APPLES - Hortgro · Early March Good, with a medium shelf-life. A tendency to develop mealiness. Topred Discovered in the 1950’s in Columbia, USA. It is a mutation of Shotwell Delicious,

APPLES

It is thought that the apple originated in Western Asia. Today the apple is probably the most widely grown and popular fruit in the world. The most important apple cultivars, in area planted per cultivar, in 2002, in SA are:

Granny Smith (30%), followed by Golden Delicious (24%), Red Delicious types (16%), Royal Gala (9%), Cripp’s Pink, also known as Pink Lady® (5%), Braeburn (3%) and Fuji (2%). Recent plantings of Cripp’s Red (also known as Sundowner®) are coming into production and more of these apples will be seen in retail stores. There are also many other varieties grown and sold on our markets in relatively small quantities.

Cultivar

Origin Characteristics Harvest Cold Storage Ability

African CarmineTM

An ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij bred cultivar with Golden Delicious and Dietrich Starking as parents and released to the industry in 1999.

The main characteristic of this cultivar is the almost full striped, attractive cherry-red colour that develops uniformly throughout the tree. The taste is pleasantly sweet, with a floral flavour, and the texture is firm, crisp and juicy. The taste and texture of African Carmine

TM is an

improvement on standard Red Delicious cultivars.

Middle to the end of March

Very good and the texture stays crunchy on the shelf.

Braeburn

Braeburn originated in New Zealand from a chance seedling in 1950. It was first imported into SA in the mid-seventies.

The fruit has a similar shape to Granny Smith. The background colour is green-gold and is covered with a partial reddish-orange blush or stripes. The texture is crisp. The taste is sweet and slightly tangy. It is an excellent eating apple and is delicious in salads. Braeburn keeps its shape when cooked.

Late March to early April

Good, with a long shelf-life.

Cripps’ Pink

Cripps’ Pink originated in Western Australia where it was bred by John Cripps of the Department of Agriculture. It was brought to South Africa by TopFruit (Pty) Ltd and immediately planted in large numbers from 1995 to 1998. The trademark Pink Lady® is licensed by Apple and Pear Australia Limited. The International Pink Lady Alliance (IPLA) co-ordinates use of the trademark and the SA Pink Lady Association has been established to represent South African growers at IPLA.

Its popularity is based on its extremely attractive colour and excellent sugar/acid balanced taste. Fruit shape is oblong. The background colour is lime-green to yellow with an extremely attractive blush pink over colour. The flesh is creamy-white and has a crisp fine texture.

Mid to late April Very good although greasiness and internal browning need to be managed.

Cripps’ Red

Cripps’ Red originated in Western Australia where it was bred by John Cripps of the Department of Agriculture. TopFruit (Pty) Ltd imported it into SA where it was registered and has been grown since 1994. The trademark Sundowner® has been licensed by Apple and Pear Australia Limited. A South African Sundowner® Grower’s company has been formed to manage the commercialisation of this variety in SA.

Fruit shape is flat-globose. The colour is a red striped blush with prominent white lenticels over a green/yellow background. The flesh colour is creamy-white with an extremely good taste that has been described as tart-sweet and fragrant. In blind taste tests this variety is often found to be the best tasting apple in the UK.

Late April to early May

Very good

Drakenstein

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Wemmershoek and Granny Smith.

It has a green-yellow colour with a red blush. The flesh is creamy-white and the texture is crisp. It has a fragrant, sweet taste.

Mid-January Poor, with an extremely short shelf-life.

Early Red One

This apple originated in the USA. It was introduced into SA in 1976.

It is called Early Red One because this apple turns full red early in the season. It is a medium-sized apple, conical in shape. It has a full dark red colour, with a faint suggestion of stripes. The flesh is creamy-white and the texture is crisp. It is a good eating apple with a sweet juicy taste, but is not suited to baking.

Late February to early March. Because it colours early, there can sometimes be problems with immature picking.

Good and a medium shelf-life. A tendency to develop mealiness.

Fuji

Fuji originated in the late 1950’s in Fujisaki, Japan and is a cross between Ralls and Red Delicious. It was introduced to SA in the early 1990’s. A number of Fuji strains have been imported into SA including: Akifu, Irradiated, BC2, Nagafu 2, No.1, No.2, Berthon, Kiku™, Nagafu 1, 2, 6 & 12, Red Sport, Red Sport 2, Red Sport type 1, Red Sport type 2, Red Sport Nagano 1, Suprema, Mine-mura, Raku-Raku, Red Fuji A, Red Fuji B, TAC 114.

Fuji is a large apple. It has a green-yellow background, partially covered with bright pink-red stripes. The flesh is yellowish and the texture is firm and very crisp. It is a very sweet, juicy apple, with an attractive aroma. Fuji apples retain their shape when cooked, but take longer than average to cook tender.

Early April Good. Shelf-life is excellent.

Gala

Bred in New Zealand and is a cross between Kid’s Orange Pippin and Golden Delicious. It was imported into SA in the 1970’s and the first commercial plantings took place in 1982. Gala has been superseded by the more full-coloured mutation, Royal Gala.

The fruit is inclined to be small. The skin is yellow, with some red stripes and inconspicuous lenticels. Slight russeting often occurs at the stem-end. The flesh is cream and the texture is crisp. The apple has a unique, sweet, tangy flavour and a lovely aroma. Gala is a perfect eating apple and ideal for salads, but is not particularly recommended for cooking.

Mid-February Good, although the fruit loses its unique aroma and flavour after three to four months. It has a relatively short shelf-life.

Golden Delicious

Was found as a seedling in West Virginia, USA, in the 1880’s and introduced into SA

in 1930 by Molteno Brothers of Grabouw.

