Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: ‘Triumph’ persimmon production in South Africa is export driven and the profitability of the industry is largely dependent on consumer demand and supermarket shelf space in the European market. In order to realise high returns, it is important to advance harvest maturity to attain early fruit that arrives on the market prior to European summer fruits. In addition, market feedback suggests that fruit picked during the second half of the harvesting period stores poorly and rapidly softens during shelf life. It is important to establish whether this is the case. The effect of paclobutrazol (PBZ) application rate on fruit maturity and keeping quality, return bloom and vegetative growth was investigated over two seasons. Advanced harvest maturity was attained at a compromise of reduced fruit storage quality and stunted growth with the severity of the compromise increasing with increasing PBZ application rate. To advance harvest maturity while maintaining acceptable keeping quality, PBZ application at 0.75 ml per plant is recommended although effects on harvest maturity will not persist into the subsequent season as found at higher application rates. Prohexadione-calcium (P-Ca) as an alternative for PBZ in advancing harvest maturity was evaluated over two seasons. A positive response to three foliar applications of P-Ca at 200 mg·L-1 was noticed in the first season. In the second season, a single application of P-Ca at 300 mg·L-1 two weeks before harvest significantly advanced harvest maturity. Due to the rapid metabolism of P-Ca in the plant, it is unlikely that growth in the subsequent season will be affected. Based on these results, the persimmon industry will undertake commercial trials in the 2012 season to further assess the efficacy of P-Ca application in advancing harvest maturity. The effect of various rest breaking agents (RBAs) on bud break, flowering, fruit maturity and quality as well as vegetative growth was assessed for one season. RBAs did not increase or advance bud break and flowering. Consequently, yield and harvest maturity were unaffected by the treatments. The ineffectiveness of the RBAs could be due to the low application rates used or the fulfilment of the chilling requirement prior to treatment application. An experiment was carried out to determine whether storability and shelf-life differ between “early” and “late” production areas in South Africa as well as between orchards within these areas. The data indicated that fruit colour is a good maturity parameter and indicator of fruit storability. However, “late” fruit were about 1 kg softer than “early” fruit at the same colour chart value. We therefore recommend that fruit from late regions are harvested at colour chart values of 5 and 6 (yellow-green) instead of 3 and 4. Fruit from “late” orchards as well as GA3-treated fruit with a colour chart value of 3 and less should be culled due to the high propensity (>20%) of these fruit to become soft during storage and shelf life. A delay in 1-MCP treatment and interruption of the cold chain considerably increased fruit softening during storage and shelf-life. Further research is required to verify this result. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘Triumph’ persimmon produksie in Suid-Afrika is uitvoergedrewe en die winsgewendheid van die bedryf is grootliks afhanklik van verbruikervraag en supermark spasie in die Europese mark. Ten einde hoë pryse te realiseer, is dit belangrik om ʼn vroeë oes te verkry sodat vrugte voor die Europese somervrugte op die mark beland. Mark terugvoer dui verder daarop dat vrugte wat tydens die tweede helfte van die oesperiode gepluk word, swakker opberg en vinnig sag word gedurende op die rak. Dit is belangrik om vas te stel of hierdie waarneming juis is. Die effek van paklobutrazol (PBZ) toedieningshoeveelheid op vrugrypwording en - houvermoë, opvolgblom en vegetatiewe groei is oor twee seisoene ondersoek. Oesrypheid is vervroeg, maar tot nadeel van vrughouvermoë en vegetatiewe groei. Die omvang van die negatiewe effekte van PBZ het toegeneem met ʼn toename in toedieningshoeveelheid. Ten einde oesrypheid te vervroeg terwyl aanvaarbare houvermoë behou word, word toediening van PBZ teen 0.75 ml per plant aanbeveel alhoewel die effek op oesrypheid anders as die geval met hoër toedieningshoeveelhede nie in die opeenvolgende seisoen sal voortduur nie. Proheksadioon-kalsium (P-Ca) as alternatief tot PBZ om oesrypheid te vervroeg is oor twee seisoene gee-valueer. ʼn Positiewe effek op vrugrypwording is in die eerste seisoen verkry met drie blaartoedienings van P-Ca teen 200 mg·L-1. In die tweede seisoen is oesrypheid betekenisvol vervroeg deur ʼn enkel toediening van 300 mg·L-1 P-Ca ʼn maand voor oes. Vanweë hierdie resultate gaan die persimmonbedryf in die 2012 seisoen kommersiële proewe onderneem om die effektiwiteit van P-Ca om oes te vervroeg, verder te ondersoek. Die effek van verskeie rusbrekende middels (RBAs) op bot, blom, vrugrypheid, vrugkwaliteit en vegetatiewe groei is vir een seisoen ondersoek. RBAs het bot en blom vervroeg of vermeerder nie en het daarom ook geen effek op produksie en oesrypheid gehad nie. Die oneffektiwiteit van die RBAs kan moontlik toegeskryf word aan die lae toedieningsvlakke wat gebruik is of aan die kouebehoefte wat bevredig is voor toediening van RBAs. ʼn Eksperiment is gedoen om vas te stel of die opberging- en houvermoë van vrugte verskil tussen “vroeë” en “laat” produksieareas in Suid-Afrika en ook tussen boorde in hierdie areas. Die data dui daarop dat vrugkleur ʼn goeie rypheidsparameter en indikator van opbergingsvermoë is. Vrugte van laat areas was egter omtrent 1 kg sagter as vrugte van vroeë areas van dieselfde kleur. Ons beveel gevolglik aan dat vrugte van laat areas by ʼn kleurkaartwaarde van 5 tot 6 (geelgroen) geoes word eerder as by 3 tot 4. Vrugte van laat boorde sowel as vrugte wat met GA3 behandel is met ʼn kleurkaartwaarde van 3 en laer moet afgradeer word weens die hoë geneigdheid (>20%) van hierdie vrugte om sag te word tydens opberging en op die rak. Uitstel van 1-MCP behandeling en die onderbreking van die koueketting veroorsaak ʼn aansienlike toename in sagte vrugte tydens opberging en op die rak. Verdere navorsing word benodig om hierdie resultaat te verifieer.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Three field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of mulching on the chemical and biological aspects of the soil as it is reflected by tree performance and fruit quality in ‘Cripps’ Pink’ orchards. In the two trials at Lourensford Estate, where only the soil type differed between sandy silt loam (sandy) and heavy silt loam (heavy), mulches where used as an additive to the soil surface together with a standard, commercial, inorganic fertilization program. Four different mulch types: compost, wood chips, vermi-compost and a geotextile fabric, were compared to a bare surface control in a randomized complete block design. At the heavy silt loam site (site 1), the wood chips treatment was the most effective in regulating diurnal soil temperatures in the top 10 cm of soil (2009/10), whereas all mulches regulated average diurnal soil temperature similarly and more effectively than the control at the sandy silt loam site (site 2). After two seasons of treatment at site 1, the vermi-compost treatment significantly increased soil phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), zink (Zn) and boron (B) significantly compared to the control. The wood chips treatment increased Na, K and Ca and compost only increased soil K significantly compared to the control. For site 2, only wood chips (Na and K) and vermi-compost (Na, K and Mg) showed significant increases in soil nutrient elements compared to the control. Yield efficiency was significantly increased by the wood chips (both seasons) and vermicompost (only 2009/10) treatments compared to the control in site 1. In site 2, none of the treatments differed significantly in yield efficiency compared to the control treatment. The number of roots and fine feeder roots were increased (not sign) by the wood chips and geotextile treatments compared to the control. In site 1, all treatments improved the number of roots compared to the control treatment, in contrast with site 2, where the number of roots of the control, compost and vermi-compost treatments was more similar. Fruit quality showed significant differences between the wood chips and vermi-compost treatments compared to the geotextile and control treatments for malic acid, at site 1, at harvest in 2009. This did not differ significantly from the compost treatment. Leaf mineral analysis only showed significant differences at site 2, in 2010, with significantly increased for the following minerals and treatments: Mn (compost and geotextile treatments versus other treatments), Fe (control treatment compared to all treatments except compost), Zn (compost compared to all other treatments) and B (control and compost