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TEGNOLOGIE

Uitgawe 15: 2020 Somer

OES-OPTIMALISERING | PLANTVOEDING | PRESISIEDIENSTE

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PLANTVOEDING

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Velum® GR for maizeOptimise plant growth with bio-fertilisersWhy calcium is important to fruitKoolhidrate en vrugset

LANDBOUSKOU IN MAURITIUS

OES-OPTIMALISERINGWitvlieg, een van die

rankgewas vyande

Management strategy for macadamias

LAEVELD AGROCHEM GROEI 15

Inhoudsopgawe

LAEVELD AGROCHEM 1

© Kopiereg. Die publikasie en artikels bly die eiendom van Laeveld Agrochem. Alle regte voorbehou. Alle publikasie navrae kan gerig word aan [email protected] of per pos na Posbus 32462, Glenstantia, 0010.Die inligting in die tydskrif word in goeder trou na die beste van ons vermoë verskaf maar die bedoeling is om inligting te deel en nie om aanbevelings te maak nie – enige kliënt moet altyd steeds sy/haar naaste Laeveld Agrochem-agent raadpleeg vir enige advies of aanbevelings.

BL2 Boodskap van Jaco Botha3 Groete van Corné Liebenberg4 MYFARMWEB™ platform5 LAC Landboukundiges6 Management strategy for establishing productive macadamia orchards10 Velum® GR for maize12 Optimise plant growth and fertiliser-useefficiencywith bio-fertilisers16 Son-Safari Landbouskou18 Witvlieg, een van rankgewas boere se grootste vyande22 Why calcium is so important to fruit and especially avocado26 Ecocert attestation on Plant Health Products

28 Hoe om jou opbrengs-raaisels te ontsyfer31 Ontmoet vir Dicky Carstens van MYFARMWEB™32 Die belangrikheid van mikro-elemente34 Koolhidrate en vrugset37 Die Vermaaks van Bultfontein38Blueberrysignificance40 Beeld Kinderfonds41 Die Plaaswinkel42 Genesis Nutrition43 The power of protein44 Nuus en foto’s

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By te veel toegewyde mense in en om die kerk sien ek tekens van oor- werktheid, stres en uitbranding. Toegegee, party mense brand uit selfs nog voordat hulle vlam gevat het. Maar dis darem die uitsonderings.

Uitbranding is dodelik. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett omskryf uitbranding “..as a loss of enthusiasm, energy, idealism, perspective, and purpose; it has been described as trying to run a marathon at full speed.” Uitbranding is die gevolg van baie faktore. Skeefgetrekte verwagtings van die kant van ander mense is ’n groot oorsaak hiervoor. ‘Uitbranders’ probeer gedurig om op te leef aan die verwagtinge van almal wat hulle salarisse betaal, of wie se goedkeuring hulle wil hê. Die gevolg - hulle hou hulleself besig met te veel dinge wat hulle energie steel. Dikwels bly hulle geloof ook in die slag, want God sien al hoe minder van hulle gesig en al hoe meer van hulle rug.

Briek uitbranding op jou eie voorstoep. Dis ongesond. Hou op om alles vir almal te probeer wees. Weet wie jy is voor die Here en gaan wees daardie mens vir Hom en vir ander. Net dit. Leer om nee te sê.

Onthou asseblief Annie Lamotte se woorde: “No” is a complete sentence.” “Dis nie so eenvoudig nie,” dink jy dalk. Ek weet. As dit was, sou niemand uitgebrand het nie! Maar dis wat jy en ek moet doen as ons regtig bruikbaar vir God en ander wil wees. En as ons gesonde lewens wil leef.

Deur Stephan Joubert, gepubliseer in Beeld

REDAKSIEDie Groei Tydskrif word saamgestel deur die Laeveld Agrochem-span. Redakteur: Corné LiebenbergKreatiewe bestuurder: Liza van der Walt, BlueRed DesignBydraes deur: Jeanette Nel en Karen FourieOktober 2020

BOODSKAP VAN

Jaco BothaGROETE VAN

Corné LiebenbergCorné is Direkteur en Bemarkingsbestuurder by Laeveld Agrochem (LAC), waar hy streef om LAC die markleier met unieke innovasies, produkte en nuwetegnologie te hou tot voordeel van die kliënt.

Jaco is een van Laeveld Agrochem se Besigheidsbestuurders, en hy werk in die Vrystaat area. Hy is ’n kenner op die gebied van plantvoeding, oesbeskerming en spesialiseer onder andere in grane, appels, peulgroente, sonneblomme en aartappels.

2 GROEI LAEVELD AGROCHEM 3

Was dit net ’n droom?Almal beleef ’n onwerklike tyd sedert die Covid-19-pandemie begin het – met baie meer onsekerheid, onbeantwoorde vrae en onwerk-like tye as ooit tevore. Alledaagse gebeure en bewegings wat as vanselfsprekend aanvaar was, is nou skielik onwettig. Vir diegene op die plaas was dit meestal besigheid soos normaal en hulle het besef hoeveel vryheid van bewe-ging hulle werklik het, terwyl die dorpsjapies gehok was.

Baie van ons het besef dat die tyd wat ons saam met mekaar het baie belangrik is, en dat geld nie tyd of gesondheid kan koop nie. Dalk was dit God se manier om almal te laat besef dat Hy steeds volkome in beheer is.

Maar is dit nie maar waaraan landbouers ge-woond is nie – die onsekerheid van die seisoen, klimaat en omstandighede, oftewel die veranderlikes van die landboubedryf wat produsente jaarliks op hul tone hou en laat regop sit en met tye laat asem ophou?

Dit laat my dink aan die vyf P’s: “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”.

Dit is nou die tyd om vooruit te kyk en te be-plan. Elkeen moet geleenthede soek en skep om sy onderneming, boerdery en persoonlike lewe se momentum te behou en/of weer op dreef te kry, of op die vlak te kry waarna hy streef.

Want nou is die tyd wanneer talle mense sal kies om op ’n hopie te sit en wag, eerder as om ’n positiewe benadering te volg wat vir hulle die nodige verskil kan maak en wat hulle die “edge” kan gee in die nuwe somer-seisoen wat op die voorstoep lê en wag.

Wanneer ’n mens terugkyk na die seisoen wat verby is, is dit duidelik dat die landboubedryf baie geseënd was met goeie reën in die meeste

streke en dat daar op die meeste plekke waar boere stroop, bogemiddelde oeste behaal is.

Die Covid-besigheid het baie uitdagings ge-bring, maar een ding is verseker: Ons moet kos hê en Suid-Afrikaanse boere kon aanhou pro-duseer, en doen wat hulle ken en waarmee hulle goed is. Welgedaan aan elkeen!

’n Nuwe begin Landbouprodusente begin nou weer voor met die seisoen – nes elke ander jaar of seisoen, oë op die horison, en kyk met afwagting wat die reën gaan maak en wat die seisoen opnuut vir hulle inhou.

Dit voel soms soos ’n bose kringloop, maar hoe geseënd is ons wat die boere kan bedien en in die landboubedryf kan werk, waar ons elke dag tyd in God se skepping kan spandeer. Ons moet net nou en dan stop, asem haal en die mooi in neem terwyl ons weer besef dat dit bo verdien- ste goed gaan, en hoe gelukkig ons is wat in die landboubedryf kan werk. Dit is ’n roeping.

Die vooruitsig van eerste reëns is musiek in ons ore, veral as jy ’n droëlandboer is! Dit is tans die lewensaar en behoud van jou bedryf, ook vir die nageslag wat volg. Nuwe lewe weens die seisoen wat verander en die gewasse wat op die lande volg, maak my baie opgewonde.

Ek is trots daarop om deel te wees van die Laeveld Agrochem-span en die landboubedryf in Suid-Afrika, waar ons saam vooruit boer. Ek wens elke produsent en landbouer ’n vrugbare seisoen toe.

Mag dit reën waar die boere plant en mag ons planne saam nie opraak nie.

’n Mens sou kon en wou sê so ’n scenario is ondenkbaar, maar is enigiets na 2020 werklik nog onmoontlik? Kos laat die wêreld draai en so ver soos ons terug kan kyk, letterlik tot by die ontstaan van die mens, is kos maar altyd deel van die prentjie. As dit nie Eva was wat van die ver-bode vrug wou eet nie, is ’n eersgeboortereg en erfporsie vir ’n pot lensiesop verruil. Hoe het die Here vir die Israeliete gesorg met hul uittog uit Egipte? Deur hulle elke dag te bederf met manna en kwartels! In ’n wêreld waar die tempo van dinge doen deurlopend versnel terwyl almal meestal na wind jaag, het voedsame kos en die geselligheid van ’n familie-ete rondom ’n tafel, waar die dag se gebeure bespreek word, heeltemal verdwyn.

Feitlik alles wat ons deesdae doen moet “gou” gedoen word, net soos dit ons woordeskat oorneem. Ek gaan gou kos maak, ek gaan gou die kinders haal, spring gou in die bed, ek gaan gou bad, ek gaan gou bietjie op die stoep sit, ek gaan gou bietjie vir my vriendin kuier, ek kyk net gou die nuus. Kom eet gou, stort gou, doen gou-gou jou huiswerk...

Onsleefin’ntydvankitsoplossings,kitskoffieen vele meer kitsplanne. Kinders praat net oor die spoed van hulle WiFi tuis. Die behoefte na kitskos skiet deur die dak, maar mense se gesondheid val deur die vloer. Dit alles in ag genome, bly dit vir ons by Laeveld Agrochem (LAC) ’n reuse voorreg om in die natuur met boere en hul spanne, wat dikwels ook hul vlytige vrouens insluit, te werk en ’n rol te speel in voedselsekuriteit. Om te help om iets te produseer wat jy weet voordelig is vir ander, sorg vir ’n onmeetbare lekkerte.

Daarom is dit verfrissend om te weet LAC glo nie in kitsoplossings nie. Of jy nou ’n boom of pit plant, ons vat ons tyd, doen stadige ordentlike ontledings en aanbevelings, want kitsoplossings in ons bedryf sal bloot net nie deug nie. Om ’n 5 gram pit in die grond te druk en 220 gram se mielies van een plant te verwag, of om 180kg se lemoene van een lemoenboom te kry beteken stadige, slim en berekende planne.

Van die grondontleding tot die waterskedule- ring tot die interpretasie van die satelietbeelde is dit ’n goed deurdinkte, maar ’n ordentlike en stap vir stap strategie, en waarvan die optimale resultate meestal eers na jare gesien word soos grond jaarliks verder reggestel en ver-beter word.

Daarom roem ons onsself by LAC dat ons uit ons pad gaan om etiese en verantwoordelike praktyke te volg in die plant- en oesproses, en dat ons werklik moeite doen om te verseker dat die inhoud van die gewas wat geproduseer word veilig en gesond is vir mens en dier.

Deur tegnologie slim te gebruik, kan ons die veiligsteendoeltreffendstegeïntegreerde program aanbeveel. Dit bevat ’n kombinasie van chemiese middels, sowel as waar moontlik meer “groen” en biologiese produkte.

Terug dus na die opskrif – sonder kos is daar geen lewe nie, en sonder boere is daar geen kos nie. Waardeer hulle dus, klop hulle op die skouer, ondersteun hulle en dra hulle op die hande, want hulle is sonder enige twyfel die fondasie van ’n vree(t)dsame wêreld.

Wat ’n uitdagende en interessante jaar was hierdie nie! Ironies die 20/20 hindsight-jaar, het ons meer lesse geleer as waarvoor ons gereed was. Tyd om jou lewe te evalueer en weer te fokus op dit wat saak maak. >>

’n Wêreld sonder kos?

MYFARMWEB™

Verkry toegang deur enige internetblaaier (browser) tot hierdie interaktiewe wolk-gebaseerde platform waar geografiese plaasdata en alle soorte kaarte gestoor, beskou en vergelyk kan word.

VAN DATA NA WINSGEWENDHEID.

MYFARMWEB™ verbind datastrome vanuit verskillende bronne as kommersieel bruikbare informasie en integreer die verskeie datalae in verhouding tot mekaar ten einde meer ingeligte besluitneming te ondersteun.

Moniteer die gewas, peste, grond en

weersomstandighede.

Vergelyk verskeie datalae in een

gekonsolideerde platform.

Skakel gevolgtrekkings om

in aksieplanne.

MAAK BETER BESLUITE, VINNIGER.

LAEVELD AGROCHEM BIED

+27 12 940 4398

[email protected]

www.laeveld.co.za

+27 21 300 0543

[email protected]

www.agritechnovation.co.za

KONTAK ONS

MYFARMWEB™

Verkry toegang deur enige internetblaaier (browser) tot hierdie interaktiewe wolk-gebaseerde platform waar geografiese plaasdata en alle soorte kaarte gestoor, beskou en vergelyk kan word.

VAN DATA NA WINSGEWENDHEID.

MYFARMWEB™ verbind datastrome vanuit verskillende bronne as kommersieel bruikbare informasie en integreer die verskeie datalae in verhouding tot mekaar ten einde meer ingeligte besluitneming te ondersteun.

Moniteer die gewas, peste, grond en

weersomstandighede.

Vergelyk verskeie datalae in een

gekonsolideerde platform.

Skakel gevolgtrekkings om

in aksieplanne.

MAAK BETER BESLUITE, VINNIGER.