A medium to large apple, green when harvested, ripening to a golden yellow colour. The skin has a tendency towards russeting. In certain areas and under specific conditions Golden Delicious has a delicate pink blush.

late February to mid-March

Very good

Golden Gift

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij bred Golden Gift in SA. It is a cross between Cox’s Orange Pippin and Golden Delicious, and was released in 1992.

A heart-shaped apple and the skin is green-yellow, turning yellow when ripe. It has a crisp texture and a sweet, juicy taste.

Mid to late February

Moderate, with an average shelf-life.

Granny Smith

Granny Smith derives its name from a real granny Smith, Mrs Maria Ann Smith, who discovered this seedling in her garden in Australia in the 1860’s. The first plantings in SA date back to 1919.

A medium to large apple, varying in colour from light to bright green. In cooler areas it will develop a red blush. The lenticels are well developed. The flesh is firm, white and crisp. The taste is slightly tart, yet sweet. It is an excellent eating apple and good for baking, and excellent for sauces or purées.

Late March to late April

Excellent, and does not become mealy. Granny Smith has a long shelf-life.

Oregon Spur

Originated in the USA and is a Red King Delicious mutation. It was introduced to SA in 1971.

The background colour is green-yellow, but the apple is usually fully covered with dark red stripes. The lenticels are inconspicuous. The flesh is cream coloured and crisp. It has a fragrant, sweet taste.

Late February to early March

Good, with a medium shelf-life. A tendency to develop mealiness.

Panorama Golden

The apple originated in Ceres in SA and is a Golden Delicious mutation.

A large apple, similar in appearance to a Golden Delicious with a green-yellow skin and conspicuous lenticels. The flesh is green-white, crisp with a sweet taste. Panorama Golden has a tendency to stem-end russet.

Early February in warm areas

Good, with a medium to long shelf-life.

Red Chief

Red Chief originated in the USA and is a Starkrimson mutation. It was brought to SA in 1977.

The fruit has a green-yellow background covered with full cherry-red stripes. The lenticels are inconspicuous. The flesh is cream-coloured and crisp. The taste is fragrant and sweet.

Late February to the beginning of March


Red Delicious

This cultivar was raised by a Mr Jesse Hiatt of Peru, lowa, as a chance seedling, which first fruited in 1872. Stark Brothers, Missouri, introduced it in 1895.

A medium-sized apple, with a red striped skin. The taste and texture are very similar to Topred.

Early to mid-March.

Good, with a medium shelf-life.

Royal Gala

Originated in New Zealand and is a Gala mutation. It was introduced to SA in the 1980’s and is now preferred to the Gala because of its better colour.

The size and taste is identical to Gala, but it is covered with bright red stripes. When ripe, the background skin is yellow and with the deep red stripes, Royal Gala has a beautiful deep orange appearance.

Mid-February Like the Gala, it should not be cold stored too long, for it will then lose its unique aroma and taste qualities. Its shelf-life is relatively short.

Smoothee

Originated in the USA and is a mutation of Golden Delicious.

Very similar to Golden Delicious, but less inclined to russet. The appearance, taste and cold storage characteristics are the same as Golden Delicious.

Late February to mid-March

Good, with a good shelf-life.

Splendour

Originated in New Zealand. A yellow apple with a reddish-pink blush. It has a crisp, creamy-white flesh, with a distinctive sweet taste and is very flavoursome.

Late March Limited and tends to bruise easily.

Starking

Originated in the USA in the 1920’s and is a mutation of Red Delicious. It was introduced to SA in the 1940’s.

A medium to large apple with red stripes on a green-yellow background. The stripes are sometimes poorly developed. Russeting often occurs at the stem-end. The flesh is cream coloured and the texture is crisp. It is sweet and juicy and a very popular eating apple, but is poorly suited to baking. It cold stores well and has a medium shelf-life.

Early March Good, with a medium shelf-life. A tendency to develop mealiness.

Starkrimson

Like Starking, Starkrimson was found in the USA, and is a Red Delicious mutation.

A medium to large apple. The skin has a full red colour, somewhat tough, with conspicuous lenticels. The skin sometimes has a muddy, brown hue to it. The flesh is cream, the texture is crisp and the taste is sweet.

Early March Good, with a medium shelf-life. A tendency to develop mealiness.

Topred

Discovered in the 1950’s in Columbia, USA. It is a mutation of Shotwell Delicious, which was itself a mutation of Red Delicious. It was introduced to SA in 1973.

Topred has a deep red colour, more uniform than a Starking, and with conspicuous lenticels. It is a medium to large fruit. The flesh is creamy-white in colour with crisp texture. The taste is sweet and juicy and delicious to eat. The apple is not suited to baking.



Table 4.1 AVAILABILITY OF POPULAR APPLE VARIETIES

DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV

51 52 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Royal Gala

Golden Delicious

Top Red

Red Delicious

Starking

Oregon Spur

Starkrimson

Braeburn

Granny Smith

Fuji

Pink Lady®

Sundowner®

Note: Harvest dates may vary according to climatic conditions.

PEARS

Pears originated in Central Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as being a “gift of the gods”. In SA three pear cultivars account for 69% of production in 2002. These are Packham’s Triumph (29%), Bon Chretien (27%) and Forelle (13%). Other notable cultivars are Beurre Bosc (6%), Rosemarie (5%), Doyenne du Comice (4%) and Beurre Hardy (3%). Approximately two thirds of the pear crop is consumed fresh, and the balance is used for processing, primarily canning.

Cultivar


Beurre Bosc

Originated in France as a chance seedling, and it is not known how it was brought into SA.