versus vermicompost, wood chips and geotextile). Fruit mineral analyses showed no differences between treatments at harvest 2009 for either site and 2010, for site 1. At site 2, the Ca percentage of fruit from the wood chips treatment was significantly higher than that of all treatments, except the geotextile treatment. Only in the 2010 analysis at site 2, the mycorrhizal colonization was significantly influenced, where all the mulching treatments showed an increase compared to the control. However, the same trend was observed at site 1. At site 1and 2, the compost, wood chips and vermi-compost treatments in general showed a decreasing trend in percentage plant parasitic and increasing trend in percentage free living nematodes from 2009 to 2010. In general, the geotextile and control treatments showed an increasing trend in the percentage plant parasitic and decrease in percentage free living nematodes. However, this was not the case at 0 – 15 cm soil depth for site 1. In the third trial, at Elgin Experimental Farm (Elgin), bare surface chemical control was compared to mulching in the tree row (mulch) and mulching together with regular application of compost tea (mulch + compost tea). All treatments were combined with different inter row management practices to compose a total of eight different treatments. In the tree row, the control treatment received standard rates of inorganic fertilizer, which was compared to the mulched only treatment. Both the percentage of soil carbon and cation exchange capacity was significantly increased by all the mulch treatments compared to the control. Furthermore, all the mulches increased various soil minerals significantly, however of which only P was significantly increased in both the leaves and fruit. The rate of soil microbial activity and mycorrhizal root colonization was significantly increased by mulching treatments, but resulted in a significantly lower yield efficiency compared to the inorganic control treatment. This can be ascribed partly to the microbial activity of the compost mulch during spring, although it was not quantified per se and to the increase in tree vigour at the end of the trial. The slow rate of N mineralization was reflected indirectly by the significantly lower fruit N for the mulched treatments and the lower rate of microbial activity during spring at this site. With regards to the addition of the compost tea, no significant contributions were evident in terms of tree performance, soil minerals or microbial activity over a period of seven years, compared to the application of mulch only. Compared to the trial at Lourensford Estate, with no significant differences in fruit mineral composition between treatments after two years, fruit mineral analyses of the Elgin trial showed significant differences between treatments after six (2009) and seven (2010) seasons for P for some treatments. Only in 2010 more treatments showed significant differences for N, Mn, Fe and Zn as well. Regarding fruit quality, in agreement with the results at Lourensford Estate, differences were not persistent across all seasons for treatments. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Veldproewe is geloods om die effek van verskillende deklae op grond chemiese en – biologiese aspekte en die effek daarvan op boom prestasie en vrugkwaliteit in ‘Cripps’ Pink’ appelboorde te ondersoek. In die eerste twee proewe te Lourensford Landgoed, waar slegs die grondtipe verskil het tussen die sanderige slik leem (ligter) en swaarder slik leem (swaar) gronde, is deklae toegedien saam met ‘n standard bemestingsprogram en mikro-besproeiingstelsel. Vier deklaagtipes: kompos, houtspaanders, vermi-kompos en geotekstiel material, is vergelyk met die onbedekte, skoon bewerkte, kontrole in ‘n total ewekansige blokontwerp. By die swaar grondtipe (perseel 1), was die houtspaanderbehandling die effektiefste om die daaglikse skommelings in grondtemperatuur te reguleer in die boonste 10 cm, teenoor die sanderige perseel (2), waar al die deklae die daaglikse grondtemperatuur meer effektief as die kontrole behandeling gereguleer het. By perseel 1, het die vermi-behandeling ‘n betekenisvolle toename getoon teenoor die kontrole behandeling in grond fosfaat (P), kalium (K), kalsium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), natriuim (Na), mangaan (Mn), sink (Zn) en boor (B). Alhoewel dit nog nie tans gekwantifiseer kan word nie, is ‘n gedeelte van die toename heel moontlik te wyte aan die samestelling van die deklaag. Die houtspaander- en komposbehandelings het ‘n betekenisvolle verskil in toename tot gevolg gehad in grond K en Na in vergelyking met die kontrole. In die geval kan die toename van die komposbehandeling aan die invloed van die sampestelling van die deklaag toegeskryf word, maar nie in die geval van die houtspaanderbehandeling nie. Die geotekstielbehandeling het, soos verwag, nie betekenisvolle verskille ten opsigte van die kontrole getoon nie, aangesien die samestelling van die geotekstielmateriaal nie voedingstowwe tot die grond kan toevoeg nie. By perseel 2, het beide die houtspaander- en geotekstielbehandelings betekenisvolle toenames in grond elemente (K, Mg) getoon teenoor die kontrole behandeling. Die ander elemente het nie noemenswaardige verskille teenoor die kontrole getoon nie. Weer eens kan die toename in die vermi-kompos toegeskryf word aan die samestelling van die deklaag, maar nie in geval van die houtspaanders nie, wat ‘n moontlike rol van ander faktore soos temperatuur en grondvog in die opname en beskikbaarheid van voedingselemente toon. Op 30 cm diepte in perseel 1, het die vermi-kompos behandeling betekenisvolle hoër Na, K, Mg en P getoon as die kontrole. Die houtspaanderbehandeling het betekenisvolle hoër Na, K en Ca getoon as die kontrole. Geen een van die ander behandelings het enige betekenisvolle veranderinge ten opsigte van voedingselemente getoon nie. Vir perseel 2 by die gronddiepte, het die houtspaanderbehandeling betekenisvolle toenames in grond Na en K getoon teenoor die kontrole. Geen van die ander behandelings het enige betekenisvolle veranderinge ten opsigte van voedingselemente getoon nie. By hierdie dieper gronddieptes is ‘n soortgelyke verandering in elemente waargeneem as by die vlakker gronddieptes vir perseel 1, in geval van P en K. Mg en Na het volgehoue verandering vir die vermi-komposbehandeling in die dieper gronddieptes getoon vir die makro-elemente, maar nog nie in geval van mikroelemente nie. In perseel 2 – het toenames in K en Mg in die vermi-komposbehandeling ook voortgeduur en die veranderinge vir beide persele mag toegeskryf word aan die samestelling van die deklae per se. Dit blyk dat die veranderinge in die komposbehandeling nie so konstant voorgekom het in die materiaal wat in die proewe toegedien is nie. Nietemin kan die kompos- en vermi-komposbehandelings ook ander grond faktore beïnvloed en die bydra van die minerale elemente afkomstig uit die samestelling van die deklaag moet eers bereken word alvorens afleidings gemaak word. By beide persele het die komposbehandeling die opbrengseffektiwiteit verminder in vergelyking met die kontrole behandeling. Die opbrengseffektiwiteit is betekenisvol verhoog in die houtspaanderbehandeling (beide seisoene) en vermi-komposbehandeling (net 2009/10) in vergelyking met die kontrole in perseel 1. In perseel 2 het teen behandeling betekenisvol in opbrengseffektiwiteit verskil ten opsigte van die kontrole nie. Die aantal wortels en fyn, voedingswortels het ‘n dramatiese (nie-betekenisvolle) toename getoon by die houtspaander- en geotekstielbehandelings. In perseel 1 het alle behandelings die aantal wortels verhoog ten opsigte van die kontrole in kontras met perseel 2, waar die aantal wortels in die kontrole, kompos- en vermi-komposbehandelings ongeveer dieselfde was. Stamwaterpotensiaal het onveranderd gebly ongeag van die behandeling, wat moontlik beïnvloed is deur die hoë besproeiingskedulering siklus. Geen verskille tussen behandelings of persele is gevind nie. Alhoewel dit net in die tweede seisoen (2010) gemeet is, was daar geen betekenisvolle verskille in gemiddelde loot groei van eenjaarlote tussen die behandelings of persele nie. Vrugkwaliteit het betekenisvolle verskille getoon in appelsuur (malic acid) in die houtspaander- en vermi-komposbehandelings teenooor die geotekstie- en kontrole behandelings in perseel 1, by oes 2009. Laasgenoemde het nie betekenisvol van die kontrol behandeling verskil nie. Hierdie verskille het nie na opberging voortgeduur nie. