Thesis (MScAgric) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Postharvest berry split and abscission are prevailing physiological disorders that negatively impact on the quality of table grapes exported from South Africa. Inferior grape quality due to these disorders results in a considerable decline in consumer confidence in the branded product, which leads to a drop in demand, and consequently, lower prices. Since information concerning postharvest factors influencing postharvest berry split and abscission is limited, the search for reliable methods to adequately control these problems remains elusive. In an attempt to obtain the required information, the influence of harvest temperature, harvest maturity, perforated liners, field heat removal prior to packing, delay periods before and after packing, storage duration and the elevation of storage temperature on the development of berry split and abscission in 'Thompson Seedless' (Vitis vinifera Linnaeus) table grapes was investigated. Changes in abscission related factors during berry development, and the influence of pre-and postharvest ethylene inhibitors on the development of berry abscission in 'Waltham Cross' table grapes, was also studied. Berry split was aggravated by packing 'Thompson Seedless' grapes at high pulp temperatures of approximately 30°C, especially if the grapes were packed in non-perforated bags. The incidence of berry split could be reduced by between 80 and 90% by packing grapes in perforated instead of non-perforated liners. Perforated bags also reduced levels of S02 damage. However, due to significantly more moisture loss from grapes in perforated bags, compared to non-perforated bags, the risk of higher fruit and stem desiccation and softer berries existed. Optimum size and density of perforations needs to be determined to reduce berry split without excessive loss of moisture from the grapes, and S02gas from the air space surrounding the product. The influence of harvest temperature and liner type on berry abscission was not conclusive. Advanced maturity increased grape resistance to berry split. However, grapes harvested too mature were prone to stem desiccation and the development of Botrytis decay. The occurrence of berry abscission also appeared to increase with advanced harvest maturity. Consequently, to ensure optimal post-storage quality, 'Thompson Seedless' grapes should be harvested as soon as horticultural maturity has been reached, which appears to be at approximately 18°Brix. Field heat removal for 1.5 hours at 19°C prior to packing had no beneficial or adverse effect on berry split and abscission. Delay periods prior to packing aggravated berry abscission, but did not influence berry split significantly. Grapes delayed for 12 hours showed a significant increase in berry abscission and Botrytis decay, compared to grapes delayed for only 3 or 8 hours. Considering that the absence of fungal decay is the most important quality prerequisite in table grapes, it is of vital importance to pack grapes with as short a delay period as possible. Grapes packed in non-perforated liners and delayed for different durations after packing, before the onset of forced-air cooling (FAC), showed significant differences regarding the incidence of berry split. Grapes delayed for 18 hours had significantly higher levels of berry split directly after the delay period, compared to grapes delayed for 6 or 12 hours. No significant difference in berry abscission occurred between grapes delayed for different periods. To minimise the amount of berry split, FAC should be applied as rapidly as possible after the packing of grapes in non-perforated liners. Two storage related factors significantly influenced the incidence of berry split in 'Thompson Seedless' grapes during cold storage significantly, viz. the duration of storage at -O.soC,and the increase in temperature after low temperature storage. Berry split increased almost linearly with prolonged storage at -O.soC. An elevation of storage temperature from -O.soC to 10°C any time during the cold storage period, further aggravated the split problem. Consequently, the reduction of berry split in 'Thompson Seedless' table grapes during cold storage requires (a) the shortest possible cold storage period, and (b) good temperature management throughout distribution, from initiation of cooling until the final point of sale. The grape berry abscission potential, as quantitatively indexed by the measurement of the fruit removal force (FRF), showed significant changes during berry development of 'Waltham Cross' table grapes, from 27 to 111 days after full bloom (OAFB). This showed that at certain stages of fruit growth, 'Waltham Cross' grapes are more prone to berry abscission. At 27 OAFB, when the berries had an average diameter of 6.6mm, the grape bunches showed a significantly higher potential for berry abscission, compared to grapes sampled at a later stage. 'Waltham Cross' has inherently straggly bunches with bare shoulders. Therefore, any abscission during berry development will aggravate the problem. Consequently, it is of vital importance that any adverse factors such as moisture stress be avoided, especially during the period when 'Waltham Cross' grapes appear to be very susceptible to berry abscission. Of all parameters measured, moisture loss showed the best correlation with abscission. Grapes harvested with total soluble solids (TSS) of 12.3°Brix, 83 OAFB, had a significantly higher abscission potential than grapes harvested more mature. Therefore, by harvesting 'Waltham Cross' grapes at optimum maturity, at a TSS of approximately 16.4°Brix, berry abscission can be reduced to a great extent. It was evident that at veraison, the metabolism of grape berries changes drastically, and additional to the rapid increase in sugars and the rapid decrease in acidity, a decrease in FRF occurs. Preharvest sprays of ReTain™ (a derivative of aminoethoxyvinylglycine), which inhibits ethylene synthesis, showed no promise as a means to reduce postharvest berry abscission. A postharvest treatment with EthylBloc® (1-methylcyclopropene), which inhibits ethylene action, only reduced berry abscission during one season. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die fisiologiese defekte korrelbars en los korrels wat algemeen voorkom tydens opberging van sekere tafeldruif-kultivars, het 'n negatiewe invloed op tafeldruiwe wat uitgevoer word vanaf Suid-Afrika. Minderwaardige kwaliteit as gevolg van hierdie defekte het 'n aansienlike afname in verbruikers-vertroue tot gevolg wat aanleiding gee tot 'n ooreenkomstige afname in aanvraag en prys van die produk. Inligting rakende na-oes faktore wat die voorkoms van korrelbars en los korrels beïnvloed is beperk, en geen gewaarborgde metode bestaan om hierdie twee defekte volkome te beheer nie. In 'n poging om dié gewenste inligting te bekom, is ondersoek ingestel na die effek van oes-temperatuur, oes-rypheid, geperforeerde sakke, veldhitte verwydering voor verpakking, vertragingsperiodes voor en na verpakking, tydsduur van opberging, en die verhoging van die opbergingstemperatuur, op die voorkoms van korrelbars en los korrels by 'Thompson Seedless' (Vitis vinifera Linnaeus) druiwe. Daar is ook ondersoek ingestel na veranderings in afsnoering verwante faktore tydens korrel-ontwikkeling, en die invloed van vooren na-oes toedienings van etileen inhibeerders op die ontwikkeling van los korrels by 'Waltham Cross'tafeldruiwe. Korrelbars is vererger deur 'Thompson Seedless' met hoë pulptemperature van ongeveer 29.5°C te verpak, veral indien dit in 'n riie-geperforeerde sak verpak is. Die voorkoms van korrelbars kon tussen 80 en 90% verminder word deur 'Thompson Seedless' druiwe in geperforeerde sakke te verpak, in plaas van nie-geperforeerde sakke. Geperforeerde sakke het ook S02 skade op die druiwe verminder. Tog, as gevolg van betekenisvol meer vogverlies vanaf druiwe in geperforeerde sakke as vanaf druiwe in nie-geperforeerde sakke, bestaan die risiko van meer stingel-uitdroging en minder ferm korrels indien druiwe in geperforeerde sakke verpak word. Optimale grootte en digtheid van perforasies moet bepaal word om korrelbars te verminder, maar sonder oormatige vogverlies vanaf die druiwe en oormatige verlies aan S02. Die invloed van oes-temperatuur en sak-tipe op los korrels was nie oortuigend nie. Gevorderde oes-rypheid het die druif se weerstand teen korrelbars verhoog. Daarteenoor was druiwe wat té ryp geoes is, meer gevoelig vir stingel-uitdroging en Botrytis bederf. Dit wilook voorkom of die voorkoms van los korrels toeneem met gevorderde rypheid. Dus, om optimum kwaliteit na opberging te verseker, moet 'Thompson Seedless' geoes word sodra hortologiese rypheid bereik word, wat blyk om by 'n totale opgeloste vaste stof-inhoud (TOVS) van ongeveer 18°Brix te wees. Veldhitte verwydering voor verpakking, vir 1.5 uur by 19°C, het geen effek gehad op die voorkoms van korrelbars en los korrels nie. 'n Vertragingsperiode voor verpakking het die los korrel-probleem vererger, alhoewel dit geen betekenisvolle invloed op die voorkoms van korrelbars gehad het nie. Druiwe wat vir 12 uur voor verpakking vertraag is, het betekenisvol meer los korrels en Botrytis bederf getoon, in vergelyking met druiwe wat slegs 'n vertragingsperiode van 3 of 8 uur ondergaan het. Aangesien die afwesigheid van bederf die belangrikste kwaliteits-vereiste vir tafeldruiwe is, is dit van kardinale belang om druiwe so gou as moontlik na oes te verpak. Druiwe, verpak in nie-geperforeerde sakke, wat vir verskillende periodes vertraag is voor geforseerde-lug verkoeling, het betekenisvolle verskille getoon betreffende die voorkoms van korrelbars. Druiwe vertraag vir 18 ure voor verkoeling, het betekenisvol meer korrelbars getoon, soos gemeet onmiddellik na die vertragingsperiode, in vergelyking met druiwe wat slegs vir 6 of 12 ure vertraag was. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in los korrels het voorgekom tussen druiwe wat verskillende vertragingsperiodes ondergaan het nie. Om korrelbars te verminder, moet geforseerde-lug verkoeling so gou as moontlik na verpakking van druiwe in nie-geperforeerde sakke toegepas word. Twee opbergings-verwante faktore beïnvloed die voorkoms van korrelbars by 'Thompson Seedless' druiwe tydens koelopberging, naamlik die tydsduur van opberging by -O.soC,asook 'n styging in temperatuur vanaf -O.soC tot 1DoC. Korrelbars het feitlik liniêr toegeneem met verlengde opberging by -O.soC. 'n Styging in temperatuur vanaf -O.SoCtot 1DoCop enige tydstip gedurende die koelopbergingsperiode, het korrelbars verder vererger. Dus, om korrelbars by 'Thompson Seedless' tydens opberging tot die minimum te beperk, moet die tydsduur van opberging so kort as moontlik wees, en moet die koue ketting regdeur die distribusie-proses gehandhaaf word, vanaf inisiëring van verkoeling tot en met die uiteindelike verkoop van die produk. Die afsnoerings-potensiaal van druiwe, soos kwantitatief geïndekseer is deur meting van die vrug-verwyderings-vermoë (VVV), het betekenisvol verander gedurende korrel-ontwikkeling van 'Waltham Cross' tafeldruiwe, vanaf 27 tot 111 dae na volblom (DNVB). Dit het getoon dat 'Waltham Cross' druiwe by sekere stadiums van vrug-groei meer gevoelig is vir korrel afsnoering. By 27 DNVB, wanneer die korrels 'n gemiddelde deursnee van 6.6mm gehad het, het die druiwe 'n betekenisvolle hoër potensiaal vir afsnoering getoon, in vergelyking met druiwe wat op 'n latere stadium getoets is. 'Waltham Cross' is inherent geneig tot yl trosse met kaal skouers, gevolglik sal enige afsnoering tydens korrel-ontwikkeling die probleem vererger. Dus is dit van kardinale belang dat enige nadelige faktor, soos byvoorbeeld vogstres, vermy moet word, veral gedurende periodes wanneer dit wil voorkom of 'Waltham Cross' baie vatbaar is vir korrel afsnoering. Van al die parameters wat gemeet is, het vogverlies die beste korrelasie met korrel afsnoering getoon. Druiwe wat 83 DNVB, by 'n TOVS van 12.3°Brix geoes is, het 'n betekenisvol hoër potensiaal vir korrel afsnoering getoon, in vergelyking met druiwe wat ryper geoes is. Dus, deur 'Waltham Cross' druiwe by optimum rypheid te oes, by 'n TOVS van ongeveer 16.4°Brix, kan korrelbars in 'n groot mate verminder word. Tydens verelson, wanneer die metabolisme van die druiwe drasties verander, was daar gepaardgaande met die drastiese toename in TOVS en die drastiese afname in totale titreerbare sure (TSS), ook 'n afname in Voor-oes bespuitings met ReTain™, wat etileen sintese inhibeer, het geen potensiaal getoon om los korrels by 'Waltham Cross' te verminder nie. 'n Na-oes behandeling met EthyIBloc®, wat etileen werking inhibeer, het slegs korrel afsnoering in een van die seisoene effens verminder.