Beurre Bosc is a medium to large, rough-skinned pear with a distinctive symmetrical shape, a long thin tapering neck and slim stem. The skin is yellowish-green to brown when picked, covered with a network of cinnamon russeting. The background colour is golden-brown when ripe. The flesh is cream coloured and firm and the texture is slightly coarse, but tender. The taste is aromatic, sweet and juicy.

Mid-February to early March

Good, with a satisfactory shelf-life.

Beurre Hardy

Originated in France in 1820 as a chance seedling and was imported into SA towards the end of the 19

th century.

A medium egg-shaped pear, and the skin is olive-green to light brown when harvested, covered with russet spots. The skin turns yellow-brown when ripe. The flesh is creamy-white with a melting, slightly coarse texture. The flavour is slightly aromatic, but not strong.

Late January to early February

Medium, with a satisfactory shelf-life.

Bon Chretien

Originated as a Williams in the United Kingdom. It was exported by a Mr Bartlett to the United States.

A bell-shaped pear and the skin is green-yellow with conspicuous green lenticels when picked. As the pear ripens, the skin turns yellow and the lenticels become brown. The flesh is creamy-white in colour and the texture is smooth and fine. The taste is fragrant, sweet and juicy. Bon Chretien is both an excellent eating and popular canning pear.

Early to late January

Reasonable, with a short shelf-life.

Bon Rouge

Originated in SA and is a mutation of Bon Chretien.

Similar in shape and size to Bon Chretien, but the green background colour is almost completely covered with red-brown. The flesh is cream-white and the texture is soft. It has a pleasant, sweet taste.


Reasonable, with a short shelf-life.

Clapp’s Favourite

Originated in America and is thought to be a cross between Bon Chretien and Flemish.

An attractive medium to large pear. The skin has a green-yellow background with a red blush, and conspicuous lenticels. The background colour is yellow when ripe. The flesh is cream in colour and the texture is coarse. It has a pleasant taste.

late December to early January

Poor, with an extremely short shelf-life.

Conference

Developed in England in 1885 by Mr. Rivers.

A popular pear in France and England but is not grown on a commercial scale in SA. It is harvested in February. It has a green skin and is a long pear with a very elongated neck. The lenticels are conspicuous. The flesh is white and the taste sweet and juicy. Cold storage ability is good.


Good

D’Anjou

This too is a popular pear in Europe and America, but is grown here only on a very limited scale.

An egg-shaped pear with little shoulder definition. The skin is green and may be green or green-yellow when ripe. The lenticels are conspicuous. The flesh is white and smooth-textured and the flavour is sweet, spicy and juicy.

March Good, with good shelf-life.

Doyenne du Comice

Originated as a chance seedling in France and was introduced to SA at the turn of the century.

Also known as a Comice. Comice has a chubby shape, with a short defined neck and a short stem. The skin is green when picked, turning greenish-yellow as the pear ripens. There is sometimes a red blush on the cheek. The lenticels are conspicuous. The flesh is white and extremely smooth and soft. The flavour is aromatic, very sweet and exceptionally juicy. It is a superlative-eating pear, but is not recommended for cooking. Doyenne du Comice has a very sensitive skin which scuffs easily, resulting in brown marks. It should therefore be packed and transported in single layer containers and handled carefully.


The cold storage ability and shelf-life are both good.

Eldorado

Originated in California and is a cross between Bon Chretien and Winter Nelis. It was introduced in SA in the 1970’s.

Eldorado is similar in shape to Bon Chretien. The skin is green when picked and ripens to a white yellow colour. It has a sweet juicy taste.

Late December to early January

Cold storage ability and shelf-life is short.

Flamingo

This is a new blushed pear bred in SA by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. It is a cross between Bon Rouge and Forelle and was released in 1993.

The skin is yellow with a beautiful, bright red blush. The lenticels are conspicuous. The flesh is cream-white and the texture is soft. Eating quality is good.

Early February Moderate and shelf-life is medium.

Forelle

Forelle originated in Germany, as a chance seedling, and was introduced to SA in the late 1800’s. It is believed that the name Forelle originates from the rainbow trout of the same name, because the special colour and markings on the pear are similar to that of the trout.

An oblong or bell-shaped pear. It is very attractive, being highly coloured. As it ripens, the background colour changes from green-yellow to golden-yellow with a brilliant red contrasting blush. The skin is marked by conspicuous lenticels, appearing as spots. The flesh is creamy-white in colour and the texture is slightly coarse. The flesh is sweet and juicy.

Late February to late March

The cold storage ability and shelf-life are very good.

General le Clerc

Originated in France from an open pollinated seedling of Doyenne du Comice, and was introduced to SA in 1976.

The fruit is large, with a round shape and very little neck. The skin is green when picked, ripening to yellow-green, and is covered with brown russet. The lenticels are conspicuous. The flesh is cream coloured and the texture is slightly gritty. The taste is fragrant and sweet.

Mid-February Medium to good.

Harrow Delight

Originated in Canada and is a cross between [Purde 80-51 (Old Home x Early Sweet) x Bartlett].

Oblong in shape, the skin is green-yellow, ripening to yellow. Some fruit has a red blush. The flesh is cream coloured and the texture is firm.

Early January Average, with a short shelf-life.

Highland

Highland was bred in the USA and is a cross between Bartlett and Doyenne du Comice.

Highland is somewhat egg-shaped. The skin is green-yellow in colour and becomes more yellow as the pear ripens. The lenticels are conspicuous. The flesh is white and soft and the taste is exceptional, sweet and aromatic.

Mid-February Good with an excellent shelf-life.

Josephine de Malines

Josephine originated in Belgium as a chance seedling.

Almost egg-shaped, with little shoulder definition. The skin is green-yellow when picked and becomes more yellow as the pear ripens. The flesh is creamy-white when picked and becomes more yellow as the pear ripens. The flesh is creamy-white and the texture smooth and fine.