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in vrugkwaliteit het voorgekom by perseel 2, tydens oes, of na opberging nie. Gedurende oes 2010, asook na opberging, is geen verskille in vrugkwaliteite van enige persele opgemerk nie. Behandelingsverskille in blaar-analises is waargeneem tussen vermi-kompos- en die ander behandelings, met uitsondering van die geotekstielbehandeling in Februarie 2009, perseel 1. Geen ander betekenisvolle verskille vir enige element het voorgekom tussen behandelings in perseel 2 nie. Gedurende 2010 is geen betekenisvolle verskille tussen behandelings ten opsigte van blaar-analises gevind vir perseel 1 nie. Betekenisvolle verskille in blaar- en vrugmineraal-analises was in perseel 2 teenwoordig as volg: Mn (kompos- en geotekstielbehandelings teenoor al die ander behandelings), Fe (kontrolebehandeling teenoor alle ander behandelings behalwe die komposbehandeling), Zn (komposbehandeling teenoor al die ander behandelings) en B (kontrole en komposbehandelings teenoor vermi-, houtspaander- en geotekstielbehandelings (gedurende 2010. Die vrugmineraal-analises het geen verskille getoon tussen behandelings by oes 2009 vir enige perseel, of 2010 vir perseel, 1 nie. By perseel 2 was die Ca persentasie in die vrug in die houtspaanderbehandeling betekenisvol hoër as die van die ander behandelings, uitgesonder die geotekstielbehandeling. By perseel 1, het al die behandelings die persentasie mycorrhiza-kolonisasie verhoog in vergelyking met die kontrole, alhoewel dit nie betekenisvol was nie. By perseel 2 was daar wel ‘n betekenisvolle toename in die persentasie mycorrhiza-kolonisasie by al die deklaagbehandelings in vergelyking met skoonbewerking van die kontrole behandeling. Die persentasie plant-parasitiese nematodes was baie variëerend met gronddiepte by beide persele. Die houtspaander- en vermi-komposbehandelings in perseel 1 het ‘n afwaartse tendens getoon in die persentasie plant-parasitiese en toename in persentasie vry-lewende nematode vanaf 2009 na 2010, in die 0-15 cm diepte. In teenstelling, het die geotekstiel- en komposbehandeling ‘n toenemende tendens getoon in die persentasie plant-parasitiese en klein afname in persentasie vrylewende nematodes vanaf 2009 tot 2010. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in nematode getalle is waargeneem in gronddiepte 15 -30 cm grond in die perseel nie. In perseel 2 is geen betekenisvolle verskille in aantal nematodes gevind gedurende die twee seisoene tussen behandelings of binne persele op 0-15 cm gronddiepte nie. Nietemin het die houtspaander-, kompos- en vermi-komposbehandelings die persentasie plant-parasitiese verlaag en die van die vry-lewende nematode verhoog vanaf 2009 tot 2010, in vergelyking met die kontrole in die 15-30 cm gronddiepte. Slegs die houtspaanderbehandeling het betekenisvolle verskille getoon teenoor die kontrole. Die geotekstiel- het dieselfde tendens as die kontrole behandeling getoon, met ‘n toename in persentasie parasities- en afname in persentasie vry-lewende nematode. Die kontrole en geotekstielbehandelings het nie betekenisvol van mekaar verskil nie. Die aantal erdwurms en meso-fauna was baie laag tydens die eerste twee jaar by beide die persele en data is daarom nie statisties verwerk nie. By die derde proef, is ‘n skoonbewerkte oppervlak, wat chemiese beheer (kontrole) behels het, vergelyk met deklaagbehandelings in die boomry (deklaag) en behandelings waar kompostee saam met die deklaag toegedien was in die boomry (deklaag + kompostee). Al die behandelings is gekombineer met verkillende tussenry behandelings wat ‘n totaal van agt verskillende behandelings behels het. Hierdie verslag konsentreer slegs op die behandelings in die boomry, waar die kontrole behandelings wat ‘n standaard bememestings program ontvang het, vergelyk word met die deklaag behandelings, wat geen alternatiewe bemesting ontvang het nie en as organise alternatiewe beskou word in ‘n ‘Cripps’ Pink’ appelboord. Klem in die verslag is gelê op die hoof effekte van die behandelings op vrugkwaliteit. Beide die persentasie grondkoolstof en die katioonuitruilkapasiteit het ‘n betekenisvolle toename getoon by al die deklaagbehandelings in vergelyking met die kontrole behandeling. Terselfdetyd, het al die deklaagbehandelings ook verskeie grondminerale betekenisvol verhoog, waarvan slegs P betekenisvol in beide die blare en vrugte verhoog is. Die tempo van grondmikrobe aktiwiteit en micorrhiza-kolonisasie van die wortels is betekenisvol verhoog deur die deklaagbehandelings, maar het gerealiseer in ‘n betekenisvolle laer opbrengseffektiwiteit in vergelyking met die anorganiese, kontrole behandeling. Dit kan onder andere toegeskryf word aan die mikrobe aktiwiteit van die komposdeklaag gedurende die lente – alhoewel dit nie per se in die studie gekwantifiseer is nie, sook die toename in vegetatiewe groeikrag aan die einde van die proeftydperk. Dit is wel indirek gereflekteer deur die betekenisvolle, laer vrug N van die deklaagbehandelings en die laer tempo van mikrobe aktiwiteit gedurende die lente by die deklaagbehandelings op die perseel. Wat die toedienning van kompostee betref, het dit geen betekenisvolle bydra gelewer in terme van gewasprestasie, grondminerale of microbe-aktiwiteit oor ‘n tydperk van sewe jaar in vergelyking met die behandelings waar die deklaag geen kompostee ontvang het nie. In vergelyking met die proef by Lourensford Landgoed, met geen betekenisvolle verskille in vrug mineral-analises tussen die behandelings oor ‘n tydperk van twee jaar nie, het die proef te Elgin wel betekenisvolle verskille tussen behandelings na 6 (2009) en 7 (2010) jaar getoon in geval van P, vir sekere behandelings (4,7,8 versus 1,2,6). Slegs in 2010 het meer behandelings betekenisvolle verskille getoon vir N, Mn, Fe en Zn. Rakende vrugkwaliteit - in ooreenstemming met resultate van 2009 vir perseel 1 te Lourensford Landgoed - het beide seisoene betekenisvolle verskille ten opsigte van appelsuur getoon in Elgin. Die verskille het egter nie konstant in al die behandelings voorgekom nie. Stysel afbraak, totaal oplosbare stowwe en fermheid het ook betekenisvolle verskille tussen behandelings getoon in Elgin – maar dit was nie konsekwent oor behandelings of seisoene nie en het ook nie voorgekom in die Lourensford Landgoed persele nie.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Leaf blackening, a postharvest disorder which is characterized by a dark brown to black discoloration, is found in most commercially important Protea cut flower species and cultivars. As this disorder is known to increase with storage time, it is a major concern to the South African industry as the use of sea freight is increasingly preferred due to lower transport costs and a more favourable carbon footprint. The cause of leaf blackening has been strongly linked to a carbohydrate stress exerted by the large inflorescence, thus requiring the utilization of sugar bound polyphenols in the foliage, which when removed, can oxidize enzymatically or non-enzymatically. A study where harvesting was done throughout the season as well as on selected days at 08:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00, concluded that leaf blackening incidences in Protea cv. Sylvia stems varies significantly throughout the season, between years and even with the harvest time of day. Leaf blackening incidences increased from October onwards and remained high until February, before decreasing to acceptably lower levels towards March to May. Carbohydrate- and phenolic content together with water status of leaves at harvest was not able to accurately predict incidence of the associated leaf blackening. However, irrespective of the season of harvesting, leaf blackening was significantly lower when stems were harvested later in the day than compared to stems harvested in the morning. Low sucrose and high water content at these harvest times was positively correlated to high incidences of leaf blackening. In a next study where uptake dynamics of glucose pulsing was investigated, Protea cv. Sylvia was harvested at different times throughout the day, dehydrated to various levels and pulsed with an increasing range of glucose concentrations. Pulsing solution uptake per stem was found to be highly influenced by these factors, as dehydration of stems and a harvest time later during the day both decreased stem water potential, which then increased pulse-solution uptake within a certain time period. The daily harvest time influenced transpiration, whilst pulse-solution uptake decreased with an increase in glucose pulse concentration. When stems were pulsed pre-storage with an increasing range of glucose concentrations, not only did pulses of between 4.7 – 13.7% glucose significantly delayed the incidence of leaf blackening, but it also maintained a positive water balance longer in stems during vase life. Ethanol or acetaldehyde vapour did not provide a viable alternative for reducing leaf blackening incidence in Protea cv. Sylvia, although a synergistic effect was found when ethanol vapour or pulsing was used in combination with glucose. A commercial verification trial disclosed that Protea magnifica and Protea ‘Pink Ice’ reacted more beneficial to ethanol vapour than was observed in ‘Sylvia’. This study confirms that carbohydrate availability within the Protea cut stem remains a key factor in the control of leaf blackening. Factors which assist in maintaining high internal carbohydrate levels, such as enhanced glucose pulse uptake or effective vase solution utilization will contribute to providing an optimum control of leaf blackening during vase life following long-term cold storage. