Adverse weather calls for greater orchard care

Famers in subtropical regions have been cautioned to protect their trees from adverse weather this winter.

- Lindi Botha

Heavy rain in the Western Cape and extreme cold and snow in other regions of South Africa could potentially cause long-term damage to citrus and macadamia nut orchards.

Dr Jan van Niekerk, programme coordinator for soil-borne disease management at Citrus Research International, said the heavy winter rain in the Western Cape production area had led to waterlogged citrus orchards, which was likely to increase the risk of diseases. This included post-harvest diseases and Phytophthora root rot. These wet weather conditions necessitated immediate action, and control measures thus needed to be taken.

Van Niekerk advised farmers to drain orchards as quickly as possible, as prolonged waterlogged conditions would increase the possibility of root rot infection, lead to tree stress and increase the risk of fruit decaying or becoming damaged.