Middle to late March

Good with a medium shelf-life.

Kieffer

Originated in Germany as a seedling of the Chinese sand pear.

The shape is round, somewhat squat, with no shoulder. The skin is green-yellow, ripening to yellow. The flesh is cream coloured, with a coarse gritty texture.


Good

Packham’s Triumph

Originated in Australia in the 1890’s and is a cross between Bon Chretien and St Germain. It was introduced into SA in 1922.

A medium to large, unevenly shaped, light-green pear with conspicuous dark-green lenticels. The skin colour remains green or green-yellow when ripe. The flesh is creamy-white with a fine, smooth texture. The taste is sweet and juicy.

Mid-February to early March

Packham’s Triumph stores exceptionally well and has excellent shelf-life.

Rosemarie

Bred in SA by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, and is a cross between Bon Rouge and Forelle.

It has a typical Bon Chretien shape with a medium-length stalk. It is an attractive smooth-skinned pear with an orange-red to pink blush on a yellow background. It has a white flesh with a smooth texture. The taste is juicy and sweet.

Mid to late January

Cold storage ability and shelf-life are medium.

Starkrimson/Crimson

Originated in the USA and is a mutation of Clapp’s Favourite.

Starkrimson is much admired for its attractive, full dark red colour. The flesh is creamy-white with a soft texture, and a good taste.


Poor, with a very limited shelf-life.

Winter Nelis

Originated in England and was one of the first cultivars brought into SA.

A small to medium pear, fairly rounded with almost no neck definition. It has light brown russeting over a light green skin that becomes more golden when ripe. The flesh is white and the texture coarse but creamy. It has a sweet taste.

Late March Both cold storage ability and shelf-life are excellent.

Asian Pear

The Asian Pear is the generic name for a round shaped pome fruit, which is neither an apple nor a pear, although it looks like an apple with a rough golden skin. It is also known as an apple-pear, Nashi, Oriental pear or Japanese pear. It originated in Japan where it has been grown for centuries, but new varieties are being grown in other parts of the world. Various cultivars have been tested in SA, where it is grown as a niche cultivar.

A small round fruit, shaped like an apple, and is golden russet in colour. It has the taste of a pear, being sweet and juicy, and the crisp, crunchy texture of an apple.

Mid-January to Mid-February

Both cold storage ability and shelf-life are excellent (much better than European pears)

Table 4.2 AVAILABILITY 0F POPULAR PEAR VARIETIES

DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV

51 52 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Clapp’s Favourite

Starkrimson

Bon Chretien

Bon Rouge

Beurre Hardy

Rosemarie

Flamingo

Beurre Bosc

Doyenne du Comice

Forelle

Josephine

Kieffer

Packham’s Triumph

Winter Nelis

Note: Harvest dates may vary according to climatic conditions

APRICOTS

Apricots are known as “Moons of the Faithful” in China where they originated. Their cultivation spread westward from China to Persia and from there to the Mediterranean. In SA apricots were originally grown only for canning and drying. New varieties are now being developed for the local and export fresh market.

Cultivar

Origin Characteristics Harvest Cold Storage (weeks at -0,5°C)

Bulida

Originated in Spain, where it is known as Canino.

The skin colour is yellow, the flesh is light yellow and it has a free stone. It has a pleasant taste. It is the major canning variety.

Late November 3

Cape Bebeco

Originated in Greece. It does not appear to be the same variety as Bebeco in Greece.

The fresh colour is orange-yellow with a red blush. The size is good. It is used for drying and to a lesser extent for canning.

Early December 4

Empress (Piet Cillié)

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and is a cross between Royal and Bulida. Its cultivar name is Piet Cillie.

The flesh and skin colour are orange-yellow. Early December 4

Grandir

Bred by Zaiger in California. It has an excellent size. The flesh colour is orange-yellow with a red blush. The texture is soft and melting. For good fruit set, Palsteyn (Imperial) is needed as cross pollinator.

Early November 4

Imperial (Palsteyn)

The cultivar name is Palsteyn and it was bred by P.A.L. Steyn at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij.

Currently the South African apricot with the best fruit size and has the largest volumes of fresh export. It has an orange coloured flesh. The taste is excellent.

Mid-November 4

Peeka

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and is a cross between Royal and Bulida. It was first released in 1966.

The skin colour is yellow, as is the flesh, and the stone is free. It has a good taste with a melting texture, and is also sometimes used for drying purposes.

Mid-December 4

Royal

Originated in the USA. The skin is an orange-yellow colour as is the flesh. It has a very good taste with a soft and melting texture and a free stone, and is mainly used for drying purposes.

Mid-December 4

Soldonné

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and is a cross between Royal, Bulida and Alpha. It was released in 1987.

The skin and flesh colour is orange-yellow and the stone is free. The taste is good, with a firm and semi-melting texture, and is also used for drying purposes.

Late November 4

Super Gold

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, and is a cross between Peeka and Palsteyn. It was released in 1986.

The skin colour is orange-yellow and the flesh colour is dark yellow. It has a free stone, with a good taste and a firm and melting texture, but fruit some times cracks during rainy conditions prior to harvesting. Super Gold is mainly used for fresh exports and sometimes for canning.

Early November 3

Trigems

Bred by Zaiger in California. Released in SA in 1991.

A low winter chilling variety. The skin colour is yellow with a red blush. It has a fair taste and is suitable for export.

Late November 4

NECTARINES

Nectarines are becoming increasingly popular on the SA market and many new varieties are being developed.

Cultivar


Alpine

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and released to the industry during the late 1990’s.

It has a low winter chilling requirement with strong vigour and a semi-upright growth habit. The fruit is round with a bright red skin colour. It has an exceptional fruit appearance and is suitable for the local and the export markets.

