In this Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast, wespeak with Dr Kandas Cloete, Senior Analyst at BFAP and specialist in farmprofitability and agricultural policy for high-value export crops.

Kandas explains the core drivers of economic sustainabilityin citrus farming, showing that profitability depends far more on cartons per hectare, fruit size, market returns, and farm gate value than simply on cost-cutting. Drawing on BFAP’s work with citrus producers, she highlights how counts, pack-outs, logistics costs, distance to port, and market choice allshape the price a grower ultimately receives.

She unpacks the relationship between fruit size and profit,explaining why smaller fruit not only earns less per carton, but also increasespicking and packing costs throughout the chain. She discusses how market preferences vary (EU, UK, Russia, US), and why understanding which fruit fits which market is essential for maximising returns.

Kandas also discusses financial risk, debt pressure, farmperformance variation, and why growers need accurate information flowing between farm, packhouse and exporter.

Her message is clear:
To be profitable, growers must maximise the number of exportable cartons at theright counts, and make informed decisions based on reliable economic data.

About the CRI Podcast
The CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extension experts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.

In this episode of the Citrus Research International (CRI)Podcast, Prof Jacquie van der Waals, Programme Coordinator for Preharvest Diseases, explains the epidemiology and management of Alternaria Brown Spot and Core Rot - two important diseases increasingly affecting soft citrus.

Jacquie discusses how Alternaria infections begin early inthe season, often during first flush and flowering, and how warm, humid conditions drive both disease development and severity. She highlights the role of canopy management, airflow and light penetration in reducing favourableinfection conditions, and explains why preventative fungicide applications must be carefully timed and managed to avoid resistance.

She also addresses cultivar susceptibility and shares howCRI is developing rapid bioassays to screen new cultivars before commercial release.

Her core message is the importance of early observation and regular “footprints in the orchard,” supported by accurate diagnosis and close communication with CRI extension staff.

About the CRI Podcast

The CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extension experts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.

In this episode of the Citrus Research International Podcast, we talk to Dr. Paul Fourie, Manager of Biosecurity and the Citrus Improvement Scheme (CIS) at CRI.

Paul explains how South Africa’s world-class citrus industry depends on one critical safeguard - certified, disease-free propagation material. From the Citrus Foundation Block in the Eastern Cape, every legal citrus tree in South Africa starts clean.

He warns that illegal plant imports and backyard grafting are among the biggest biosecurity risks, capable of introducing devastating diseases like Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, which has destroyed citrus industries abroad.

Paul shares how CRI and the CGA are working with neighbouring countries to strengthen regional surveillance and early detection systems, and why public awareness is now key: every gardener, grower, and traveller has a role in keeping our citrus safe.

About the CRI Podcast

The CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extension experts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.

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Website: https://www.citrusres.com/

In this episode of the Citrus Research International Podcast, André Combrink, Area Extension Manager for the Eastern Cape, shares practical insights into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and how growers can reduce chemical reliance through smarter cultural practices.

Drawing on decades of experience—from his years at SRCC to his current role at CRI—André explains how pruning, spray machine calibration, orchard sanitation, and ant control all contribute to cleaner fruit and a healthier orchard ecosystem.

He discusses the importance of monitoring data, avoiding unnecessary sprays, and preserving natural predators and parasitoids that form the backbone of sustainable pest control. His message is clear: long-term citrus success depends on working with nature, not against it.

About the CRI PodcastThe CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extension experts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.

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