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Loofblaarverbruining is ‘n na-oes defek wat gekarakteriseer word deur ‘n donker bruin na swart verkleuring wat voorkom in meeste kommersieël belangrike Protea snyblom spesies en kultivars. Hierdie defek is bekend daarvoor dat dit toeneem met stoortyd, dus is dit ‘n groot kommer vir die Suid-Afrikaanse industrie, met toenemende gebruik van seevrag as vervoer keuse wat laer vervoer kostes en meer gunstige ‘koolstof voetspoor’ bevoordeel. Die oorsaak van loofblaarverbruining word sterk gekoppel aan ‘n koolhidraat stres wat uitgeoefen word deur die groot bloeiwyse op die loofblare, waar suiker-gebonde polifenoliese verbindings ensiematies of nieensiematies geoksideer word met die verwydering van die suiker verbinding. 'n Studie waar geoes was regdeur die seisoen, sowel as op geselekteerde dae om 08:00, 12:00, 15:00 en 17:00, het bevind dat die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining in stele van Protea kv. Sylvia aansienlik geskil regdeur die seisoen, tussen jare en selfs met die oes tyd gedurende die dag. Die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining het toegeneem vanaf Oktober en het hoog gebly tot en met Februarie, voordat dit gedaal het tot aanvaarbare laer vlakke teen Maart, tot en met Mei. Koolhidraat-en fenoliese inhoud sowel as die water status van die blare by oes was onsuksesvol om die voorkoms van die gepaardgaande loofblaarverbruining akkuraat te voorspel. Loofblaarverbruining was egter aansienlik laer as stele geoes later in die dag teenoor stele geoes in die oggend, ongeag die seisoen van oes. Lae sukrose en 'n hoë water inhoud geassosieer met hierdie oes-tye was positief gekorreleerd met ‘n hoë voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining. In 'n volgende studie waar die opname dinamika van glukose pulsing ondersoek was, is Protea kv. Sylvia stele geoes op verskillende tye dwarsdeur die dag, gedehidreer tot verskillende vlakke en met 'n toenemende reeks van glukose konsentrasies gepuls. Pulsoplossing opname per steel is sterk beïnvloed deur hierdie faktore, aangesien dehidrasie van die stele asook stele geoes later gedurende die dag die afname van steel waterpotensiaal veroorsaak het, terwyl die puls-oplossing opname versnel het binne ‘n bepaalde tyd. Die tyd van oes beïnvloed ook transpirasie, terwyl vaas oplossing opname afgeneem met 'n toename in glukose puls konsentrasie. Wanneer ‘Sylvia’ stele gepuls was voor stoor met 'n reeks van toenemende glukose konsentrasies, het nie net die puls van tussen 4.7 – 13.7% glukose aansienlik die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining vertraag nie, maar dit het ook ‘n positiewe water balans langer in stele gedurende die vaas lewe behou. Nie etanol of asetaldehied dampe is bevind as geskikte alternatief vir glukose pulsing om die voorkoms van loofblaarverbruining in Protea kv. Sylvia te verlaag nie, alhoewel ‘n sinergistiese effek waargeneem was wanneer etanol in kombinasie met glukose gebruik was. ‘n Kommersieële bevestigingstoetsing het bevind dat Protea magnifica en ‘Pink Ice’ meer voordeel uit ‘n ethanoldamp behandeling kon trek teenoor ‘Sylvia’. Hierdie studie het bevestig die belangrikheid van koolhidraat beskikbaarheid in die Protea snyblom, vir beheer van loofblaarverbruining. Faktore wat die handhawing van hoë interne koolhidrate vlakke, soos bevorderde glukose puls opname of effektiewe vaas oplossing benutting sal bydra tot ‘n optimal beheer van loofblaarverbruining tydens vaas lewe na langtermyn koueopberging. / National Research Fund (NRF) for their financial support in 2009; Protea Producers of South Africa (PPSA) and Productschap Tuinbouw (PT) as well as the Frank Batchelor Will Trust Grant for the financial support.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The climate around Prieska differs from other pistachio growing regions in the world in that it receives fewer winter chilling units, has higher maximum temperatures during winter and spring and receives summer rainfall. This possibly results in the observed delayed foliation, flower bud and inflorescence abortion, low fruit set and other flowering disorders, which lower yield potential. In order to increase yields, winter pruning, evaporative cooling and chemical rest breaking were investigated on ‘Ariyeh’, ‘Shufra’ and ‘Sirora’ pistachio trees. Tip-pruning (to remove <2.5cm) and severe heading cuts (to remove 35-45%) of one-year old wood were compared and 4% hydrogen cyanimide (Dormex®), 4% mineral oil (Budbreak®) as well as the combination (0.5% Dormex® + 4% Budbreak®) used as rest breaking agents. Bud break, reproductive bud differentiation, die-back, flower bud retention during winter and early summer as well as yield were evaluated. The results emphasised the interaction of rest breaking and pruning effects, with genetic chill requirements and environmental influences - specifically winter chill build-up. Severe pruning was detrimental to flower bud formation as well as yield. The bud break data suggests that the ability of some rest breaking chemicals to promote lateral development may be explained by their potential to impede the development of apical dominance, rather than a direct effect on the lateral buds. The inability of the chemical treatments to increase yield consistently might indicate other factors involved or that the average winter chill of Prieska is below the minimum amount necessary for adequate rest breaking effects on yield. Evaporative cooling was used to counteract potential negative effects of high maximum day temperatures during autumn and spring on flower bud retention, fruit set and yield. Cooling during autumn (May + June, Southern hemisphere), spring (August + September, Southern hemisphere) and the combination of autumn + spring were investigated during two seasons. Flower bud retention during winter and early summer, flowering patterns, as well as yield were evaluated. The significant effects obtained with evaporative cooling - specifically in autumn + spring, indicated the important role climatic conditions play during both stages of entering and exiting dormancy of pistachio trees. Although all differences are not yet clearly understood, the fact that evaporative cooling resulted in substantially higher yields in the case of ‘Ariyeh’ and ‘Shufra’ in an area with sub-optimal pre-blossom temperatures and less than 40% of the required winter chill of pistachio, emphasises its potential in horticultural management. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Prieska se klimaat verskil van ander pistachio-produksie areas in die wêreld deurdat minder winterkoue-eenhede opgebou word, dit hoër maksimum temperature het gedurende die winter en lente en ’n somer-reënvalgebied is. Dit dra waarskynlik by tot die waargenome vertraagde bot, blomknop- en bloeiwyse abortering, lae vrugset en ander blom-afwykings. Aangesien hierdie faktore opbrengspotensiaal verlaag, is wintersnoei, verdampingsverkoeling en chemiese rusbreking ondersoek as moontlike bestuursoplossings. Tip- (om <2.5cm te verwyder) en topsnitte (om 35-45% te verwyder) van eenjarige lote is met mekaar vergelyk en 4% waterstofsianied (Dormex®), 4% minerale olie (Budbreak®) en hul kombinasie is as rusbrekers aangewend. Bot, blomknop-differensiasie, terug-sterwing, blomknopretensie gedurende winter en vroeë somer sowel as opbrengs is geëvalueer. Die resultate benadruk die onderlinge interaksie van rusbreking- en snoei-effekte met genetiese koue-behoeftes en omgewingseffekte - spesifiek die opbou van winterkoue. Topsnitte was nadelig vir blomknopvorming, sowel as opbrengs. Die bot-data doen aan die hand dat sommige chemiese rusbrekers se potensiaal om laterale breke te bevorder, verduidelik kan word deur hul vermoë om die ontwikkeling van apikale dominansie te onderdruk, eerder as ‘n direkte effek op die laterale knoppe. Die chemiese behandelings se onvermoë om opbrengs deurggaans te verbeter, mag daarop dui dat die gemiddelde winterkoue van Prieska laer is as die minimum hoeveelheid benodig alvorens chemiese rusbreker effekte op opbrengs verwag kan word. Potensiële negatiewe effekte van hoë maksimum dagtemperature gedurende die herfs en lente op blomknopretensie, vrugset en opbrengs is teengewerk deur middel van verdampingsverkoeling. Verkoeling gedurende herfs (Mei + Junie, Suidelike halfrond), lente (Augustus + September, Suidelike halfrond) en die kombinasie van herfs + lente is gedurende twee seisoene ondersoek. Blomknopretensie gedurende winter en vroeë somer, blompatrone, sowel as opbrengs is geëvalueer. Die betekenisvolle verskille verkry met verdampingsverkoeling, dui die belangrike rol aan wat klimaatstoestande gedurende beide stadiums van in-, sowel as uitgang uit dormansie speel in pistachiobome. Hoewel alle verskille nog nie verklaar kan word nie, dien die feit dat verdampingsverkoeling tot substansiële opbrengste in die geval van ‘Ariyeh’ en ‘Shufra’ kon lei in ‘n area met suboptimale voor-bot temperature en gemiddeld minder as 40% bevrediging van die kouebehoefte van pistachios, as beklemtoning van die belang daarvan as hortologiese bestuursmiddel.

