Citrus In South Africa

South Africa is known for its diverse citrus cultivations, which are an important part of the country’s agricultural industry. Gaining recognition for it’s quality and taste, South Africa’s citrus industry seems to be thriving. While is indeed thriving, it is also true that a significant amount of fruit from citrus cultivations can go to waste due to various factors, including inadequate orchard protection and misinformation among farmers. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and mandarins are grown in various regions across the country, mainly including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape, as-well as parts of the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. With all these cultivations widespread around the country, 34% of each harvest goes to waste, and if you add the numbers up, that’s a lot of waste!

The Problem With Citrus Cultivations

“Lack of Knowledge and Information: Misinformation or limited knowledge among farmers regarding the best practices in citrus cultivation can contribute to fruit wastage.”

The cultivation of citrus fruits often face challenges related to the effects of wind and sunlight. The presence of wind can have a detrimental impact on citrus cultivations, particularly due to its “dryer” effect. The constant breeze caused by the wind can lead to the drying out of flowers, which will in turn destroy the entire cultivation. To mitigate this issue, it becomes essential to implement a shadowing and wind-blocking structure. This structure serves the purpose of eliminating the negative effects of the wind on the citrus crops. By providing a shield against the wind, the structure prevents the constant breeze from reaching the flowers and causing them to dry out.

Additionally, the structure’s ability to provide shade is also crucial for citrus cultivation. The direct exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods can be detrimental to the health and development of citrus fruits. Excessive sunlight can lead to sunburn and dehydration, negatively impacting the overall quality and yield of the harvest. Hence, a well-designed shadowing and wind-blocking structure, such as the one offered by Valente Pali, is necessary to protect citrus cultivations from the damaging effects of wind and sunlight. By creating a controlled environment, it ensures that the flowers remain intact, allowing for successful pollination and ultimately contributing to a healthy and productive citrus harvest.

Our Solution

To aid in the problems of South Africa’s vibrant citrus industry, Shelanti Agri is providing you with an ingenious solution, that thanks to Valente Pali Italy, will revolutionize the way citrus harvests are protected and nurtured. By implementing a cutting-edge shading structure, a system equipped with a wind-blocking net in a subtle neutral hue, Valente Pali’s innovative system combines shade and protection, enabling the citrus fruits to thrive. This groundbreaking approach also ensures that sunlight permeates through to the crops, promoting optimal ripening precisely when it matters the most – during the peak season of June.

The Net and Why It’s Color Is Important

Part of Valente Pali’s solution for citrus orchards incorporates that the wind-blocking net is specifically designed in a neutral color. A black net (often referred to as a shade net) is used in citrus cultivations to provide shade and protect the fruit from excessive sunlight and heat. The purpose of using a shade net is to create a controlled environment that balances the amount of light reaching the fruit, preventing sunburn and promoting optimal fruit ripening. However, for us and the system we provide, the choice of a neutral color for the shade net is preferred over black because it allows the passage of light necessary for the fruit to ripen. Here are some of the biggest benefits of this:

Light Transmission: Citrus fruits require sunlight for the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for fruit development and ripening. While shading is necessary to protect the fruit from intense sunlight, completely blocking out light would hinder fruit growth and maturation. By using a neutral-colored shade net, the netting material allows a portion of sunlight to pass through, ensuring the fruit receives the required light energy for proper ripening.
Temperature Regulation: Excessive heat can have adverse effects on fruit quality and yield. A shade net helps in reducing the temperature under the netting, creating a microclimate that is more favorable for fruit growth. The neutral color of the shade net minimizes heat absorption and allows for better temperature regulation, preventing overheating while still providing the necessary light conditions for ripening.
Sunburn Protection: Direct exposure to intense sunlight can cause sunburn on citrus fruits, resulting in blemishes, discoloration, and reduced market value. By installing a shade net, the fruit is shielded from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn. The neutral color of the shade net reflects a portion of the sunlight, preventing excessive heat buildup on the fruit surface and reducing the likelihood of sunburn damage.

This innovative approach strikes a balance between protecting the fruits from the harsh effects of the sun and wind while maintaining an optimal environment for their growth and development.

In Conclusion

Citrus cultivations in South Africa play a significant role in the country’s agricultural industry, contributing to both domestic consumption and international exports. While challenges such as fruit wastage exist, efforts are being made to address these issues through improved orchard protection and the dissemination of accurate information among farmers. The use of Valente Pali’s system proves to be an effective technique in providing the necessary sun protection while allowing the passage of light crucial for fruit ripening. By striking a balance between shade and light transmission, farmers can promote optimal fruit development, mitigate sunburn risks, and enhance overall crop quality. As the citrus industry in South Africa continues to evolve and adapt to the best practices, it is poised to maintain its position as a leading citrus producer, providing consumers worldwide with high-quality citrus fruits, now guaranteed.