Thesis (MScAgric) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The table grape industry is a major contributor to the South African economy, directly through foreign earnings from this predominantly export-based industry, as well as indirectly through the employment of thousands of people. It is a growing industry and consists of several production areas. The fastest growing table grape production area in South Africa is the Lower Orange River area, which produces some of the earliest grapes in the Southern Hemisphere. The biggest river in South Africa irrigates this area and it has an extreme climate characteristic of semi-desert areas. This area is considered to be optimal for the production of high quality, early, white seedless grapes. Previously, this area was predominantly planted to Sultanina vines for the purpose of raisin production. When seedless table grapes became a consumer preference, the producers very successfully converted their production practices to yield export quality seedless grapes from the established Sultanina vineyards. Extensive new plantings as well as re-plantings occurred in this area, also including newer cultivars from local and overseas breeding programmes. Being a viticultural and economical hot-spot, the Lower Orange River area is attracting much attention as a table grape production area and it also formed the backdrop to this study. The cultivar profile is changing in the area and it is projected that Sultana-, Regal-, Prime Seedless and Sugraone will be the four major early, white seedless cultivars in 2005. Based on this knowledge and prompted by a lack of information regarding production costs and general profitability of the new cultivars, this study was initiated in the form of a comparative analysis between the four mentioned cultivars spanning the early, middle and late regions of the Lower Orange River area. The approach used extracted information regarding cultural input costs (specifically labour as man-hours and the consequent costs) per manipulation performed in the vineyards. This approach is different from the more general method of obtaining input costs for a specific area based on combined mean values, often not distinguishing between cultivars. The specific aims of the study included a comparative analysis of input costs for production cultural practices per main manipulation action, as well as a comparative analysis taking into account productivity, value and extraordinary costs related to each of the four cultivars. To this end, 22 experimental plots were identified for use in the study. Collaboration of the production managers of each of the experimental plots were procured and information regarding production costs per manipulation and productivity of each cultivar and experimental plot were extracted from their own record keeping systems or from documents provided to the production managers. The value (price achieved) of the various cultivars for the 2001/2002 table grape season were put into perspective by using data from a survey which included information regarding payments for the various cultivars during the season in the Lower Orange River area. Information regarding fruit and vine royalties was obtained from the various plant breeders' rights holders of the various cultivars, where applicable. Primary descriptions of each experimental plot concerning general cultivation practices and information regarding the specific season were used to qualify results obtained from the various blocks. Several complicating factors impacted on the study and specifically the subsequent analyses of the results. Some of the factors were already identified as complicating factors in the planning stage of the study and were mostly linked to the recent introduction of two of the cultivars to the Orange River area. From the data gathered and the analyses performed it became clear that it would be difficult to discern significant differences (where significant is defined as PS0.10), but clear trends were observed and indications obtained. Based on the input cost analyses of this study it is proposed that mature Prime Seedless will have the highest labour input and cultural production cost of the four cultivars, followed by Sugraone. The labour input and the cost for the production cultural practices studied for young Prime Seedless vines were very high in comparison to the mature Sultana Seedless and Sugraone vines, especially for the canopy management and bunch manipulation actions. Prime Seedless was especially prone to the set of small and uneven berries, which lead to very high labour input requirements and subsequent cost for bunch manipulations. Sugraone is also known for the set of small and uneven berries in the Lower Orange River area, especially in difficult climatic seasons, also requiring high labour input for bunch manipulations. The initial indication is that mature Sultana- and Regal Seedless will require similar labour inputs for cultural production practices. The fact that Regal Seedless does not require expensive gibberellic acid (GA) applications, or girdling for thinning and berry enlargement purposes, is a tremendous advantage from a production cost point of view. Accordingly, initial indications are that Regal Seedless will have the lowest cultural production cost of the four cultivars. Regal Seedless was prone to the set of uneven berries during the year of study and accordingly it is suspected that this factor will ultimately determine the labour requirements and cultural production input cost, especially in difficult climatic seasons. The labour input and ultimately the cultural production cost for Sultana Seedless will be determined by the correct timing and concentration of the GA applications for thinning and berry sizing. Sultana Seedless and Sugraone produced high yields during the 2001/2002 table grape season in the Lower Orange River area. Yield information from the various experimental plots confirmed that there is little to choose between the two cultivars in terms of yield when cultivation conditions and practices are optimal. Large variation was observed in the yield results from the Regal- and Prime Seedless experimental plots. This is largely due to the recent introduction of the cultivars to the area and the consequent scarcity of blocks of these cultivars that are in full production. It was impossible to identify clear trends in terms of the future productivity of mature Regal- and Prime Seedless, but some indications of labour inputs could be extracted and qualified. Early maturing Prime Seedless and Sugraone performed very well in terms of price, especially in the harvest period prior to week 50. This advantage of high prices early in the season is, however, not always applicable to early cultivars in the later maturing regions of the Lower Orange River area. Later during the season, after week 50, when the supply of table grapes to the overseas markets has increased sharply, Sultana Seedless is usually the best performer in terms of price of the four cultivars. The ultimate price obtained by a cultivar is to a large extent determined by supply and demand, quality and acceptance of the specific cultivar. This study and its outcomes have a strong regional (Lower Orange River) and local (South Africa) impact and the specific results will undoubtedly be valuable to the producers, exporters and other role-players with vested interest in the cultivars studied or in table grape production per se. The methodology adopted in this study, however, is of broader interest and dearly shows the advantage of having detailed and qualified information regarding cultivation practices and bringing it in relation to the labour and consequent costs required per action. This should lead to more business intelligence and realistic planning on the producer side when decisions regarding the choice of a cultivar for a specific production area with a particular marketing scope have to be made. This study has also paved the way for similar studies, specifically with regard to the detailed description of the methodology that was established. Knowledge of the problems experienced in this study provides a useful reference for the planning and execution of similar studies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tafeldruifindustrie dra grootskaals by tot die Suid- Afrikaanse ekonomie: regstreeks deur middel van buitelandse valuta vanaf hierdie hoofsaaklik uitvoer-gebaseerde industrie, asook indirek deur werkverskaffing aan duisende mense. Dit is 'n vinnig groeiende industrie en bestaan uit verskeie produksie-areas waarvan die Benede-Oranjerivierarea, waar van die vroegste druiwe in die suidelike halfrond geproduseer word, tans die meeste groei toon. Die grootste rivier in Suid-Afrika vloei deur hierdie gebied wat deur uiterste klimaatstoestande, soortgelyk aan die van semi-woestyngebiede, gekenmerk word. Hierdie gebied is baie gunstig vir die produksie van hoë-gehalte, vroeë, wit pitlose druiwe. In die verlede is hoofsaaklik Sultanina vir die produksie van rosyne in hierdie gebied verbou. Namate pitlose tafeldruiwe voorkeur begin geniet het onder verbruikers wêreldwyd, het produseerders in die area hul verbouingspraktyke suksesvol aangepas vir die produksie van uitvoergehalte tafeldruiwe vanaf die grootskaalse, reeds gevestigde Sultanina-wingerde. Uitgebreide aanplantings en heraanplantings, wat nuwe cultivars van plaaslike en oorsese teelprogramme ingesluit het, is in hierdie gebied gedoen. Die vinnige groei in tafeldruifaanplantings en -uitvoere, asook die ekonomiese impak van die industrie in die Benede-Oranjeriviergebied, het die afgelope aantal jaar sterk op die voorgrond getree en het gevolglik gedien as agtergrond vir hierdie studie. Die cultivarprofiel in dié area is besig om te verander en volgens vooruitskattings gaan Sultana, Regal, Prime Seedless en Sugraone die vier prominente vroeë, wit, pitlose tafeldruifcultivars in 2005 wees. Gebaseer op hierdie feit en na aanleiding van 'n behoefte aan meer inligting met betrekking tot produksiekostes en algemene winsgewendheid van die nuwe cultivars, is 'n vergelykende studie aangaande die vier genoemde cultivars in die Benede-Oranjeriviergebied geloods. Die benadering wat gedurende die studie