Thesis (MscAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Rind colour is one of the main cosmetic preferences consumers use when purchasing citrus (Citrus spp.) fruit. To enhance the cosmetic quality of citrus fruit, attempts were made to stimulate preharvest chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis to obtain a deeper, more uniform, orange rind colour in early-maturing citrus cultivars. As part of a larger study to stimulate rind colour enhancement, an initial study was conducted on ‘Eureka’ lemon [C. limon (L.) Burm. f.] nursery trees to determine the concentration of various gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors required to obtain a biological response in citrus trees, as measured by vegetative growth. Thereafter, different concentrations of prohexadione-calcium (ProCa; Regalis®) were applied at various stages of fruit development on early-maturing citrus cultivars to establish the concentration and timing of ProCa required to improve rind colour by enhancing chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. In addition, a search to enhance rind colour development of early-maturing citrus cultivars was conducted by screening various nutritional, hormonal and possible physiological stress-inducer products and some combination treatments thereof. Multiple applications of gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors on ‘Eureka’ lemon nursery trees significantly reduced internode length and hence vegetative growth. Regalis® applied at 4 to 8 g·L-1 and Sunny® (uniconazole) applied at 10 to 20 mL·L-1 had the greatest effect in reducing internode length, and were therefore identified as potential candidates for further field studies to test their effect on rind colour enhancement of citrus fruit. The late, double applications (6 plus 3 weeks before anticipated harvest) of ProCa applied at 400 mg·L-1 consistently improved rind colour of all Citrus spp. tested. However, these effects were more pronounced after harvest, as ethylene degreening and cold-storage stimulated additional chlorophyll degradation, unmasking the carotenoids, resulting in overall better coloured fruit. In most instances in this study, ProCa stimulated chlorophyll degradation allowing the underlying carotenoids to be expressed. Therefore, the improvement of rind colour of citrus fruit following the application of a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor (400 mg·L-1 ProCa applied 6 plus 3 weeks before harvest) supports the hypothesis that there may be a relationship between vegetative vigour and rind colour development of citrus fruit. Preharvest applications of boric acid, Thiovit® (elemental sulphur), ammonium thiosulphate (ATS) and half the recommended rate of Ethrel® (48% ethephon) in combination with Thiovit® and ATS stimulated chlorophyll degradation in both orange- and yellow-rinded fruit, and ColourUp® (neutralised calcium carbonate) and Figaron® (ethyclozate) stimulated chlorophyll degradation only in orange-rinded fruit. Boric acid and the Thiovit®-ATSEthrel ® combination treatment stimulated carotenoid biosynthesis in orange-rinded fruit, thereby improving the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio. The screening of chemical products which stimulate chlorophyll degradation in combination with chemical products which stimulate carotenoid biosynthesis warrants further evaluation. Worldwide, research on rind colour improvement has received attention for several decades, particularly during the 1980s. Yet, rind colour still remains a problem at the beginning of certain seasons. In the present study, the approach to improving rind colour was to manipulate rind pigments through the reduction of vegetative vigour, which was hypothesised to be an antagonist of chloro-chromoplast transformation. To this end, the preharvest application of prohexadione-calcium stimulated chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis in citrus fruit rinds. Furthermore, preharvest applications of various chemical products provides a novel approach to stimulate chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. Together, the results of this study provide potential commercial treatments that will result in deeper, more uniform orange rind colour, thereby meeting consumer needs.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: By world standards South Africa’s contribution to fresh blueberry production is very small, a mere 0.25 %. This seemingly insignificant and unimpressive statistic is, however, by no means indicative of the impending impressive potential the South African blueberry industry holds. South Africa is encountering a rapid growth phase off a very small base and the current 100-150 ton export crop is expected to increase to a range of 500 to 600 tons or more in the next five years. Consequently, export by sea must be considered as a logistic alternative. Seafreight success relies on controlled atmosphere storage which in turn relies on berries of exceptional quality. To achieve this, fundamental differences between blueberry cultivars must be examined and blueberry handling and storage regimes must be assessed and optimised. This study investigates the storage potential of certain rabbiteye blueberries relative to controlled atmospheres and short pre-cooling delays. Quality assessments were based on external colour, soluble solids, titratible acidity, firmness and decay development. Furthermore, the respiration and ethylene production rates as well as moisture loss, of various cultivars were determined to characterize fundamental differences amongst cultivars and to gain insight into their postharvest behaviour. Lastly the effect of infection on pigment levels of blueberry flesh and peel was examined for the purpose of laboratory experience. Controlled atmosphere storage had the greatest impact on berry firmness and percentage decay. No off flavours were detected during sensory analysis at the CA levels tested. CAstored berries were firmer and incidence of decay was reduced significantly. Significant decay reduction was challenged by the market tolerance of no more than 2 %. Decay suppression and storage extension was insufficient (for the set period), particularly after the shelf life period. Cultivar and seasonal differences as well as picking maturity and inoculum pressure determine blueberry CA storability. CA may be a valuable technology, however advances must first be made in ensuring optimal blueberry quality to warrant export by sea. Short pre-cooling delays (0, 2, 4, 6 h) at 20 ºC had no effect on colour (L, C, H), total soluble solids, titratable acidity and firmness of blueberry cultivars, ‘Centurion’, ‘Premier’ and ‘Tifblue’. Results for percentage decay indicate that prompt cooling becomes more critical as the duration of storage increases, particularly when market specification of no more than 2 % decay must be met. Berries subjected to longer delays appear to be more susceptible to decay. Differences exist among cultivars and knowledge gained from this research can be used to adapt handling and cooling regimes. Information generated will benefit cultivar selection for marketing (local vs. export), storage (short vs. long term) and logistics (air vs. seafreight). Rabbiteye blueberry cultivars differ considerably in terms of their respiration rate, ethylene production and moisture loss. These quality parameters were evaluated for various cultivars at 15 ºC. ‘Climax’ appears to have the highest respiration rate, ethylene production and moisture loss, whilst ‘Premier’ has the lowest respiration rate and ethylene production was too low to be detected by gas chromatography. The lowest moisture loss proportionality constant was found for ‘Tifblue’ and ‘Centurion’. A change in blueberry flesh colour from white to dark red was noted in infected berries. Artificial inoculation with Botrytis cinerea showed a similar result. The colour change was evaluated by comparing anthocyanin pigment levels (determined by spectrophotometry and HPLC) of the peel and flesh. Anthocyanin content of infected flesh doubled, whilst that of infected peel was less than 50 % of the control. Pigment leakage has been reported in blueberries. It would appear that cell disruption, induced by infection may facilitate migration of anthocyanin from the peel to the flesh. The storage potential of blueberries depends on cultivar, maturity at harvest, climatic conditions as well as the inoculum pressure. Under favourable conditions storage life of blueberries can be manipulated effectively. Further cultivar specific research that targets relevant quality issues should be investigated. Reliable techniques should be developed to quantify blueberry firmness changes. Research on inoculum levels may give insight into the reduction of decay pressure and decay suppressing alternatives such as antibacterial pads can be examined. Peel integrity relative to decay susceptibility can also be researched on a cellular level. