoordigheid van aalwurms, hitte of droogte stres, versuipte grond), verswak die weerstand en filloksera kan die oorhand kry. ’n Onlangse opname (2020 – 2022) het bevind dat filloksera in al die gebiede waar tafel- en droogdruiwe in the Wes-Kaap en Noord-Kaap verbou word, teenwoordig is. Lae getalle galle en filloksera kom op weerstandbiedende (R99, R110) en matig weerstandbiedende ((US 8-7, 143B, Ramsey, Paulsen) onderstokke voor . Alhoewel daar tans geen aanduidings is dat dit die stokke se prestasie negatief beïnvloed nie, bestaan die risiko dat getalle vinnig tot skadelike vlakke kan vermeerder

Fig. 1. Kenmerkende galle aan onderkante van blare.

Fig. 1. Haakvormige galle op fyn wortels waar filloksera voed.

WINGERDPESTE AALWURMS

Simptome Kenmerkende haakvormige galle vorm op fyn wortels waar filloksera voed (Fig. 2 & 3). Dit verswak die wortelstelsel en het ’n ernstige impak op die stok se prestasie. Erg besmette stokke vrek mettertyd. Die insek oorwinter op wingerdwortels as eerste instar larwes wat selfs onder ’n mikroskoop moeilik sigbaar is. Verspreiding Filloksera verkies grond met ’n swaarder tekstuur (<60% sand). Die plaag versprei deur besmette plantmateriaal (veral oorwinterende larwes) en deur besmette grond wat aan implemente, voertuigbande of skoene vaskleef.

TABEL 1. FILLOKSERA WEERSTANDBIEDENDHEID VAN SEKERE ONDERSTOKKE VOLGENS LOUBSER ET AL. (1987).

Weerstandbiedend

99 Richter

P.S. 99 Richter

110 Richter Matig weerstandbiedend

Ramsey

143-B Mgt

101-14 Mgt

Dogridge

775 Paulsen

1045 Paulsen

US 8-7

1103 Paulsen

3306 C

Berlandieri 13/5

140 Ruggeri

Grezot-1

161/49 C

Kober 5 BB

Matig vatbaar

Teleki 5B

Vatbaar

Jacquez

1202 C

C Metallica

Teleki 5C

Fig. 2. Haakvormige galle op fyn wortels waar filloksera voed.

INLIGTINGSBLAAIE: WINGERDPESTE

WINGERDPESTE MONITERING VAN PESTE IN WINGERD

WINGERDPESTE KALANDER

WINGERDPESTE MIERE

WINGERDPESTE PEERBLADROLLER

INLIGTINGSBLAAIE: WINGERDPESTE

WINGERDPESTE SPORADIESE PESTE

WINGERDPESTE VALS

WINGERDPESTE STAMBOORDERS

KODLINGMOT

INLIGTINGSBLAAIE: WINGERDPESTE

WINGERDPESTE VRUGTE- VLIEË

WINGERDPESTE WITLUISE

TO READ THE ARTICLES, CLICK HERE.

FOTO: PROF PIET GOUSSARD, WINETECH

2024 TABLE TALK 20

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Information Sheets

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

PLANT MATERIAL

WATER MANAGEMENT

TO READ THE ARTICLES, CLICK HERE.

2024 TABLE TALK 21

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

Information Sheets

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

KWALITEIT

OES TOT NA-OES

RIGLYNE VIR DIE HANTERING VAN TAFELDRUIWE

DIE BELANGRIKHEID VAN KOOLHIDRAAT RESERWES

Verpligte vereistes vir tafeldruifhantering het na deregulasie weggeval maar die eertydse riglyne het steeds waarde vir produsente, verduidelik Dawie Moelich, Tegniese en Marktoegang Bestuurder by SATI.

