Project Coordinator:
M.C. Pretorius

Collaborating researchers and technicians involved:
M.C. Pretorius, Dr. Nico Labuschagne (UP)

The aim of this discipline is to provide an industry service whereby new management practices are comparatively evaluated, the implementation of these methods is monitored and standardised recommendations are provided.

Ultimately the main objective is to improve root health in all the citrus producing areas in South Africa, thereby enabling the citrus producer to realise a maximum return upon delivery of healthy orchards with high yields and an increase on fruit size and therefore be able to provide a quality product for the market place.

Pathogens involved;
Ø Nematode spp. - citrus nematode -Tylenchulus semipenetrans, sheath nematode - Hemicycliophora spp.
Ø Citrus Root rot - Phytophpthora spp.
Ø Citrus quick decline - Fusarium spp.
Ø Armillaria root rot

This is achieved by:

· Encouraging producers to monitor disease pathogen levels in the soils by means of analysing soil and root samples on a regular basis.
· Evaluation and screening of new and old chemical products, alone and in combination with other products, under field and glasshouse conditions.
· Evaluation of biocontrol agents on their own and in combination with chemical control products.
· Evaluation of non-toxic compounds to reduce the use of toxic residues in controlling root pathogens.
· The screening of different rootstock hybrids for resistance or susceptibility against the different Soilborne root pathogens.
· Development of different effective cultural practices to reduce the incidence of root pathogens in existing and replant orchard situations.
· Development of innovative ideas in reducing root pathogens safely and more cost effectively.
· Registration of new products