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika se bydrae tot wêreld bloubessie produksie is baie klein, ‘n skrale 0.25 %. Hierdie onindrukwekkende statistiek weerspieel egter glad nie die indrukwekkende potensiaal van die Suid-Afrikaanse bloubessie bedryf nie. Die bedryf ondervind tans ‘n dramatiese groei met ‘n klein begin vanaf die huidige 100-150 ton opbrengs tot wat volgens verwagting binne die volgende vyf jaar sal styg tot in die orde van 500-600 ton. Na aanleiding van die verwagte toename in produksie, sal seevrag verskeping oorweeg moet word as alternatief vir uitvoer eerder as lugvrag. Die sukses van seevrag lê in die gebruik van beheerde atmosfeer opberging (BA), waarvan die sukses op sy beurt bepaal word deur bessies van hoogstaande kwaliteit. Om steeds aan die verwagtings van die oorsese mark te voldoen moet grondliggende verskille tussen bloubessie kultivars ondersoek word en daaropvolgend moet hantering en opbergingstelsels aangepas en geoptimeer word. Die navorsing bestudeer die opbergingspotensiaal van verskeie rabbiteye bloubessies relatief tot beheerde atmosfere en kort vertragings in verkoeling. Kwaliteit, gebasseer op eksterne kleur, oplosbare deeltjies, titreerbare sure, fermheid en persentasie bederf, is ondersoek. Die respirasie en etileenproduksie tempos sowel as vogverlies van verskeie kultivars was verder bepaal om die fundamentele verskille tussen kultivars te bepaal, sowel as insig te verwerf in na-oes gedrag. Die effek van infeksie op pigment vlakke van bloubessie vlees en skil was ondersoek vir die doel van laboratorium ondervinding. Beheerde atmosfeer opberging het die grootste effek getoon op bessie fermheid en persentasie bederf. Na aanleiding van sensoriese toetse is daar geen wansmaake aangeteken ten op sigte van die BA vlakke wat getoets is nie. Bessies onderworpe aan beheerde atmosfeeriese toestande was fermer en bederfonderdrukking was beduidend. Die markverdraagsaamheid ten opsigte van bessiebederf, is egter 2 %. Hiervolgens was onderdrukking van verval asook opbergingsvermoë, onvoldoende (spesifiek na die rakleeftyd). Kultivar en seisoenale verskille asook plukrypheid en inokulum druk, bepaal ook die sukses van BA opberging. BA word beskou as ‘n waardevolle tegnologie vir verlenging van opberging. Dit blyk egter dat daar eers ‘n vooruitgang gemaak moet word in die versekering van optimale bessie kwaliteit voordat verskeping oorweeg kan word. Kort vertragings (0, 2, 4, 6 uur by 20 ºC) in verkoeling, het geen invloed gehad op kleur, (L, C, H), totale oplosbare vastestowwe, titreerbare suur en fermheid van bloubessie kultivars ‘Centurion’, ‘Premier’ en ‘Tifblue’ nie. Bederfresultate dui daarop dat onmiddelike verkoeling krities is, veral by verlengde opberging, om aan die 2 % bederf drempelwaarde te voldoen. Bessies onderhewig aan langer vertragings voor verkoeling, blyk meer vatbaar te wees vir bederf. Verskille bestaan tussen kultivars en kennis ingewin tydens hierdie navorsing kan toegepas word om hanteringsprosedures en verkoeling aan te pas. Ingeligte besluitneming kan dus ten opsigte van kultivarspesifieke bemarking (plaaslik en uitvoer), opberging (kort- en langtermyn) en vervoer (lug- en seevrag) gemaak word. Rabbiteye bloubessie kultivars verskil aansienlik ten opsigte van hul respirasietempo, etileenproduksie en vogverlies. Laasgenoemde kwaliteitsbepalers is by verskillende kultivars ondersoek by 15 ºC. ‘Climax’ het die hoogste respirasietempo, etileenproduksie en vogverlies getoon, terwyl ‘Premier’ die laagste respirasietempo gehad het, en die etileenproduksie te laag was om met die gaschromatograaf te bepaal. Die laagste vogverlies proporsionaliteitskonstante is waargeneem tussen ‘Tifblue’ en ‘Centurion’. ‘n Verandering is waargeneem in bloubessie vrugvleeskleur van wit tot donkerrooi by besmette bessies. ‘n Soortgelyke resultaat is verkry met kunsmatige inokulering met Botrytis cinerea. Die kleurverskil is geëvalueer deur vergelyking te tref met die antosianienpigment vlakke tussen die skil en die vlees (bepaal deur spektrofotometrie en HPLC). Antosianieninhoud van besmette vrugvlees het verdubbel, terwyl die van besmette vrugskil minder as 50 % van die kontrole groep was. Pigmentlekkasie is al vermeld by bloubessies. Dit wil voorkom of selskade veroorsaak deur infeksie beweging van antosianien vanaf die skil na die vlees kan aanhelp. Die opbergingspotensiaal van bloubessies hang af van kultivar, rypheid by oes, omgewings toestande sowel as inokulum druk. Onder gunstige toestande kan bloubessies se opbergingsvermoë effektief gemanipuleer word. Verder kultivar-spesifieke navorsing wat relevante kwaliteits kwessies aanspreek, kan gedoen word. Verder kan betroubare tegnieke in die meting van bloubessie fermheid veranderinge ondersoek word. Navorsing ten opsigte van inokulum vlakke mag insig gee in terme van bederf-druk vermindering en die gebruik van bederf-onderdrukking alternatiewe soos anti-bakteriese lappies. Skil integriteit relatief tot bederf-vatbaarheid kan ook op sellulere vlak ondersoek word.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The macro-element uptake and distribution by higher density central leader ‘Donnarine’ nectarine trees was studied through the sequential excavation of trees. A large portion, 41.5%, of the nitrogen manifested in the new growth from dormancy up to pit-hardening, originated from nitrogen reserves in the permanent structure. The permanent structure was also an important source of phosphorous reserves. Of the phosphorous in the fruit, leaves and new shoots at pit-hardening, 35.0% came from reserves in the permanent structure. Potassium did not act as an important reserve in the nectarine trees and was taken up throughout the season. From pit hardening to harvest the fruit represented the most important sink for potassium. Calcium and magnesium, like potassium, did not play significant roles as reserves in the nectarine tree and must be available for uptake from the beginning of the season for new growth and development as well as fruit quality. The micro-element uptake and distribution was also studied through the sequential excavation of the same ‘Donnarine’ nectarine trees. Little scientific data is available on this topic. Manganese and iron was found to act as important reserves in the tree with 46.2% of manganese and 59.5% of the iron found in the new growth at pithardening coming from reserves translocated from the permanent structure. Zinc and boron reserves also play a role in nectarine trees, but to a lesser extent than manganese and iron. The seasonal mineral nutrient demand of the same ‘Donnarine’ nectarine trees was determined through the sequential excavation of trees and losses and fixation was calculated. Guidelines regarding nutritional requirements per ton of fruit produced per hectare by higher density nectarine orchards are respectively 3.82kg nitrogen, 0.35kg phosphorous, 4.43kg potassium, 1.53kg calcium, 0.52kg magnesium, 32.45g sodium, 9.44g manganese, 37.46g iron, 3.24g copper, 13.95g zinc and 10.52g boron. Sodium is not commonly considered to be essential to higher plants, but was included in the trial. Nutrient solutions with four different EC (electrical conductivity) levels were applied to ‘Donnarine’ nectarine trees under pulsating drip fertigation for three periods of different lengths, before harvest. Raising the nutrient solution EC to positively affect fruit quality is a technique widely utilised in the vegetable industry. This technique did, however, not have similar positive effects on nectarine fruit grown under a pulsating drip fertigation system. Good production practices such as accurate nutrition and irrigation as well as the correct horticultural inputs should be the primary focus of producers who wish to alter or improve the fruit quality of their crop. