Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fruit size can be a problem in 'Clementine' mandarin and 'Valencia' orange in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Small fruit is not only unacceptable to the consumer but is also more difficult and expensive to harvest. Means of alleviating this problem is to manage the crop load. Hand thinning trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of timing and severity thereof in enhancing fruit size. The benefits of enhancing large fruit size was obtained by a heavy-thinning (60% fruitlet removed) treatment, but the actual benefits were offset by a reduction of total yield. Yield was reduced up to 30% when heavy thinning treatments were applied. No effect on early or late treatments were obtained since the trial was conducted rather late (4 to 6 weeks after the physiological fruit drop period) to obtain the desirable results. However, better packouts are expected with thinning treatments since blemished fruit are also removed. The effect of multiple 2,4-dichlorophenoxy propionic acid (dichlorprop) sprays were also evaluated on 'Nules Clemetine' mandarin. Comparing multiple sprays with a single spray, it was observed that more than one spray was no better in improving fruit size. The use of multiple dichlorprop sprays resulted in no additional yield reduction, while internal fruit quality was also not affected. The best results were obtained with dichlorprop at 50 mg. L-1 • The use of dichlorprop with different surfactants was evaluated in both 'Clementine' mandarin and 'Valencia' orange. The fruit size was increased from 50 mg. L-1 up to 100 mg. L-1 • Yield was usually not affected but, where reductions were experienced, yield of large fruit (>55 mm) was not significantly affected. In the 'Valencia' orange trials, during the first year, dichlorprop was sprayed relatively late (fruit diameter: 19 mm). No fruit size, yield and internal fruit quality effects were observed. The following year, when early and late sprays (fruit diameter at spray time = 8 and 12 mm, respectively) were evaluated, it was observed that late sprays had no effect on fruit size, whereas fruit size (48 fruit per carton) was significantly increased by early sprays. This implies that the dichlorprop effect on fruit size is during the early stages of fruit development, just after or during the late stage of the physiological fruit drop period. Yield was drastically reduced by up to 35%, which affected the actual kilograms of large fruit adversely in some treatments. Juice percentage was inconsistent and tended to be reduced by dichlorprop application. Dichlorprop tended to increase TSS slightly in year one and significantly so in year two, but did not affect the TSS:TA ratio. The use of Orchex mineral oils as surfactant at 150 mL. 100 L-1 was effective and seemingly allowed lower rates of dichlorprop to be used. Therefore, surfactants seemed to show potential in enhancing dichlorprop efficiency to reduce the application cost. The dichlorprop-sprayed fruit was used to measure carotenoid content of the rind during the later stage of fruit development. Observations indicate that dichlorprop-sprayed fruit at 50 mg. L-1 obtained better carotenoid content in both 'Clementines' mandarin and 'Valencia' orange. Also, fruit exposed to light had higher carotenoid levels as compared to fruit shaded with brown paper bags. However, dichlorprop-sprayed fruit at 100 mg. L-1 , even though exposed to light did not show significant differences with unsprayed in both shaded and exposed conditions. Therefore, no consistent effect of dichlorprop was established on total carotenoid content of the rind. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vruggrootte van 'Clementine' mandaryn en 'Valencia' lemoene kan 'n probleem wees in die Wes Kaap area van Suid Afrika. Klein vrugte is nie net onaanvaarbaar vir die verbruiker nie, maar is ook moeilik om te oes. Vrugdrag manipulasie is een manier om hierdie probleem te beheer. Hand uitdunningsproewe is uitgevoer om die effek van tyd en graad van uitdunning op vruggrootte te bepaal. Strawwe vruguitdunning (60% van vruggies verwyder) het groter vrugte tot gevolg gehad maar het gelei tot 'n verlaagde opbrengs. Opbrengs is tot soveel as 30% verlaag met die strawwe vruguitdunning. Vroeë en laat behandelings het egter geen effek gehad nie, aangesien die proewe te laat uitgevoer is (4 tot 6 weke na die fisiologiese vrugvalperiode) om die gewenste effek te verkry. Beter uitpak word verwag na uitdunning, aangesien vrugte met letsels ook verwyder word. Die effek van veelvuldige 2,4-dichlorofenoksie-propioonsuur (dichlorprop) spuite IS ook geëvalueer op 'Nules Clementine' mandaryn. Daar is geen verskil gevind tussen enkel en veelvuldige spuite in terme van vruggrootteverbetering nie. Die