Die bestuur van die wingerd in die na-oes periode is baie belangrik, aangesien dit die volgende seisoen ’n groot impak kan hê op die aanvanklike bot en groei van wingerd. Gedurende die na-oes periode vind die opberging van koolhidraat reserwes plaas wat benodig word deur die plant vir bot en aanvanklike groei (bot tot ongeveer 8 tot 10 blaarstadium), totdat die blaaroppervlak groot genoeg is vir voldoende energieproduksie deur middel van fotosintese. Hierdie koolhidraat reserwes word nie net in die permanente bogrondse dele gestoor nie, maar ook in die wortelstelsel. Die koolhidrate gestoor in die wortelstelsel word tot ’n mate gebruik vir aanvanklike bogrondse groei, maar grootliks vir die wortelstuwing wat gesien word rondom die blom periode. Soos die stok groei deur die seisoen, word oortollige koolhidrate, wat deur fotosintese geproduseer word, ook gestoor in die permanente dele van die plant. Maar as die oeslading hoog is, of wanneer die stokke onder een of ander omgewingsstres is (wat fotosintese verlaag), word daar minder hiervan gestoor en word koolhidrate eerder gebruik vir die rypmaak van die oes. In so geval, is die oordeelkundige bestuur van die na-oes periode van nog groter belang. Die plant benodige nie net koolhidrate nodig vir bot nie, maar nutriënte ook. Die nutriënte deur die stok benodig vir bot en aanvanklike groei kan nie op ’n vroeë stadium deur wortelopname bevredig word nie, daarom is die gestoorde nutriënte vir hierdie periode belangrik. Die impak van reserwes op aanvanklike lootgroei en potensiële oeslading vir die volgende seisoen is groter as wat meeste besef – suboptimale reserwes kan veroorsaak dat die primêre ogies (wat die beste kwaliteit trosse het) nie uitbot nie, maar eerder die sekondêre of tersiêre ogies. Swak aanvanklike groei kan in die seisoen tot gevolg hê dat optimale uitdunning nie verkry word nie en het in die meeste gevalle ook meer ongegaligheid tot gevolg.

en suurvlakke gereeld vanaf deurslaan te meet. Dit stel hulle in staat om die optimale oestyd te skat en dus oes- en bemarkingsprogramme te skeduleer. Histories is die riglyne vir rypheidstandaarde van onderskeie kultivars deur die bedryf voorgeskryf, op grond van die resultate van plaaslike evaluasies en opbergingsproewe. Huidig word die rypheidstandaard deur planttelers voorgeskryf en opgeneem in die DALRRD Uitvoer Regulasies en Standaarde, wat deur PPECB gekontroleer word. Voorheen is druiwe oor die algemeen gedurende die koelste deel van die dag – voor 11h00 – geoes. Dit het onder andere probeer verhoed dat druiwe geoes word wanneer pulptemperature 30 °C oorskry. Warmer vrugte het ’n vinniger metabolisme wat veroudering versnel. Verpakking van warmer vrugte tydens warmer periodes van die dag skep ook groter verkoelingsuitdagings en plaas daardeur addisionele druk op die beskikbare fasiliteite. Plukkiste moet skoon gehou en gereeld gewas word om te verhoed dat stowwerige of klewerige vrugte by verbruikers beland. Ligkleurige plukkiste word aanbeveel. Druiwe moet na oes in die skaduwee gehou en so gou moontlik – binne 20–30 minute – by die pakhuis afgelewer word. Fisiese hantering van trosse moet vanaf oes deurgaans beperk word om skade te voorkom. Druiwetrosse moet nie bo-op mekaar gestapel word nie. Die historiese aanbeveling was om oesaktiwiteite te staak indien dit reën en die druiwe vir langer as 10 ure nat bly. Die doel hiervan was om bederf en korrelbars wat deur die reën aangehelp is, kans te gee om te ontwikkel sodat aangetaste korrels verwyder kan word om sodoende nie in die karton te beland nie. BY DIE PAKHUIS By aankoms by die pakhuis kan druiwe óf direk op die