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Voedingbestuur strategieë in nektarien boorde Die makro-element opname en verspreiding deur hoër digtheid sentrale leier ‘Donnarine’ nektarien bome is bestudeer d.m.v. opeenvolgende opgrawings van volledige bome en die ontleding van monsters. ‘n Groot hoeveelheid, 41.5%, van die stikstof wat tydens pitverharding in die nuwe groei teenwoordig was, is d.m.v. translokasie vanuit die permanente struktuur van die boom afkomstig. Die permanente struktuur was ook ‘n belangrike bron van fosfaat reserwes. Teen pitverharding was 35.0% van die fosfaat in die nuwe groei afkomstig vanuit die permanente struktuur. Bevindings het getoon dat kalium nie as ‘n reserwe in die nektarien bome opgetree het nie en dié element is deur die groeiseisoen opgeneem. Vanaf pitverharding tot en met oestyd was die vrugte die sterkste setel van aanvraag vir kalium. Kalsium en magnesium het, soos in die geval van kalium, nie ‘n belangrike rol as reserwe vertolk nie. Beskikbaarheid van hierdie elemente vir opname vanaf die begin van die groeiseisoen is dus baie belangrik vir nuwe groei en ontwikkeling asook vrugkwaliteit. Die mikro-element opname en distribusie van dieselfde ‘Donnarine’ nektarien bome is ook bestudeer d.m.v. opeenvolgende opgrawings en analise van volledige bome. Min wetenskaplike literatuur oor hierdie onderwerp is beskikbaar. Bevindings het getoon dat mangaan asook yster baie belangrike reserwes in die nektarien boom is. Tydens pitverharding was 46.2% van die mangaan en 59.5% van die yster wat in die nuwe groei teenwoordig was, afkomstig vanaf reserwes uit die permanente struktuur van die boom. Verder het sink en boor ook as reserwes opgetree, maar tot ‘n mindere mate as mangaan en yster. Die seisoenale behoeftes aan minerale voeding van dieselfde ‘Donnarine’ nektarien bome is bepaal d.m.v. opeenvolgende opgrawings en analise van volledige bome asook die bepaling van verwyderingsverliese en vaslegging. Voedingsriglyne is vasgestel i.t.v. die hoeveelheid voedingstof wat per hektaar benodig word om een ton nektariens te produseer. Die riglyne is as volg: 3.82kg stikstof, 0.35kg fosfaat, 4.43kg kalium, 1.53kg kalsium, 0.52kg magnesium, 32.45g natrium, 9.44g mangaan, 37.46g yster, 3.24g koper, 13.95g sink en 10.52g boor. Natrium word nie in die algemeen as ‘n essensiële plantvoedingselement beskou nie, maar is by die berekeninge ingesluit. Voedingsoplossing met vier verskillende vlakke van EG (elektriese geleiding) is vir drie periodes van verskillende lengtes aan ‘Donnarine’ nekarien bome toegedien. Die verhoging van die EG van voedingsoplossings ten einde kwaliteit te verbeter is ‘n tegniek wat met groot suskses in die groentbedryf toegepas word. Hierdie tegniek het egter nie soortgelyke positiewe effekte op die nektarien vrugkwaliteit gehad nie. Produsente wat hul vrugkwaliteit wil verbeter behoort primêr te fokus op goeie produksiepraktyke soos akkurate voeding en besproeiing asook die korrekte tuinboukundige insette.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Persimmon production is new to the Western Cape region of South Africa and is well suited to its Mediterranean climate. Export market opportunities for out-of-season fruit in traditional Northern Hemisphere markets have led to the planting of almost 700 ha of the astringent cultivar ‘Triumph’ since 1998. Production of other cultivars is negligible compared to ‘Triumph’. There is a need to study the vegetative and reproductive phenology of ‘Triumph’ in order to improve production under local conditions. In order to determine the physical characteristics of good bearing units, the effect of length and orientation of one-year-old shoots on bud break, vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting and fruit quality was evaluated. Further trials were conducted to determine the duration of the flowering period, flower distribution on one-year-old shoots and the timing of flower initiation. Shoots between 30-60 cm, the longest length studied, produced the most new vegetative growth, had the most flowers, and set the most fruit. Fruit also ripened faster on 30-60 cm shoots compared to shorter shoots. Shoots with more flowers were thicker than shoots of equal length, but with fewer flowers. Poor fruit set is one of the most important problems in persimmon cultivation. Experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of gibberellic acid (GA3) and scoring or girdling during full bloom (FB) to increase fruit set and yield. Different GA3 concentrations (20 mg·L-1 and 40 mg·L-1) were evaluated. GA3 applications and scoring/girdling were applied at 30% FB or 30 and 70% FB. While GA3 treatments were ineffective, scoring increased fruit set and yields in young orchards (< 5-year-old) up to three times. In general, GA3 sprays decreased fruit size although it did not increase the number of fruit per tree. In more mature orchards (> 5 years old), scoring or girdling in combination with GA3 applications at 30 and 70% FB increased yield by an average of 16 tons (45%) compared to GA3 treatment on its own (35 tons). This increase in yield did not affect fruit size. Girdling and scoring were equally effective in increasing yield. When it comes to GA3 applications to improve fruit set in mature orchards, producers must bear in mind that 30% full bloom occurs already 2 to 4 days after the first flowers are open. Based on these data, guidelines to manage fruit set can be developed for the South African persimmon industry. However, these guidelines will also need to entail pruning and thinning strategies to prevent alternate bearing that may result from the high yields. ‘Triumph’ preferentially initiates flowers laterally in terminal quadrants of one-year-old shoots. This has to be taken into consideration with the development of pruning strategies. When timing thinning treatments, producers should keep in mind that flower initiation starts shortly after shoot elongation has ended and soon after fruit set. The short harvesting period of ‘Triumph’ puts pressure on producers and packing facilities, and shortens the marketing window of fruit. The final objective of this study was to advance or delay harvesting by using scoring or plant growth regulators. The effect of these treatments on fruit quality at harvest and after storage for 3 months at -0.5 °C and shelf life of 5 to 7 days at 15 °C were evaluated over two seasons. n-Propyl dihydrojasmonate (PDJ), aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and scoring generally did not affect fruit ripening and storability. 2-Cloroethyl phosphonic acid (ethephon) applied at 24 mg·L-1 4 weeks before the first of two harvest dates (WBFH) advanced ripening. Gibberellic acid (GA3) application at 50 mg·L-1 2 WBFH and 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP) applied immediately after harvest, delayed fruit ripening and reduced fruit softening during storage and shelf life. Future research should evaluate combined treatments of ethephon with MCP or GA3 to advance harvesting without negatively effecting storability of fruit. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verbouing van persimmon is ‘n nuut tot die Wes-Kaap streek van Suid-Afrika met sy geskikte Mediterreense klimaat. Uitvoergeleenthede vir buite-seisoen vrugte na tradisionele Noordelike Halfrond markte het sedert 1998 gelei tot die aanplant van bykans 700 ha van die vrank cultivar, ‘Triumph’. Ander cultivars word ook verbou, maar die hoeveelhede is weglaatbaar in vergelyking met ‘Triumph’. Daar bestaan ‘n behoefte om die vegetatiewe en reproduktiewe fenologie van ‘Triumph’ te bestudeer ten einde produksie onder plaaslike toestande te verbeter. Die effek van lengte en oriëntasie van een-jaar-oue lote op knopbreek, vegetatiewe groei, blomtyd, vrugset en vrugkwaliteit is geëvalueer ten einde die fisieke eienskappe van goeie dra-eenhede te bepaal. Verdere proewe is uitgevoer om die duur van die blomperiode, die verspreiding van blomme op een-jaar-oue lote en die periode van blominisiasie te bepaal. Lote tussen 30–60 cm, die langste lengte wat bestudeer is, produseer die meeste nuwe vegetatiewe groei, het die meeste blomme en set die meeste vrugte. Vrugte op 30–60 cm lange lote het ook vinniger ryp geword in vergelyking met vrugte op korter lote. Lote met baie blomme was dikker as lote van dieselfde lengte, maar met minder blomme. Swak vrugset is een van die belangrikste probleme wat persimmon produksie kniehalter. Eksperimente is uitgevoer om te bepaal of toediening van gibberelliensuur (GA3) en insnyding (scoring) of ringelering gedurende volblom (VB) effektief is om vrugset en produksie te verhoog. Verskillende GA3 konsentrasies (20 mg·L-1 en 40 mg·L-1) is geëvalueer. GA3 toegediening en insnyding/ringelering is uitgevoer by 30% VB of by 30% en 70% VB. Terwyl GA3 ondoeltreffend was in jong boorde (< 5-jaar-oud), het insnyding vrugset en produksie tot drie keer verhoog. GA3 het vruggrootte oor die algemeen verminder sonder dat daar ‘n toename in die aantal vrugte per boom was. In meer volwasse boorde (>5-jaar-oud) het insnyding/ringelering in kombinasie met GA3 toediening by 30 en 70% VB, produksie met gemiddeld 16 ton (45%) verhoog in vergelyking met net GA3-behandeling (35 ton). Hierdie verhoging in produksie het geen effek op vruggrootte gehad nie. Ringelering en insnyding was ewe effektief in die verhoging van produksie. Met die toediening van GA3 in volwasse boorde moet produsente in gedagte hou dat 30% VB bereik kan word binne 2 tot 4 dae nadat die eerste blomme oopgegaan het. Bogenoemde data stel ons in staat om riglyne vir die bestuur van vrugset te ontwikkel vir die Suid-Afrikaanse persimmon bedryf. Ten einde die ontstaan van alternerende drag as gevolg van hoë vrugladings te vermy, sal snoei- en uitdunstrategieë egter in ag geneem moet word met die saamstel van hierdie riglyne. ‘Triumph’ inisieer blomme hoofsaaklik lateraal in die terminale kwadrante van een-jaar-oue lote. Dit moet in aanmerking geneem word met die ontwikkeling van snoeistrategieë. Met die tydsberekening van uitdunbehandelings, moet produsente in gedagte hou dat blominisiasie in aanvang neem kort na lootgroeistaking en vrugset plaasgevind het. Die kort oesperiode van ‘Triumph’ plaas produsente en verpakkingsaanlegte onder druk, en verkort die bemarkingsvenster van vrugte. Die laaste doelwit van hierdie studie was om oes te vervroeg of uit te stel deur gebruik te maak van insnyding of plantgroeireguleerders. Die effek van hierdie behandelings op vrugkwaliteit met oes, na opberging vir 3 maande by -0.5 oC en raklewe van 5 tot 7 dae by 15 oC is geëvalueer oor twee seisoene. Npropieldihidrojasmonaat (PDJ), amino-etoksievinielglisien (AVG) en insnyding het oor die algemeen geen effek op die rypwording en opbergingsvermoë van vrugte gehad nie. Toediening van 2-chloro-etielfosfiensuur (ethephon) teen 24 mg·L-1, 4 weke voor die eerste van twee oeste het rypwording versnel. Toediening van gibberelliensuur (GA3) teen 50 mg·L-1 2 weke voor die eerste oes en 1-metielsiklopropeen (MCP) onmiddelik na oes, het rypwording vertraag en het die sagword van vrugte gedurende opberging en raklewe verminder. Ten einde oesdatums te vervroeg sonder om die opbergingsvermoë van vrugte te benadeel, behoort die kombinasie van ethephon met MCP of GA3 geëvalueer te word.