gebruik van veelvuldige dichlorprop spuite het nie tot 'n verlaging in opbrengs gelei nie, en interne vrugkwaliteit is ook nie beïnvloed me. Die beste resultate is verkry met die 50 mg. L-1 dichlorprop behandeling. Die gebruik van dichlorprop saam met verskillende benatters is op beide 'Clementine' mandaryn en 'Valencia' lemoene geëvalueer. Vruggrootte het toegeneem vanaf 50 mg. L-1 tot 100 mg. L-1 • Opbrengs was net in sekere gevalle verlaag en dan sonder 'n betekenisvolle verskil in groot-vrug produksie (>55 mm: Clementines). Tydens die eerste jaar van die 'Valencia' lemoen proef is die dichlorprop relatief laat gespuit (vrug deursneë: 19 mm). Daar was geen effek op vruggrootte, opbrengs en interne vrugkwaliteit nie. Tydens evaluasie van vroeë en laat bespuitings die volgende jaar is waargeneem dat laat bespuitings geen effek op vruggrootte gehad het nie, terwyl vruggrootte (48 vrugte per karton) betekenisvol verhoog is deur die vroeë bespuitings (Vruggrootte voor bespuiting = 8 en 12 mm, onderskeidelik). Dit impliseer dat dichlorprop se effek op vruggrootte gedurende die vroeë stadiums van vrugontwikkeling is, net na of gedurende die laat stadiums van die fisiologiese vrugvalperiode. Opbrengs is drasties verlaag deur dichlorprop, tot soveel as 35% wat die kilogram groot vrugte negatief beïnvloed het in sommige behandelings. Sappersentasie was nie konsekwent affekteer nie, maar is verlaag deur die dichlorprop bespuitings. Dichlorprop het die TSS effens verhoog in beide jare, maar het geen effek gehad op die TSS:TA verhouding nie. Die gebruik van Orchex minerale olie as benatter was effektief by 150 mL. 100 L-1 , en laat klaarblyklik die gebruik van dichlorprop by laer konsentrasies toe. Dus, kom dit voor dat benatters die potensiaal het om die effektiwiteit van dichlorprop te verbeter wat lei tot 'n verlaging in toedieningskoste. Die dichlorprop gespuite vrugte is gebruik om karotenoïed-inhoud van die skil te meet tydens die laat stadiums van vrugontwikkeling. Vrugte gespuit met dichlorprop teen 'n konsentrasie van 50 mg. L-1 het 'n beter karotenoïed-inhoud in beide 'Clementine' mandaryn en 'Valencia' lemoene tot gevolg gehad. Vrugte blootgestel aan lig het ook 'n hoër karatenoïedkonsentrasie gehad as vrugte wat met bruin papiersakke bedek was. Dichlorprop bespuite vrugte teen 100 mg. L-I, alhoewel blootgestel aan lig, het geen betekenisvolle verskil gehad in vergelyking met onbespuite vrugte nie. Dus is daar geen konsekwente effek van dichlorprop op karotenoïde inhoud van die skiI waargeneem nie.

Thesis (MSc (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / This study was undertaken to quantify some of the effects of daily fertigation on ecophysiological responses in citrus trees (Citrus spp.). Initial research was conducted to optimise and standardise the sampling procedure to quantify stem water potential (ψstem) in citrus trees. To reliably determine the plant water status of citrus trees, the following conditions are required to minimise unwanted variation in ψstem measurements. Bagging of leaves with black polyethylene envelopes covered with aluminium foil 3 to 4 hours prior to measuring ψstem allows the plant water status in those leaves to equilibrate with whole-tree plant water status, thereby providing a realistic measurement of the current water status. The use of aluminium foil to cover the bagged leaves, reduces unwanted heat stress by reflecting sunlight, and dramatically reduced variation in ψstem. The time of day at which ψstem measurements are made is important to ensure consistency in comparisons among treatments and interpretation of irrigation treatment effects. “Physiological midday” is the preferred time of day to measure ψstem, i.e. 1100 HR. Transpiring leaves with open stomata would be in sun-exposed positions on the east side of trees and should be used for making ψstem measurements. Under similar experimental conditions as those used here, only three leaves per replicate are required to detect a difference of 0.05 MPa in ψstem between treatment means. Plant water status categories were developed which may have useful practical applications, i.e. >-1.0 MPa = no water deficit; -1.0 to -1.2 MPa = low water deficit; -1.2 to -1.4 MPa = moderate water deficit; <-1.4 to -1.6 MPa = high water deficit; and <-1.6 MPa = severe water deficit. Attempts are being made to develop systems that improve crop management and enhance citrus fruit production through efficient and timeous application of water and mineral nutrients which has led to the use of daily drip fertigation or the open hydroponics system (OHS). However, the perceived benefits are not necessarily supported by facts. Fruit size and yield are apparently enhanced, but possible negative aspects of the system have not been quantified. Fruit produced on trees