Late November 4

Armking

Originated in the USA. Oval in shape with a point. The skin colour is red on a green-yellow background. The taste is good but slightly acid and the texture fine and melting.

Late November 4

August Red

Originated in the USA from the Bradford farms, Merced, California.

Round-oblong in shape with no point. The skin colour is red on a green-yellow background. The taste is good and the texture stringy, firm and melting. Fruit colours poorly in warmer areas, but does well in the high chilling areas. It is suitable for the export and the local markets.

Early to mid-February

3

Crimson Giant

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and released to the industry during the late 1980’s.

It has a medium winter chilling requirement, with strong vigour and a semi-upright growth habit. The fruit is round with a bright red skin colour. Crimson Giant has a good fruit appearance and is suitable for the local and the export markets. It does not crack like Donnarine under wet conditions and has a firm melting texture.

Middle December

4

Donnarine

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from a cross between Flamekist and Sunred. It was released in SA in 1987.

The skin is dark-red with yellow specks. The flesh is dark-yellow with a free stone. The taste is good and slightly acid and the texture is medium-fine, firm and melting.

Mid-December 4

Fantasia

Fantasia originated in the USA and was released in SA in 1969.

The fruit is slightly oval to round in shape, and the colour is about 75% light red on a yellow background. The flesh colour is bright yellow and the texture firm, coarse and melting with a free stone. The taste is good.

Mid-January 4

Fiesta Red

Fiesta Red originated in the USA and was released in SA in 1987.

The fruit is round in shape, and tends to be small. The skin colour is dark red and the flesh is yellow with 70% red when ripe. It has a very good taste and the texture is coarse, firm and melting, with a cling stone. Fiesta Red is sensitive to bacterial diseases.

Mid-November 5

Flamekist

Originated in the USA as a seedling of self-pollinated Golden King. It was released in SA in 1968.

The fruit has a round shape, with a red blush on a green-yellow background colour. The flesh is yellow in colour with red around the stone cavity. It is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is slightly but firm and melting. This particular nectarine can become woolly.

Mid-February 3

Flavorine

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. The skin colour is dark red with lenticel spots. The taste is excellent, being firm, fine and melting.

Mid-December 4

Flavortop

Originated in the USA from a seedling of Fairtime. It was released in SA in 1969.

The shape is slightly oval to round and the skin colour is full red. It has a free stone and the flesh is yellow. It has an excellent taste and the texture is medium-fine, melting and firm. It has good cold storage ability for 3 weeks at -0,5°C.

Early January 4

Independence

Originated in the USA. It was released in SA in 1965.

Oval in shape with a point. The skin colour is bright red and the flesh colour is yellow with red around the stone cavity and in the flesh. It is a free stone. The taste is good and moderately acid and the texture is coarse and melting.

Mid-December 4

Margaret’s Pride

Bred in SA by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and named in honour of former British Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Margaret Thatcher.

The size is good. It has a slightly oval to round shape. It is very attractive with a red blush on a yellow background colour. The taste is good and the texture is fine and melting.

Middle to end of December

4

Mayglo

Originated in the USA from a cross between a Fayette peach and a May Grand nectarine. It was released in SA in 1987.

The fruit tends to be slightly small and somewhat oval in shape. The skin colour is bright red and the flesh is light yellow in colour with a cling stone. The taste is good, but slightly acid and the texture is fine, firm and melting.

Early November 4

Nectared 9

Nectared 9 originated in the USA and was released in SA in 1962.

The shape is slightly oval to round and the skin colour is dark red with small specks. The flesh is yellow in colour and is red around the large stone cavity. The stone is free. The taste is good and the texture is fine to floury and melting.

Early February 4

Olympia

Bred in the USA and released in SA in 1985.

The shape is round to oblong and slightly pointed. The skin colour is red with some yellow, and the flesh is yellow with red in the stone cavity. The stone is free. The taste is good and the texture is melting and fine.

Mid-December 3

Red Jewel

Originated in the USA and was released in SA in 1997. It is recommended for the high chilling areas.

A round nectarine, dark red in colour with less prominent lenticels. The flesh colour is yellow and the stone is cling. The taste is good, but slightly acid and the texture medium-fine and melting.

Early January 3

September Red


A round nectarine, with bright red on a yellow skin colour. The flesh is firm, yellow in colour and the taste is moderate.

Mid-February 3

Sunlite

Originated in the USA and was released in SA in 1974.

A round nectarine, dark red in colour with many lenticels. The flesh colour is yellow and the stone is free. The taste is good, but slightly acid and the texture medium-fine and melting.

Late November 4

Unico

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and released to the industry during 1996.

It has strong vigour and a semi-upright to spreading growth habit, with a low chilling requirement. Fruit is harvested early and tends to be on the small side. Proper thinning is very important. The fruit is round with a bright yellow skin colour. It has an exceptional fruit appearance and is marketed as “Nectarcot” on the local and the export markets.

Mid-November 4

Zaigina


Zaigina is oval in shape and the skin colour is red to dark red on a yellow background colour. The flesh colour is orange-yellow to red with red around the stone cavity. The stone is a cling stone. The taste is good, moderately acid, and the texture is stringy and melting.

Late January 3

PEACHES

Peaches originated in China, and were brought to Persia along the old silk route by the ancient Persians. Peaches reached Europe approximately 2000 years ago and from there spread to the rest of the world. Many varieties are grown in SA.

Cultivar


Albatros

Bred at Roodeplaat in SA and released in 1973.

It has a round shape and the skin is green with a red blush. The flesh is white and the stone is a cling stone. It has a sweet taste and the texture is slightly coarse, melting and soft.