Thesis (MScAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The production of high quality fruit that meet international standards is of vital importance to the South African fruit industry. Detrimental climatic conditions are forcing producers to examine alternate production methods. In this study the effect of protective netting on apple tree (Malus domestica) physiology, microclimate and fruit quality was investigated to determine the potential of apple production under netting in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The influence of 20% black shade netting on the photosynthetically photon flux density, leaf and fruit surface as well as air temperature was measured on four blush apple cultivars over a two year period in the Koue Bokkeveld area, in the Western Cape, South Africa. Measurements were also taken on leaf gas exchange, including net CO2 assimilation rate under ambient and saturating CO2 conditions, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. A decrease in light conditions of 22 - 31% was measured under black netting thus reducing the amount of light available to the plant significantly. Leaves under the netting were cooler by 1.7 – 3.9°C on a milder day (11 January 2005) and by 4.3 – 6.2°C on a hot day (28 February 2005) than control leaves. Fruit surface temperature under the netting was cooler by 0.7 - 2.9°C on milder days, and by 4.0 - 5.3°C on a hot day (28 February 2005) than control fruit. Significant increases in CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance and transpiration were found under the netting. Netted treatments also showed a lower leaf vapour pressure deficit and tended to be less water stressed having higher leaf water potential than the control treatments. Differences in leaf nitrogen were not significant between treatments except for ‘Cripps’ Pink’ where non netted treatments had higher leaf nitrogen levels than the netted treatments during the 2004 season. Heat tolerance and the ability to recover after exposure to different temperatures for different lengths of time, was evaluated for the same four blush apple cultivars grown under protective netting. The results showed that fruit taken from the netted treatments had a higher incidence of injury based on chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, and did not recover well at temperatures higher than 45°C. The higher tolerance of the non-netted fruit at 45°C could be due to better acclimation to high light and heat levels than the fruit from the netted treatment. Fruit quality of ‘Royal Gala’, ‘Fuji’, Cripps’ Pink’ and ‘Braeburn’ was evaluated for netted and non-netted treatments as well as between five different crop loads as sun-treatments. It was found that cultivars reacted differently to the altered microclimate under the netting. Significant interaction between net and crop load treatments was found for fruit mass of ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Fuji’. Fruit mass declined more rapidly with increased crop load under nets than in the open. The net treatment reduced sunburn significantly in all the cultivars except ‘Cripps’ Pink’. Ground colour was found to be positively influenced by netting on ‘Braeburn’ and during 2005 on ‘Royal Gala’. Blush colour was reduced under the netting for ‘Braeburn’ and ‘Fuji’ and unaffected for ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Cripps’ Pink’. Fruit firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity, were reduced under nets for most of the cultivars. Netting thus seems to have a positive effect in reducing sunburn damage but a varying effect on other fruit quality parameters, which seem to be cultivar specific. The influence of black protective netting on vegetative growth was determined by measuring total prunings and trunk circumference. Reproductive bud development analysis was also done. An increase was found in summer prunings for ‘Fuji’ and ‘Cripps’ Pink’ which was most likely due to the topping of the trees to prevent them from growing into the netting. Seasonal trunk growth was affected significantly for ‘Braeburn’ with a higher percentage recorded under the netting. Reproductive bud development was higher for the netted treatments and on trees with lower crop loads. Photosynthetic photon flux density was reduced significantly in a ‘Granny Smith’ orchard at harvest by black, blue and grey type netting. Sunburn was significantly reduced under the black and blue netting. Fruit mass was higher under the netted treatments during the second season of measurements. Firmness and total soluble solids were lower under the netting. Blush colour was found to be significantly lower under the black netting. Seed viability, ground colour, titratable acidity, starch breakdown, stem end russet and the occurrence of Fusicladium pyrorum damage was unaffected by the netting.

Thesis (MscAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Fruit quality, and especially eating quality, of nectarines has become very important to markets and consumers in recent years. Pre- and post harvest factors that influence the eating quality of nectarines were studied to optimise fruit quality at harvest and to maintain this quality during export. This will ensure good returns for a producer and will maximise his profit. The influence of the variables canopy position, initial fruit size and bearing position was studied to determine the variation in fruit quality within a nectarine tree. ‘Red Jewel’ and ‘Ruby Diamond’ fruit from the upper part of the tree canopy had significantly higher total soluble solids (TSS). Fruit position on the shoot does not seem to play a significant role in fruit quality for ‘Red Jewel’ nectarines, which will allow producers to leave more than one fruit per bearer if necessary. Fruit thinning is an important means to improve fruit size and quality in ‘Red Jewel’, but poor thinning can cause extreme variability in size and quality. Fruit that were small at thinning remained significantly smaller, weighed less, had lower sugars and higher acids at harvest. If it is possible to reduce the variation in size at thinning, fruit will be much more homogenous at harvest. The effect of pre-conditioning (PC) prior to storage and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage was evaluated on ‘Red Jewel’ and ‘Spring Bright’ nectarines. Free juice percentage was determined at the end of a simulated export protocol. The severity of woolliness differed between the two seasons for both nectarine cultivars. PC, to a firmness of 6 kg, followed by regular atmosphere (RA) storage increased percentage free juice significantly in ‘Spring Bright’ and ‘Red Jewel’ nectarines. However, a PC protocol for each cultivar and each producer must be determined beforehand to ensure fruit quality. CA storage is another technique that can be used to prevent the development of chilling injury (CI) symptoms. Both ‘Spring Bright’ and ‘Red Jewel’ showed an increase in percentage free juice with the use of CA storage during both seasons.The eating quality of nectarines depends on the composition of the individual sugars and organic acids and the ratio between them. Sucrose, fructose, glucose and sorbitol were found to be the major sugars in all evaluated nectarine cultivars. Sucrose was the dominant sugar in all cultivars at optimum maturity. The three main organic acids in nectarine cultivars were malic, citric and quinic acid, with malic acid being dominant at optimum maturity. Small amounts of shikimic, fumaric and succinic acid were also observed. It was evident that cultivars differ in the composition of sugar and organic acids at optimum maturity, especially the standard acid cultivars and the new low-acid cultivars. Individual sugars and organic acids in cultivars also differ in how they react during storage.