Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast

Citrus Research International
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The Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast shares practical, research-based insights for the Southern African citrus industry. Featuring experts and industry professionals, it covers key topics across the value chain, including production, pest and disease management, postharvest handling, and market access. The podcast translates technical knowledge into clear, actionable guidance to support growers, packhouses, exporters, and stakeholders in making informed, sustainable decisions.

  1. Managing Alternaria in Citrus: New Tools for Smarter Disease Control – Prof Jacquie van der Waals [2026, May.]

    Jun 2

    Managing Alternaria in Citrus: New Tools for Smarter Disease Control – Prof Jacquie van der Waals [2026, May.]

    In this CRI Podcast episode, we speak with Prof Jacquie vander Waals, Researcher and Programme Coordinator: Preharvest Diseases, about ongoing CRI research aimed at improving the management of Alternaria Brown Spot(ABS) in citrus. ABS is one of the most economically important diseasesaffecting susceptible citrus cultivars. Severe infections can lead to extensive fruit blemishes, fruit drop, reduced packouts and, in some cases, fruit that cannot be exported. The discussion focuses on two major areas of current CRIresearch. The first is the development of improved screening methods for cultivar resistance. CRI is working on reliable inoculation methods and genetic marker identification to help breeders and industry stakeholders determine susceptibility much earlier in the cultivar development process. The long-term goal is to avoid situations where orchards are planted commercially, only for growers to discover years later that a cultivar is highly susceptible to ABS. The second focus area is the use of infection risk models toimprove fungicide timing and disease management decisions. Jacquie explains how the CRI ABS model uses environmental conditions to predict likely infection periods, helping growers spray more strategically and potentially reduce unnecessary fungicide applications. A key theme throughout the discussion is that disease management should be proactive rather than reactive. By the time symptoms are visible, infection has already occurred, making preventative management and accurate risk prediction essential. The episode also highlights how digital decision-support tools can help growers improve spray timing, reduce input costs and make more informed disease management decisions under challenging environmental conditions. This podcast was recorded in May 2026. For viewers wanting additional background on ABS management and disease risk in citrus, CRI also recommends watching the previous CRI Podcast discussion with Prof Jacquie van der Waals on this topic: https://youtu.be/Kt5P1gV6Kzc About the CRI PodcastThe CRI Podcast features interviews with expert researchers and area extension managers from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.

    14 min
  2. After the Floods: Disease Management in Citrus Orchards and Packhouses – Jan van Niekerk [2026, May.]

    May 28

    After the Floods: Disease Management in Citrus Orchards and Packhouses – Jan van Niekerk [2026, May.]

    In this CRI Podcast episode, we speak with Dr. Jan vanNiekerk, CRI Soilborne Disease Researcher and Portfolio Manager for Disease Management Research, about the disease challenges citrus growers and packhousesface following severe flooding and prolonged wet conditions. The discussion focuses on how saturated soils and waterlogged orchards create ideal conditions for Phytophthora root rot, one of the most serious soilborne disease threats in citrus production. Jan explains how flooding removes oxygen from the soil, causing root stress and root death, which in turn creates favourable conditions for disease development. Flooding also increases the risk of fruit decay, especially Phytophthora brown rot andsour rot, which can have serious implications for fruit intended for export. The episode also explores the practical management decisions growers need to make after flooding events, including: · improving orchard drainage and removing standing water · strict orchard sanitation through removal of rotten fruit from trees and orchard floors · careful handling of sensitive fruit from flooded and waterlogged orchards · more frequent changing of sanitiser and fungicide baths in the pack house · understanding the role and risks of phosphonate applications · managing the increased risk of Phytophthora brown rot, sour rot and postharvest decay on flood-affected fruit A key theme throughout the discussion is that fruit from stressed trees require more careful handling than under normal conditions. Even small handling injuries can increase the risk of postharvest disease development later in the supply chain. This is especially important where fruit mayalready have been exposed to floodwater, mud or high disease pressure before reaching the pack house. The conversation also highlights the importance of patienceafter flooding events. Entering saturated orchards too early can cause additional damage, while long-term root disease management strategies remain critical well beyond the initial flooding period. The key takeaway for growers and packhouses is clear: flooddamage is not only a short-term event - it creates long term risks of Phytophthora root rot development, as well as increased risk of fruit decay such as Phytophthora brown rot and sour rot, which must be carefully considered before fruit is packed and exported. This podcast was recorded in May 2026. CRI Members should also read Cutting Edge No. 440 for moreinformation. About the CRI Podcast The CRI Podcast features interviews with expert researchersand area extension managers from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.

