Experiments with avocado production in South Africa started in the Tzaneen area, Limpopo, in the 1930s. For many years, however, the industry was held back by the prevalence of root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi), brought on by the humid climate and poor drainage of the area’s clay soils. It was only in the in the late 1970s, when a treatment for root rot was developed, that avocado production in the area really began to take off.
In the 1980s, the late Dr André Ernst joined his father, Chicot, on the family fruit farm, Allesbeste, near Tzaneen. Avocados had been grown on the farm since the 1960s, and the family were therefore well placed to take advantage of the upswing in production of the crop. Over time, they increased the area on the farm planted to avocados and also purchased additional farms, thereby spreading their production risk across different geographical areas.
André established the Allesbeste nursery in the 1980s and also experimented with different cultivars. The nursery was the key player in the development and, ultimately, registration of the Maluma cultivar.
NEW CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT
Few publicly funded institutions carry out avocado cultivar selection and development; across the world, this responsibility has fallen mainly to private entities.
Allesbeste has a leading integrated breeding and selection programme that drives the development and improvement of new cultivars, as well as the breeding and testing of new
rootstock. Today, this is led by Zander Ernst, André’s son and the company’s director of marketing and production.
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 22 July 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 22 July 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