LAEVELD AGROCHEM BIED

+27 12 940 4398

[email protected]

www.laeveld.co.za

+27 21 300 0543

[email protected]

www.agritechnovation.co.za

KONTAK ONS

DIE LAEVELD AGROCHEM-SPAN GROEI

Landboukundiges en tegniese kenners

SCHALK STREICHER Middelburg063 157 8837 / [email protected]

ERIC VENTERBesigheidsbestuurder: WESKAAP082 853 4377 [email protected]

PIERRE BADENHORSTMarble Hall072 477 [email protected]

HENDRIK SWANEPOELDelmas079 494 [email protected]

THYS GROVÉStanderton071 370 [email protected]

VERBINTENIS TOT VOLHOUBARE VENNOOTSKAP + EERSTEKLAS AGENTE = BOERDERYSUKSES

Een van die hoekstene van LAC se sukses is vennootskap.

Vir ons is dit meer as net ’n mooi woord. Vennootskap is ’n aksie wat ons deur dik en dun toepas; ’n be-lofte wat ons nakom – van die eerste foon-oproep tot die laaste besoek.

LAEVELD AGROCHEM 5

Ons verwys gereeld na die Laeveld Agrochem- familie en die feit dat ons al ons personeel en agente as deel van die familie beskou. Ek en my pa werk nou al 30 jaar saam, en selfs sy kleinseun het nou by LAC begin.

In hierdie uitgawe word daar juis oor ’n verdere twee pa en seun kombinasies geskryf, Stefan en Fanie van Wyk van Hoedspruit op bl. 26 en Piet en Pieter Vermaak van Bultfontein op bl. 37.

So het LAC ook vele ander sulke pa en seun kombinasies o.a. in Parys, Lichtenburg, Hectorspruit, Bothaville ens.

Soos met meeste produsente is dit dus verblydend om te sien ons kinders glo ook steeds in die toekoms van SA landbou.

Saam boer ons as LAC familie vooruit!Groete Corné

Die Pa en Seun vennootskap

4 GROEI

Key aspects that should be considered when planning a macadamia orchard includes the site, soil requirements, climate requirements, the selection of cultivar, land preparation, and plant population.

It’s important to research each of these key aspects in order to plan and ensure that the new orchards achieve their yield potential over each tree’s lifespan.

A guide to suitable land attributesMacadamias are an expensive crop to grow and maintain. This is reason enough to avoid any marginal land completely.

It is important to note that macadamia trees arenotheavyfeeders,andtheirfinelateralrootsareefficientinabsorbingphosphorus(P) and calcium (Ca), even where there are low levels of these nutrients in the soil.

Climate requirements checklistMacadamias originated in the fringes of the subtropical rain forests of Australia. This should give a good idea of the climate requirements for the cultivars, which is similar to areas where avocados, papayas, and bananas grow well.

When choosing a site for a macadamia or-chard, the maximum and minimum temperatures must be considered as well as the alti-tude and humidity. High humidity can enhance treevigour,sapflow,fruitsetandhigh-qualitykernel. Low humidity can increase ‘stress’ in the tree with negative results that could result in nut drop, low oil, and bad kernel quality.

A few key points to keep in mind when considering climate requirements:Temperature:lThe optimal temperature for photosynthesis is between 16°C to 25°C.lProlonged exposure to temperatures of 30°C and greater can result in distorted, chlorotic new growth.lHigh temperatures (30°C - 35°C) during flowering(Aug-Sep)willreducethefruit set and can cause immature fruit to drop.lPhotosynthesis is greatly reduced below 3°C and no photosynthesis takes place above 33°C - 35°C.lTrees can survive temps below 3°C, but young trees will be killed by frost at a temperature below –1.5°C.lIt has been reported that mature trees can survive mild frosts at temperatures as low as –6°C for short periods.lVegetativeflushissuppressedbyboth high temperatures (above 30°C) and low temperatures (below 10°C)lTheidealtemperatureforfloralinitiation is 18°C.

Rainfall:lThe minimum rainfall is about 1 000 mm/ annum if no irrigation is present. lIrrigation should be used to supplement any water needs.

Wind:lMacadamia wood is very brittle and prone to wind damage.lAvoid planting in areas that experience high winds. Windbreaks can be planted to protect trees.lStakes can be tied to the young trees; up to 500 mm above the graft union can prevent the trees from breaking at the weaker graft union.lHot and dry berg winds can burn and damage the new growth on the trees and can increase the nut drop during November.lNarrow branch angles and multiple branch- ing from the same node will increase the possibility for wind damage. Selective tree training and pruning can reduce the likeli- hood of branches breaking.

Key cultivar characteristics to considerMost of the cultivars available to produce in South Africa are exotic, but the country featuressignificantlydiverseregionalgrowingconditions. Plant performance and growth will always vary according to the region.

While choosing a macadamia cultivar for an orchard, the producer should take a few key characteristics into account. This includes, but is not limited to, yield and quality data for thespecificarea,orfromanareawithsimilarclimatic conditions. There are currently 32 macadamia varieties, including four rootstocks (H2, N2, 695 seedlings, 695 clonal), new cultivar evaluations (2018 ARC-BioGold), and two cultivar and rootstock mother-blocks.

Cultivar improvement is an ongoing process which, in the case of macadamias, has only been in progress for just over 70 years. There is, therefore, still room for a lot of improve-ment, especially when it comes to plant breed-ing and selection work. This is important for both production and nut quality. >>

Management strategy for establishing productive macadamia orchards

By Marne de VriesHead Horticulturist: Fruit and NutsAgri Technovation


The macadamia industry is one of the few rapidly growing agricultural industries in South Africa, with an estimated 25 000 ha already established and a growth projection of between 2 000 and 2 500 ha per annum. However establishing a productive and valuable macadamia orchard can be challenging. The appropriate management systems and techniques can aid in the development of a highly lucrative orchard.

lSoil depth: At least 1.5 m of soil is needed, toallowforprolificrootdevelopment.lSoil drainage: Good drainage is an essential feature within the rooting zone.lSoil texture: Macadamias cultivate especially well in a wide range of soil textures.lAvoid frost: High risk areas are valley bottoms in the Lowveld and Levubu. The same goes for low-lying areas where cold air is dammed up by a timber plantation or natural bush.

lOptimum slope: Within macadamia orchards, some slopes are desirable, mainly because it facilitates drainage. The preferable slope is between 1% and 15%. Slopes greater than 15% may facilitate more erosion, which may become a hazard. A steeper slope will increase the need for greater soil protection measures. lProximity to the source of irrigation water: If the static lift of the water exceeds 100m, careful investigation of capital and irrigation running costs should be conducted.

Some of the most important attributes of suitable land for cultivating macadamias are:

Soil classification map sample


Selecting a cultivar for SA’s climateAn often-asked question is why industry statistics show Beaumont (695) as the most prominently planted cultivar, especially when 816 and A4 are also prominent new cultivars. This is because Beaumont has a high-quality rootstock, coupled with an above-average ker-nel (and an exceptionally precocious nature), which means the cultivar produces well when cultivated properly. Beaumont rootstocks are still the preferred cultivar, with the Nelmak 2 rootstocks showing a steady increase in the number of new plantings.

Cultivars that are currently planted in South Africa include: ‘Keauhou’ (HAES 246); ‘Purvis’ (HAES 294); ‘Ikaika’ (HAES 333); ‘Kakea’ (HAES 508); ‘Keaau’ (HAES 660); ‘Beaumont’ (695); ‘Mauka’ (HAES 741); HAES 746; HAES 772; HAES 783; ‘Pahala’ (HAES 788); HAES 789; ‘Dennison’ (HAES 790); ‘Fuji’/‘Richard’ (HAES 791); HAES 792; HAES 796; ‘Makai’ (HAES 800); HAES 812; HAES 814; HAES 816; HAES 834; HAES 837; HAES 842; HAES 849; HAES 863; HAES 887; A4; A16; A38; Cate; Daddow; Fernley special; Nelmak 1; Nelmak 2; Nelmak 26; Nelmak D; NGX8; and Yonik.

There are quite a few cultivars that perform well under South African conditions. Perfor-mance limitations are mostly accompanied

by high temperatures and corresponding low humidity(highvapourpressuredeficits)thatstronglyinfluencemacadamiatreefloweringand nut set.

In any new planting, it is a good idea to plant at least 4 cultivars in relatively equal proportions. Firstly, so as not to be reliant on a single cul-tivar should the market at any stage discrim-inate against that cultivar. Secondly, because ofthewell-documentedbenefitsofcross-pol-lination – planting two cultivars in alternating single or double rows within each block is also ideal.

Thecross-pollinationbenefitswilldecreaseby 25% for each row moving away from the pollinator cultivar row, so the fourth row of trees from a pollinator row derives little or no benefitfromcross-pollination.Butthebenefitsare well understood – cross-pollination will improve fruit set and fruit size, so the impact is on both yield and TKR% (Total-Kernel- Recovery). Larger nuts will show higher kernel recovery as the kernel mass is larger in pro- portion to total NIS (Nut-In-Shell) mass.

All cultivars planted in SA are capable of pro-ducing at least one ton of kernel per hectare when trees are 10 years old, under a wide range of conditions, whether dryland or irri-gated. In many cases, this target yield will be reached earlier, especially under irrigation.

deeply as possible into the soil. Levelling the soil after ripping with a heavy roam plough will further mix and incorporate ameliorants into the soil.

Where soils are adequately drained to a depth of 1 m, it is not necessary to plant macadamia trees on ridges. Where soil drainage is proble- matic,ridgeswilldefinitelyimproverootdevelop- ment with the extra depth 30 - 40 cm soil, where the roots can grow above a shallow water table or another impeding layer of harder soil material or rock. A broad ridge with a height of 30 - 40 cm and sloping gently to the centre of the between row space is ideal but costly. Small high ridges (mounds) create their own problems especially in terms of soil moisture management, as they tend todryoutfasterthanaflatsoilsurface,especiallyif they are not heavily mulched.

It is advised to use Agri Technovation’s My Soil Classification™ service to aid macadamia producers to make the best decisions on the following:lMap entire areas to gain additional insights, necessary for crop production.lIdentify most suitable cultivar for soil type.lIdentify uniform management/irrigation blocks.lIdentify high potential / challenging areas.lFind solutions for areas and execute the best management to minimise risk and improve yield.

Planning optimal plant spacingFinally, tree placement and populating the land will be the order of the day. Choosing the optimal plant spacing will be guided by the current state of the slope, and how tractors and implements may be able to access the rows after planting.

Steeper slopes require wider spacing, while higherdensitiescanbeusedonflatterland.The ideal tree populations are 300 to 600 trees per hectare. There is no single perfect spacing option, the choice of plant population depends on the objectives and management style of the individual producer. For example, growers with large land areas seek to simplify their

management system, which is why they choose extensive management options which has wide spacing, no tree training or pruning and in some cases no irrigation. This seldomly used manage-ment style results in low yield per hectare but accompanied by low cost per hectare.

Growers that choose to plant in areas where land values are high and the area available for planting is small should look at a more inten-sive management system. This system has high plant density under full irrigation and canopy management aimed at optimising yield per hectare as soon as possible in the orchard.

Get a blueprint for your soilAgri Technovation can aid potential and existing farmers through every step of the management process by providing valuable knowledge and data to future grows. This is particularly true when it comes to new ventures into macadamia orchards, as well as with existing orchards. We can help with site selection, chemical soil testing, ameliorate application, cultivar selec-tion, tree spacing, land preparation, and any specificqueryaroundthegrowthandrepro-duction of macadamia orchards.

Start by gaining a blueprint of the soil on your farm with Agri Technovation’s My Soil Classification™ services, which will show: The variation in your soils with regards to: lsoil depth, llimiting layers, lplant-available water capacity, lwhether ridges are requiredlHow high ridges need to be, etc.

iTEST™ Soil can visually display your chemical status of your soil, which involves taking soil chemical samples on a 0.5 or 1 ha grid. Maps are then generated based on the chemical analysis of pH, Ca, Mg, K, P, and Na levels in the soil. Variable application of fertilisers can be done, according to the nutrient map generated with the iTEST Soil, to correct any chemicaldeficienciesthat may occur.

For more information, contact Agri Technovationor your Laeveld Agrochem representative

Soil preparation an essential stepAt this point, preparing the carefully selected land’s soil is an essential step to ensure a great macadamia orchard. Initially, bush clearing and deep ripping are best carried out mechanically. After this, it is important to introduce lime into the soil to ensure the correct levels of soil acidity.AerationofthesoilprofileisespeciallybeneficialinthedeepredclayandclayloamHuttontypesoils.Iffinancialconstraintspre-clude mechanical clearing and ripping, the

best thing to do is to mechanically deep rip only along and across the tree rows.

At this point, producers should have soil analysis and mapping done to identify any pre-planting nutrient requirements. Agri Tech-novation can aid in this step with its My Soil Classification™service.Chemicalsoilmappingis best done mechanically, spread over the entire surface area prior to deep ripping to ensure that ameliorants are incorporated as

Management strategy for macadamia orchardsfrom previous page

Velum GR leaflet_ENG_NL_p.indd 2Velum GR leaflet_ENG_NL_p.indd 2 2020/07/08 12:222020/07/08 12:22




Velum® GR for maizeFor improved soil, plant and root health

For more information, contact Bayer or your Laeveld Agrochem representative




Velum GR leaflet_ENG_NL_p.indd 1Velum GR leaflet_ENG_NL_p.indd 1 2020/07/08 12:222020/07/08 12:22Velum GR leaflet_ENG_NL_p.indd 1Velum GR leaflet_ENG_NL_p.indd 1 2020/07/08 12:222020/07/08 12:22

By Stefan van Wyk,PhD Biotechnology (University of Pretoria)Head of Biological Research and Product Developmentfor Victus Bio

Additionally, using biological products in conjunction with both bio-fertilisation activity and antagonistic/bio-pesticide potential has provenbenefitsforsustainableagriculture.One example of a tried and tested biological product is RhizoGUARDTM, which contains mul-tiple strains of Bacillus spp., which are selected and combined for their numerous bio-fertiliser and bio-pesticidal roles.

