"South Africa’s main apple and pear production areas in the Western region had an excellent winter season with ample rain, snow and cold units," says Neil Truter, Quality Assurance and Grower Relations manager of Vanguard South Africa. This was followed up by very good flower and set periods between October and December 2020. These favorable conditions provide a good indicator for a strong apple and pear crop this season.
The Western Cape experienced less wind and overall good weather conditions. Unfortunately, the Eastern Cape did not experience the same. In mid-January, a hailstorm ripped through the Eastern Cape production area of Langkloof. 1,500 of the 5,500 Ha were affected.
"In total, we are still predicting a most positive apple and pear crop for 2021," Truter shared. Like most other commodities, South African apple and pear crops are five to 10 days later compared to 2020.
Crop forecast
The first apple and pear crop estimate forecast an increase of four percent in apples and two percent on pears. Apples are growing in volume for the second year in a row thanks largely to new plantings coming into production. This is part of major replanting and renewing strategy after the drought three years ago and was expected. For pears, this makes up the two percent decrease we experienced last year.
The official estimates for the 2021 South African apple and pear crop are: apples: 38 million cartons; pears: 17 million cartons.
All indications show this crop will produce good color on both apples and pears. The early varieties are between five and 10 days late, but the mid and late season apples are tracking on time. "This will put some pressure on packing houses and cold rooms, but our South African partners have things well under control," Truter commented.
Smaller sizing on pears
The Early Bon Cretion made their way to the packing houses, but the sizing is small with peak counts around 112/96/120. Two additional pear varieties being packed now are the Flamingo and Rosemary varieties with a smaller size than past seasons and peak sizes very similar to the early Bon Cretion. The picking of Flamingo, Rosemary and Early Bc’s were finished by the second week of February, while normal WBC (Williams Bon Chretien) started in week seven. All these varieties tend to be smaller than last year which is normally an indicator of a larger overall crop.
The picking of Packhams will start in week five or six. A much larger crop is expected this year than last, six percent to be exact. The growth is mostly due to new plantings coming into production and an overall cleaner crop due to less wind damage this year. Peak size will be around count 70/80, but this could change region to region.
The Forelle is still a way off with the early packing starting in week 11/12. Judging by other earlier varieties, we expect good production volumes.
Apple varieties
The Panomara Goldens started the first week of February and will be packed shortly with peak sizes between 150 and 165 making it slightly bigger than last year.
The Royal Galas will be picked in volume and packed in early March. The color is very good and peak sizes are around 165/180. Color is similar to last year which was an already good color year. We expect good quality product with decent size.
Golden Delicious will follow one week later also in March due to the fact that we are five to 10 days late.
For more information:
Andrea Bava
Tel: +1 (778) 908-1764
andrea@blitzme.ca
https://www.vanguardteam.com/en/