gevolg is, het inligting aangaande produksie-insetkoste (spesifiek arbeid in man-ure en gevolglike koste) per manipulasie onttrek. Hierdie benadering verskil van die meer algemene metodiek om insetkoste-inligting van 'n spesifieke area van gekombineerde gemiddelde waardes te verkry. Met so 'n benadering word gewoonlik geen onderskeid tussen cultivars getref nie. Die spesifieke doelwitte van hierdie studie het 'n vergelykende analise aangaande die insetkoste van die produksiepraktyke per hoofmanipulasie/aksie ingesluit, asook 'n analise waar produktiwiteit, waarde en buitengewone koste van die vier cultivars in ag geneem is. In totaal is 22 eksperimentele persele gebruik in die studie. Samewerking van die produksiebestuurders van die onderskeie esperimentele persele is verkry ten opsigte van die verskaffing van inligting oor produksiekoste per manipulasie, en die produktiwiteit per cultivar en eksperimentele perseel. Die produksiebestuurders het die nodige dokumente ontvang om die inligting te onttrek, of kon die inligting verskaf soos dit in hul rekordhoudingsisteem voorgekom het. Die waarde (prys behaal) van die onderskeie cultivars vir die 2001/2002-seisoen is in perspektief gestel deur gebruik te maak van 'n opname wat in die Benede Oranjeriviergebied plaasgevind het. Hierdie opname het inligting oor die uitbetalings van die onderskeie cultivars in die area vir die 2001/2002- seisoen ingesluit. Inligting rakende die stok- en vrugproduksie-tantieme is vanaf die onderskeie plantttelersregtehouers van die cultivars verkry. Primêre beskywings van die algemene verbouingspraktyke van elke eksperimentele blok en inligting oor die spesifieke seisoen is gebruik om die data wat vanaf die esperimentele persele verkry is, in perskektief te stel. Verskeie kompliserende faktore het die studie en die ontleding van data beïnvloed. Verskeie van hierdie faktore is reeds geidentifiseer met die beplanning van die studie en was meestal gekoppel aan die onlangse bekendstelling van Regal en Prime Seedless aan die Benede-Oranjeriviergebied. Na aanleiding van die data wat ingesamel en ontleed is, was dit duidelik dat dit moeilik sou wees om betekenisvolle verskille (waar "betekenisvol" as PS0.10 gedifinieer is) tussen die cultivars uit te lig, maar dat dit egter wel moontlik sou wees om aanvanklike indikasies en tendense te kry. Gebaseer op die insetkoste-ontleding van die studie blyk dit dat volwasse Prime Seedless die hoogste arbeidsinsetle en produksiekoste van die vier cultivars gaan hê, gevolg deur Sugraone. Die arbeidsinsetle en koste van die produksie-aksies wat van jong Prime Seedless bestudeer is, was baie hoog in vergelyking met volwasse Sultana Seedless- en Sugraone-stokke, veral ten opsigte van lowerbestuur en trosmanipulasies. Prime Seedless was veral geneig tot die set van klein, oneweredige korrels, wat tot baie hoë arbeidsinsetle en gevolglik koste vir trosmanipulasies gelei het. Sugraone is ook daarvoor bekend dat dit geneig is tot die set van klein, oneweredige korrels in die Benede-Oranjeriviergebied (veral in moeilike klimaatseisoene), wat gevolglik tot hoë arbeidsinstle vir trosmanipulasie lei. Die aanvanklike aanduiding is dat volwasse Sultana en Regal Seedless min of meer die dieselfde arbeidsinsetle vir verbouing sal vereis. Die feit dat Regal Seedless nie duur gibberelliensuur (GS)-behandelings vir blomtrosuitdunning of korrelvergroting benodig nie, is 'n enorme voordeel in terme van produksiekoste. Gevolglik is die aanvanklike aanduiding dat Regal Seedless die laagste produksieskoste van die vier cultivars sal hê. In die studiejaar was Regal Seedless egter geneig tot die set van onweredige korrels en gevolglik word verwag dat hierdie faktor uiteindelik die arbeidsinsetle en produsiekoste van die cultivar sal bepaal, veral in moeilike klimaatseisoene. Die arbiedsinsetle en produksiekoste van Sultana Seedless sal bepaal word deur die korrekte tydsberekening en konsentrasie van die GS-behandelings vir uitdunning en korrelvergroting. Sultana Seedless en Sugraone het gedurende die 2001/2002-seisoen hoë opbrengste in die Benede-Oranjeriviergebied geproduseer. Oesdata inligting van die onderskeie esperimentele persele het bevestig dat daar min te kies is tussen die twee cultivars in terme van produktiwiteit wanneer verbouingstoestande en -praktyke optimaal is. Groot variasie is egter waargeneem in die opbrengsresultate van die Regal en Prime Seedless. Dit is hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die onlangse bekendstelling van die twee cultivars in die area en dus ook die beperkte aantal blokke van die cultivars wat reeds in vol produksie was. Dit was dus onmoontlik om duidelike tendense in terme van die toekomstige produksie van volwasse Regal en Prime Seedless te identifiseer. Indikasies van arbeidsinsette en produksiekoste kon egter wel verkry word. Vroeg rypwordende Prime Seedless en Sugraone vaar baie goed in terme van die prys wat dit behaal, veral in die oesperiode voor week 50. Hierdie voordeel van hoë pryse behaal vroeg in die seisoen is egter nie altyd van toepassing op vroeë cultivars in die later rypwordende areas van die Benede-Oranjeriviergebied nie. Later in die seisoen (na week 50), wanneer die aanbod van tafeldruiwe op oorsese markte skerp toegeneem het, is Sultana Seedless gewoonlik die beste presteerder in terme van prys van die vier cultivars. Die uiteindelike prys wat deur cultivars behaal word, word tot 'n groot mate bepaal deur vraag en aanbod, kwaliteit en aanvaarding van die cultivar deur die verbruiker. Die studie en die uitkomste daarvan het 'n sterk streeks (Benede-Oranjerivier) en plaaslike (Suid-Afrika) impak, en die spesifieke resultate salongetwyfeld van waarde wees vir produseerders, uitvoerders en ander rolspelers met bestaande belange in die cultivars of vir tafeldruifproduksie as sulks. Die metodiek wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, is egter van breêr belang en wys duidelik die voordele daarvan om gedetailleerde en gekwalifiseerde inligting aangaande produksiepraktyke te hê, wat dit ook in verband bring met arbeid en gevolglike koste per aksie. Dit behoort te lei tot meer besigheidsintelligensie en realistiese beplanning deur die produseerder met betrekking tot cultivarkeuse vir 'n spesifieke produksiearea met 'n spesifieke bemarkings geleentheid. Hierdie studie het ook die weg gebaan vir soortgelyke studies, spesifiek ten opsigte van die gedetailleerde beskrywing van die metodiek wat gevestig is. Kennis van die probleme wat in hierdie studie ondervind is, kan dien as nuttige verwysing vir die beplanning en uitvoer van soortgelyke studies.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Olives have been produced commercially in the Mediterranean-type climate of the Western Cape region of South Africa since the early 1900’s. As in the rest of the world, South African table olive producers struggle with alternate bearing. Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) has been used since the 1950’s to thin table olives in California. To date, South African producers opted to tolerate rather than try to reduce the negative effects of alternate bearing. However, due to increased olive production, profit margins are decreasing and producers can no longer ignore the negative effects of alternate bearing. Since the efficacy of NAA as a thinning agent is modulated by environmental conditions and genotype, trials were conducted to evaluate the use of NAA on locally important cultivars under South African conditions. The main aim was to establish optimum application rates for ‘Barouni’, ‘Mission’ and ‘Manzanillo’. NAA decreased the fruit number per tree, thereby improving fruit quality (increased fruit size and a higher proportion black fruit in the case of ‘Mission’) in all three cultivars. Thinning did not affect the return bloom in any of the cultivars. In the case of ‘Barouni’, the lack of a return bloom response could be due to the low level of thinning achieved, while climatic conditions during flower development may be to blame for the lack of response in ‘Mission’ and ‘Manzanillo’. Although NAA application did not affect the income per hectare, profitability may increase as harvesting costs account for roughly 50% of the input costs. Based on our results, NAA at 200 mg L-1, applied 10 to 15 days after full bloom, is recommended for local conditions. This concentration is slightly higher than the application rates used in California. An even higher NAA concentration might be used when premium prices are paid for large fruit, as in the case of ‘Mission’ and ‘Manzanillo’. However, NAA at 400 mg L-1 seemed to decrease vegetative growth in ‘Mission’, which may decrease bearing positions for the next season. Earlier application should be considered for a heavy “on” crop while the concentration can be decreased or the spray time delayed to decrease thinning when an average crop is anticipated. Gibberellic acid (GA3) was applied during an “off” season to ‘Mission’ and ‘Manzanillo’ to determine when during the season floral induction is inhibited by the simulated seed produced hormone. GA3 had its greatest effect on the extent of flowering in ‘Manzanillo’ when applied at the time of endocarp sclerification in early December. It follows from this result that to prevent the negative effects of a crop load on flowering in the subsequent season, thinning has to occur before endocarp sclerification. Later application of GA3 in January and February also decreased flowering, but to a lesser extent than application in December. These later applications possibly decreased flower initiation in buds on shoots that continued growing for longer or they may also have interfered with flower differentiation. The effect of the reduced “on” crop in the 2010/2011 season in GA3-treated trees on yield in the 2011/2012 season still needs to be determined. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Olywe word sedert die vroeë 1900’s kommersieel geproduseer in die Mediterreense tipe klimaat Wes-Kaap streek van Suid Afrika. Soos in die res van die wêreld, is alternerende drag ‘n reuse struikelblok vir Suid-Afrikaanse olyfprodusente. Anders as in California waar naftaleenasynsuur (NAA) reeds vanaf die 1950’s gebruik word om tafel olywe uit te dun, het Suid-Afrikaanse produsente tot op hede die gevolge van alternerende drag verduur eerder as om die negatiewe effekte daarvan te probeer verminder. Weens ‘n afname in winsgewendheid vanweë ‘n toename in olyfproduksie kan Suid-Afrikaanse olyfprodusente egter nie meer langer die negatiewe effekte van alternerende drag ignoreer nie. Die effektiwiteit van NAA as uitdunmiddel word beïnvloed deur omgewingstoestande asook deur die plant se genetika. Gevolglik is proewe onderneem om die gebruik van NAA te evalueer op plaaslik belangrike kultivars en onder Suid-Afrikaanse kondisies. Die hoofdoel van die proewe was om optimale toediening konsentrasies van NAA vir ‘Barouni’, ‘Mission’ en ‘Manzanillo’ te bepaal. NAA het die vruglading per boom verminder en daardeur vrugkwaliteit (vruggrootte asook ‘n groter proporsie swart vrugte in die geval van ‘Mission’) in al drie kultivars verbeter. In al drie kultivars het uitdunning egter geen effek op die volgende seisoen se blom gehad nie. In die geval van ‘Barouni’ kan die swak opvolgblom moontlik toegeskryf word aan die lae vlak van uitdun terwyl klimaatstoestande tydens blomontwikkeling moontlik die oorsaak was vir die swak reaksie van ‘Mission’ en ‘Manzanillo’. Alhoewel toediening van NAA nie die bruto inkomste per hektaar verhoog het nie, kan winsgewendheid moontlik toeneem aangesien oeskoste ongeveer 50% van insetkostes uitmaak. Gebaseer op die resultate van die studie, word NAA toediening teen 200 mg L-1, 10 tot 15 dae na volblom, aanbeveel vir plaaslike toestande. Hierdie konsentrasie is effens hoër as konsentrasies wat in Kalifornië gebruik word. Selfs hoër NAA konsentrasies kan toegedien word wanneer ’n premium betaal word vir groter vrugte, soos in die geval van ‘Manzanillo’ en ‘Mission’. NAA teen 400 mg L-1 het egter vegetatiewe groei in ‘Mission’ verlaag en dit kan moontlik lei tot ‘n vermindering in draposisies in die volgende seisoen. Vroeër toediening moet oorweeg word wanneer ‘n groot “aan” oes verwag word, terwyl die NAA konsentrasie verminder of toediening uitgestel kan word ten einde uitdunning te verminder indien ‘n gemiddeld oes verwag word . Gibberelliensuur (GA3) is in die “af” seisoen toegedien op ‘Mission’ en ‘Manzanillo’ om vas te stel wanneer gedurende die seisoen saad-geproduseerde hormone blominduksie inhibeer. Die grootste effek op blominduksie van ‘Manzanillo’ is verkry met toediening tydens pitverharding gedurende vroeë Desember. Om die negatiewe effek van ‘n hoë vruglading op die volgende seisoen se blom te voorkom, moet vruguitdunning dus voor pitverharding geskied. Later toediening van GA3 in Januarie en Februarie het ook blom verminder, maar tot ‘n mindere mate as toediening in Desember. Hierdie later toedienings het moontlik blominisiasie van knoppe wat later gevorm het geïnhibeer of kon moontlik blomdifferensiasie negatief beïnvloed het. Die effek van die verlaagde “aan” jaar in die 2010/2011 seisoen in reaksie op GA3 toediening op opbrengs in die 2011/2012 seisoen moet nog bepaal word.

Thesis (MscAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Alternate bearing is a common phenomenon in most commercial perennial fruit trees. In citrus, the “on” year consists of a heavy crop load with mostly small fruit, often followed by an “off” year with few, large and coarse fruit. Carbohydrates play an important role in affecting alternate bearing, especially during fruit set, but also flowering and fruit maturation, and are essential in maintaining a regular bearing habit. Changes in starch and total sugar accumulation in the leaves of the alternate bearing prone „Nadorcott‟ mandarin were followed over an entire season for both “on” and “off” trees to evaluate the possibility of using carbohydrate levels to predict bearing potential. Starch accumulation followed a distinct pattern with differences between “on” and “off” trees visible in April and May. Starch concentrations in April showed a moderate negative correlation with yield and a moderate positive correlation with return bloom. Rapid starch accumulation started prior to harvest with a peak at the beginning of flowering. Thereafter a sharp decrease in starch levels occurred until after full bloom followed by a steady decrease from physiological fruit drop towards fruit maturity. “On” trees bore 53% more fruit than “off” trees, but the return bloom of “off” trees was 140% more than “on” trees, thus illustrating the negative effect that a large crop has on the next season‟s bloom. It was concluded that for „Nadorcott‟ mandarin, leaf starch concentration in April can be used as an indication of bearing potential the following season. Pruning is a well-established management tool to control alternate bearing. Summer pruned trees had more spring flush vegetative shoots, more nodes per shoot and also more growth per parent shoot overall, compared to unpruned, control trees. Control trees had higher light levels inside the tree compared to summer pruned trees. However, no differences in leaf starch or total sugar levels during April were measured between treatments. Production of new bearing sites should therefore be considered in this experiment. It was concluded that pruning during November followed by early regrowth management gave the best balance between light penetration and production of new bearing units. Pruning in November, rather than during winter, also allowed selective pruning of shoots with or without flowers, depending on whether it was an “on” or an “off” year. When fruit thinning chemicals are applied at the optimum time and concentration, it is an effective way of moderating an alternate bearing cycle. Unfortunately no significant differences were obtained in this experiment even though the thinning treatments did show slightly higher starch levels in April 2012, indicating that the demand for energy was lower in these trees. This response was most likely due to the slightly lower yield and fruit number of the thinning treatments compared to the control. The dichlorprop treatment also showed a higher fruit growth rate, and future research should focus on timing of chemical thinning sprays in late mandarin cultivars / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Alternerende drag is 'n algemene verskynsel by die meeste meerjarige kommersiële vrugtebome. In die “aan” jaar by sitrus word 'n swaar oeslading gedra wat hoofsaaklik uit klein vrugte bestaan gevolg deur 'n “af” jaar met minder, groter en growwer vrugte. Koolhidrate speel 'n belangrike rol, veral gedurende vrugset, maar ook tydens blomtyd en vrugrypwording, en is noodsaaklik om ‟n reëlmatige drasiklus te verseker. Veranderinge in stysel- en totale suiker akkumulasie in die blare van „Nadorcott‟ mandarynbome, is deur die loop van 'n volle seisoen gevolg op beide “aan” en “af” bome om die moontlikheid te ondersoek dat koolhidraatvlakke gebruik kan word om dragpotensiaal te bepaal. Verskille tussen “aan” en “af” bome was in April en Mei sigbaar. Styselvlakke in April het 'n matige negatiewe korrelasie met drag getoon en 'n matige positiewe korrelasie met die volgende seisoen se blom. Styselvlakke het voor oestyd begin toeneem en aan die begin van blomtyd 'n piek bereik waarna 'n skerp daling voorgekom het tot na volblom. Dit is gevolg deur 'n geleidelike afname vanaf fisiologiese vrugval totdat die vrugte ryp was. “Aan” bome het 53% meer vrugte gedra as “af” bome, maar die volgende seisoen se blom van “af” bome was 140% meer. Dit illustreer die negatiewe effek wat ‟n groot oes op die volgende seisoen se blom het. Die gevolgtrekking is dat styselvlakke in blare gedurende April gebruik kan word as 'n aanduiding van die drag-potensiaal vir die komende seisoen vir „Nadorcott‟ mandarynbome. Snoei is 'n gevestigde manier om alternerende drag te beheer. Bome wat in die somer gesnoei is, het 'n groter aantal vegetatiewe lote in die lente, meer knoppe per loot en ook meer groei op ouer-lote gehad in vergelyking met die kontrole bome wat nie gesnoei is. Kontrole bome het hoër ligvlakke binne-in die boom gehad in vergelyking met die bome wat in die somer gesnoei is. Daar is egter in April geen verskille gemeet in die blare se stysel- en totale suikervlakke tussen behandelings nie. Produksie van nuwe dra-posisies moet dus vir hierdie eksperiment in ag geneem word. Die gevolgtrekking was dat, deur in November te snoei en vroeë bestuur van nuwe groei toe te pas, die beste boomvorm verkry is. Deur in November te snoei eerder as in die winter, kon daar ook selektief gesnoei word aan lote met of sonder blomme, afhangende of dit ‟n “aan” of “af” jaar was. Korrekte chemiese vruguitdunning is een van die mees effektiewe maniere om ‟n alternerende drag-siklus te verminder. Ongelukkig is geen betekenisvolle verskille in hierdie eksperiment verkry nie, ten spyte van die feit dat die uitdunningsbehandelings wel ietwat hoër styselvlakke in April 2012 getoon het. Dit dui daarop dat die behoefte aan energie in hierdie bome laer was. Die reaksie was waarskynlik te wyte aan die effens laer oes en vruggetalle as gevolg van die uitdunningsbehandelings in vergelyking met die kontrole. Die dichlorprop-behandeling het ook ‟n hoërvruggroeitempo gestimuleer. Navorsing in die toekoms behoort te fokus op die tydberekening waarvolgens die chemiese uitdunningsmiddels op laat mandarynkultivars toegedien word.