The negative effects of fertiliser misuseWhile it is well-known that fertiliser is a key element for optimum crop growth, it must be unpackedtoseewhateffectsthemisuseoffertiliser can have on crops and even on the environment and the health of living beings.

Fertiliser misuse can have a widespread negativeeffectontheenvironmentandhumanhealth. This is generally caused by the accumu-lation of heavy metals in the soil, eutrophica-tion, air pollution, degradation of soil fertility, and lowering of soil microbe diversity. In turn, this can also limit the long-term sustainability of agriculture and food security.

To ensure sustained soil fertility and soil health, strategies to increase the quality of soils is necessary, which make bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides interesting products, because these type of products increase the numberofbeneficialmicro-organismsintherhizosphere. This is why producers in South Africa and across the globe are paying more attention to these possible additions in their chemical strategies.

Biological products generally contain live or dormant cells of micro-organisms, which are efficientinfixingnitrogen,solubilisingofphos-phate and/or some elements, producing plant-growth promoting substances, and preventing some soil-borne diseases. The aim of a biolog-ical product is to increase the number of these useful micro-organisms in the soil

and establishing these micro-organisms in the rhizosphere.Plantsformmutuallybeneficialassociationswiththesebeneficialmicro-organisms, leading to improved crop productivity.

Biological products are environmentally friendly and each type can provide different benefits: l They increase the natural nitrogen content of soil and the supply or availability of nitrogen to legumes;l They increase the solubility of the insoluble phosphate from organic and inorganic phosphate sources;l They improve the phosphorus nutrition of plants; l They secrete certain plant growth-promoting substances; l They exhibit anti-fungal activities and protect plants from pathogenic fungi;l They can replace chemical nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby help to protect the environment; and l increasesoilfertility,fertiliser-useefficiency, which ultimately increases yield.

These biological products can be applied in a variety of ways. They are generally produced in liquid, powder, and granular forms and applied to the soil, compost, seed, seedlings, and plant leaves. In the application of biological products, the instructions and warnings on the label must be followed diligently. The main methods of applying biological products include a) on-seed application, b) in-furrow application, c) drench application through the pivot, and even d) sprayed onto plant leaves.

In certain situations, the application of biological productsmayfailorbeineffective.>>


Optimise plant growth and fertiliser- use efficiency with bio-fertilisers

The rapid development of agriculture in recent decades relied mainly on improved crop varieties, modern irrigation methods, and new agrochemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers. However, that doesn’t imply that there isn’t room for new strategies and developments in the sector.

The global agricultural biologicals is projected to grow immensely. This is due to the fact that improvements in the use of biological methods and development of new biological products fit well into the needed improved crop production strategies, as demonstrated with Agri Technovation’s holistic approach to plant nutrition.

There are various reasons for producers to consider the application of biologicals in growing their crops. The increasing inci-dences of pest outbreak in crops, the rise in awareness and demand for better quality yield, and even the development of pest resistance to some of the plant protection products are some of the major factors that are contributing to the increased use of

biologicals in the market. Of these biologicals, bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides have the potential to help a producer maintain a healthy and productive soil environment that is rich in a range of macro- and micronutrients.

There are a variety of mechanisms that will induce a richer soil environment, such as nitrogenfixation,phosphateandpotassium solubilisation and/or mineralisation, the re-lease of plant growth regulating substances, the production of antibiotics and biodegrada- tion of organic matter in the soil. Although bio- fertilisers cannot completely replace chemical fertilisers, they can help reduce the use of chemical fertilisers contributing to sustainable agricultural systems.

Because of these reasons, the use of bio- fertilisers has become more prominent ina range of crops. It is said to work especially well as part of an integrated nutrient management system. These bio-fertilisers can be used in combination with chemical fertilisers to increasefertiliser-useefficiencywithout affectingyield.

The main reasons for this can be high soil fertility, unfavourable pH, a high nitrate level, hightemperatures,drought,deficienciesofP,Cu, Co, Mo or presence of toxic elements, and biological products that are of low quality.

The key point is that biological products may contain living organisms and can be sensitive to environmental factors, so they are not as stable as chemical compounds.

Promoting plant growth with bio-fertilisersBio-fertilisers that make use of multiple strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a well-known approach that could enhance the colonisation of the rhizosphere.

PGPR is a group of free-living bacteria that colonise the rhizosphere and can prove bene-ficialtorootgrowth.BacteriaofthesediversegenerawereidentifiedasBacillus and Pseu-domonas spp.

RhizoGUARDTM,whichisaproductofferedbyAgri Technovation, is an example of one of these bio-fertilisers that contain Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB42 (a root-colonising biocontrol bacterium). The multiple strains of Bacillus spp. are selected and combined for their synergistic plant growth-promotingbenefits.

Eachstrainproducesdifferentenzymesthatdegrade compounds in the soil contributing to the release of nutrients normally inacces- sible to plants, inadvertently promoting plant growth. The competitive interaction of these Bacillus spp. further improves their plant growth- promotingeffectiveness.

Bacillus bacteria can especially further act as both bio-fertilisers and/or antagonists (bio-pesticides) or simultaneously as both. The plant growth-promoting activity of these Bacillus spp. are linked with their ability to suppress soil-borne plant pathogens, occurringinthecompetingmicroflora.


Optimise plant growth with bio-fertilisersfrom previous page

Reference list for further reading:1.ChenXH,ScholzR,BorrissM,etal.2009.Difficidinandbacilysinproducedbyplant-associatedBacillus amyloliquefaciensareefficientincontrollingfireblightdisease.Journal of Biotechnology: 140(1-2):38-44.2.WuL,WuH,ChenL,YuX,BorrissR,GaoX.2015.DifficidinandbacilysinfromBacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 have antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae rice pathogens. Scientific Reports. 5:12975.3.TahirHA,GuQ,WuH,NiuY,HuoR,GaoX.2017.Bacillusvolatilesadverselyaffectthephysiologyand ultra-structure of Ralstonia solanacearum and induce systemic resistance in tobacco against bacterial wilt. Scientific Reports. 16;7:40481.4. Gu Q, Yang Y, Yuan Q, et al. 2017. Bacillomycin D Produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is involved in the antagonistic interaction with the Plant-Pathogenic Fungus Fusarium graminearum. Applied Environmental Microbiology. 83(19):01075-17.5.YusranY,RoemheldV,&MuellerT.2009.EffectsofPseudomonassp.”Proradix”andBacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42ontheEstablishmentofAMFInfection,NutrientAcquisitionandGrowthofTomatoAffectedbyFusarium oxysporum Schlecht f.sp. radicis-lycopersici Jarvis and Shoemaker. UC Davis: Department of Plant Sciences.

6. Arguelles-Arias A, Ongena M, Halimi B, et al. 2009. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GA1 as a source of potent antibiotics and other secondary metabolites for biocontrol of plant pathogens. Microbial Cell Factories. 8:63.7. Sylla J, Alsanius BW, Krüger E, et al. 2015. Control of Botrytis cinerea in strawberries by biological control agents applied as single or combined treatments. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 143, 461–471.8. Salvatierra Martinez, R, Arancibia, W, Araya, M, Aguilera, S, Olalde, V, Bravo, J, Stoll, A. Colonization ability as an indicator of enhanced biocontrol capacity—An example using two Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains and Botrytis cinerea infection of tomatoes. Journal of Phytopathology. 2018; 166: 601– 612.9. Wu L, Huang Z, Li X, Ma L, Gu Q, Wu H, Liu J, Borriss R, Wu Z, Gao X. 2018. Stomatal Closure and SA-, JA/ET-Signalling Pathways Are Essential for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 to Restrict Leaf Disease Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae in Nicotiana benthamiana. Frontiers in Microbiology. 27;9:847.

The Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB42 found in RhizoGUARDTMproducesabiofilmintherootzone,whichactsabeneficialbarrierbetweentheplant and pathogens, protecting the plant from a broad range of pathogens; not only by the production of antimicrobial compounds but also by stimulating plant-induced systemic resistance (ISR). These pathogen–biocontrol interactions contributetotheircombinedsuppressiveeffect,however, performs best when applied in a pre-ventative approach.

A survey studied in literature demonstrates the potential and versatility of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB42, found in RhizoGUARDTM, to combat various pathogenic microorganisms {1-8}. The most important advantage of bio-pesti-cides is its capability to degrade on a molecular level. This is something that could be more effectiveinthelong-term,effectiveinsmallquantities, and can aid in quick decomposition, which will decrease levels of pollution.

In conclusion, the use of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides can enable optimal plant growth, fertiliser-useefficiency,increaseinsoilfertilityand health, and ultimately increase plant yield potential. This is where a product like RhizoGUARDTM can improve on a producer’s current agricultural crop and fertiliser management system.


The advantages of bio-pesticidesBio-pesticides have a variety of advantages andcanbeclassifiedintotheseclasses:

l Microbial pesticides, which consist of bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi or viruses (and sometimes includes the metabolites that bacteria or fungi produce). Entomopathogenic nematodes are also often classed as microbial pesticides, even though they are multi-cellular.

l Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) have genetic material from other species incorporated into their genetic material (i.e. GM crops).l Bio-derived chemicals, like pyrethrum, rotenone, neem oil, and various essential oils, are naturally occurring substances that control (or monitor in the case of phero- mones) pests and microbial diseases.

l Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) have genetic material from other species incorporated into their genetic material (i.e. GM crops).

l RNAi pesticides, some of which are topical and some of which are absorbed by the crop.

2021 MAURITIUSDIE EILAND LANDBOUSKOU

Laeveld Agrochem sit Seil-Safari se sukses voort met Son-Safari


Technovation Specialized to succeed

Agri


Weens die onsekerheid van virusse en bootreise, is daar ’n nuwe ‘grond-plan’ vir 2021. Ons stel bekend: Die Son-Safari Eiland Landbouskou!

Dieselfde formaat van Seil-Safari gaan gevolg word, met natuurlik ’n paar verrassings wat wag. Die hele vakansieoord word eksklusief gereserveer vir Son-Safari se gaste. Met ’n Alles-ingesluit-pakket, is daar geen verskuilde kostes sou jy laatnag dalk saam met jou vriende dors raak. Hierdie innoverende Landbouskou word gehou in vennootskap met Agribonus, Toyota, Zoetis, Landbouweekblad, Die Plaaswinkel en ander landbouspelers.

Kom deel in hierdie belewenis van kennis en netwerk, terwyl jy saam met jou gesin, vriende en “like minded” kollegas batterye laai op die idilliese tropiese eiland Mauritius.

Kom vier Laeveld Agrochem

se verjaarsdag

GEBRUIK JOU AGRIBONUSPUNTE

Hoe om punte te verdien:l Koop enige Laeveld Agrochem produktel Gebruik enige Agri Technovation dienste of produktel Koop produkte aanlyn op DiePlaaswinkel.co.za l Ondersteun enige van Agribonus se deelnemende vennote: Michelin, BF Goodrich, Aquadam, Toyota, Hino LMI Skale, De Heus en Zoetis.

Kontak Agribonus vir jou bonuspunte012 843 5660 | [email protected] | www.agribonus.co.za

WAGLYS & KONTAK: Meer inligting binnekort beskikbaar op www.sonsafari.co.zaStuur ’n e-pos na [email protected] om op die waglys geplaas te word.

BESPREKINGS / BETALINGJy KOOP niks nie, jy kan dit net VERDIEN.

Tans is daar nie kaartjies vir hierdie “bucket list” ervaring te koop nie, en kan jy jou plek slegs met Agribonuspunte verdien. Ondersteun gerus deelnemende vennote.


Om die twee witvlieë van mekaar te onderskei moet daar na hulle vlerke gekyk word. Die GHWV se vlerke is hartvormig of lyk soos ’n gemsbok- spoor, hulle is ook ietwat groter teenoor die TWV wat kleiner en meer aktief is met vlerke wat langs mekaar opgevou is en altyd so stukkie geel lyf tussen hulle wys.

Witvlieë het ’n geweldige wye gasheer reeks wat plante soos alle pampoengewasse, ’n verskeidenheid ander groente soos tamaties, eiervrug, slaai, beet, kool, boontjies, wortels, spinasie, soetpatats, aartappels, aarbeie, tabak, katoen, sojabone, lusern, kruidagtige struike

of tuinplante soos malvas, asters, Barberton’s daisies, verskeie onkruide soos wandelende Jood, olieboom, wilde sonneblom, purperwinde, wildemalva,wildeslaaienappelliefieinsluit.

Heuningdou, ’n suikeragtige uitskeiding as gevolg van die oormaat inname van plant-sappe veroorsaak taai blink kolle op blare. ’n Roetagtige swam groei daarop, fotosintese kan beinvloed word, ligpenetrasie verminder, verge-ling kan volg en blare kan afsterf. Direkte voe- dingskade kan ook versilvering en klein verpotte plante veroorsaak veral op murgpampoentjies.

Witvlieg, een van rankgewas boere se grootste vyande

Deur Des van HeerdenEntomoloog Syngenta

OESBESKERMING

Die grootste problem is egter die oordrag van hierdie viruse waarvoor die meeste rankgewasse in Suid-Afrika vatbaar is:


Twee tipes witvlieë is veral problematies vir groente boere regoor Suid-Afrika, die glashuis witvlieg (GHWV, Trialeurodes vaporariorum) en die tabak witvlieg (TWV, Bemisia tabaci). Beide kan saam voorkom en beide kan plantvirusse oordra, dis veral hier waar die problem lê.

Links GHWV, regs TWV

Versilvering op murgpampoentjies

Links Heuningdou, regs Roetskimmel

stilet van die witvlieg vasklou of net gedeeltelik in die insek se voedingsbuise opgaan voordat dit weer met speeksel oorgedra word aan die volgende plant.