    23 min
  3. Citrus Packaging Systems: How Small Decisions Impact Big Outcomes – John Jones [2026, Feb.]

    May 20

    Citrus Packaging Systems: How Small Decisions Impact Big Outcomes – John Jones [2026, Feb.]

    In this CRI Podcast episode, we speak with John Jones, CRIPackaging Specialist, about the critical role packaging plays in protecting citrus fruit quality throughout the supply chain. While often viewed as a cost component, packaging is afundamental part of the system that ensures fruit arrives in the market in optimal condition. John explains how packaging should be approached holistically - from cartons and strapping to pallet design - as each component contributes to the overall performance of the load. A key focus in the discussion is the importance of palletquality. Variability in pallet design, materials and manufacturing standards can introduce significant risk, particularly when pallets are not fit for purpose or are selected based purely on cost. These risks may only becomevisible once fruit is already in transit or has reached export markets, where the financial consequences can be substantial. John highlights that packaging should not be seen as asecondary consideration, but as a risk management tool. Compromising on quality may offer short-term savings, but increases the likelihood of damage, inefficiencies and loss further down the value chain. The key takeaway for growers and packhouses is clear:packaging is the foundation of the load - and small decisions at this level can have major consequences for fruit quality, market access and returns. This podcast was recorded in February 2026. 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.

    19 min
  4. Optimising the Citrus Cold Chain – Dr. Tarl Berry [2026, Feb.]

    Apr 22

    Optimising the Citrus Cold Chain – Dr. Tarl Berry [2026, Feb.]

    In this CRI Podcast episode, we speak with Dr. Tarl Berry, CRIProgramme Coordinator: Cold Chain Research, about the critical role the cold chain plays in protecting citrus fruit quality from packhouse to market. South Africa exports citrus over long distances, oftenrequiring extended shipping periods under strict temperature protocols. This makes the cold chain one of the most important - and complex - components of the value chain. Tarl explains how citrus differs from other fruit types, and why managing chilling injury, airflow and temperature exposure is a unique challenge with limited global research to guide decision-making. The discussion highlights how small deviations in cold roomhandling can significantly increase the risk of chilling injury later in the supply chain. Research shows that factors such as cooling rate, airflow distribution, humidity and handling practices in cold storage all influence fruit susceptibility - often with effects only visible weeks later in the market. Tarl also shares practical insights into improving airflowin containers, including the development of simple, cost-effective floor cover designs that help create more uniform temperature distribution. The role of packaging, pallet design and ventilation alignment is also discussed as part of a broader systems approach to cold chain optimisation. A key takeaway is that cold chain performance is notcontrolled by a single point in the system. It requires alignment between growers, packhouses, cold stores and logistics providers, with improved communication and transparency becoming increasingly important. This episode provides practical, research-driven insightinto how the citrus industry can reduce risk, improve consistency and protect fruit quality across the full export chain. This podcast was recorded in February 2026. 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.

    27 min
  5. Economic Considerations for 2026 and Beyond - Hannes Bester & Steve Turner [2026, Feb.]

    Apr 15

    Economic Considerations for 2026 and Beyond - Hannes Bester & Steve Turner [2026, Feb.]

    In this CRI Podcast episode, Hannes Bester, CRI NationalExtension Manager, and Steve Turner, Technical Manager at Core Fruit, unpack the economic realities shaping the citrus industry as it moves toward 2026 and beyond. The discussion focuses on the increasing cost pressuresfaced by growers, including input costs, logistics, labour, and compliance requirements, and how these factors are tightening margins across the value chain. The speakers also explore how global market dynamics, exchange rates,and shifting export conditions are influencing profitability and long-term sustainability. A key theme is the importance of strategic decision-making.Growers are encouraged to critically evaluate orchard performance, input efficiency, and return on investment, while also considering future planting decisions in a more constrained economic environment. The conversation highlights the need for disciplined cost management, data-driven planning, and a clear understanding of market requirements. This episode provides practical insight into how growers, packhouses, and industry stakeholders can position themselves to remain competitive in a changing economic landscape. 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.