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fruit trees are exposed to various factors that can adversely affect the production of quality fruit. These factors can directly affect the fruit and the health of the tree and can be classified according to their biotic or abiotic nature, such as pathogenic attacks and drought stress respectively. One of the cultural practices used commercially to address these stresses is the application of fungicides and bactericides. The fruit production industry is under severe pressure from consumers, retailers and environmentalists, locally and internationally, to reduce chemical applications to fruit and fruit trees. The use of natural plant defence elicitor compounds and nutrients offer a potential alternative to fungicide and bactericide sprays and may also increase fruit quality and size as result of a reduction of plant stress. Trials were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of natural plant defence elicitors i.e. salicylic acid (SA) and flavonoids, in addition to mineral nutrients and bactericide/fungicides, on peach (incidence of Xanthomonas infection), plum (induced drought stress and Mg/Mn deficiencies) and apple (Mg/Mn deficiencies) fruit and trees against specified biotic or abiotic stress factors. Trial on Prunus persica cv. ‘Sandvliet’were conducted over two seasons (2008/2009 and 2011/2012) on a commercial site, Protea Farm, in the Worcester area in the Western Cape Province. During the 2008/2009 season the SA (AlexinTM, AlexiboostTM) containing treatments were applied first at 75% petal drop at concentrations of 125 and 250 ml. 100 L-1. The copper (StCu, Cu)-containing treatment was applied at 50% petal drop, while dichlorophen (XanbacTM) treatments were applied at fruit set at concentrations of 150, 300 and 200 ml. 100 L-1. The flavonoid (CroplifeTM) treatment was applied at the start of petal drop at a concentration of 150 ml.100 L-1. During the 2011/2012 season, a new flavonoid (CropbiolifeTM) treatment, as well as potassium (K-MaxTM) treatment, were incorporated into the trial and applied at concentrations of 150 and 500 ml. 100 L-1 respectively. Additionally a SA (AlexinTM) and dichlorophen (XanbacTM) treatments that performed well during the first season, were incorporated into the second season with application times and rates similar to the first season’s protocol. In addition to fruit size and quality measurements, the percentage Xanthomonas infection was determined on the leaves and fruit of the experimental trees. The SA (AlexinTM) containing treatment significantly reduced the incidence of Xanthomonas infection on leaves and fruit compared to the control in the first season. However, results varied between the two seasons, as no significant difference from the control could be obtained in the following season. The AlexinTM treatments also significantly increased the fruit size and quality. The flavonoid (CropbiolifeTM) and K (K-MaxTM) containing treatments similarly reduced the Xanthomonas infection on leaves and fruit, as well as increasing the fruit size and quality in the second season. The dichlorophen (XanbacTM) containing treatment recorded varying results as it significantly reduced the Xanthomonas infection on the fruit only in the second season. The plum trials were conducted over the 2011/2012 season on ‘Laetitia’ and ‘Songold’ plum trees, Welgevallen Experimental Farm, Stellenbosch University. Three SA (AlexinTM, AlexSal and RezistTM) containing foliar treatments were applied on the ‘Laetitia’ trees. Only two SA (AlexinTM, AlexSal) containing foliar treatments were applied on the ‘Songold’ trees. Additionally, a foliar treatment containing only K, Ca, Mg and B, was applied in both the ‘Laetitia’ and ‘Songold’ trials. All the treatments were first applied at 75% petal drop, at the same concentration of 250 ml. 100 L-1. Additionally to fruit size and quality, the mineral nutrient content of the leaves and fruit was determined. The ascorbic acid and glutathione content was determined in fruit at harvest and again after storage. None of the treatments had a positive effect on the parameters measured, except the SA (AlexinTM) containing treatments which increased the titratible acidity (TA) in both at harvest and after storage. The treatments also did not alleviate the induced stress compared to the control. The apple and plum tree trials were conducted over the 2011/2012 season in a semi-closed greenhouse, at the Welgevallen Experimental Farm, Stellenbosch. Magnesium (Mg) and Manganese (Mn) deficiencies were induced in one-year-old ‘Royal Beaut’ apple and ‘Laetitia’ plum trees planted in 10 L nursery bags, by omitting these nutrients from a standard Long Ashton soil application. Foliar treatments of Mg (MagMaxTM) and Mn (ManMaxTM) containing sprays were subsequently applied at concentrations of 250 and 75 ml. 100 L-1 respectively, after deficiency symptoms for these nutrients were visually observed. Mineral nutrient analysis of the leaves were analysed on the 13th of February for the plums and 30th of March 2012, for the apples. The Mn (ManMaxTM) containing treatment successfully overcame the Mn induced deficiency. The Mg (MagMaxTM) containing treatment did not overcome the induced Mg deficiency and was probably due to the deficient nitrogen levels in the plants, caused by an error in the initial Long Ashton nutrient solution formulation. In conclusion AlexinTM, K-MaxTM and CropbiolifeTM have shown their ability to decrease Xanthomonas infection in peaches. Additionally to their positive effect on fruit size and quality on the peaches. SA was not able to overcome the induced stress on plums, but had a positive effect on the fruit quality and size. The ManMaxTM been proven to overcome the induced Mn deficiency, while MagMaxTM was unsuccessful to overcome the Mg deficiency. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vrugtebome word blootgestel aan verskeie faktore wat die produksie van kwaliteit vrugte nadelig kan beïnvloed. Hierdie faktore kan ‘n direkte invloed hê op die vrugte en op die gesondheid van die boom en kan geklassifiseer word op grond van hulle biotiese of abiotiese natuur, soos patogeen infeksie en droogte stres onderskeidelik. Van die produksie praktyke wat gebruik word sluit in die toepassing van verskillende swamdoders en bakterisiede. Die vrugtebedryf is onder geweldige druk van verbruikers, die kleinhandel en omgewingsbewustes om die toediening van chemikalieë aan vrugte en vrugtebome te verminder. Die gebruik van natuurlike plant verdediging stimulerende verbindings en nutriënte, bied 'n moontlike alternatief tot die spuit van swamdoders en bakterisiede, en kan ook moontlik ʼn bydrae maak tot verbeterde vrugkwaliteit en -grootte. Proewe is uitgevoer om die effektiwiteit van die natuurlike plant verdediging stimulante, salisielsuur (SA) en flavonoïede, addisioneel tot verskillende voedingstowwe en bakterieële / swamdoders op perske, pruim en appels teen Xanthomonas infeksie, droogte stres en Mg / Mn tekorte as biotiese en abiotiese stres faktore onderskeidelik te evalueer. Die Prunus persica ‘Sandvliet’ proewe is oor twee seisoene (2008/2009 en 2011/2012) op 'n kommersiële perseel, Protea Farm, in die Worcester-area in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie, uitgevoer. Gedurende die 2008/2009 seisoen is die SA (AlexinTM, AlexiboostTM) bevattende behandelings eers toegedien by 75% blomblaarval teen konsentrasies 125 en 250 ml. 100 L-1. Die koper (StCu, Cu) bevattende behandeling is toegedien by 50% blomblaarval, terwyl die dichlorofen (XanbacTM) bevattende behandelings toegedien is by vrugset, teen konsentrasies van 150, 300 en 200 ml. 100 L-1. Die flavonoïde (CroplifeTM) behandeling is toegedien by die begin van blomblaarval teen 'n konsentrasie van 150 ml. 100 L-1. Gedurende die 2011/2012 seisoen was 'n nuwe flavonoïd (CropbiolifeTM) en ‘n kalium (K-MaxTM) behandeling toegevoeg tot die eksperiment, met ʼn toediening teen konsentrasies van onderskeidelik 150 en 500 ml. 100 L-1. Daarbenewens is die SA (AlexinTM) en dichlorofen (XanbacTM) behandeling van die 2008/2009 seisoen herhaal teen dieselfde konsentrasies en toedieningstye soos in die protokol van die eerste seisoen. Behalwe vir die bepaling van vruggrootte en –kwaliteit, is die persentasie Xanthomonas infeksie op blare en vrugte ook bepaal. Die SA (AlexinTM) bevattende behandeling het die voorkoms van Xanthomonas infeksie op die blare en vrugte betekenisvol verminder in vergelyking met die kontrole. Resultate het egter gewissel in die daaropvolgende seisoen en geen beduidende verskille tussen die behandelings is waargeneem nie. Hierdie SA-bevattende behandelings het ook tot ‘n toename in vruggrootte en -kwaliteit gelei. Die flavonoïde bevattende behandelings, (CropbiolifeTM) en K (K-MaxTM), het soortgelyke afnames in Xanthomonas infeksie op die blare en vrugte in die tweede seisoen getoon, sowel as ‘n toename in vruggrootte en -kwaliteit. Die dichlorofen (XanbacTM) bevattende behandeling het variërende resultate getoon aangesien dit slegs tot ‘n beduidende afname in Xanthomonas infeksie op die blare en vrugte in die tweede seisoen kon lei. Pruim proewe is uitgevoer in die 2011/2012 seisoen op ‘Laetitia’ en ‘Songold’ pruimbome te Welgevallen Proefplaas, Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Drie SA (AlexinTM, AlexSal en RezistTM) bevattende blaar behandelings is toegedien op die ‘Laetitia’ bome. Slegs twee SA (AlexinTM, AlexSal) blaar behandelinge is toegedien op die ‘Songold’ bome. ʼn Verdere K, Ca, Mg en B blaar behandeling is ook toegedien in beide die ‘Laetitia’ en ‘Songold’ proewe. Al die behandelings se eerste toediening het saamgeval met 75% blomblaarval, teen dieselfde konsentrasie van 250 ml. 100 L-1. Addisioneel tot vruggrootte en –kwaliteit, is die mineraal element inhoud van die blare en vrugte bepaal. Die askorbiensuur en glutatioon inhoud is bepaal in die vrugte met oes asook na opberging. Geen behandeling het 'n positiewe uitwerking op die parameters wat gemeet is getoon nie, behalwe een van die SA (AlexinTM) bevattende behandelings wat die titreerbare sure (TS) verhoog het in beide kultivars. Die behandelings kon ook nie die geïnduseerde stres verlig in vergelyking met die kontrole nie. Die appel- en pruim proewe is uitgevoer gedurende die 2011/2012 seisoen in 'n semi-geslote glashuis te Welgevallen Proefplaas, Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Magnesium (Mg) en Mangaan (Mn) tekorte is geïnduseer in een-jaar-oue ‘Royal Beaut’ appel en ‘Laetitia’ pruim bome, aangeplant in 10L kwekerysakke, deur dié elemente uit ʼn toediening van standaard Long-Ashton voedingsoplossing aan die grond weg te laat. Mg (MagMaxTM) en Mn (ManMaxTM) bevattende blaarspuite is daarna toegepas teen onderskeidelik konsentrasies van 250 en 75 ml. 100 L-1. ʼn Minerale analise van die blare is uitgevoer op 13 Februarie, op die pruime en 30 Maart 2012, op die appels. Die Mn (ManMaxTM) bevattend behandeling het die Mn-geïnduseerde tekort verlig. Die Mg (MagMaxTM) bevattende behandeling het nie die geïnduseerde Mg-tekort verlig nie. Dit is moontlik toe te skryf aan die stikstof tekort in die plante wat te wyte was aan ʼn foutiewe Long Ashton voedingsoplossing formulasie wat aanvanklik toegedien is. Ten slotte het AlexinTM, K-MaxTM en CropbiolifeTM getoon dat hul die vermoë het om Xanthomonas infeksie te verminder, asook om vruggrootte en kwaliteit in perskes te verbeter. SA was nie in staat om die geïnduseerde stres op pruime te oorkom nie, maar het 'n positiewe uitwerking op die vruggroote en kwaliteit gehad. ManMaxTM het getoon dat dit ʼn geïnduseerde, visuele Mn tekort kan oorkom, terwyl MagMaxTM onsuksesvol was om die Mg-tekort te oorkom

