Theddan Farms, a South African apple producer, has become a pioneer in the use of Harvista™ 1.3 SC, a pre-harvest treatment. The veteran apple producer started using the product in 2018 to extend tree growth time for vastly improved colour and size. It not only saved the company's Gala orchard from the chainsaw, but also made it their most profitable, with an increased income of R200,000 ($11,300) to R300,000 ($16,900).
Ian Cunningham. Photo by Hortgro.
Theddan Farms turned to AgroFresh and Harvista 1.3 SC to help improve the company's 350 hectares (nearly 865 acres) of fruit, as poor colour was a concern for their Gala apple block.
"We've been using Harvista 1.3 SC as a staple on 40% of our crops and sometimes 50% with it being bi-colour, and we've been very happy with the results. The first orchard we applied Harvista to allowed us to farm certain blocks for longer while making them better economically," said Ian Cunningham, managing director for Theddan Farms.
Since Harvista 1.3 SC expands the harvest window, AgroFresh customers like Theddan can improve labour efficiency and increase quality, a combination that can drive significant bottom-line profit potential for producers.
Peter Wood, AgroFresh country manager for South Africa, says "Ian and his team quickly caught on to the strength of Harvista 1.3 SC and how they could use it to their advantage in securing the best quality at the right time. Today, our AgroFresh Harvista 1.3 SC technology forms a vital part of their program, and we're proud to be associated with them, because we both know we're stronger together."
From securing fruit quality to better management of weather challenges and greater labour efficiency, Harvista 1.3 SC has proven to be a valuable tool for fruit growers around the world. Launched in 2014, Harvista 1.3 SC is the only plant growth regulator available that delivers fast-acting control of ethylene response up to three days prior to harvest, which extends the harvest window up to 14 additional days. For apples, that means reduced fruit drop and better quality, size increase to gain a higher yield, firmness and colour development – leading to increased yield potential of more than 10%, ultimately impacting increased revenue potential per hectare/acre.
For more information:
Rochelle Ripp Schnadt
AgroFresh Solutions
Tel.: +1 262-771-0846
[email protected]
www.agrofresh.com