grown under daily drip fertigation generally have a lower total soluble solids concentration than on trees under micro-sprinkler irrigation. This is mainly due to a dilution effect that is caused by the greater availability of water and the uptake thereof. Sugar accumulation can be optimised by controlling the amount of water that the plant receives at different developmental stages. Therefore, it is essential to quantify the ecophysiological responses and benefits of OHS/daily fertigation, as well as the effects of this technology on fruit quality. ‘Nules Clementine’ mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco) trees in two commercial orchards in Simondium, Western Cape province, South Africa, received differential irrigation treatments. The treatments were applied at the end of stage I (± mid December) of fruit development. Stem water potential, fruit size and internal fruit quality were determined. Water-deficit stress enhanced sugar accumulation of ‘Nules Clementine’ mandarin by 0.3 to 0.6 °Brix under certain conditions. These conditions require that the difference in ψstem should be of a sufficient intensity of between 0.16 and 0.3 MPa, and this difference should be maintained for a sufficient duration of between 4 and 6 weeks. Furthermore, deficit irrigation should be applied relatively early in fruit development, namely during the sugar accumulation stage which starts within 4 weeks of the end of the fruit drop period and continues until harvest.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Yield and fruit quality of Citrus species relative to foliar sprays of macronutrients Marginal fruit colour and poor internal quality have been primary problems in the production of early-maturing mandarins in the Western Cape region (34 Os t 9°E). This leads to a reduction in the percentage of exportable fruit, a delay in the picking and consequent reduction in internal quality due to over-maturity. Therefore, a well-developed rind colour and internal quality of citrus are quality parameters of major importance in the fruit market. The effect of soil-applied limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) and foliar low-biuret on fruit colour, yield and internal fruit quality of 'Mihowase' Satsuma on 'Troyer' citrange rootstock were evaluated. A significant reduction in leaf N levels was recorded where soil N has been reduced from 168 kg N/ha per annum to 126 kg Nlha per annum. Nitrogen applications influenced internal quality, although differences between treatments were too small to be of commercial importance. Despite tree appearance being more yellow in some years where N was predominantly applied as foliar spray, no consistent reduction in fruit size or yield was found. There were no clear significant differences in fruit colour, probably due to the fact that leaf N-Ievels were still within or below the norms suggested for Satsuma. The effect of Seniphosf , a mineral mixture of 31Og/L P20S, 56g/L CaO and 30g/L total N, and mono-potassium phosphate (MKP) [52% P20Sand 34% K20] on fruit colour, yield and internal fruit quality of mandarins, viz., 'Mihowase' Satsuma and 'Nules' Clementine on 'Troyer' citrange rootstock were evaluated. Seniphos'" and MKP applied during autumn colour break also did not influence fruit colour, yield and internal fruit quality, viz., juice content (%), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acid (TA) and TSS:TA ratio of 'Nules' Clementine and 'Mihowase' Satsuma. In the Citrusdal region of South Africa (Western Cape Province), rind roughness is a general problem which often limits the percentage of exportable fruits. The effect of foliar mono-potassium phosphate (MKP) applied at 3% or 5% and urea ammonium phosphate (UAP) at 2% at 4 or 6 weeks, respectively, after full bloom (AFB) on yield, internal and external fruit quality (rind texture) of Citrus spp on rough lemon rootstock were evaluated. MKP and UAP had no consistent effect on yield, juice content (%), TSS, TA and TSS:TA ratio of 'Nouvelle' tangor, 'Valencia' orange, 'Shamouti' midseason and 'Oroval' Clementine. MKP and UAP sprays significantly, but inconsistently improved rind texture of 'Nouvelle' tangor, 'Shamouti' midseason and 'Valencia' orange. However, no positive effect was found on rind texture of 'Oroval' Clementine and 'Eureka' lemon. Inconsistent effects ofMKP and UAP sprays were also found on % leafN, P and K. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Opbrengs en vrugkwaliteit van sitrus spesies relatief tat blaar toedienings van makroelemente Marginale vrugkleur en swak interne kwaliteit is die prim ere produksieprobleme in vroee seisoen mandaryne in die Wes-Kaap (34 Os 19°E). Die gevolg is 'n lae persentasie uitvoerbare vrugte omdat die oesdatum uitgestel word wat 'n afname in interne kwaliteit veroorsaak weens oorrypheid. Goed ontwikkelde skilkleur en interne kwaliteit is dus van groot belang vir bemarking van die vrugte. Grond-toegediende kalksteen-ammonium-nitraat (KAN) en lae biuret ureum se effek op vrugkleur, oesgrootte en interne vrugkwaliteit van 'Mihowase' Satsuma op 'Troyer citrange' onderstamme is ge-evalueer. 