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fruit size and the integrity of the rind are key components that determine the value of a citrus fruit. The application of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) to reduce splitting, a physiological disorder which entails cracking of the rind as well as to increase fruit size was conducted on three different split-susceptible mandarin and two split-susceptible orange cultivars. Treatments were applied directly after the physiological fruit drop period, as well as in January and February at 10 mg·L-1, alone or in combination with calcium (Ca), potassium (K) or gibberellic acid (GA3). Application of 2,4-D directly after physiological fruit drop, either alone or in a tank-mix with K, consistently reduced the number of split mandarin fruit, with later applications in January and February generally being ineffective. Post physiological fruit drop application of 10 mg·L-1 2,4-D significantly increased growth rate (mm.day-1) of all the mandarin cultivars, resulting in increased fruit size. Differences in sensitivity of cultivars to 2,4-D were evident, with the January application reducing the splitting in ‘Midknight’ Valencia. However, all the 2,4-D treatments reduced the fruit growth rate of the orange cultivars. The 2,4-D treatments, in terms of splitting, increased rind thickness, -strength and -coarseness of ‘Marisol’ Clementine, throughout fruit development. In addition fruit diameter and –length increased to such an extent that the fruit shape was altered (reduced d/l-ratio), reducing the potential of the rind to crack and the fruit to split, however rind coarseness of treated fruit was also increased. There were no major negative side effects on internal and external fruit quality, except for a possible reduction in juice content (%). Therefore, 10 mg·L-1 2,4-D can be applied directly after physiological fruit drop on ‘Marisol’ Clementine and ‘Mor’ mandarin to reduce fruit splitting. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vruggrootte asook die integriteit van die skil is belangrike aspekte in die bepaling van ʼn sitrusvrug se waarde. Die toediening van 2,4-dichlorofenoksie asynsuur (2,4-D) om vrugsplit, 'n fisiologiese defek wat tot die kraak van die sitrusskil lei, te verminder is getoets op drie mandaryn- en twee lemoenkultivars. Hiermee saam is die potensiaal van 2,4-D om vruggrootte te verbeter ook geëvalueer. Die 2,4-D behandelings is direk na die fisiologiese vrugval periode toegedien, asook in Januarie en Februarie, teen 10 mg·L-1, alleen of in kombinasie met kalsium (Ca), kalium (K) of gibberelliensuur (GS3). Al die mandarynkultivars het ʼn vermindering in die totale aantal gesplete vrugte getoon indien die 2,4-D (enkel of in kombinasie met K) toegedien was direk na fisiologiese vrugval. Suksesvolle behandelings het ook 'n toename in vruggrootte tot gevolg gehad. Toediening van behandelings in Januarie en Februarie was oor die algemeen oneffektief. Verskille in kultivar sensitiwiteit teenoor 2,4-D is gevind, met vrugsplit in ‘Midknight’ Valencia wat verminder was deur die Januarie toediening van 2,4-D. Al die 2,4-D behandelings het vruggrootte van die lemoenkultivars verlaag. Daar is bevind dat die 10 mg.L-1 2,4-D, enkel of in kombinasie met K, ‘n toename in beide skildikte en –sterkte van ‘Marisol’ Clementine teweeg bring asook ʼn growwer skil. Behandelings met 2,4-D het vrugdeursnee en –lengte laat toeneem, wat ʼn verandering in vrugvorm tot gevolg gehad het, tot so ʼn mate dat vrugte minder geneig was om gesplete te wees. Behalwe vir ʼn moontlike verlaging in die sapinhoud (%) van vrugte, was daar geen noemenswaardige negatiewe effekte op interne en eksterne vrugkwaliteit nie. Die toediening van 10 mg.L-1 2,4-D direk na fisiologiese vrugval kan dus aanbeveel word op mandaryn kultivars wat geneig is tot vrugsplit. / The Citrus Academy

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Inadequate cooling of produce after it has been packed into ventilated packaging can result in inconsistent fruit quality. Misalignment of ventilation holes during stacking as well as the use of internal packaging, such as trays, polyliner bags and thrift bags reduces airflow distribution through the packaging. Consequently, the complex needs of maintaining the cold chain of perishable produce and the considerable variations in packaging designs have made it challenging to find an optimal ventilated package and stacking arrangement. The aims of this study were, therefore, to assess the status of ventilated packaging in the South African pome fruit industry, and to characterize the effects of package design and multi-scale packaging components on the resistance to airflow and cooling performance of apples under forced-air cooling conditions. A survey of the pome fruit industry identified over twenty packaging designs which were grouped into eleven unique designs and further categorised into either ‘display’ or ‘telescopic’ designs. Although South African fruit industry standards recommend ventilation areas of at least 5%, the ventilation areas of package designs identified from the survey varied considerably between <1 and 11%. Furthermore, the study showed that use of stacking renders many of the ventilation holes ineffective, due to blockages from adjacent cartons. The contribution of each component of the multi-scale packages used for handling apples was determined by analysis of pressure drop during forced-air cooling. The results showed when utilising a combination of cartons, fruit trays and plastic liner bags, the total pressure drop contribution of the cartons (8%) and fruit trays (3%) was minimal, while the use of plastic liner bags contributed 89%. However, in a carton and thrift bag packaging combination, the thrift bags contributed 66% to the pressure drop while the carton contributed 34%. The cooling results indicated a negative correlation between the total stack ventilation area and the cooling heterogeneity. In addition, the airflow velocity was correlated positively with fruit cooling rate and negatively with total moisture loss. Fruit packed inside polyliner bags had cooling rates four times slower than fruit on trays and three times slower in thrift bags. The use of liner bags blocked the ventilation holes, thereby reducing the airflow velocity. As a result of the longer cooling times in the polyliner bags, fruit remained at higher temperatures for longer periods, resulting in up to three times more moisture loss during forced-air cooling. In addition, a temperature gradient formed due to a progressive increase in air temperature through the stack, thereby resulting in a similar gradient of moisture loss. This research showed that airflow velocity and distribution were the most important factors contributing to the effectiveness of fruit cooling in multi-scale packaging. From a cold chain perspective, future packaging designs should therefore focus on optimising ventilation characteristics and alignment during stacking to ensure adequate airflow. Given the contribution of internal packaging to high resistance to airflow, such packaging components should be used with caution and only when necessary to meet physiological and market requirements. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Onvoldoende verkoeling van vars produkte nadat hulle verpak is kan lei tot wisselende vruggehalte. Wanbelyning van ventilasiegate tydens stapeling sowel as die gebruik van interne verpakking soos rakkies (eng. “trays”), poli-etileensakke en drasakkies (eng. “thrift bag”) verminder die lugverspreiding deur die verpakking. Komplekse behoeftes om bederfbare produkte in die koue ketting te behou en die aansienlike verskille in verpakkingsontwerpe het dit 'n uitdaging gemaak om 'n optimale geventileerde verpakking en stapelskikking of -rangskikking te vind. Die doelwitte van hierdie studie was dus om die status van geventileerde verpakking in die Suid-Afrikaanse kernvrugbedryf te asseseer, en die gevolge van die verpakkingsontwerp en multi-skaal verpakkingskomponente op die weerstand teen lugvloei en verkoeling van appels onder geforseerde lugverkoeling te bepaal. ‘n Opname van die kernvrugbedryf het meer as twintig verpakkingsontwerpe geïdentifiseer, wat in elf unieke ontwerpe gegroepeer is en verder getipeer word in ‘vertoon’ en ‘teleskopiese’ kartonontwerpe. Alhoewel die Suid-Afrikaanse vrugindustrie-standaarde ventilasie areas van ten minste 5% aanbeveel, het die ventilasie areas van die verpakkingsontwerpe geïdentifiseer uit die opname aansienlik gewissel tussen <1 en 11%. Verder het die studie getoon dat gebruik van stapeling baie van die ventilasiegate ondoeltreffend laat weens blokkasies veroorsaak deur aangrensende kartonne. Die bydrae van elke komponent van die multi-skaal verpakkingskombinasies gebruik vir die hantering van appels was bepaal deur analise van die afname in lugdruk tydens geforseerde lugverkoelingskondisies. Die resultate het getoon dat wanneer ‘n kombinasie van kartonne, polietileensakke en vrugte plus rakkies gebruik word, die bydrae van die kartonne (8%) en vrugte plus rakkies (3%) tot die totale afname in lugdruk minimaal was, terwyl die gebruik van polietileensakke ‘n 89% bydrae gemaak het. In ‘n karton en drasakkie kombinasie het die drasakkies 66% bygedra tot die afname in lugdruk, terwyl die karton 34% bygedra het. Die verkoelingsresultate het 'n negatiewe korrelasie getoon tussen die totale stapelventilasie-area en die verkoelingsheterogeniteit. Daarbenewens was die lugvloeisnelheid positief gekorreleer met vrugverkoelingstempo en negatief gekorreleer met totale vogverlies. Die verkoelingstydperk van vrugte in die poli-etileensakke was vier keer langer as die rakkie met vrugte kombinasie en drie keer langer in die drasakkies. Die poli-etileensakke het die ventilasiegate versper en dus die lugvloeisnelheid verlaag. Weens die langer verkoelingstye in die poli-etileensakke was vrugte veel langer aan hoër temperature blootgestel, wat uiteindelik gelei het tot drie keer meer massaverlies gedurende geforseerde lugverkoeling. Daarby het ‘n temperatuurgradiënt gevorm as gevolg van ‘n progressiewe verhoging in lugtemperatuur deur die stapel wat gelei het tot ‘n gelykstaande gradiënt van vogverlies. Hierdie navorsing het getoon dat die lugvloeisnelheid en -verspreiding die belangrikste faktore was wat die doeltreffendheid van vrugverkoeling in multi-skaal verpakking geaffekteer het. Uit 'n koelketting perspektief moet die toekomstige verpakkingsontwerpe dus fokus op die optimalisering van ventilasie eienskappe en belyning (eng. “alignment”) tydens stapeling om voldoende lugvloei te verseker. Gegewe die bydrae van die interne verpakking tot hoë weerstand teen lugvloei, moet sulke verpakkingskomponente met omsigtigheid gebruik word en slegs wanneer dit nodig is om aan markvereistes te voldoen.