Voor deregulasie was die Sagtevrugteraad en Unifruco die alleenuitvoerders van Suid-Afrikaanse tafeldruiwe en het dus die tegniese riglyne vir tafeldruifhantering voorgeskryf. Na deregulasie het verskillende rolspelers in die waardeketting mettertyd die historiese riglyne aangepas en hedendaagse produsente volg dikwels riglyne wat deur uitvoeragentskappe voorsien word. Daar is egter steeds waarde in die historiese riglyne – die onderliggende natuurwette wat vrugkwaliteit beïnvloed het nie met deregulasie verander nie! Hierdie artikel poog om die eertydse riglyne op te som sodat produsente daarna kan verwys wanneer hulle hul eie praktyke wil evalueer. Deur pulp- asook lugtemperature gereeld te meet kan produsente hulle eie koueketting volgens die hanteringsnodes binne die uitvoerproses beter verstaan en swak hanteringspunte intyds identifiseer met die oog op verbetering. Sodoende kan produsente meer vertroue hê dat hulle verkoelings- en bewaringskettings wel die kwaliteit van hul tafeldruiwe sal handhaaf. as moontlik te behou maar dit kan nie die inherente kwaliteit of opbergingsvermoë van druiwe verbeter nie. Produsente moet vroegtydig ’n geskikte program vir die beheer van bederforganismes implementeer. Siekte- en plaagbeheer moet alle marktoegangsvereistes in ag neem – elimineer fitosanitêre plae maar hou terselfdertyd by toelaatbare spuitmiddels en maksimum residuvlakke. Indien nodig kan geregistreerde middels gebruik word om kleurontwikkeling te bevorder. Let egter daarop dat oorskryding van die geregistreerde voorskrifte soos op die etiket aangedui die houvermoë van tafeldruiwe kan verlaag. OES Optimale oesrypheid streef om die IN DIE WINGERD Goeie produksiepraktyke lê die grondslag vir die kwaliteit en houvermoë van tafeldruiwe. Optimale hantering en verkoeling is uiters belangrik om kwaliteit so goed

PRODUKSIE WENKE

NA-OES BESTUUR OM KOOLHIDRAAT RESERWES TE AKKUMULEER Dit is belangrik vir die druiwestok om in die na-oes periode steeds optimaal te fotosinteer, om sodoende koolhidraat reserwes op te bou. Dit beteken dat ’n gesonde lower gehandhaaf moet word vir hierdie periode, genoegsame nutriënte en water moet beskikbaar wees, peste en plae moet voldoende beheer word. Behalwe dat die lower gesond moet wees vir fotosintese, kan swamme soos witroes en donsskimmel ook tot gevolg hê dat die koolhidrate wat in die blare geproduseer word, nie uitgevoer kan word na die permanente strukture van die plant nie. Stadige of onegalige rypwording en lote wat nie heeltemal ‘ryp’ is met oes nie, kan gesien word as indikators dat daar ’n tekort aan koolhidrate in die sisteem was gedurende die seisoen. In hierdie geval is die na-oes bestuursperiode van kardinale belang – die lower moet vir ’n langer periode na oes aktief gehou word om reserwes op te bou.

NA-OES NUTRIËNT BESTUUR Die hoeveelheid nutriënte wat gedurende die na-oes periode toegedien moet word, hang af van ’n paar faktore, bv. Blaar of petiool analises gedoen gedurende die seisoen, visuele toestand van die lower (groeikragtigheid, tekortsimptome, verwyder is uit die sisteem met die oes van die druiwe. ’n Paar redes waarom na-oes bemesting belangrik is, sluit in: die regstelling van enige nutriënt kwessies wat gedurende die seisoen opgeduik het; instandhouding van die lower vir ’n langer periode na-oes; bou van nutriënt reserwes vir die volgende seisoen; en vele ander. ens.), grondtipe en ook die hoeveelheid nutriënte wat

NA-OES BESPROEIINGS BESTUUR

Besproeing tydens die na-oes periode is belangrik aangesien dit ’n gesonde lower langer sal onderhou voor blaarval en ook om die na-oes bemesting wat toegedien is, tot in die wortelsone te was. In winterreënval gebiede moet optimale dreinering van die wingerde verseker word en in somerreënval gebiede moet lae frekwensie besproeing gedoen word. Optimale grondvog gedurende dormansie, verbeter die kans op meer egalige bot en beter aanvanklike groei – wanneer die wingerd te droog of te nat bestuur word gedurende die winter, word wortelaktiwiteit negatief beïnvloed. Trix Quixley (NexusAg).

