Apple farming in South Africa
Apples first originated in Central Asia, where the Malus sieversii, the original species, is still found. Apples began to be cultivated in Asia about 8 000 years ago.
Apple seeds arrived in South Africa with the Dutch East India company in the late 1600s. Seeds were planted in food gardens, and apples, amongst other fruits and vegetables, were cultivated to supply passing ships.
Apples have been produced commercially in South Africa since the 1880s, and have been exported since the 1890s thanks to the invention of refrigerated shipping.
Apple production in South Africa
Apple crops need a temperate climate to thrive. The country’s largest apple growing region is the Western Cape, which accounts for more than half the apple production in the country. The main production areas are Ceres, Elgin, Wolseley and Villiersdorp. The Langkloof region in the Southern Cape, which spans the border between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, produces about 20 percent of South Africa’s apples.
There are also smaller but lucrative apple orchards in regions including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Free State. While these areas are more prone to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and hail, specially designed hail nets have made production worthwhile.
The industry provides seasonal job opportunities during harvesting and fruit packing and is an important contributor to direct employment during production, including specialist tasks such as tree pruning and thinning practices during blooming and the first weeks of growth, as well as irrigation management and pest and disease monitoring. Employment is also offered in a number of support industries. In 2019, about 30 165 people, with 120 662 dependents, were directly employed in the industry – representing a ten percent increase between 2018 and 2019.
There are several apple varieties grown in South Africa. The main cultivars are Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji and Topred - or also known as Red Delicious.
Apple Exports from South Africa
Globally, there is always a demand for apples – nutritious and high in fibre, fresh apples are eaten raw, used in salads and in baking and cooked for sauces and jam, often combined with other fruits. South African apples are produced for both local and international supply. Roughly half of the country’s apples are grown for export.
Apples make up approximately 30% of the country’s deciduous fruit industry. Traditionally, Europe and the United Kingdom were the biggest market but in 2022 the African continent was the primary market (29 percent) - and that market is still expanding rapidly – with exports to the Far East and Asia next highest (28 percent).
According to the statistics released by Hortgro in week 40 of the 2021/2022 export season, 33 million cartons (1 carton equivalent to 12.5kg) of apples were exported from South Africa, an 8% increase on the corresponding period in 2020/2021 season.
Exports to China showed a countertrend increase, reaching 1.038 million cartons in week 29 – an increase of 20 percent compared with the previous years. During this period, South Africa’s exports to Hong Kong increased by 82 percent. Elise-Marie Steenkamp, writing for Hortgro, noted that “South Africa’s apple harvesting season is opposite to China’s, occurring from January to May, with the peak supply in June. The advantage of off-season supply has been driving a steady increase in South Africa’s apple exports to China in recent years.”
Hortgro’s export forecasts for the 2023 season were revised due to adverse weather events including hail and floods during the year. The estimated export volume was 40 883 million cartons (12,5 kilograms per carton) which was a 10 percent decline (4.375 million cartons) on 2022.
Fruit News reported in early 2024 that “Apple exports were anticipated to increase by 7 per cent, mainly due to young orchards coming into production and the aforementioned conducive weather conditions.”
Pests and diseases
There are several diseases and pests that can affect apple trees. Different diseases need different treatment or action plans. Apple growers need to be able to identify what their orchards are susceptible to and take steps to prevent disease. Diseases and pests in South Africa can include, but are not limited to apple scab, powdery mildew, brown or summer rot, sooty blotch, flyspeck and codling moth.
Apple scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, is the most important threat to apple orchards in South Africa, particularly as warmer winter temperatures accelerate the fungus's adaptation and spread. The disease results in blemished and deformed fruit, leading to substantial economic losses. To combat apple scab, growers should focus on reducing the overwintering stages of the fungus through orchard sanitation practices like leaf shredding, applying fungicides effectively, and monitoring weather conditions to predict infection risks. Additionally, cultivating apple varieties with multiple resistance genes can offer a more sustainable solution to managing this persistent threat.
Powdery mildew results in grey or white blotches on the leaves of the tree, or on the stem, and can appear on the fruit as well.
Codling moth, Cydia pomonella, is a pest that is thought to have originated in Central Asia. When hatched, the larva is approximately 2 to 3 mm in length, with a creamy coloured body and a black head capsule. As it gets bigger it can reach up to 14-20 mm in length, with a smooth and pink body and dark brown head capsule. Wings appear to fold across the body.
Symptoms of codling moth differ depending on when the moth attacks – if in the early stages of development, the fruit can be severely deformed. Later in the season, the fruit may have a shallow callus. Codling moth renders apples unfit for market.
Crop Solutions from ADAMA*
The ADAMA products registered to protect apple crops and fruit quality in South Africa include Klartan® 240 EW and Brevis SG.
Klartan® 240 EW (Reg. no. L5096 Act/Wet 36 of/van 1947) is a stomach and contact insecticide emulsion for the control of Antestia bug (Antestiopsis orbitalis), fruit nibbler (Prasoidea sericea), American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and codling moth (Cydia pomonella). Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) and aphids will also be controlled, and banded fruit weevil (Phlyctinus callosus) suppressed when treating orchards for codling moth. The active ingredient is tau-fluvalinate (a pyrethroid).
While this product is not toxic to honey bees, it is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. It is required by law that the usage instructions and precautions on the label are followed - you can find the label for Klartan® 240 EW here.
Precautions include the following:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plan
Brevis SG® 150 SC (Reg. no. L9748 Act 36 of 1947) is a suspension concentrate plant growth regulator used for the chemical thinning of apple and pear fruitlets. The active ingredient is metamitron (triazinone). It is applied in the most sensitive period shortly after flowering. Immediately after the application of Brevis SG® 150 SC photosynthesis will be reduced rapidly. The rate of photosynthesis will remain low for a couple of days before returning to normal. This will result in the tree shedding the excessive smaller-sized fruitlets.
This product should be handled with care. It is harmful if swallowed and poisonous to fish and other aquatic organisms. Store in a cool, dry place away from food and feedstuffs, and out of reach of children, uninformed persons and animals. Do not enter the treated area until spray deposit has dried, unless wearing protective clothing. In case of poisoning, contact a physician and show him/her this label.
It is required by law that the usage instructions and precautions on the label are followed - you can find the label for Brevis SG® 150 SC here.
ADAMA is the registration holder for both products (Reg. no. 1992/001741/07): Ground Floor, Simeka House, The Vineyards Office Estate, 99 Jip de Jager Drive, Bellville 7530. If uncertain about any aspect regarding the use of ADAMA products, please consult with a trained advisor or ADAMA South Africa: (021) 982 1460.