South Africa is experiencing a shortage of hydrochloric acid (HCl), a crucially important chemical used in citrus packhouses. Although alternative acids are available, packhouses need to exercise caution when selecting a replacement.
According to Wilma du Plooy, post-harvest disease programme coordinator at Citrus Research International, the HCl shortage was due mainly to South African plant failures or shutdowns, which were likely to continue for at least several months. A small amount of HCl was manufactured by the local timber industry, with all excess being directed to the gold mining sector.
This story is from the May 28, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the May 28, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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