Die Crinivirusse word deur beide witvlieg- spesies oorgedra op ’n semi-volhoubare manier en dit is baie moeilik om die simptome van mekaar te onderskei. Die virussiektes staan as yellows bekend en sluit BPYV (GHWV oordrag), CYSDV, CCYV en LIYV in waarvan die laaste drie almal deur die TWV oorgedra word. >>

Vyf verskillende genera is betrokke by die oordrag van witvliegviruse; Begomovirus, Crinivirus, Ipomovirus, Carlavirus & Torradovirus (slegs op tamaties), die oordrag manier verskil betekenisvol. Begomoviruses bestaan uit ’n enkele string DNA, is sirkulatief en word in ’n volhoubare manier oorgedra.

Terwyl die ander almal uit ’n enkelstring RNA bestaan, nie-sirkulatief is nie, en witvlieë moet voordurend die virus inneem om dit weer oor te dra. Dus ’n nie-volhoubare manier van oordrag waar die virus aan die monddele of

Beet pseudo-geel virus (BPYV)

Squash blaarkrul virus (SLCV)

Tomatie blaarkrul virus (ToLCNDV)

Cucurbit chlorotiese geel virus (CCYV)

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV)

Lettuce infection yellows virus (LiYV)

Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV)

Opsommend is die yellows nie saad of meganies oordraagbaar nie, toon simptome eers 3 – 4 weke na infeksie en sluit tussenaarse vergeling van oudste of onderste blare eerste in terwyl are groen bly.

Die eerste simptome op die ouer blare is dik-wels geel kolletjies gevolg deur geel kollerige verhewe areas wat saam smelt en groot bros verdikte gedeeltes vorm. Ouer blare krul afwaarts en simptome ontwikkel geleidelik ook op jonger blare. Die kroon vergeel eerste terwyl die rankers aanvanklik groen bly.

Besmette plante groei swak en is dikwels verpot, afhangende van wanneer die infeksie plaasgevind het. Hoe jonger of vroeër in die plant se groeisiklus hoe ernstiger is die simp-tome. Die vrugset en kwaliteit verlaag, kleiner en minder vrugte word geoes wat swak smaak en ’n lae suiker inhoud kom voor.

Simptome is ook soortgelyk aan voedings- tekorte of groei onder swak toestande en veroorsaak voortydige plantveroudering. Gunstige toestande vir simptoomontwikkeling is hoë ligintensiteit, dus baie sonskyn, tipies aan ons somers.


Yellows simptome op rankers van naby gesien

Witvlieg, een van rankgewas boere se grootste vyandevanaf vorige bladsy

Chemiese beheer opsies sluit insekweerstandsklasse soos 3APiretroïedes(aktiewe:bifentrin en lambda-sihalotrien), 4A Neonikotienoïede(aktiewe:acetamiprid, imidacloprid en thiamethoksam), 4CSulfoxaflor,4D Flupyradifurone, 9B Pymetrozine, 12A Diafenthiuron, 23 Spinotetramat en 28 Diamiede (aktiewe: chlorantraniliprole en cyantraniliprole) in.

NIE-VOLHOUBARE OORDRAG VOLHOUBARE OORDRAG

Eienskappe Stilet-oordraagbaar Sirkulatief

Volhoubaarheid Onaktief binne minute Aktief vir lang periode, etlike wekeof maande

Verkryging Maklik verkry en vinning oor- Moet op plantweefsel voed en virus gedra deur voeding toetsing inneem, tydsverloop voor oordrag

lnfeksieperiode Onmiddelikeffektief Benodiginkubasieperiode

Effektiwiteit van Nieeffektiefteenvirus- Goeiewerking,beheerwitvlieg,chemiese oordrag nie, verminder verminder sodoende oordragmiddels slegs witvlieg populasie

Voorbeelde Carlavirus: nie-volh Begomovirus (SLCV) Crini- en lpomovirus: Semi-volh

Daar is ook alternatiewelik twee nie-chemiese beheer opsies Beauvaria bassiana en Metarhi-zium buiten natuurlike voordelige insekte wat op witvlieg voed.

Maak altyd seker dat spuittoerusting reg gekalibreer is, die regte dosis neergesit word en die korrekte watervolume gespuit word. Lees altyd die etiket volledig. Wissel ook chemiese middels af om te voorkom dat

weerstand ontwikkel of ’n verskuiwing in sensitiwiteit teen spesifieke groepe ontwikkel.

Dit is een van die moeilikste plae om te beheer en het reeds weerstand teen al die chemie groepe ontwikkel afhangend van die wêrelddeel. Pas onkruidbeheer toe, verwyder gewasreste en maak seker sanitasie word deurgans gedoen.

Vir verdere inligting kontak gerus ’n Laeveld Agrochem landboukundige, of vir Des van Heerden, Entomoloog by Syngenta 071 877 3204, [email protected].

Vir meer inligting, kontak Syngenta of jou Laeveld Agrochem landboukundige

Why calcium is so important to fruit and especially avocado

By Jaques LandmanTechnical Manager Agri Technovation, New Zealand

Other factors such as rootstock and genetic propertieswillalsoaffectthetranspirationrate during adverse conditions. Furthermore, orchard practices such as oil sprays will reduce the transpiration rate and hence the uptake of Ca.

Movement of calcium in the plantAbsorbed Ca moves with the transpiration stream (conduction via xylem vessels) to the tips of twigs where new leaves are formed. Although the transpiration rate of mature leaves is higher than that of young leaves, more Ca ends up in the young leaves. This can be attributed to the fact that the young leaves have a higher concentration of the auxin, indole acetic acid.

Fruit cannot compete with young leaves for Ca.Therefore,wherethereisaninsufficientsupplyofCa,thefruitwillbefirsttosuffer.All Ca that is not utilised immediately will be precipitated as the oxalate, carbonate and/or phosphate of Ca in the vacuoles of the cells and will not become available to the plant thereafter. Calsium moves only upwards in the plant and Ca in old leaves will not be remobilised for use by new leaves or fruit.

Nutrients are supplied to fruit via the phloem and these vessels contain low concentrations of Ca and high concentrations of K. This is reflectedinthechemicalcompositionoffruit,which usually contains much more K than Ca.

HARVEST OPTIMISATION

Calcium deficiencyIt is widely accepted that a sub-optimal supply of calcium (Ca), causes many physiological disordersinfruit,deficienciesinplantsareseldom visually noticed.

Disorders such as blossom end rot in tomato and pepper, bitter pith in apples, jelly seed in mango, grey pulp in avocado, black heart in celery and creasing in citrus, are all symp-tomsofCadeficiencies.Theintensityofthephysiological disorder/s is determined during the fruit development stage. When Ca supply is adequate, the level of Ca required in plant material will be determined by the genes of theplant.Differencesbetweenplantsaremostlikelyduetodifferencesinthepermeability of the membranes and the cation exchange capacity of the roots.

Role of calcium in the plantCalcium is required for cell elongation and cell division and also plays an important role in biological membrane activity. When Ca levels are low in membranes (which could for exam-ple, be the result of there being too much H in the nutrient solution), the membranes lose their permeability and could even collapse. When this happens, organic components will leak from cells, which may cause the cells to die.

The role of Ca is comparable to that of mortar in a brick wall. When the mortar is removed the wall will collapse. Calcium pectate is the maincomponentfulfillingtheroleofmortar.Calciumisalsorequiredforcertaindetoxifica- tion processes, for example, high levels of boron.

Uptake of calcium by plantsWhile the concentration of Ca in the soil solution is about 4 to 10 times higher than the potassium (K) concentration, the rate of Ca uptake is lower than that of K. This indicates that the mechanism for the uptake of K is far more advanced than that of Ca. Contrary to K, which is taken up over the entire root length, Ca is taken up only at limited sites just behind the root tip. The uptake of Ca is a passive process compared to that of K, which is an active process.

When Ca concentrations are low, the rate of uptake is determined by the rate of metabo-lism,whiletherateisregulatedbydiffusionwhen concentrations are high. Furthermore, theuptakerateisalsoaffectedbythetype of anion that accompanies Ca. Nitrate proves to be the best in this regard, followed by chloride, followed by sulphate. The uptake of Ca is determined by the rate of transpiration. Factors that lower the transpiration rate will therefore also lower the uptake of Ca.

These factors include: l Too low or too high temperaturesl Too high humidityl Too little or too much water in the root zone l Overcast weatherl High concentrations of salts or salinityl Too low pH of the soill Poor aeration, andl Root diseases.

Fertilisation with calciumFertilisation guidelines are based on an understanding of the above information.

LAEVELD AGROCHEM 23

A brief summary is therefore provided:

1. Calcium uptake is a passive process and is dictated by the rate of transpiration, which in turn is impacted by climatic conditions.2. Soil (salinity, over irrigation, compaction) and genetic factors (rootstock, cultivar, cropload)alsoinfluencetherateatwhich Ca is absorbed.

3. Calcium moves only in one direction: upwards, to where young leaves are the strongest competitors for Ca and won’t move from old leaves to young leaves or fruit.

4. Unutilised Calcium will be precipitated and not be available to the plant at a later stage.

5. Calcium supply should be optimum during fruitingandCadeficienciesexperienced during this stage cannot be addressed or corrected during an earlier or later stage.

6. Calcium is supplied to fruits through the phloem vessels, which carry low concentrations of Ca.

7. Calcium is the most complex nutrient as part of a fertilization programme, if any application method other than daily daylight irrigation (DDI) is practiced.

From the above summary the following guide-lines for fertilization with Ca can be deduced:1. Calcium must be supplied to plants every daytime hour of every day.2. High Calcium concentrations must be supplied to enforce uptake.3.Foliarsprayswillonlybenefitthesprayed organs (leaves or fruit) for a number of days.4. Calcium nitrate is the best source for Ca supply to the roots.5. Orchard practices that could limit the uptake of Ca should be changed to prevent such limitation.6. Calcium nitrate applied through DDI can be used as a nitrogen source to supply Ca during the critical period (fruiting). >>

22 GROEI

Calcium can be supplied to avocado trees through liming materials in soils.Limes however, are only applied if it is also necessary to increase the pH of the soil.

Due to their low solubility, limes cannot be applied using irrigation systems such as micro jets or drippers. In agriculture, the following two sources of liming materials are generally applied:

1. Calcitic lime (also referred to as agricultural lime) contains calcium and magnesium carbonate but should not contain more than 4.3% magnesium. Calcitic lime is applied to acid soils to increase the pH where no or only a small increase in the magnesium content of the soil is preferred.

2. Dolomitic lime contains calcium and magnesium carbonate but at least 4.3% magnesium. Dolomitic lime is preferred on acid soils to increase the pH and to increase the magnesium content of the soil.

Gypsum is calcium sulphate and will have almostnoeffectonthepHofthesoil.A good source of calcium for avocado trees is gypsum, which has a chemical composition ofcalciumsulphatethathasalimitedeffecton soil pH. However, when applied in com-bination with dolomitic or calcitic lime, it speeds up the time within which soluble calcium gets into the subsoil and counters thetoxiceffectsofsolublealuminium.

Why calcium is so important to fruit and especially avocadofrom previous page


LAEVELD AGROCHEM 2524 GROEI

Soil health and calciumBeneficialfungiinthesoilwillimprovesoilhealth and root development of the trees. The addition of organic material and mulches to the soil will improve the soil structure and aeration of the soils that will facilitate calcium uptake by the roots.

The importance of the calcium-to-magnesium ratio, in soils, in preventing compaction must also be noted. Depending on the cation ex-change capacity of the soil, the correct Ca:Mg ratio (generally 7:1) will reduce compaction in the soil, while additional calcium in the soil will cause clay to aggregate.

Extra care must be taken when any salts such as CaSO4 (gypsum), NaCl, CaCl, NH4NO3 are added to soil, as salts kill the biology in the soil.Iftoomuchsaltisadded,thebeneficialfungi in the soil which is supposed to help absorb the calcium, will be killed. No more than a 100kg of any salts must ever be added to a hectare.

AstudyoftheeffectsofcalciumonPhyto- phthora Root Rot was conducted by Messenger- Routh (1996) on California soils. It was con-cluded that calcium primarily acted as a weak fungicide by reducing the size and number of sporangia produced by P. cinnamomi.

Calcium foliar feedsFoliar fertilization, based on results from leaf analysis,isarapidandefficientstrategytoprovide calcium directly to the leaves, thereby overcoming the impact of the soil’s inability to release calcium to the roots or the root’s inability to take up calcium.

On a mass-to-mass basis, foliar application ofcalciumismoreeffectivethansoilappli-cation. Foliar application formulations have improved greatly in the last decade and new technologies have been developed to ensure thatelementsareabsorbedmoreeffectivelyby leaves.

Foliar fertilization reduces nutrient accumulation in:l soil,l run-offwater,l surface waters (streams, lakes and oceans), l groundwater (drinking water supply) where they contribute to eutrophication, salinity, and nitrate contamination.

The foliar application is not designed to replace soil fertilizer application of Ca, but rathertoincreaseitsefficacy.Asmentionedabove, there are many factors such as envi-ronmental conditions, wetting agents and leafage,thatinfluencetheeffectivityof foliar calcium applications.

The phenological phase of the tree also determines which elements need to thrive, and care should be taken to ensure that foliar applications are applied during the correct growth stages.

The lower side of a leaf can absorb more nutrients than the top side. It is therefore essential to wet the entire leaf when applying foliar calcium spray. Broad-leaved species absorb foliar applications only when leaves are wet and the foliar application must there-fore be applied in combination with a wetting agent. It is recommended that foliar sprays of calcium are repeated as often as possible, becauseofcalcium’stendencytofixateinthecell once absorbed.

The availability of a range of new organically complexed calcium products present a solu-tion to the immobility of calcium in the leaf. These products have been formulated to give excellent uptake and minimal phytotoxicity. The characteristics of each element must therefore be considered before application.

