The South African Plant Improvement Organisation (SAPO) hosted an information day in Ceres in the Western Cape in late April to formally introduce producers to SQ 159. This is a deep-red, bicoloured apple variety that trades under the name Magic Star, and Natyra Bio when produced organically.
The variety, belonging to Fresh Forward in the Netherlands, was developed out of a cross between Elise and an unnamed scab-resistant cultivar, and is said to produce crispy, juicy apples with a sweet taste and aroma, and between 75% and 90% blush. It also has a long shelf life: the fruit can be stored for four to six months under normal atmospheric conditions and 10 to 12 months or even longer in controlled atmosphere storage.
The variety is resistant to scab and has a low susceptibility to stem canker and mildew.
MARKET ACCEPTANCE
Magic Star is enchanting markets everywhere it goes, according to Stephan Geerlings, marketing manager of Fresh Forward.
Speaking at the information day, Geerlings said that 40% of the 500 participants in a Dutch consumer panel rated Magic Star better than any other apple variety currently available in their supermarkets, while 48% deemed it as good as other apples. Eighty-eight percent said they would like the variety to be in all supermarkets.
A French consumer panel of 200 participants also rated the variety significantly higher than others tested. Magic Star took first place, followed by Jazz, Elstar, Pink Lady, Honey Crunch, Golden Delicious, and Gala.
Geerlings added that shops selling the variety were reporting a high number of repurchases, with repurchases at supermarkets in the EU increasing from 6,6% in 2021 to 11,3% in 2023.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 09, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 09, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