Mid-November 2

Bonnigold


A round peach with a yellow skin and yellow flesh. It has a cling stone. It has a fair taste and a non-melting texture.

Late November 3

Catherina

Originated in the USA. A yellow peach with a red blush when grown in cold areas. The flesh is light yellow in colour and has a cling stone. It has a good taste and the texture is non-melting, firm and fine. It is a good canning peach.

Early January 2

Cinderella

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between De Wet and NJC18-4. It was released in 1989.

A low winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow with a red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is melting and soft.

Late October 2

Classic

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Elberta and Oom Sarel. It was released in 1994.

A medium winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow with a red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting and firm.

Early December 4

Culemborg

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Babcock and Early Dawn. It was released in 1952.

The skin colour is green-white with a dark red blush. The flesh is white in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is melting and soft.

Late November 4

Desert Gold

Originated in the USA. A round peach with a dark red colour. The flesh is yellow with red pigmentation and it has a cling stone. The taste is pleasant, but slightly acid and the texture coarse and melting. The cold storage ability is poor.

Early November 2

Desert Pearl

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and released in 1987.

The skin is yellow with a red blush and the flesh is light yellow. The stone is a cling stone. The taste is good with a melting, medium-fine, soft texture.

Mid - November 2

De Wet

De Wet was bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and released in 1979.

The fruit is oval in shape with a point. The skin colour is yellow and covered with about 75% red. The flesh colour is yellow and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is fair and the texture slightly coarse, melting and soft.

Late October 3

Don Elite


A round peach with a yellow ground colour, blushed with red. The flesh colour is yellow and it has a cling stone. Its taste is moderate and the texture melting, fine and firm.

Mid - November 2

Earlygrande


The fruit is oval with a point and the skin colour is yellow with 75% red. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is pleasant and the texture slightly coarse, melting and soft. Earligrande is very similar to De Wet.

Late October 2

Elandia

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Fairtime and BD8-22. It was released in 1998.

A medium winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow with a red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a free stone. The taste is good and the texture is melting and soft. Elandia is suitable for the local market.

Late January 2

Elberta

Originated in the USA and was released in the early 19

th century.

The skin is yellow with a red blush and the flesh is yellow with red in the stone cavity. The stone is free stone. It has a very good taste, with a melting and coarse texture. The peach is ideal for drying and is also an excellent eating peach.

Late January 2

Excellence


A medium winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow with a red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a free stone. The taste is good and the texture is firm and melting. It is suitable for the local market, export and drying.

Late December 4

Fairtime

Bred in the USA and released in SA in 1968.

It has a yellow skin with a red blush, and the flesh is yellow with red in the stone cavity. The stone is free. It has a good taste and soft, coarse and melting texture. Fairtime has a tendency towards wooliness. It grows particularly well in the Summer rainfall regions.

Early March 2

Goudmyn

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from an open pollinated cross between Oom Sarel and 344. It was released in 1989.

A low winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow with no red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting and firm. It is mainly used for canning.

Early January 4

Hantam

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Elberta and SN54-31. It was released in 1984.

A round peach, with a yellow skin colour, with a slight blush and yellow flesh. The stone is a free stone. The taste is good, with good flavour, and the texture is melting and fine. It is a good drying peach.

Early January 3

Imperani

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from an open pollinated cross between Jubilee and Keimoes. It was released in 1975.

A high winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow with red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting and firm. It is mainly planted in the Summer rainfall regions.

Mid-January 2

Impora

Impora was selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from Imperani peach seedlings. It was released in 1986.

A round peach, yellow in colour with a dark red blush. The flesh is yellow with red around the stone, which is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture non-melting. It grows particularly well in the Summer rainfall regions.

Early January 2

Kakamas

Originated in SA as a chance seedling of the St. Helena peach. It was released in 1938.

Round in shape with a point and the skin colour is yellow. The flesh colour is yellow and the stone is a cling stone. It has a moderate taste with a non-melting, fine and firm texture. It is a popular canning variety.

Mid-February 2

Keisie

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from an open-pollinated cross between 41-21 and 51-30. It was released in 1992.

A medium winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the

texture is non-melting and firm. It is mainly used

for canning.

Early January 4

Malherbe

Malherbe was bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Kakamas and Early Dawn. It was released in 1961.

The fruit is round with a yellow skin and yellow flesh. The stone is a cling stone. It has a good taste with a non-melting, fine and firm texture. It is a fine canning peach.

Late December 2

Monate

Selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from an open pollinated cross between Jubilee and Keimoes peach seedlings. It was released in 1986.

A round peach, yellow in colour. The flesh is yellow with no red around the stone, with a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture non-melting. It grows particularly well in the Summer rainfall regions.

Mid-January 2

Neethling

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and is a cross between Kakamas and Early Dawn. It was released in 1961.

A round, yellow peach with a yellow flesh and a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture non-melting, fine and firm. It is a popular canning variety.

Mid-January 2

Nova Donna

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij developed this peach in SA.

Completely round with no point and has a 75% red blush on a yellow background. The flesh colour is yellow to orange and it has a cling stone and non-melting flesh.

End November 3

Oom Sarel

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Kakamas and Early Dawn. It was released in 1961.

A round peach with a yellow skin and a yellow flesh. It has a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting, fine and firm. It is a useful canning peach.

Mid-December 2

Oribi


A medium winter chilling peach. Trees need summer pruning for good blush development. The skin colour is yellow with a red blush. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a free stone. The taste is good and the texture is firm-melting. It is suitable for the local market and drying.

Late February 3

Orion

Bred at Roodeplaat in SA. It was released in 1973.

Orion has a red blush on a light green background. The flesh is white in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is sweet and the texture slightly coarse, melting and soft. Orion tends to be a small peach.