Calcinator™ as profitability activatorIn acknowledgement of the importance of adequate calcium availability for avocado production, Agri Technovation has developed a unique calcium nutrition that supplements calcium in the plant (application can lower the risk of the following: fruit disorders, deformed leaves, short root systems, poor growth, leaf necrosis and common chlorosis).

This specialized bio-stimulant product is an amino / fulvic-chelated solution that is safe,effective,leavesnoresidueandmostimportantly: calcium is rapidly absorbed by the plant. The unique formulation helps the plant to absorb more nutrients over a shorter period. Plants can therefore grow faster and less nutrients go to waste.

As a liquid calcium and immune stimulant, Calcinator™ increases the profitability of producers by:l Increasing calcium intakel Reducing of fruit falll Improving cell divisionl Correctingcalciumdeficienciesl Increasing disease resistance in plants by stronger cell wallsl Promoting plant healthl Strengthening cell wallsl Increasing crop qualityl Improving shelf life

By spraying calcium sprays on avocado trees at the correct phenological stage, farmers can obtain better pack out percentages at packhouses. Huge success has already been achieved by commercial avocado growers in Tzaneen. Producers in Moketsi, KwaZulu Natal, the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape are also already applying Calcium sprays to their avocados.

EcoCert attestation onPlant Health Products

By Sias Leipoldt Key Account ManagerMadumbi Sustainable Agriculture

26 GROEI

Since 1991

26 GROEI

Madumbi Sustainable Agriculture is proud to announce that our partner, Plant Health Products (PHP) have complied with the re-quirements to achieve attestations on their beneficialfungalsolutions,Eco-T®, Eco-Bb® and Eco-77®. These products may now proudly display the EcoCert logo and accompanying attestation text.

Plant Health Products (Pty) Ltd is widely recognised as a producer of reputable biological solutionsthatofferlowriskalternatives to chemical products. The active ingredients areallwell-knownspeciesofbeneficialfungiwith safe inerts, that serve as co-formulant ingredients to carry and protect the active ingredient before and after use.

Due to increasing market demands and the needforauniversallyrecognisedcertification,the company chose to have its products and facilities formally evaluated against the organic standards for the EU and the USA by EcoCert. The products Eco-T®, Eco-77® and Eco-Bb®

were evaluated against the NOP (US) standard as well as the EC standards (annexes of the EC regulation 834/2007 and 889/2008).

Products Eco-T® and Eco-77® achieved attestations against all standards and Eco-Bb® was found to comply with the requirements for the EU standard. As such, these products may now proudly display the Ecocert logo and accompanying attestation text.

What does this mean for growers?Organic growers using EcoCert attested pro-ductsinSouthAfricawillnowofficiallycomplywith organic farming criteria in terms of pesti-cide use. This ensures that produce from these farms can be exported to countries demanding organiccertification.Localorganicsalesarealso assured.

The EcoCert attestation recognises and pro-motestheenvironmentallyfriendlybenefitstoend-users and consumers of organic produce.

CROP PROTECTION

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Congratulations to the Laeveld Agrochem Hoedspruit team with their Madumbi - Sustainable Agriculture Green Jersey awardOver the past few years the depot has grown exceptionally within Madumbi achieving growth of 300% in 2017, 113% in 2018 and 79% during 2019 – with 11 products sold.

LAC Hoedspruit’s key crops are citrus and mangos which are largely grown for export. Mangos are seen as a minor crop but with more than 3000 hec-tares, they see great potential and growth in this market recognising

the valuable contribution a product such as Eco-Bb® can have towards mealybug control in future.

In recognition of the Green Jersey award, Madumbi contributes towards a project or item, nominated and supported by the depot that will add value to their continued success and support them in championing the sustainable journey.

EcoCert is an organic certification body recognised and operating in over 80 countries, making it one of the largest organic certification organisations in the world.

with Eco-T® prior to sowing fungicide seed treatment

and Eco-T® prior to sowingchemical fungicide

Maximise winter grain yieldsMadumbi’s sustainable biological solutions

By Wilma MacPherson Key Account ManagerMadumbi Sustainable Agriculture

30 GROEI30 GROEI

Madumbi supports growers with a comprehen-sive range of best quality and safe biorational crop inputs. Madumbi solutions are focused not only on increased tonnage but also on high-quality yields that are nutrient-dense and residue-free. For winter grain producers, quality, as opposed to quantity, will always be a critical success measure. This measure is even more prominent during the COVID-19 crisis as food production is a crucial part of maintaining calm and encouraging compliance.

Eco-T® and Eco-T Ezi-Flo® are only two of the products in the Madumbi stall that

Enhance root growth and suppress soil diseases with Eco-T® Eco-T®, South Africa’s own locally produced Trichoderma-based product, has proven itself over and over in grain production, ranging

barley and canola. Eco-T® is an effective, inexpensive and eco-friendly solution for the

suppression of fungal root diseases andenhanced plant growth. Establishing a healthy plant is vital for both yield quality and quantity, and Eco-T® plays an essential part in both.

Eco-T® contains spores of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma asperellum strain kd, well-researched at the University of KwaZulu- Natal and manufactured by Plant Health Products. Once applied, the spores germinate and colonise the rhizosphere (the soil immedi-ately surrounding plant roots). Trichoderma is fast-growing and capable of out-competing and displacing plant pathogens. Eco-T® is registered for the suppression of a wide range of common soil diseases. It also actively destroys various disease-causing soil fungi and produces compounds inhibiting their growth.

Eco-T®

The fast-growing Trichoderma has a symbiotic relationship with crop roots which improves nutrient availability. Healthy roots and root hairs facilitate contact with a larger soil area, ensuring an enhanced return on investment

Growers heading into the winter rainfall grain production season are under increased pressure. The current environmental and economic conditions, compounded by lockdown due to COVID-19, increase our nation’s urgency to ensure every seed planted reaches it’s true and full potential.

with regards to fertiliser usage. Eco-T® helps to activate the plant’s natural defence mecha-

conditions such as waterlogging and drought.

Two formulations: Eco-T® and Eco-T® Ezi-Flo

Applications should be made preventatively ®:

Eco-T® is available in two formulations, Eco-T® - wettable powder Eco-T® Ezi-Flo - a lubricated formulation mechanical planters when planting treated or untreated seeds.

Eco-T®

The original Eco-T® formulation contains Trichoderma spores in a wettable powder formulation, making it user friendly for a wide range of application strategies, from seed treatments and drenches to applications via the irrigation system.

Eco-T® Ezi-FloThe Eco-T® Ezi-Flo formulation contains a high concentration of Eco-T® spores in a talcum and

-vide a planter lubricant with Eco-T®’s disease

for both dry land and irrigated winter grains. Due to the lubrication, seed is placed correctly, evenly spaced with no missed or double seed placements. This single-function already has an impact on yield – good seed placement leads to an even emergence and good quality optimal yields.

of soil, plant and crop protection solutions;

soil, plant and crop protection solutions.

Please contact your Madumbi representative for more information on application of the products, as well as information on complementary products that can assist with lodging, environmental stress support and increased yields.

Eco-T® and Eco-T® Ezi-Flo contains Trichoderma asperellum. Reg. No. L6938 and L9276, Act No. 36 of 1947. Plant Health Products (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 207, Nottingham Road, 3280. Reg. No. 2003/007987/07.

Maize seed treated

Eco-TMaize seed treated

with a standard chemical Maize seed treated

with a standard

seed treatment

® Eco-T + fungicide® fungicide

The Hoedspruit team chose to use their contribution to enhance customer service delivery. AlargedigitalTVscreenwillsoonfeatureintheiroffices,facilitatingprogramdiscussionsand training sessions. In addition to this, a microscope will be linked to the screen to assist the understanding of the microbial product footprint.

From left is Stefan van Wyk, Wilma from Madumbi, father Fanie, mother Marinda and Paula, Hoedspruit depot assistant.

’n Voorbeeld in aksie’n Goeie voorbeeld van ’n geval waar presisie-data tot beter belsuitneming gelei het, is by ’n jare-lange kliënt van Laeveld Agrochem Tarlton. Nadat die aartappelgewas geplant is (Mondial kultivar) het Agri Technovation (AT) die kunsmis en blaarvoedingsvoorstelle opgestel, terwyl Laeveld Agrochem (LAC) die gewasbeskermings- program opgestel het. Die spilpunt is in twee helftes opgedeel, Blok A en B. Blok A het op die volle AT-LAC program vir die hele seisoen gebly. Blok B het die Agri Technovation kunsmisvoor- stel en LAC se gewasbeskermingsbenadering gevolg, maar het ’n alternatiewe blaarvoeding- en wurmbeheerprogram gevolg.

Na nege weke in die gewas se groeisiklus het die produsent versoek dat daar ingetree moet word; aangesien die plante in Blok B sigbaar agteruit gegaan het. VERDE™-beelde het ook gewys dat die gewas se Fcover, blaaroppervlakindeks en Chlorophyll laer toon as op Blok A. Na samespre-kings met die produsent is Blok B onder verdeel in blokke B1 en B2. B1 was steeds op ’n alter-natiewe blaarvoedingsprogram, terwyl B2 oor is na ’n AT blaarvoedingsprogram.

Omdat AT die grondontleding en geskiedkundige blaarontledings kon analiseer, was dit duidelik dat die magnesiumvlakke in die grond (mg/kg),

Hoe om jou opbrengs-raaisels te ontsyfer

Wanneer ’n bemestingsvoorstel vir ’n produsent opgestel word, word daar gekyk na grond- ontledings (of presisie-ontledings), geskied-kundige blaarontledings, waterontledings, kultivarkeuse, en selfs mikrolewe-ontledings. Al hierdie data plaas belangrike besluitnemings- inligting in die landboukundige se hand om sodoende die beste raad aan ’n boer te gee.

Op die voorpunt van tegnologie Gedurende die groeitydperk word daar ook van Airbus VERDE™-satellietbeelde gebruik gemaak om regstreeks beelde van die gewas te verkry. Die nuwe VERDE™-tegnologie is beskik-baar vir die volgende gewasse: koring, mielies, lusern, katoen, sonneblomme, soja, suikerriet, kanola, gars, amandels en aartappels. Elke gewas het sy eie algoritme wat die spektrale analisevirdiespesifiekegewasgenereer.

Die tegnologie word aanhoudend ontwikkel om sodoende die beskikbare gewas-algoritmes uit te brei.

Met MYFARMWEB™ se nuutste mobiele weer-gawe kan lande ondersoek word op grond van grondkaarte, chemiese presisiekaarte en nou Airbus VERDE™-beelde se drie parameters:

l Blaaroppervlakindeks/“Leaf Area Index” (m2 blaar/m2 grond) wat die totale grond- bedekking en spoed van plantweefsel- ontwikkeling uitwys. Waardes van 1 – 7 word gebruik waar 5 – 7 gewoonlik aandui waar die blaredak die bedekking volmaak.l Chlorophyll(µgchlorofil/cm2)–waardes van20–80mikrogramvariasieinchlorofil word gebruik.l Fcover (% plantbesetting op grond- oppervlak).

Deur Carl van HeerdenHoof Landboukundige: GroenteAgri Technovation

TEGNOLOGIE


asook as ’n persentasie van die basis versadig-ingspunt, te laag was. Hierdie tekorte in die grond het weer op sy beurt magnesium-tekorte, ’n belangrike voedingselement by aartappels,indiegewasgeïnduseer.

Nommers praat nie nonsens nieIndien ’n aartappelgewas nie voldoende mag-nesium gedurende sy groeisiklus opneem nie, kandieopbrengsnegatiefbeïnvloedword.Virelke dag wat ’n aartappel se blare langer groen bly, kan die opbrengs in die laaste fases met tussen 500 - 750 kg/ha per dag verhoog word.

Gedeelte B2 het toe onmiddellik addisionele toedienings van Magnesium-to-Perform™ en Iron-to-Perform™ ontvang. Na ongeveer 10 dae was daar ’n duidelike visuele verskil tussen Blokke B2 en B1, waar Blok B2 duidelik meer nuwe blareontwikkel het.

Magnesium speel ’n sentrale rol in fotosintese, aangesienditindiemiddelvanelkechlorofil- molekule voorkom. Dit is ook betrokke by verskeie belangrike stappe van suiker- en proteïensintese,asookbydievervoervansuikers, in die vorm van sukrose, vanaf die blare na die knolle.

As die wêreldwye vraag na gewasse so vinnig styg as wat sommige kenners voorspel, sal die oesopbrengs in die volgende paar dekades vinniger moet styg. Beter tegnologieë sal ’n deurslaggewende rol speel om opbrengste te verhoog, terwyl omgewingsimpakte tot die minimum beperk moet word. In die besonder sal presisie-landboutegnologieë ’n belangriker deel vorm van die toekoms van voedselproduksie. Keer op keer sien ’n mens dat wanneer produsente oor ’n goeie plantbeskermingsprogram en -voedingsprogram beskik, ’n hoër opbrengs die natuurlike gevolg is. Produsente kan dus baat by die samewerking tussen Laeveld Agrochem en Agri Technovation.

>>

Regs: Chlorofilkaart Links: Biomassa (Fcover) verspreiding

Magnesium-To-Perform™ is ’n vloeibare produk wat ontwikkel is om vinnig deur die blare van plante opgeneem te word. Die ver-hoging in magnesium in die blaar verhoog die potensiaalvirchlorofilproduksieendusdiepotensiaal vir fotosintese.

Wanneer dit as blaarbespuiting toegedien word, hou Magnesium-to-Perform™ die volgende voordele in:

l Verhoog die opname van magnesiuml Verbeter fotosintesel Toename in fotosintese verhoog koolhidratel Helpmetproteïensintesel Lewer gewasse van hoër gehalte op met langer rakleeftydl Magnesium help om suikers, olies, en vette te vorm;l Versterk selwande.