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Producing fruit of the appropriate size and high quality is of the upmost importance to realize a profit in the fruit industry. This can be achieved through bloom or fruitlet thinning to reduce the number of fruit left on the tree. The cost of production is rising and labour cost forms a large part of the total production cost. Thinning of stone fruit is labour intensive and expensive, so an alternative to hand thinning needs to be found. Two alternatives are chemical and mechanical thinning. Chemical thinners are not routinely used in stone fruit as it is in pome fruit production and gibberellins were evaluated in this study. The Darwin 300TM was evaluated as a mechanical alternative to hand thinning. It thins flowers during bloom, before fruitlet thinning by hand is performed. In our trials on nectarines and Japanese plums the objective of reducing the time required for hand thinning was achieved, with the Darwin 300TM reducing the time required by up to 50%. When the time required to thin was reduced too much it also reduced the yield, but this could be overcome by lowering the rotor speed or using different strategies during supplementary hand thinning at the fruitlet stage. The bloom thinning and reduction in yield led to an increase in the fruit size. Care should be taken when using the Darwin 300TM as the earlier thinning could increase pit splitting and/or fruit cracking, especially in cultivars that are sensitive to these defects. The optimal rate of thinning needs to be determined for each cultivar individually. The application of gibberellic acid (GA3) and gibberellin A4+7 (GA4+7) at the pit hardening stage in the previous season could decrease the number of flowers for the following growing season. There was no effect on the yield at harvest or fruit size in the season of GA3 and GA4+7 applications, but the fruit firmness was increased. This effect was more pronounced for the GA4+7 applications. Our objective of reducing the time required for thinning was achieved in some but not all cultivars. The yield was not significantly reduced, with the fruit maturity only delayed in ‘African Rose’ plum. Again no increase in fruit size was found, but the fruit firmness was again increased. The GA-applications therefore were not satisfactory in their reduction of the time required for hand thinning. A positive effect is the increase in fruit firmness, which could possibly increase the storage potential of the fruit without having negative effects on the other aspects of fruit quality but this needs further evaluation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Produksie van vrugte met die verlangde vruggrootte en hoë vrug kwaliteit is baie belangrik vir die realisering van ‘n wins in die vrugte-industrie. Met hierdie mikpunt in gedagte, is blom- en vruguitdunning baie belangrik om die aantal vrugte per boom te verminder. Die kostes geassosieer met vrugte produksie is besig om te styg en arbeidskoste vorm ‘n groot deel van die totale produksiekostes. Uitdunning van steenvrugte is arbeidsintensief en baie duur, dus moet ‘n alternatief vir handuitdunning gevind word. Daar is twee alternatiewe naamlik chemiese en meganiese uitdunning. Chemiese uitdunmiddels word algemeen in kernvrugproduksie gebruik, maar daar is tans geen chemiese middels vir steenvrugte nie. In hierdie studie was gibberelliene ge-evalueer as potensiële uitdunmiddel. Die Darwin 300TM is ge-evalueer gedurende blomtyd as ‘n meganiese alternatief vir handuitdunning. Die masjien verwyder blomme en verminder so die vruguitdunning benodig. In ons eksperimente op nektarien- en Japanese pruimkultivars het ons gevind dat die tyd benodig vir handuitdunning met tot 50% verminder is deur die Darwin 300TM. Dit het ook daartoe gelei dat die totale oes per boom verlaag is. Hierdie effek kan vermy word deur die rotor spoed te verminder of die strategie vir aanvullende handuitdunning aan te pas. Die feit dat die grootste deel van die uitdunproses in blomtyd uitgevoer is en ook die feit dat die totale oes per boom verlaag is, het daartoe gelei dat die vrugte groter was. Die vroeër uitdunning met die Darwin 300TM kan egter lei tot ‘n verhoging in vrugkrake en gesplete pitte. Dit moet veral in gedagte gehou word by kultivars wat geneig is tot hierdie afwykings/defekte. Die optimum tempo van uitdunning moet vir elke kultivar individueel bepaal word. Wanneer gibberelliensuur (GA3) of gibberelien A4+7 (GA4+7) by pitverharding toegedien word in die vorige groeiseisoen, kan dit lei tot die vermindering van die hoeveelheid vrugte in die volgende seisoen. Daar was geen effek op die totale oes per boom en die vruggrootte tydens oes in die seisoen van aanwending nie, maar die vrugfermheid is verhoog. Die effek was hoër na die GA4+7 as na die GA3 aanwending. Die mikpunt om die tyd benodig vir handuitdunning te verminder, is in sommige kultivars bereik. Die oes per boom in die opvolgseisoen is weer eens nie verlaag nie, maar die vrug rypheid van ‘African Rose’ pruime is vertraag. Geen effek is op die vruggrootte opgemerk nie, maar die vrugfermheid was weer eens verhoog. Die GA-toedienings het dus nie bevredigend die tyd benodig vir handuitdunning verminder nie. ‘n Positiewe effek is die verhoging van die vrugfermheid, wat moontlik kan lei tot die verhoging van die opbergingspotensiaal van die vrugte sonder enige ander negatiewe effekte, maar hierdie aspek benodig verdere navorsing.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Production of the South African ‘Triumph’ persimmon grown as a counter season supply to European markets declined from 740 ha in 2008 to 550 ha in 2011 due to, among other factors, quality variation observed when the fruit arrives at the market. Variation in fruit quality affects acceptability, hence profitability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of time of maturity (influenced by region and paclobutrazol treatment), stage of maturity at harvest (colour), orchard differences and wind on ‘Triumph’ persimmon storage potential (6.5 weeks at -0.5 oC and after 4 days shelf-life at 20 oC) as well as evaluation of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) as an objective tool to sort fruit of various maturity stages. The first study compared storage potential of fruit from an early region treated with paclobutrazol, an untreated early region and a late region harvested at 4 stages of maturity determined by the Perishable Product and Inspection Services (PPIS) persimmon colour chart. Harvesting South African ‘Triumph’ persimmon at colour group 3 (PPIS colour chart values 5-6 compared to commercial harvest at 4-5) demonstrated the potential to improve fruit storage potential regardless of the maturity time. The second trial compared storage potential of fruit harvested at colour group 3 from 4 orchards on each maturity time in the 2012 season and 5 orchards on adjacent farms in the 2013 season. The results demonstrated that, although harvesting fruit at PPIS colour chart values 5-6 improved the general post-harvest quality, significant quality variation resulting from orchard factors could occur. The third trial investigated the effect of wind on storage potential of ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruit by simulating wind and wind damage by blowing trees for 10 min, shaking trees for 2 min, defoliating half of the trees and twisting fruit stalks. Wind simulations increased soft fruit after cold storage, decreased titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) after shelf-life and delayed fruit colour development after storage and after shelf-life. The effect of wind simulation and simulated damage on storage potential varied per season and should be studied further in more detail. However, orchard practices that reduce wind power may improve quality of stored ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruit. The fourth trial investigated the possibility of using near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRs) as an alternative or complimentary non-destructive fruit sorting tool. Near infra-red (NIR) spectra were obtained over the wavelength range of 800-2500 nm. Flesh firmness, Sinclair (IQ) firmness, TSS, TA and fruit colour were determined using conventional methods after spectral measurements. All measured quality parameters showed that PPIS colour chart alone may not categorise fruits into precise distinctive maturity stages. NIR calibration and validation models proved that NIRs predicts TSS and fruit colour throughout post-harvest storage of ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruit. In conclusion, this study found that harvesting South African ‘Triumph’ persimmon at PPIS colour chart values 5-6, orchard management for post-harvest quality, reducing wind damage and using NIRs as complimentary maturity indexing tool may improve storage potential of the South African ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruit. / AFRIKKANSE OPSOMMING: Die produksie van Suid-Afrikaanse ‘Triumph’ persimmons om die Europese markte te voorsien gedurende die tyd van die jaar wanneer daar geen vrugte op die mark is nie, het afgeneem vanaf 740 ha in 2008 