Early November 3

Peregrine

Peregrine is an old variety, originating in Britain and imported into SA in 1906.

Round in shape with a dark red skin colour on a green ground colour. The flesh is white and the stone is semi-free. It has a good taste and soft, melting and medium coarse texture.

Mid-January 3

Puller’s Cling

Unknown. A round shape with a prominent suture. It has a full red blush on a yellow background colour. The flesh colour is orange and it is a cling stone with non-melting texture.

Mid-March 3

Rhodes

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and is a cross between Babcock and Early Dawn. It was released in 1953.

Rhodes is a round peach with a dark red skin. The flesh is white and the stone is semi-free. It has a very good taste and has a melting, soft and fine texture.

Early December 4

Safari


Round-oblong in shape with a slight point. The skin is red in colour on a yellow background. The flesh is yellow with red in the stone cavity. The stone is a free stone. The taste is very good and the texture is melting, slightly coarse and soft.

Early December 3

Sandvliet

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from an open pollinated cross between Oom Sarel and 344. It was released in 1991.

A medium winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting and firm. It is mainly used for canning.

Early January 4

San Pedro


A red peach with a bright yellow ground colour. The flesh is light yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good, slightly acid and the texture is melting and fine.

Early November 3

Snow Crest


Round-oblong in shape, with a point. It has a light green skin colour with a red blush. It is a firm-melting flesh with a high sugar and low acid, and the stone is free.

End-December to Early January

5

Snow White Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and released in 1996.

A round full-red peach with white flesh. It has good flavour and the stone is free.

Late November 4

Sonette


A round peach, light yellow in colour. The flesh is light yellow with a free stone. The taste is good. It is best suited to growing in the Summer rainfall regions.

Late November 2

Springcrest Originated in the USA and was released in SA in 1980.

A red-striped peach with a yellow flesh and a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is melting, fine and firm.

Mid-November 3

Summer Giant


A large round peach, light yellow and red blush in colour. The flesh is light yellow with a free stone. The taste is good. Best suited to growing in the Summer rainfall regions.

Early December 2

Summersun


A round peach with good fruit size, light-yellow skin colour and no red blush. The flesh is light yellow with a cling stone and non-melting texture. The taste is good. Best suited to growing in the Summer rainfall regions.

Late November 4

Suncrest

Originated in the USA as a cross from Alamar and Gold Dust. It was released in SA in 1959.

It has a dark red blush on a yellow ground colour. The flesh is yellow with red in the stone cavity, and the stone is free. It has a good taste and texture is coarse and melting.

Early January 2

Sunray

Bred at Roodeplaat in SA and was released in 1964.

A round-oblong peach with red stripes on a yellow background. The flesh is light yellow in colour and it has a cling stone. The taste is good but slightly acid and the texture non-melting and fine.

Mid-November 2

Sunsweet

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from an open pollinated selection of 2-12-23. It was released in 1991.

A medium winter chilling peach with good fruit size. The skin colour is yellow. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a free stone. The taste is good and the texture is firm-melting. It is mainly used for drying.

Early January 2

Transvalia

Developed by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and released in 1987.

Round oblong in shape, and has a red blush on a yellow ground colour. The flesh colour is yellow to orange and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is fine and firm.

Mid-November 4

Western Cling

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from cross between Catharina and Jonker. It was released in 1994.

A low winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting and firm. It is suitable for the canning, but mainly used for fresh consumption.

Early December 4

Western Sun

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between SN54-31 and RP73-622. It was released in the mid-1990’s.

A medium winter chilling peach. The skin colour is yellow. The flesh is yellow in colour and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is good and the texture is non-melting and firm. It is suitable for the canning.

Mid-January 4

Woltemade

Developed in SA from a chance seedling of Kakamas.

Somewhat oval in shape with a prominent point and a yellow skin colour. The flesh is orange-yellow and the stone is a cling stone. It has a good taste and a non-melting, fine and firm texture. This is an excellent canning peach.

Late January 2

PLUMS

The wild plum originated in Western Asia and plums were known to be cultivated in the Middle East 3000 years ago. Plums were introduced into Europe during Roman times. Plums are increasing in popularity in SA and new varieties are being developed.

Cultivar


Casselman

Originated in the USA as a bud mutation of late Santa Rosa.

A round oblong to conical plum with a bright red skin colour. The flesh is yellow, but develops a red colour from the stone. It has a cling stone. The taste is pleasant and slightly acid and the texture is firm.

Early February 6

Celebration

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij and released in 1989.

A flat round plum with a black skin. The flesh is yellow-green and it has a cling stone. It has a good taste and a firm, semi-melting texture. It has a tendency to internal breakdown when cold stored.

Early February 2

Flavor King

Flavor King originated in the USA and is inter-specie cross between an apricot and a plum.

A round plum and is red at harvest. The flesh is a yellow colour at harvest, but turns red during cold storage and has a cling stone. It has a very good taste with melting texture.

Late January 4

Fortune

Originated at Fresno, California by DW Ramming, USDA. Cross between Laroda and (Queen Ann x Late Santa Rosa)

Large fruit with bright red skin on yellow ground colour. The flesh is yellow and firm. The stone is semi-cling.

Late December to Early January

4

Gavearli

Originated in SA from a mutation found on a Gaviota plum.

A low chilling requirement plum. It is conical plum and is red-yellow at harvest and turns red when ripe. The flesh is a yellow colour at harvest and has a free stone. It has a very good taste with a melting texture.

Late December 4

Gaviota

Originated in the USA. A conical plum and is red-yellow at harvest and turns red when ripe. The flesh is a yellow colour and it has a free stone. It has a very good taste with a melting texture.

Early January 4

Harry Pickstone

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and is a cross between Gaviota and a Methley Wickson cross. It was released in 1973.