Agri Technovation se produkte word geformu-leervirgewasspesifiekevoeding,stimuleringen energiebehoeftes, sowel as om plant- en grondgesondheid te bevorder.

vanaf vorige bladsyHoe om jou opbrengste ontsyfer

Die invloed van die regstellings op opbrengsAs ’n eindresultaat het Blok A, 70 ton/ha opbrengs gelewer; Blok B2, 65 ton/ha; en Blok B1, 55 ton/ha. Die plante in Blokke A en B2 het 21 dae langer hul blaarmassa behou as die plante in Blok B1, wat ook deur die VERDE™-beelde gestaaf is. Nog ’n interessante waarneming was dat die blaaroppervlakindeks (Fcover) vir Blok B1 ten minste 30% laer was, 21 dae voordat die Fcover vir Blokke A en B2 nie meer bereking kon word nie.

Deurdat Blok B2 vir 21 dae ’n groter blaarmassa as Blok B1 gehad het, is die berekende toename in opbrengs 10.5 ton (21 dae x 500kg/ha).Naafloopvandieseisonisdiepobrnegest gemeet en Blok B2 het 65 ton/ha gelewer en B1 het 55 ton/ha gelewer, ’n verskil van 10 ton/ha.

Daar kan dus vanuit hierdie data afgelei word dat hoe meer inligting ’n produsent tot sy beskikking deur die seisoen het, hy saam met syraadgewers beter ingeligte besluite kan neem om sy oes opbrengs te verhoog. Dit is belangrik dat die regte aksie, op die regte tyd vir ’n bepaalde kultivar uitgevoer word om die gewensde resultaat te bereik.

Dieaddisoneleinligtingvangrondklassifikasie,grondchemie, en presisie-analises stel die produsent instaat om meer ingeligte besluite te neem ten opsigte van produkkeuses en bestuursaksies. Met Agri Technovation se benadering om meer data gedrewe teboer, kan produsente die volgende vlak van opbrengste bereik.

Hoekom is tegnologiese vooruitgang belangrik? Tegnologie stel mense in staat om vinniger meereffektieftekanwees.Metbehulpvan tegnologie kan ons buitengewone hoeveelhede data verwerk, wat andersins uiters moeilik sou wees. Ek het die voorreg gehad om baie ander lande te besoek en persoonlik te ervaar hoe tegnologie landbou op ’n positiewe manier beïnvloed.Landbouaseenvandiebelangrikstesektore, kan deur gebruik te maak van “groot- data” beter besluite, vinniger te neem.

Wat is jou visie vir die toekoms?My langtermynvisie is dat MYFARMWEB™ ’n enkel,geïntegreerdedataplatformsalwees,wat alle aktiwiteite op ’n plaas sal monitor en weergee, om sodoende die boer te help met bestuurspraktyke en besluitneming ten einde meer volhoubaar te boer.

Wat is jou raad aan produsente? Ons toekomstige volhoubaarheid en sukses sal afhang van hoe vinnig ons tegnologie in Suid-Afrika kan omhels en deel maak van ons daaglikse take en bestuur. Insetkostes raak hoër en die vraag na meer suksesvolle boer- derypraktykeraakgroterwatmeereffektief is en wat winsgewendheid verhoog.

Wat maak jou opgewonde oor die geleentheid?Ek sien uit om boere te help, om die nuutste tegnologie op te neem en suksesvol deel te maak van hulle besigheidsmodel. Ons begin nou data versamel en moniteer wat nog nooit van te vore ontleed kon word nie. Saam met die boer en sy span het ons nou toegang tot inligting wat kan lei tot hoër opbrengste, beter kwaliteit gewasse met langer rakleeftye, en groter voedselsekuriteit.

Waarom is dit die moeite werd om meer tyd te spandeer om die beste resultate te behaal?Ons het nie meer die luuksheid om oor en oor foute te maak nie. Dis die moeite werd om eerder soveel as moontlik inligting te versamel, sodat ons akkurate en beter besluite vroegtydig kan neem. Daar is baie veranderlikes in die landbou en ons moet seker maak om al hierdie veranderlikes in gedagte te hou (wanneer ons ’n besluit neem), want die verkeerde besluit kan’ngrootrippeleffekhê.

Ontmoet vir Dicky CarstensHoof Uitvoerende Beampte, MYFARMWEB™

Die nuwe uitvoerende hoof van MYFARMWEB™, Dicky Carstens, is ’n ou Matie wat sy MBA aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch verkry het.

Nadat hy ’n paar jaar in die buiteland spandeer het, het Dicky terug gekeer en die sportgronde vir sy ware passie verruil – landbou. Hy vertel ons meer oor sy loopbaan en topwenke.

“Tegnologie stel mense in staat om vinniger meer effektieftekanwees”


Die belangrikheid van mikro-elementeDeur Pierré Strydom enWillem GroenewaldVilla Crop Protection

Ons stel die volgende vraag: Watter toedieningsmetode is die beste?Saadbehandeling, in die voortoediening of ’n breëweg blaarbespuiting?

Daar is baie faktore wat hierdie besluit kan beïnvloed,onderanderedieelementewattoegedien word, omgewingsfaktore en die tydsberekening van die toediening. Al hierdie toedieningsmetodes het beide hul voor- en nadele, maar elke gewas het ook sekere be-hoeftes, dus moet daar ’n strategie gevorm word vir elke gewas om sodoende die plant se reaksie te optimaliseer na bespuiting.

’n Saadbehandeling is belangrik om vroeë seisoen plantgesondheid te verseker. Dit sal help met vroeë wortelontwikkeling asook ontkieming.

Die in voor toediening word as pro-aktief beskou, wat altyd beter sal wees as om later in die seisoen ’n mikro-element tekort te ontwikkel. Wanneer ons elemente soos Zn en Mn by die wortelsone neersit kan ons

die plantopname verhoog. Produkte wat EDTA gecheleer is, is ideaal om voedings- doeltreffendheidenbeskikbaarheidteverseker.Boor word nie hier aanbeveel nie omdat boor toksies kan wees vir die saad.

Blaarbespuiting gaan vir jou die geleentheid gee om in-seisoen regstellings te kan maak. Dus, om te meet is om te weet. Maak gebruik van ’n blaarmonster om beperkende faktore of tekorte te kan identifiseer sodat jy deur middel van ’n blaarbespuiting die tekort kan regstel.

Wanneer jy ’n blaarbespuiting gaan doen, is dit belangrik om tegnologie te gebruik wat vir jou verbeterde opname kan verseker. Toename in druppelverspreiding, bedekking en benatting asook herbenatting eienskappe wordverlangwatvirjoueffektieweopnamebied van die mikro-element. Dus, moenie enige produk gebruik net omdat dit goed-koper gaan wees nie. Gebruik ’n produk wat ondersteun word deur data, sodat jy verseker is van jou belegging.

PLANTVOEDING

Wat beteken “mikro” vir jou? Miskien nie van groot waarde of onbelangrik? As dit die geval is, kan ons aanvaar dat mikro-elemente vir jou opsioneel is. Navorsing toon dat mikro- elemente ’n noemenswaardige bydrae maak in gewasproduksie. Alhoewel mikro-elemente benodig word in klein hoeveelhede, kan die belangrikheid daarvan nie oorgeslaan word nie.

In die geval van mielies, speel sink (Zn) ’n enorme rol. Sink is onbeweeglik in die grond asook in die blaar. Dit is daarom van kritieke belang dat ons in die seisoen die sinkvlakke moet moniteer en aanpas soos die gewas groei en ontwikkel. Behalwe vir ’n saadbehandeling, kan sink toegedien word op ’n vroeë vegetatiewe stadium. Hierdie sal in die orde van V4-V8 wees en die toediening kan op die blaar geskied.

Die volgende mikro-element waarna ons moet kyk is mangaan (Mn). Mangaan speel ’n rol tydens fotosintese. Daarom is voldoende vlakke van Mn belangrik tydens later vegetatiewe groeistadiums, naamlik V8 en ouer. Dit is dus die ideale tyd om ’n Mn blaarbespuiting te doen. Omdat Mn tipies vasgelê word in die grond, moet ons ’n regstelling doen in die seisoen.

Boor (B) is die meer algemene asook belangrike element waarop gefokus moet word. Een van B se funksies is om te help met die opname van koolhidrate in die plant. Wanneer ons gewasse in die reproduktiewe (R-Stadiums) stadiums ingaan, verloor die stingels en blare boor en word dit ge-remobiliseer na die gewas se reproduktiewe organe. Dit het tot gevolg datdiegewasmoontlikniekoolhidrateeffek-tief na die nuwe ontwikkelde saad kan vervoer nie wat bestuiwing voorkom.

LAEVELD AGROCHEM 3332 GROEI

Om in beheer te wees van jou gewas, beteken om te kyk na jou gewas se gesondheid. Die regte plantvoedingstrategie moet gekies word om optimaal te presteer.

As daar gekyk word na mikro-elemente is twee onderwerpe ter sprake: (1) opneem- baarheid en (2) versoenbaarheid met ander plantbeskermende chemiese produkte. Die produk moet versoenbaar wees met byvoorbeeld glifosaat. Gebruik dus ’n produk- reeks wat vir jou hierdie opsie gaan bied en dit gebaseer op data!

Deur die gebruik van satellietbeelde kan areasmethoëenlaebiomassageidentifi-seer word wat bepaal waar ’n blaarmonster geneem kan word. ’n Blaarmonster kan mikro-elementtekorteidentifiseervolgensdiespesifiekegewasenfenologiesegroei- stadium. Hierdie in-seisoen data kan dan gebruik word om ’n plantvoedingstrategie

te vorm waar mikro-elementtekorte spoedig aangespreek kan word.

Ter opsomming, mikro-elemente is belang-rikviralleplantfunksies.Identifiseerdiebe- perkende faktor, doen die regstelling op die korrekte fenologiese groeistadium van jou gewas en verseker optimale plantgesondheid.

Koolhidrate en vrugsetDeur Erik de VriesHortoloog Agri Technovation

InleidingKoolhidrate is die energie boublok van alle groeiprosesse in ‘n plant. Suikers, wat as pro-duk van fotosintese in die blare teenwoordig is, word vervoer na groeiende plantorgane enisverantwoordelikvirdieverskaffingvankoolstof en energie aan organe soos blomme, wortels, lote en vrugte. In die lente en somer veral, is elkeen van hierdie organe afhanklik van suikers vir groei. Daarom is die meet en manipulasie van die plant se koolhidraatstatus van kritiese belang in meerjarige gewasse om opbrengs en winste te optimaliseer.

Koolhidrate en sitrus vrugsetKoolhidraat tekorte is ‘n vername oorsaak van die speen van blomme en vrugte in sitrus (Goldschmidt, 1999; Ruan, 1993). Die groei van ‘n enkele sitrusblom benodig ± 90 mg glukose (Bustan en Goldschmidt, 1998). Aangesien ‘n volwasse sitrusboom gemiddeld 50 000 tot 70 000 blomme kan produseer, kan die totale koolhidraatbehoefte van alleenlik die blomme ongeveer 4,0 kg glukose per boom beloop – en dit oor ‘n kort tydperk van slegs twee tot drie maande. In Valencia bome het Dovis et al. (2014) getoon dat swaar-blommende bome

tot vier keer meer koolhidrate benodig as bome met min blom. Soortgelyke resultate is behaal deur Monerri et al. (2011). Afgesien van fotosintese, is bome gedurende die lente dus baie afhanklik van koolhidraatreserwes (stysel) wat gedurende die voorafgaande seisoen in ou blare en in die bas en wortels geakku-muleer het (Bustan en Goldschmidt, 1998). In Valencia bome word ongeveer twee derdes van die totale koolhidrate wat deur blom- en lente vegetatiewe loot- en wortelgroei gebruik word, voorsien deur koolhidraatreserwes wat in die wortels gestoor is (Dovis et al., 2014).

Ouer blare en wortels ondersteun aanvanklik dieverskaffingvankoolhidrateaanontwik-kelende blomme gedurende die vroeë lente (García-Luis et al., 1988), maar as gestoorde koolhidrate soos stysel nie voldoende is nie en uiteindelik uitgeput word, sal dit lei tot beperkte blomontwikkeling en vrugset. (Sanz et. al., 1987).

Vegetatiewe organe‘n Oormaat vrugte aan die boom kan tot gevolg hê dat die boom se vermoë om kool-hidrate vir wortel- en vegetatiewe lootgroei

Since 1991


te gebruik beperk is (Goldschmidt en Golomb, 1982; Smith, 1976). Swaar-draende vrugte-bome versamel die meeste van hul koolhi-drate in die vrugte, terwyl daar geen akku-mulasie in wortels voorkom nie (Koch, 1984; Monerri et al., 2011). In Washington nawels byvoorbeeld, word die groei van wortels onder-druk deur die vruglading (Cary, 1970), terwyl die verwydering van vrugte in die lente in Valencia bome die koolhidraatkonsentrasie in wortels verhoog, wat beter wortelontwikkeling tot gevolg het (Duncan en Eissenstadt, 1993).

In lig-draende bome akkumuleer stysel in blare (Van der Merwe, 2012) en wortels (Monerri et al., 2011; Okuda et al., 2002), wat belangrik is vir die inisiëring en instandhouding van nuwe groei in die daaropvolgende lente (Dovis et al., 2014; Monerri et al., 2011; Nebauer et al., 2014).