    35 min

  6. Feb 23

    Postharvest Management: Decisions That Drive Returns - Dr. Arno Erasmus

    In this episode of the Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast, we speak with Dr Arno Erasmus, former CRI researcher and now Postharvest Plant Pathologist at Wonderful Citrus in the United States. Arno shares his journey from applied research in South Africa to working inside one of the world’s most highly integrated citrus businesses, where every technical decision must make economic sense. He explains how postharvest practices, sanitation, grading accuracy and line performance are evaluated through the lens of return to the grower, and why even small inefficiencies carry a measurable cost. The conversation explores how electronic grading, consistent specifications, and data-driven scorecards can improve utilisation without compromising quality. Arno also discusses how technology is used not to replace people, but to remove emotion, improve accountability, and support better decision-making across operations, maintenance, treatments and management teams. A central theme is that postharvest success is not only about chemistry or equipment, but about people, consistency and culture. By measuring what matters, understanding fruit behaviour, and aligning technical actions with business outcomes, packhouses can improve efficiency while protecting fruit value. For South African growers and packers, this episode offers practical insight into how postharvest systems can be optimised to reduce waste, improve consistency and ultimately strengthen returns throughout the value chain. 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.

    30 min

  7. Jan 26

    Citrus Rootstocks Explained: Disease Tolerance, Tree Health & Yield - Dr. Kim Bowman

    In this episode of the Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast, we speak with Dr Kim Bowman, research geneticist at the US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Fort Pierce, Florida, and one of the world’s leading citrus rootstock breeders. Dr Bowman shares insights from more than 30 years of citrus rootstock development, including the release of 16 USDA rootstocks, one of which, US-942, has become the most widely planted rootstock in Florida. He explains why rootstocks play a foundational role in citrus production, influencing tree vigour, anchorage, nutrient uptake, disease tolerance and ultimately fruit yield and quality. The conversation focuses strongly on Huanglongbing (HLB) and how Florida’s experience with the disease reshaped global thinking around rootstocks. Dr Bowman explains how certain rootstocks show improved tolerance by limiting bacterial multiplication in the root system, while also emphasising that tolerance is not immunity. Rootstocks, he notes, are one part of a broader system aimed at sustaining fruit production under disease pressure. He also unpacks how rootstocks are bred and evaluated, why they cannot simply be “discovered” like scion mutations, and how long-term field performance is essential before release. Additional discussion covers tolerance to phytophthora, nematodes, soil constraints, anchorage under extreme weather, and the role rootstocks may play in future production systems such as protected structures. For South African growers, the key takeaway is clear: rootstocks are not interchangeable. They are strategic production decisions that shape orchard performance for decades and become even more critical as disease, climate and soil challenges intensify. 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.

    29 min

  8. Jan 12

    Getting Irrigation Right: Basics for Better Orchard Performance – Coenraad Fraenkel & Jaco Lindeque

    In this Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast,Coenraad Fraenkel, Area Extension Manager for the Western and Northern Cape, and Jaco Lindeque, Production Manager at Groep 91, discuss one of the most influential – and most often underrated – crop manipulation tools influencing citrusperformance: irrigation. Coenraad explains how incorrect irrigation remains a leadingcause of poor orchard performance across South Africa. Through CRI’s national irrigation courses and field diagnostics, the team repeatedly found that manytree health problems traced back to over-irrigation, poor system maintenance, and a lack of soil observations. Jaco shares the practical journey of transforming irrigationmanagement at farm level using simple tools, consistent planning, and disciplined auditing. By adopting basic practices like regular soil augering, checking root depth and health, verifying system pressure, and using probes toaudit rather than replace decision-making, his team achieved measurable improvements in yield, water use efficiency and production consistency - even in difficult, high-clay soils. Both guests emphasise the same message:Irrigation success comes from getting the basics right, not only relying on technology . Have a plan. Execute it consistently. Audit it honestly. Repeat it. This episode is essential for any grower wanting to improvefruit quality, reduce wasted inputs, and strengthen long-term orchard performance. About the CRI PodcastThe CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extensionexperts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and fieldinnovation that keep southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive andsustainable.

    23 min
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About

The Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast shares practical, research-based insights for the Southern African citrus industry. Featuring experts and industry professionals, it covers key topics across the value chain, including production, pest and disease management, postharvest handling, and market access. The podcast translates technical knowledge into clear, actionable guidance to support growers, packhouses, exporters, and stakeholders in making informed, sustainable decisions.

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