paklyn gaan óf eers in ontvangskamers met veldhitteverwydering geplaas word. Hierdie ontvangskamers word gebruik wanneer die paklyn alreeds vol is óf die druiwe te warm is om dadelik te verpak. Tydens veldhitteverwydering word vrugte

deur sirkulerende lug tot net bo die doupunt afgekoel. Die lugspoed moet verkieslik verminder kan word sodra die vrugte op of naby temperatuur is. Druiwe moet verkieslik teen ’n pulptemperatuur van 20 °C–25 °C gepak word. Die hitteuitruiling wat die druiwe

balans tussen voldoende houvermoë en aanvaarbare smaak en voorkoms vir die verbruiker te vind. Produsente moet die rypwordingsproses en -tempo van hulle druiwe moniteer deur byvoorbeeld suiker-

satgi.co.za

HANDLING OF TABLE GRAPES: FLOW DIAGRAM DFPT RESEARCH 2003 AND HORTEC 2007. REDRAFTED WITH PERMISSION 2021.

HANTERING VAN TAFELDRUIWE: VLOEIDIAGRAM DFPT RESEARCH 2003 AND HORTEC 2007. REDRAFTED WITH PERMISSION 2021

RAPID REMOVAL OF “FIELD-HEAT” IS CRITICAL.

VINNIGE VERWYDERING VAN VELDHITTE IS KRITIES.

NOTES (evaluate and improve your own system)

HARVEST

PACKHOUSE

PRE-COOLING

OES

PAKSTOOR

VOOR VERKOELING

• Pulp temperature <25°C; ideally just above dew point. • Use clean, light coloured lugs for harvesting. • Transport to the packhouse as quickly as possible. • Keep covered.

• Pulptemperatuur <25°C; ideaal 20°C of net bokant doupunt. • Gebruik skoon, liggekleurde plukkiste. • Vervoer na pakstoor so gou moontlik. • Bedek met seil.

• Using circulating air, cool grapes in pre-cooler to just above dew point, especially if grapes were harvested at a temperature >25°C. • Reduce air speed as soon as target temperature is reached.

• Verkoel in voorverkoeler met bewegende lug tot net bo doupunt, veral indien druiwe by temperatuur >25°C geoes is. • Verminder lugspoed sodra teikentemperatuur bereik is.

PACKING LINE

PAKLYN

• Packhouse temperature: max 25°C. • Pack grapes directly from pre-cooling chamber. • Packing speed should be fast enough so that grapes do not reheat after pre cooling.

• Pakstoortemperatuur: maks 25°C. • Verpak druiwe direk vanaf voorverkoelingskamer. • Verpakkingspoed moet vinnig genoeg wees dat druiwe nie weer opwarm na voorverkoeling nie.

PALLETISATION

PALLETISEER

Take pallets immediately to cold room.

• Transport to coldroom as often as possible. • Keep covered during transport.

Neem palette onmiddellik na koelkamer of verkoelde houkamer.

• Vervoer so gereeld moontlik na koelkamer. • Bedek vrag met seil.

REFRIGERATED HOLDING ROOM

VERKOELDE HOUKAMER

EXTERNAL COLD ROOM (including port) • Pallets in cold storage immediately after arrival. • Pulp temperature <10°C within 10-12h and at minus 0.5°C within 24h. • Turn off fans as soon as target temperature is reached.

EKSTERNE KOELKAMER (insluitend hawe)

OWN COLD ROOM

EIE KOELKAMER

• Palette in koelkamer onmiddellik na aankoms. • Pulptemperatuur <10°C binne 10-12h en by minus 0.5°C binne 24h. • Skakel waaiers af sodra teikentemperatuur bereik is.

Rapid transfer.

Voltooi binne een uur.

CONTAINER

BEHOUERING

TERMINAL

TERMINAAL

• Inlet temperature should never drop

• Inlaattemperatuur moet nooit

Transport to port: • Preferably in refrigerated trucks • Tautliners • Flatbed transport with sails for insulation (cargo to be covered at all times).

Vervoer na hawe: • Verkieslik in verkoelde trokke • Tautliners • Platbakvervoer met seile vir isolering (vrag te alle tye met seil bedek).

SHIP

VERSKEEP

Set-point temperature of ship container minus 0.5 ° C.

Stelpunttemperatuur van skeepshouer minus 0.5 ° C.

RELEASE, STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING

VRYSTELLING, OPBERGING, VERSPREIDING & BEMARKING

Further handling ideal at minus 0.5°C. Be alert! In practice pallets are often kept at 5°C due to handling of mixed commodities.