Nuwe vegetatiewe lote is sterk benutters van koolhidrate wat vanaf volwasse blare bekom word (Ruan, 1993) en dien eers drie tot vier maande na ontwikkeling as koolhidraatbron (Ruan, 1993; Spiegel-Roy en Goldschmidt, 1996). Om hierdie rede word hoofsaaklik reserwe-koolhidrate van die vorige seisoen gebruik

wanneer die eerste vegetatiewe lootgroei stuwing gedurende die lente en in die afwesigheid van vrugte ontwikkel (Monerri et al., 2011; Reed en MacDougal, 1938). Die tweede vege-tatiewe lootgroei stuwing vind plaas na blom ennafisiologiesevrugvalindievroeësomer,wanneer vrugte die belangrikste koolhidraat-benutters is en gevolglik met die nuwe vege-tatiewe lootgroei daarom meeding (García-Luís et al., 1988; Guardiola, 1988; Van Rensburg et al., 1996). ‘n Ongewensde lootgroei stuwing in dielentetydensblomenfisiologiesevrugvalkan dus lei tot swak set, veral as die koolhi-draatstatus van die plant laag is. Daar is wel verskeie maniere om die koolhidraatstatus gedurende hierdie tydperk te manipuleer.

Afgesien van vruglading, korreleer die aantal nuut-ontwikkelde vegetatiewe lote as die belangrikste faktor vir die opbrengs van blom-me en die daaropvolgende oes. Dit is egter die resultaat van wortelgroei en nuut-gepro-duseerde sitokinien. In swaar-draende bome is wortelgroei byna heeltemal afwesig en is die ontwikkeling van nuwe vegetatiewe lote altyd minder. >>

VerwysingsBustan,A.enE.E.Goldschmidt.1998.Estimatingthecostoffloweringinagrapefruittree.PlantCellEnviron.21:217–224.Cary,P.R.1970.Growth,yieldandfruitcompositionof‘WashingtonNavel’orangecuttingsasaffectedbyroottemperature, nutrient supply and crop load. Hort. Res. 10:20-33. Dovis, V.L., E.C. Machado, R.F. Ribeiro, J.R. Magalháes Filho, P.E.R. Marchiori, en C.R.G. Sales. 2014. Roots are important sources ofcarbohydratesduringfloweringandfruitingin‘Valencia’sweetorangetreeswithvaryingfruitload.ScientiaHort.174:8794.Duncan, L.W. en D.M. Eissenstat. 1993. Responses of Tylenchulussemipenetrans to citrus fruit removal: Implications for carbohydrate competition. J. Nemat. 25:7-14.García-Luis,A.,F.Fornes,A.Sanz,enJ.L.Guardiola.1988.TheregulationoffloweringandfruitsetinCitrus:Relationshipwith carbohydrate levels. Israel J. Bot. 37:189–201.Goldschmidt, E.E. 1999. Carbohydrate supply as a critical factor for citrus fruit development and productivity. HortScience. 34:1020–1024.

Goldschmidt,E.E.enA.Golomb.1982.Thecarbohydratebalanceofalternatebearingcitrustreesandthesignificanceof reservesforfloweringandfruiting.J.Amer.Soc.Hort.Sci.107:206–208.Koch, K. 1984. The path of photosynthate translocation into citrus fruit. Plant, cell and Environ. 7:645-653.Li,C-Y.,D.Weiss,enE.E.Goldschmidt.2003.Girdlingaffectscarbohydrate-relatedgeneexpressioninleaves,barkandroots of alternate-bearing citrus trees. Ann. Bot. 92:137–143. Monerri, C., A. Fortunato-Almeida, R.V. Molina, S.G. Nebauer, A. García-Luis, en J.L. Guardiola. 2011. Relation of carbohydrate reserveswiththeforthcomingcrop,flowerformationandphotosyntheticrate,inthealternatebearing‘Salustiana’sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.). Scientia Hort. 129:71–78.Nebauer,S.C.,B.Renau-Morata,Y.Lluch,E.Baroja-Fernández,J.Pozueta-Romero,enR-V.Molina.2014.Influenceofcropload on the expression patterns of starch metabolism in alternate bearing citrus trees. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 80:105–13.Pregitzer,K.S.,J.S.King,A.J.Burton,enS.S.Brown.2000.Responsesoftreefinerootstotemperature.NewPhytol.147:105-115.

TEGNOLOGIE

Hierteenoor, in die geval van in ligte oeste en/of afwesigheid van oes, kom twee tot drie duidelike wortelgroei pieke en drie tot vier vegetatiewe lootgroei stuwings in ‘n gesin-chroniseerde patroon voor, omdat die vrugte nie meeding met die wortels vir koolhidrate nie. Die gebrek aan wortelgroei in swaar-draende bome kan verklaar word deur die feit dat koolhidraatbronne beperk is as gevolg van oormatige blom en vrugte.

Die belangrikheid van wortelsDie teenwoordigheid van baie groot koohidraat-benutters, soos blomme en vrugte, verminder die beskikbaarheid van koolhidrate vir ander plantorgane soos wortels. Aangesien wortels nie hul eie energie (suikers) kan sintetiseer nie, is wortelgroei heeltemal afhanklik van koolhi-drate vanaf die blare (Pregitzer et al., 2000).

Dit is dus belangrik om te weet wat die kool-hidraatstatus van die blare en die wortels is. Ringelering byvoorbeeld, kan die vloeitrans-portroete inperk, wat die ophoping van oplos-bare suiker en stysel in blare sal veroorsaak en gevolglik sal lei tot ‘n vermindering van die oplosbare suiker- en styselkonsentrasie in wortels (Li et al., 2003). Te groot vruglading het ‘n soortgelyke impak as ringelering, maar in hierdie geval is dit as gevolg van die feit dat koolhidrate deur blomme en vrugte verbruik word, en nie as gevolg van die akkumulasie in die blare nie. Dus, onder swaar blom- en vrugtoestande, kompeteer reproduktiewe organe met wortels vir koolhidrate en

eersgenoemde is gewoonlik die wenners van die stryd (Goldschmidt en Golomb, 1982). ‘n Soortgelyke verskynsel vind ook plaas by ander vrugteplante soos wingerd en appels en immergroen vrugtebome soos olywe, avokado en mango.

In sitrus kan ‘n ernstige tekort aan koolhidrate in die wortels lei tot die dood van voederwor-tels en die ineenstorting van swaar-draende bome (Smith, 1976). In ‘n meer onlangse studie onder plaaslike kondisies het Stander et al. (2018) getoon dat oormatige blom in die lente die toedeling van koolhidrate (suikers) aan wortels beperk, wat dan nuwe wortelgroei gedurende die lente beperk en ook moontlik bydra tot die gebrek aan nuwe vegetatiewe lootontwikkeling gedurende die somer.

Wat om te doen? Daar is nou vir die eerste keer ‘n kommersiële laboratorium wat die koolhidraatstatus in die blare en wortels van kommersiële gewasse kan meet om die konsentrasie van die inhoud te bepaal. Die ITEST™ Carbohydrate ontleding van Agri Technovation voorsien vinnige, maar wetenskaplik gefundeerde resultate waarvolgens ‘n produsent manipulasies soos uitdunning, PGR behandelings, ringelering en aanpassings aan bemesting en besproeiing, tydig kan beplan en uitvoer. Hierdie tegnologie, wat gekommersialiseer is, is die eerste van sy soort ter wêreld en word ondersteun deur kundige landboukundiges wat die korrekte aanbevelings maak op grond van betroubare data regdeur die seisoen.

Piet Vermaak het in 1986 sy wortels in Bultfontein geanker. Hy het in die landboubedryf grootgeword en het by die Potchefstroom Landboukollege studeer.

Piet het saam met sy vrou, Amanda en hul drie kinders, die Bultfontein-area hul tuiste gemaak waar hy sedertdien voltyds as ’n agent in die landbouchemiese bedryf diens doen.

Volgens Piet, het sy horisonne eers verbreed na sy aansluiting by Laeveld Agrochem, en so het nuwe geleenthede daarna vorendag gekom. Dis vir hom belangrik om die kliënt se vennoot te wees en saam na die beste oplos- sing te streef. Dié sienswyse word gesteun deur toegang tot ’n wye verskeidenheid produkte, waaruit die beste gekies kan word. Laeveld Agrochem se leuse, “Saam boer ons vooruit”, is ook nou sy leuse.

In hulle area word hoofsaaklik mielies, koring, sonneblom, soja, grondbone en aartappels ver-bou, asook pekanneute die afgelope vyf jaar.

Piet glo daaraan om betrokke te wees by die gemeenskap en bring steeds sy kant, waar dit ookal benodig word. Hy is veral by die skool betrokke, want hy glo die bestaan van ’n goeie skool is op plattelandse plekke baie belangrik vir die voortbestaan van die dorp.

Sy seun, Pieter Vermaak, het in 2009 by die besigheid aangesluit. Pieter het eers B.A. MBW studeer by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat enhetdaarnaooksyCropLife-kwalifikasieverwerf. Tydens vakansies en na universiteit het Pieter die kontrakteur-spuitwerk behartig, wat pa Piet bestuur het. Hy het sodoende baie vinnig al die nodige kennis en ervaring van produkte, omstandighede en verhou- dings met kliënte aangeleer.

Volgens Pieter ag hy homself as baie

bevoorreg en dankbaar, enhy noem dat daar nie ’n beter leermeester as sy pa kon wees nie. “Om te kan doen waar-voor jy lief is, saam met diegene vir wie jy lief is, is ’n geskenk van Bo,” sê hy.

Pa en seun saam in harmoniePiet meen een van die uitdagings is om altyd mekaar se denkwyses te respekteer. “Soos die jonger geslag met nuwe idees vorendag kom, is dit soms nodig om die saak van albei kante af te bestudeer om saam die regte besluite te neem,” vertel hy.

Die vernuwing en gebruik van tegnologie is nie altyd maklik nie, maar tussen pa en seun en met baie geduld word daar gereeld tyd gemaak om mekaar op hoogte van sake te hou.

Wat die toekoms inhouDie weersomstandighede gooi dikwels hul be- planning omver en hulle het al ondervind dat hul omgewing ’n TE-wêreld is – te nat, te droog, te veel wind, te min of te veel reën, te warm of te koud. “Maar ons het geleer dat innerlike vre-de tevredenheid bring. Daarom is ons TEVREDE.

“Ons as ’n span is baie opgewonde oor wat die toekoms vir ons kliënte en gemeenskap inhou. Deur gebruik te maak van geleenthede soos tegnologie, presisieboerdery, grond- en blaarontledings, topgehalte geregistreerde produkte, en vertroue en volgehoue geloof in ons Hemelse Vader, kan voedselsekerheid ’n werklikheid word,” sê hulle.

Die Vermaaks van BultfonteinLaeveld Agrochem landboukundiges

ONTMOET

vanaf vorige bladsyKoolhidrate en vrugset

Reed, H.S. en D.T. MacDougal. 1938. Periodicity in the growth of the orange tree. Growth. 1:371–373.Ruan, Y-L. 1993. Fruit set, young fruit and leaf growth of Citrus unshiu in relation to assimilate supply. Scientia Hort. 53:99–107.Sanz, A., C. Monerri, J. González-Ferrer, en J. L. Guardiola. 1987. Changes in carbohydrates and mineral elements in Citrus leavesduringfloweringandfruitset.Physiol.Plant.69:93–98.Smith, P.F. 1976. Collapse of ‘Murcott’ tangerine trees. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 101:23–25.Spiegel-Roy, P. en E.E. Goldshmidt. 1996. Biology of Citrus. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, UK.Stander, O.P.J., G.H. Barry, en P.J.R. Cronjé. 2018. Fruit load limits root growth, summer vegetative shoot development andfloweringinalternatebearing‘Nadorcott’mandarintrees.J.Amer.Soc.Hort.Sci.143:1-13.Van der Merwe, I.S. 2012. Studies on the phenology and carbohydrate status of alternate bearing ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin trees. Univ. Stellenbosch, South Africa, MSc Thesis.


Blueberry significance Since 1991


PLANT NUTRITION

Blueberries have become a very popular functional food and one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide because of the unique taste, delicate flavour, high nutritional value and various other health benefits they offer (Bornsek et al., 2012; Kong et al., 2014).

The Fresh Plaza (2020) reports that South African exports for the current year have increased by 50% in comparison to the previous year – calculating an increase from 8 ton to 12.3 ton. The blueberry export peak is from October until November, during which time 90% of the blueberry yield produced in South Africa is harvested. The United Kingdom and Europe respectively each account for 46% of SA’s blueberry exports (FreshPlaza, 2020).

The South African varieties are selected con-sideringthespecificneeds,areaanddifferentfruiting windows. The main blueberry groups are Northern/Southern varieties of lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) and cultivated Northern/Southern varieties of high-bush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). Northern/Southern and Rabbiteye blueberries are the most preferred cultivated blueberry species (Routray & Orsat, 2011).

Blueberry cultivationBlueberryplantsrequirespecificsoilgrowingmedia,givingspecificprioritytogooddrainage,internalaerationandsufficientwaterholdingcapacity (Douglas et al., 2017). Soil with a sandy loam texture and organic percentage of 3% or more is ideal. The application of agricultural lime practices may result in the lowering of pH levels, which may lead to certain challenges. Ideally the pH should be around 4.5 (pH KCl). Depending on climatic- and soil conditions, it could take between 6 – 12 months to lower the soil pH through the use of elemental sulphur (Douglas et al., 2017). Soil pH levels can also be reduced by working composted and untreated pine bark and organic matter into the soil.

Blueberry roots are very shallow and require aeration.Therootsarefine,fibrousandhaveno root hairs (Prodorutti et al., 2007). Water-logged sites and sites that have poor drainage or a permeable layer close to the soil surface should be avoided. Raised beds (at a height of 15 cm – 30 cm) can be used if the soil is marginally drained or if the water table is lower than 60 cm (Prodorutti et al., 2007).