tot 550 ha in 2011. Een van die faktore wat ‘n rol gespeel het in die afname van produksie is die variërende kwaliteit van vrugte op die mark. Vrugkwaliteit variasie affekteer die bemarkbaarheid van vrugte, en dus winsgewendheid. Die doel van die studie was om die effek van tyd van oesrypheid (soos bepaal deur kleur en beïnvloed deur produksie area en paclobutrazol behandeling), boordvariasie en wind op ‘Triumph’ persimmon opberging (6 weke en 3 dae by -0.5 oC) en rakleeftyd (4 dae by 20 oC) te bepaal. Die studie het ook die geskiktheid van naby-infrarooi spektroskopie (NIRs) as ‘n objektiewe sorteringsinstrument van verskeie rypheidsstadia getoets. Die eerste proef vergelyk opbergingspotensiaal van vrugte uit ‘n vroeë produksie area behandel met paclobutrazol, onbehandelde vrugte uit ‘n vroeë produksie area, en vrugte uit ‘n laat produksie area geoes by 4 verskillende stadia van rypwording soos bepaal deur die Bederfbare Produkte en Inspeksie Dienste (Perishable Product and Inspection Services (PPIS)) se persimmonkleurkaart. Die oes van Suid-Afrikaanse persimmons by kleurkaartgroep 3 (PPIS kleurkaart waardes 5-6 in vergelyking met kommersiële oes by 4-5) het die potensiaal om vrugopbergbaarheid te verbeter onafhanklik van produksie area. Die tweede proef vergelyk opbergbaarheid van vrugte van 4 boorde in elke rypwordings tyd / area (2012 seisoen) en 5 boorde op aangrensende plase (2013 seisoen) wat by kleurgroep 3 geoes is. Die resultate demonstreer dat alhoewel vrugkwaliteit na-oes beter behou word wanneer vrugte by PPIS kleurkaartwaardes van 5-6 ge-oes word, betekenisvolle kwaliteitsvariasie bestaan as gevolg van boordverskille. Die derde proef ondersoek die effek van gesimuleerde wind en windskade op die opbergbaarheid van ‘Triumph’ persimmonvrugte. Dit is gedoen deur bome vir 10 min te blaas met lug met behulp van ‘n kommersiële boordspuitpomp, hard te skud vir 2 min, deur die helfte van die blare te stroop, en deur die vrugstele te wring. Windsimulering verhoog die persentasie sagte vrugte na koueopberging, verminder titreerbare sure (TS) en totale oplosbare vastestowwe (TOVS) na rakleeftyd en vertraag vrugkleurontwikkeling na opberging en rakleeftyd. Die effek van windsimulering en geassosieerde skade op opbergbaarheid het baie gevarieer tussen seisoene en moet verder en in meer detail bestudeer word. Boordpraktyke wat windkrag verminder mag egter ‘n verbetering in die kwaliteit van ‘Triumph’ persimmonvrugte tot gevolg hê. Die vierde proef bestudeer die geskiktheid van NIRs as ‘n alternatiewe of aanvullende niedestruktiewe vrugsorteringsapparaat. NIR spektra is ingesamel tussen 800-2500 nm. Fermheid, Sinclair (IQ) fermheid, TOVS, TA en vrugkleur is bepaal deur konvensionele metodes na spektrale metings. Alle vrugkwaliteitsparameters het gewys dat die PPIS kleurkaart nie alleen die vrugte in presiese rypheidsklasse kan indeel nie. NIR kalibrasie en validasie modelle bewys dat NIRs TOVS en vrugkleur ‘Triumph’ persimmon na-oes kwaliteit kan voorspel. In gevolgtrekking het die studie bevind dat die oes van Suid-Afrikaanse persimmonvrugte by PPIS kleurkaartwaardes van 5-6, boordbestuurspraktyke vir die behoud van na-oes kwaliteit, windskade vermindering en die gebruik van NIRs as ‘n aanvullende rypheidsindekseringsapparaat die opbergingsvermoë van Suid Afrikaanse ‘Triumph’ persimmons mag verbeter.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Southern highbush (SHB) blueberries are relatively new to the blueberry industry and are adapted to grow in areas with low winter chilling and therefore can be grown in the Mediterranean-type climate of South Africa. The blueberry industry in South Africa is still relatively young, but it is quickly expanding and therefore appropriate cultivation practises are becoming more important. This study mainly focuses on the appropriate fertilization practises for SHB cultivars Snowchaser and Emerald grown in an ever-greening system. Plants were cultivated in plant containers in a netted tunnel in the Paarl district of South Africa. All plants received continuous fertigation with a standard commercial nutrient solution containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and all micro-elements. Carbohydrate patterns were determined on newly established tissue culture plants at two-weekly intervals from April 2013 to June 2014 and macro nutrient patterns were determined at four-weekly intervals from May 2013 to June 2014. The phenology of these plants was also visually assessed during the sampling period. Macro nutrient content was determined for two-year old „Snowchaser‟ and „Emerald‟ plants at five phenological stages during the 2013/2014 season and nutrient losses due to harvest and pruning was recorded. The phenology of evergreen „Snowchaser‟ and „Emerald‟ SHB blueberries were very different from deciduous blueberries, to such an extent that fruit could be harvested at the end of winter to early spring. Carbohydrate patterns differed between the first and the second season. Reserve carbohydrates were accumulated in the first season, but not in the second season possibly due to the difference in photosynthate production between the seasons. Plants were significantly bigger, with higher total leaf area, in the second season and it could be that carbohydrates from current photosynthesis were enough to supply new growth, thus making reserves less important. Carbohydrates could also have been used to increase flower bud development instead of being stored as reserves in the second season. Nutrient patterns also differed between the two seasons, but nutrient accumulation was apparent in the second season and not in the first. Nutrient uptake was highest when plants were growing rapidly, emphasizing the importance of fertilizer during periods of rapid growth. Huge fluctuations in the nutrient concentration patterns in the root, shoot and leaf tissues were observed over the sampling period and could have been a result of irregular fertigation and therefore it is uncertain whether flushes in nutrient uptake was a result of higher nutrient demand by the plant. Nutrients are lost due to harvest and pruning and need to be replaced by applying the right amount of fertilizer. Nutrient uptake differs throughout the season as the demand for nutrients fluctuates and therefore fertilizers should be applied at different rates during the season. In the two-year old plants, the most nutrients were accumulated after summer pruning and before growth cessation and therefore most of the fertilization would occur during this stage. Recommendations for correcting nutrient losses due to harvest and pruning are made, together with recommendations for rate and timing of fertilizer application throughout the season. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: „Southern highbush‟ (SHB) bloubessies is ‟n relatiewe nuwe ontwikkeling in die bloubessie-industrie en is aangepas om in minder koue areas aangeplant te word en daarom kan hulle in die Meditereënse-tipe klimaat van Suid-Afrika aangeplant word. Die bloubessie-industrie in Suid-Afrika is nog relatief jonk, maar dit is vinnig besig om uit te brei en daarom raak geskikte verbouingspraktyke al hoe belangriker. Hierdie studie fokus hoofsaaklik op die geskikte bemestingspraktyke vir SHB kultivars Snowchaser en Emerald wat in ‟n immergroen sisteem verbou word. Plante is in houers in ‟n tonnel, wat met net bedek is, in die Paarl distrik van Suid-Afrika, aangeplant. Alle plante het dieselfde standaard kommersiële verreikte wateroplossing, teen ‟n konstante vloei, ontvang. Die oplossing het stikstof, fosfor, kalium, magnesium, kalsium en al die mikro-elemente bevat. Koolhidraatpatrone is in twee-weeklikse intervalle, vanaf April 2013 tot Junie 2014, vir nuut gevestigde weefselkultuurplante bepaal en makro-element patrone is in vier-weeklikse intervalle, vanaf Mei 2013 tot Junie 2014, bepaal. Die fenologie van dié plante is visueel waargeneem tydens die monsternemingsperiode. Makro-elementinhoud is vir tweejarige „Snowchaser‟ en „Emerald‟ plante by vyf fenologiese stadiums tydens die 2013/2014 seisoen bepaal en die voedingstofverliese as gevolg van oes en snoei is bepaal. Die fenologie van immergroen „Snowchaser‟ en „Emerald‟ SHB bloubessies het opmerklik verskil van bladwisselende bloubessies, tot so ‟n mate dat vrugte al teen einde winter na vroeë lente geoes kon word. Koolhidraatpatrone van die eerste en tweede seisoen het verskil deurdat reserwe koolhidrate in die eerste seisoen opgebou het, maar nie in die tweede seisoen nie, moontlik as gevolg van die verskil in fotosintaatproduksie tussen die twee seisoene. Plante was opmerklik groter, met groter blaaroppervlak, in die tweede seisoen en dit kon wees dat koolhidrate van huidige fotosintese genoeg was om die groei te onderhou en sodoende die afhanklikheid van reserwes te verminder. Koolhidrate kon ook vir verhoogde blomknopontwikkeling gebruik geword het, in plaas van om as reserwes vir die tweede seisoen gestoor te word. Voedingstofpatrone het ook tussen seisoene verskil, maar voedingstofakkumulasie was duidelik in die tweede seisoen en nie in die eerste nie. Voedingstofopname was die hoogste wanneer plante vinnig gegroei het en daarom is bemesting tydens periodes van vinnige groei uiters belangrik. Groot wisselinge in die voedingstofkonsentrasiepatrone van die wortels, lote en blare is tydens die monsternemingsperiode waargeneem en onreëlmatige verrykte watertoediening kon dit veroorsaak het. Daarom is dit onseker of fluktuasies in voedingstofopname ‟n gevolg was van hoër voedingstofaanvraag deur die plant. Voedingstowwe gaan verlore deur oes en snoei en moet deur die toediening van korrekte bemesting vervang word. Voedingstofopname verskil oor die verloop van die seisoen soos die aanvraag vir voedingstowwe deur die plant verander en daarom moet bemestingstowwe teen verskillende hoeveelhede deur die seisoen toegedien word. In die tweejarige plante is meeste van die voedingstowwe ná somersnoei en voor groeistaking opgeneem en daarom moet meeste van die bemesting tydens hierdie stadium toegedien word. Aanbevelings vir die korrigering van voedingstofverliese as gevolg van oes en snoei, tesame met aanbevelings vir die hoeveelheid en tyd van bemestingstoediening deur die seisoen, word gemaak.