'n Betekenisvolle afname van die N viakke in die blare is gevind nadat grondtoediening van N vanaf 168 kg N/ha/jaar na 126 kg N/ha/jaar venninder is. N toedienings het interne kwaliteit beinvloed, maar die verskille tussen die behandelings was nie van kornmersiele waarde nie. Al was die boomvoorkoms geler in sommige jare waarin N hoofsaaklik as blaarvoedings toegedien is, was daar nie konstante afnames in vrug-of oesgrootte nie. Daar was geen betekenisvolle verskille in vrugkieur nie, waarskynlik omdat die blaarvlakke van N steeds binne die nonne daarvoor in Satsumas was. Die effek van Seniphos ('n minerale mengsel van 310g/L P20S, 56g/L CaO en 30g/L totaal N en monokaliumfosfaat (MKP) [52% P20S en 34% K20] op vrugkleur, oesgrootte en interne vrugkwaliteit van 'Mihowase' Satsumas en 'Nules' Clementine op Troyer citrange onderstarnme is geevalueer. Seniphos en MKP, toegedien tydens kleurbreek in die herfs, het ook nie skilkleur of interne vrugkwaliteit (sappersentasie, totale oplosbare vaste stowwe (TOV), suurheid (TS) en TOV:TS) betekenisvol bemvloed nie. In die Citrusdal-omgewing in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie (Suid-Afrika) is skilgrofheid 'n algemene probleem wat die hoeveelheid uitvoerbare vrugte beperk. Die effek van blaartoegediende MKP teen 3 en 5% en ureum-amrnoniurn-fosfaat (UAP) teen 2%, op onderskeidelik 4 of 6 weke na volblom, is geevalueer ten opsigte van oesgrootte, interne en ekstenne (skil grofheid) vrug kwaliteit in Citrus spp op growweskilsuurlemoen onderstam. Nie MKP of UAP het konsekwente verskille getoon t.o.v. oesgrootte, sappersentasie, TOV, TS, of TOV:TS in 'Nouvelle' tangor, 'Valencia' orange, 'Shamouti' midseison of 'Oroval' Clementine nie. Skiltekstuur is egter betekenisvol, hoewel inkonsekwent, verbeter in laasgenoemde drie. Skiltekstuur van 'Oroval' Clementine en 'Eureka' suurlemoen is nie bemvloed nie. Blaarpersentasies van N, P en K is ook inkonsekwent deur MKP en UAP beinvloed.

The South African Citrus Industry is the second largest exporter of citrus, after Spain. The industry is under pressure to supply high quality fruit as well as to expand into new, high paying markets. However, high paying markets such as Japan and the USA require cold sterilised fruit as obligatory quarantine treatments against Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in order to reduce any possible spread of the pest. Citrus fruit originated from tropical climates and hence are chilling susceptible. Chilling injury symptoms appear as dark brown spots, pitting and/or decay when fruit are transferred to shelf temperatures; thus reducing the marketability of citrus fruit. Therefore, there is need for methods to mitigate chilling injury. Previous studies have shown silicon to mitigate many forms of stress without any hazardous effect on human health. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the potential of post-harvest silicon dips in mitigating chilling symptoms in citrus fruit. Briefly, fruit from two sources (Ukulinga Research Farm and Ithala Farm) were dipped in different silicon concentrations (0, 50, 150, and 250 mg ℓ-1) for 30 minutes and thereafter stored at -0.5 or 2⁰C for up to 28 days with weekly evaluation for chilling injury symptoms. Total antioxidants were determined using FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays under spectrophotometer. In addition, sugars, ascorbic acid, phenolics and flavonoids were analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Fruit from Ukulinga Research Farm showed significantly higher total antioxidants (ascorbic acid total phenolics and specific flavonoids hesperidin and naringin) and sugars relative to fruit from Ithala Farm. Low concentrations of silicon dips significantly reduced the appearance of chilling injury symptoms by inducing an enzymatic conversion of glucose to ascorbic acid, thereby increasing the antioxidant capacity of chilling susceptible fruit. Moreover, silicon increased the concentration of total antioxidants, total phenolics and total flavonoids. High silicon concentrations had a negative effect on post-harvest quality of lemons by increasing fruit weight loss and electrolyte leakage, resulting in appearance of chilling symptoms. In conclusion, the study showed that silicon had potential to reduce chilling injury. However, high silicon concentrations raised concern, in particularly, on fruit appearance. / Thesis (M.Sc.Agric.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.