Sweet cherries, though a relatively new addition to South Africa's agricultural landscape, are gaining attention due to the development of lower-chill cultivars. This expansion predominantly occurs in the Koue Bokkeveld region, near Ceres, noted for its conducive chilling environment. Recently, the International Fruit Tree Association visited Dutoit Agri's operations, observing a fourth-leaf orchard comprising Lapins and Royal Helen cultivars.
Piet Bosman, Dutoit's technical advisor, underscores the necessity of fruit firmness for extended shipping durations, as South Africa's cherries primarily target European and Middle Eastern export markets. Approximately 2,600 metric tons, or half of the country's current production, are exported, showcasing a burgeoning yet small industry compared to Chile's established dominance.
Reflecting on past yield management practices, Bosman remarked, "We paid some school fees in the past, being too greedy and putting too many cherries on the trees," which diminished fruit quality. The approach has now shifted to maintaining balance for optimal tree health.
Dutoit's orchards employ MaxMa 16 rootstock, over 1,667 trees per hectare, in a "tabletop" central leader training system distinct for its freestanding tiers of fruit-bearing branches. Crossarms augment structural integrity, facilitating efficient harvest operations. Preliminary yields indicate the potential of 16 to 18 metric tons per hectare for late cultivars once full maturity is reached.
Labor efficiency constitutes an added benefit of this system, as the tiered branches are harvestable from the ground or platforms. The simplicity of the training method aids in the structural and fruiting branch regeneration process, as explained by Gys du Toit, director of production, emphasizing branch renewal techniques.
Greg Lang from Michigan State University highlights the system's adaptability, noting, "The innovative system incorporates constant renewal," providing advantageous light distribution and improved yield potential through strategic spur setting.
The South African cherry industry, comprising over 30 growers on more than 700 hectares, has seen acreage double in recent years. While lacking formal representation by Hortgro, collaborative research efforts focus on optimizing cherry cultivars for varied climates across the country. Dutoit primarily explores low- to medium-chill cultivars, notably from the Zaiger Genetics' Royal series, developing the potential for wider adaptation.
Source: GoodFruit Grower