Verdere hantering ideaal by minus 0.5°C. Wees bedag! In praktyk dikwels by 5°C agv hantering van gemengde kommoditeite.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

SULPHITE RESIDUE LEVELS ON TABLE GRAPES

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

THE USE OF SULFUR DIOXIDE GENERATING SHEETS ON TABLE GRAPES

WHAT ARE SULPHITES?

fruit. Excessive use of sulphur dioxide may also cause off flavours. Due to certain people displaying hypersensitivity to sulphites in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the decision was made to regulate the use of sulphites in various products including table grapes and other fruit. Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to sulphites manifest as asthma, urticaria, anaphylactic reactions, dermatitis, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In the United States of America, the Environmental Protection Agency, the European Union, and the United Kingdom has set the maximum residue level of sulphites on imported table grapes at 10 ppm or mg/kg, a quantity it considers safe to consume. A table grape consignment with a sulphite residue level above 10 ppm may be rejected at the ports of the aforementioned countries. South Africa has set the maximum residue levels for sulphites on imported table grapes to 30 ppm in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards, a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation and the World Health Organisation.

Sulphites is a collective term used to describe sulphur containing compounds which releases sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) gas. These compounds include sulphur dioxide, sodium metabisulphite, potassium metabisulphite and calcium sulphite, among others. These sulphites are included on food labels as E-numbers ranging from E220 to E228 and has been used for centuries to prevent food spoilage and discolouration. Sulphites have many useful properties such as being effective antimicrobials, sanitising agents, bleaching agents, oxygen scavengers, and enzyme inhibitors, which makes it useful to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. In table grape production, sulphites, applied as SO 2 , are used as a post-harvest treatment to prevent Botrytis decay during storage and transport. It is applied through chamber fumigation or SO 2 generating sheets placed inside table grape cartons. The active ingredient of the SO 2 generating sheets is sodium metabisulphite, which release SO 2 gas upon contact with water vapour. Sulphite deposits (residues) may then be absorbed by the table grape berries and may also be left on the surface of the

INTRODUCTION TO THE USE OF SULFUR DIOXIDE ON TABLE GRAPES

one hour is required to disinfest grapes and kill the surface growth of fungi. Single release SO 2 sheets are also available for shorter storage or transport times. Sulfur dioxide kills and prevents the growth of Botrytis on table grapes by inhibiting key proteins and disrupting the cell membranes of Botrytis cells. Sulfur dioxide also induces resistance in plants to Botrytis infection. SO 2 sheets cannot prevent superficial latent Botrytis infections that occurred during the flowering stage of the vines but can prevent the Botrytis from germinating and spreading to other bunches in the carton. Sulfite residues will always remain below the legal maximum residue limit of 10 ppm with use of any Uvasys product.

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) fumigation was first used on wine grapes in the United States in the 1920s and has been a very effective post-harvest treatment for the prevention of Botrytis grey mould. Since the introduction of SO 2 generator sheets, South African table grape producers found fumigation to be unsatisfactory and have moved away from this practice. SO 2 generator sheets contains the active ingredient sodium metabisulfite which releases SO 2 when it comes into contact with water vapour. Most SO 2 generator sheets have a dual release which means that the sheet has two release stages, namely a fast release (first stage) and slow release (second stage). A minimum concentration of 100 ppm of SO 2 gas for

Average Uvasys Blue sulphite residues on table grapes

MRL: 10 ppm

A graphical representation of the average sulphite residues on ‘Crimson Seedless’ table grapes. The table grapes were packed in 4 mm x 36 perforated and non-perforated liners and treated with Uvasys Blue Dual Release, followed by cold storage at -0.5 °C for 24, 48 and 72 hours, 4 and 8 weeks. Three reps were included for each treatment. The red line represents the maximum residue limit of 10 ppm for sulphite residues on table grapes.

sulphite concentration (ppm)

24h 3.67

48h 3.67 1.00

72h 5.00 1.00

4 week

8 week

non-perf

1.00 1.00

2.00 2.00

4 mm 1.33

Graph showing dual release action of SO2 sheets.

TO READ THE ARTICLES, CLICK HERE.

2024 TABLE TALK 22

GRAPE CONVERSATIONS

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