Irrigation practices depend on soil type, rainfall and climate (Berries for Africa. 2020). Blueber-ries do not require much water compared to other fruit crops, but moisture should be kept at a consistent level. A high level of care must be applied to ensure that young roots do not dry out or become waterlogged. Irrigation during the late summer and early fall will stimu- late fruit bud formation, which could increase the yield of the following harvest. Blueberry bushes prefer full sun although they can tole-rate partly shaded areas.

During the initial three to four years, pruning practices should be limited, except for the removal of low sideways-growing vegetative shoots that don’t bear any fruit (Berries for Africa, 2020). Older branches, must be pruned during winter or after harvest to promote new growth, aeration and light penetration. To produce the best possible fruit quality, 8 - 12 healthy, upright canes that are younger than 6 years, should be left on the plant. New suckers will grow from the crown each year (Berries for Africa, 2020). Crowding can be avoided, and bushes kept young by leaving the two most healthy and strong suckers on the plant and removing the others through pruning. Typically, Southern Highbush varieties are pruned after harvest while Northern Highbush and Rabbit-eye varieties are pruned during winter.

Blueberry development The blueberry is considered a true berry (Godoy et al., 2008) and exhibits a double- sigmoid growth pattern. Fruit growth typically

shows an S-shaped curve. Due to the intensity ofblueberryfloweringandproductionperiods,sevendifferentphysiologicalphasescanbeidentified:leafdevelopment,shootdevelop-ment,inflorescenceemergence,flowering, fruit development, maturity and dormancy.

During the initial phase (6 – 8 weeks), rapid cell division takes place, followed by cell en-largement. (Godoy et al., 2008). In the second phase (1 – 6 weeks), berry growth slows down, and seeds start developing. At the end of this period the skins begin to lose their green co-lour (véraison).Duringthefinalphasethefruitenlarges to mature size, tissues soften, acidity levels reduce, sugars accumulate anthocyanin (vacuolar pigments that may appear red, pur-ple, blue or black, depending on pH), pigments form and aroma compounds are synthesized. Thefinalstagelasts5–8weeks.Theduration

Growth Stage Stage Description Nu-Test® Sampling Agri Technovation Products

Leaf Development First leaves unfolding Flower Power ®

Shoot Development

Shoot Growth Commenced Flower Power ® Shoot 20% of expected final length 1 Magnesium to Perform® Shoot 50% of Final length Magnesium to Perform® Shoot 90% of Final length 1 Calsinator® Magnesium to Perform®

Inflorescence Emergence Inflorescence buds swelling Flower Power ®

Flowering Beginning of flowering Flower Power ®

Fruit Development Fruit Size up to 20% of final size 1 Calsinator® Magnesium to Perform®

Fruit up to 50% of final size 1 Calsinator® Magnesium to Perform® Fruit about 70% of final size 1 K to Perform®

Maturity of Fruit Beginning of ripening, Calsinator® Beginning of Dormancy Shoot growth completed; all leaves fallen

Table 1: Proposed sampling time for Nu-Test® during blueberry production

Figure 1: Diagrammatic grow phase representation

of each phase is cultivar- and climate depen-dant. Varieties typically supply fruit for a period of 2 – 3 weeks. As a rule, blueberries ripen 60 – 80 days after bloom.

Precision farmingDuringthedifferentphases,certainphysiologi-cal changes take place. At each of these stages thetypeandspecificamountofthedifferentessential nutrients varies. Nu-Test®isspecifi- cally developed as an agronomic sap testing technique, for blueberries, to improve the level of precision that allows for swift fertiliser adap-tion and nutrient balancing during the various physiological phases. The typical Nu-Test® sampling intervals (with up to twenty shoots at aspecificsamplingtime)aspergrowthstagein comparison to the stage’s crucial nutrient(s) demand, are summarised in Table 1.

The agronomist may request an early sample during the shoot phase for diagnostic purposes; the primary objective is to identify calcium and magnesium shortages. The analyses can often indicateearlyseasonnutrientdeficienciesascribedtoinsufficientmacronutrientsuptakedue to a low soil and fertilizer combination. Agri Technovation developed specialized pro-ducts such as Calsinator® and Magnesium to perform® to address applicable deficiencies.

Deur Johnny ViviersAgronomistAgri Technovation

Die Beeld-Kinderfonds

Die Beeld-Kinderfonds bestaan reeds vanaf 1977 en is ’n geregistreerde nie-winsgewende organisasie (NPO), asook ’n “public benefit organization” (PBO) en reik Artikel 18A kwitansies uit, wat belastingaftrekbaar is.

HOOP

Beeld-Kinderfonds samel geld in om projekte te befonds, wat kinders se lewens direk raak en verbeter. Dit strek van kinders wat gemolesteer en mishandel is en sorg, berading en terapie benodig, tot gestremde kinders en kinders wat in uiterste armoede lewe. Ons gee ook jaarliks studiehulp aan minderbevoorregte Afrikaans-sprekende studente.

Ons doel is om kinders in nood te help, be- skerm, beveilig en te bemagtig deur ’n verskeid-enheid ontwikkelingsgeleenthede te bied. Ons ondersteun programme wat nie net tydelike verligting bring vir kinders wat swaarkry nie, maar ook die siklus van armoede in kinders se lewens te probeer breek, sodat hulle as volwas-senes ’n positiewe bydrae tot die samelewing sal kan lewer. Ons funksioneer in samewerking met die dagblad Beeld.

’n Beheerraad hou toesig oor die aanwending van geld. Geouditeerde finansiële state is op aanvraag beskikbaar.

GELD WORD GEBRUIK VIR DIE VOLGENDE:l Die beveiling van kinders wat weens seksuele molestering, mishandeling en/of verwaar- losing van hul ouers verwyder is, asook berading en langtermyn terapie vir hierdie kinders;l Diefisieseengeestelikeversorgingen ontwikkeling van kinders in kinderhuise, pleegsorghuise en plekke van veiligheid;l Dagsorg en skoolgereedheidsprogram vir milieu-gestremde, voorskoolse kinders in armoedige gemeenskappe; naskoolsorg, huiswerkhulp en ekstra klasse in lees en wiskunde.l Gemeenskapsprojekte wat ontwikkelings- programme bied aan milieu-gestremde kinders en jongmense.l Hulp aan organisasies wat dienste lewer aan fisies-enverstandelikgestremdekinders;l Studiebeurse en beroepsopleiding vir minderbevoorregte Afrikaanssprekende studente wat nie staatsbefondsing kry nie.

Ons kan met trots sê dat sowat 8 000 kinders jaarliks op een of ander wyse deur die Beeld Kinderfonds gehelp word. Jou bydrae sal ons in staat stel om die steeds groeiende aantal kinders wat welsynshulp benodig, te kan bystaan.

In hierdie ekonomiese omstandighede is die nood baie groter en wil ek ’n beroep op jou doen om ’n bydrae te maak, enige bedrag sal baie welkom wees, onthou dat dit ’n goeie belastingvoordeel inhou.

40

KinderfondsKinderfonds

Bankbesonderhede: ABSA rek nr 2840157329Takkode 632005

Navrae: Adrie van Staden T: 076 597 1282, e-pos: [email protected] www.beeldkinderfonds.co.za

1. Aankope in die gerief van jou eie huis, wanneer jy tyd het (selfs laatnag!)

2. Geen gevaar van virusse of stampvol winkelsentrums nie

3. Veilig en goeie sekuriteit vir aanlyn betalings met verskillende betaal opsies

4. Een van die min Afrikaanse aanlyn winkels, met kommunikasie in jou taal

5. Eg Suid-Afrikaanse aanlyn winkel

6. Beste omruil of teruggee voorwaardes. As jy nie tevrede met jou aankope is nie, kan jy dit net terugstuur!

’n Paar voordele van aanlyn aankope by Die Plaaswinkel

Besoek die webwerf op jou rekenaar of slimfoon. Dis is maklik en met dieklik van ’n paar knoppies kan jy soek, kyk en koop. Met aflewering binne paar dae direk na julle plaas, huis of kantoor!

Hoe dit werk

Aanlyn aankope, veilig en vinnig met aflewering direk na jou!

Die gunstelingAFRIKAANSE

AANLYNWINKEL

Ons stel bekendDie Plaaswinkel is ’n Afrikaanse aanlyn winkel tot jou diens!

Daar is hope uitgesoekte produkte om van te kies en te keur.

Daar is iets spesiaals wat vir jou wag...

Besoek: www.DiePlaaswinkel.co.zaklik klik

LAEVELD AGROCHEM 41

Protein is crucial to good health. Every cell in the human body contains and requires protein. Your hair and nails are mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair mus-cles and you also use protein to make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. There are 20 known amino acids and they are split up between a combination of essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids.

Essential amino acids are those that we have to eat in our diet as the body is unable to make them. The non-essential amino acids the body is able to make. These 20 amino acids help form thethousandsofdifferentproteinsinourbodies.

Protein as a macronutrientAlong with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning that the body needs large amounts of it. The daily requirement of protein is between 15% and 20% of your daily nutritional intake. (In layman’s terms it means that if you put all the food you eat daily on a plate, about 20% of it should come from pro-tein.) Unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body doesn’t store protein and therefore has no reser- voir to draw on when it needs a new supply.

The following food is a good source of foods that are considered high protein:Leanbeefandchickenorlowfatpork;fish;beans and legumes; low fat milk; soya beans and milk; eggs and Genesis Nutrient dense powder / meals.

What do proteins do for the body?Ourbodiesaremadeupofthousandsofdiffe- rentproteins,eachwithaspecificfunction.Theymake up the structural components of our cells and tissues as well as many enzymes, hormones and the active proteins secreted from immune cells.

Insufficientproteininyourdietreducesleanbody mass (muscle mass), muscle strength and function. Not consuming enough protein can cause muscle cramping, weakness, and soreness. This eventually causes muscle wasting or atrophy as a direct result of chronic, low dietary protein.

The power of protein: Important functions of protein in your body lGrowth and maintenancelCauses biochemical reactionslActs as a messenger in all your body cellslMaintains proper pHlBalancesfluidslSupports immune healthl Transports and stores nutrientsl Makes enzymes and hormoneslBuilding blocks of muscle, cartilage, skin and blood

Genesis Nutritional products offers a solution:It is well established that the average South Afri- can is eating a diet low in good quality protein and therefore has a form of malnutrition called protein energy malnutrition. South Africans eat enoughcarbohydratesandfatsbutaredeficientin protein. This is understandable as protein is often expensive. When we developed Genesis, our objective was (and still is) to provide a cost effectivehighproteinnutrientdensemealthat includes all the essential amino acids and non- essential amino acids in a quick, easy, super convenient way. You might see similar products on the market, BUTchecktheproteincontentandyouwillfindthat Genesis contains the highest amount of protein. Every 100g of Genesis provides 18g of good quality protein with the perfect amino acid profile.Genesiscontains19aminoacids-all9 of the essential amino acids and 10 of the non-essential amino acids.

The power of protein

ALL IN ONE PRODUCTEvery 50g

provides 50% of the body’s

daily requirementsof all 12 vitamins

A cost effective solution to feed and

nourish a person, with a high energy

nutritionally balanced food with 55

key nutrients

In July, Gift of the Givers distributed meals in the Eastern Cape (Fish River community) where many farm workers have lost their jobs.

Thank you to Corteva Agrisciencefor the generous donation.

In total 138 families received 10kg of Genesis Nutritious Powder, providing 200 meals per family. Each meal includes 55 key nutrients, Omega-3 and is free of lactose and gluten and suitable for diabetics.

Better health starts here.

You can help.

www.genesisnutrition.co.za42 GROEI 43

By Michelle Bristow, BSC. Diet (Hons), founder and CEO of Genesis® Nutritional Products

Go on and enjoy our amazing Genesis or even donate some to those less fortunate. Their bodies will be very grateful. www.genesisnutrition.co.za

Please consider making a donation: www.genesisnutrition.co.za/donate

45 45

Bestel jou Laeveld ScoutHierdie is ’n doeltreffende sitrus veldgids wat moniteringsriglyne en beheerstrategieë insluit.Metkleurvolleillustrasiesentreffende foto’s is hierdie handleiding geskik vir alle rolspelers in die sitrusbedryf.

Besoek www.laeveld.co.za/scout om ’n bestelling te plaas of kontak jou Laeveld Agrochem verteenwoordiger.


Nuus en foto’s

Ingredients1cupAllpurposeglutenfreeflourorsoyaflour1cupGenesisnutritionalpowder(Vanillaorbananaflavour)1/2 tsp salt | 2 tsp baking powder | 2 tbsp sugar | 1 cup skim milk1 egg | 1 tbsp vegetable oil | 1 medium banana mashed

InstructionsPreheat oven to 180oC.Mixallfluidstogetherinamixingbowl.Mixallthedryingredients,andaddthefluids.Mixandspoonequalquantitiesofthemixtureintoawell-greasedmuffinpan,abouttwo-thirdsfull.Bake15-20minutes.(Makes12mediummuffins).

Weens Covid-19 was Nampo die jaar virtueel gewees. Daar was uitstallers en besoekers van oral oor. Met aanlyn onderhoude en aanbiedings was dit ’n groot sukses.

Gewonder hoekom die reënvalsyfers nie altyd sin maak nie!

Mielie-modes die seisoen in die Vrystaat!

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Agter elke suksesvolle maatskappy is daar baie hardeware, meters rekenaarkabel, ure se tegniese versorging en by LAC is daar ook twee manne van staal. Dankie Kenny Smith (regs) en Helgard de Villiers (links) vir julle harde werk om ons almal aan die gekoppel te hou. Hulle sê: “As dit nie werk nie, sit dit af en weer aan.”

Genesis Banana Muffins

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