The skin is green when picked, but turns dark red during storage. The flesh is yellow and it has a cling stone. The taste is good and sweet and the texture melting.

Early January 4

Lady Red


Lady Red has a round-oblong shape and the skin is bright with many white lenticels. The flesh is orange-yellow in colour and the stone is semi-free. The taste is good and the texture is firm and melting.

Late December 4

Laetitia


Laetitia has a round-oblong shape and the skin is bright with many white lenticels. The flesh is orange-yellow in colour and the stone is semi-free. The taste is good and the texture is firm and melting.

Late January 5

Larry Ann

Originated in the USA. A large round dark red plum with white lenticels. The flesh is yellow with a very good taste. The flesh is firm but melting.

Late January to middle February

5

Pioneer

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA and released in late 1990’s.

Pioneer has a round-oblong shape and the skin is bright red after cold storage. The flesh is light-yellow in colour and the stone is cling. The taste is good and the texture is firm and melting.

Late November 4

President

Originated in England. A round-oblong plum with a free stone. The skin is purple, usually with a deep bloom, and the flesh is green. The taste is pleasant with a non-melting texture.

Late February 3

Red Beaut

Originated in America as a seedling from a cross between Eldorado and Burmosa.

A round plum with a dark red skin. The flesh is orange-yellow becoming red when the plum is overripe. It has a cling stone. The taste is sweet and it has a melting texture.

Late November 2

Ruby Nel (Reubennel)

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between a Gaviota and a Methley x Wickson cross. It was released in 1978.

The plum is green with dark red stripes when picked and develops a full red colour when ripe. The flesh is orange-yellow and the stone is a cling stone. The taste is very sweet and the texture firm and non-melting.

Late December to early January

5

Ruby Red


A round plum with a low winter chilling requirement. The skin colour is red, becoming dark red after storage. Flesh colour is initially yellow, but turns red after storage. Texture is moderate and the stone is semi-free. The fruit has a high sugar content and very good eating quality.

Late December 4

Santa Rosa

Originated in the USA. It has red skin with an orange to red flesh. It has a cling stone. It has a strong flavour, slightly acid around the stone, and a melting texture.

Mid-December 4

Sapphire

Originated in SA and was bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. It was released in 1992.

It has a good fruit size. The skin colour is purple on light green when picked, but turns dark purple when it ripens. The taste is firm and sweet.

Early December 4

Simka

Originated as a chance seedling in the USA.

A conical shaped plum with a free stone. It has a purple skin with a yellow to yellow-green flesh.

Late January 4

Songold

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA from a cross between Wickson and Golden King. It was released in 1970.

Songold has a conical shape and is yellow-green when picked but turns light red when ripe. The flesh is yellow in colour and it has a cling stone. The taste is very good and the texture is semi-melting and firm.

Early February 4

Southern Belle

Originated at Modesto, California by Zaiger Inc. Genetics.

Large round fruit with dark purple skin and amber flesh

Early to mid-February

4

Souvenir

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA. It was released in 1993.

The size is good. The skin colour is purple on a yellow background colour. The taste is firm and sweet.

Middle to end December

4

Sundew (African Pride™)

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA. It was released in 1999. The fruit is marketed under the brand name African Pride™.

A round plum with a low winter chilling requirement. The skin colour is light yellow, turning bright yellow after storage. The fruit is sensitive to rub marks. The flesh colour is yellow and the stone is semi-free. The texture is fine. The fruit has a high sugar content and very good eating quality.

Early January 4

Sun Kiss (African Pride™)

Bred by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in SA. It was released in 1999. The fruit is marketed under the brand name African Pride™.

A round plum with a low winter chilling requirement. The skin colour is light yellow, turning bright yellow after storage. The fruit is sensitive to rub marks. The flesh colour is yellow and the stone is semi-free. The texture is fine. The fruit has a high sugar content and very good eating quality.

Late December 4

Suplum Six

(Angeleno)

Originated in the USA and was bred by Sun World International. It was released in early 1990’s.

The size is good. The skin colour is purple/black. The taste is firm and sweet.

End January to beginning February

6

PRUNES

Cultivar


Prune d’Agen

This is an ancient prune variety originating in France.

An oval plum with a dark skin and dense bloom. The flesh is green-yellow in colour and it has a free stone. It has a very good, sweet taste and the texture is firm and semi-melting. It is ideal for drying.

Early February 2

Van der Merwe

This prune was discovered as a bud mutation of Prune d’Agen.

An oval prune with a dark red to purple skin and green-yellow flesh. It has a free stone. Van der Merwe is very sweet, with a high sugar content and a semi-melting texture. It is very suited to drying.

Mid-January 2

GRAPES

Grapes are an ancient fruit and are thought to have first originated in the areas around the Caspian Sea. It is estimated that today there are over 8 000 varieties grown throughout the world. In SA table grapes were originally either white or black varieties. Today seedless grapes, originally grown for drying, are increasing in popularity and new red varieties are coming onto the market.

The table below shows the most important cultivars.

Table 4.3 POPULAR TABLE GRAPE CULTIVARS

SEASON WHITE BLACK WHITE SEEDLESS RED

Early Victoria Queen of the Vineyard Muscat Supreme Bien Donné

Dan-ben-Hannah Alphonse Lavallée Ronelle

Muscat Seedless Sugraone Saltanina Prime Regal Seedless

Flame Seedless

Mid Bellevue Waltham Cross Majestic

La Rochelle Bonheur Bonita

Sunred Seedless Red Globe

Late Dauphine

Barlinka Crimson Seedless

Cultivar


Almeria

This cultivar derives its name from the town Almeria in Spain, where it called Ohanez.

Almeria is a late white cultivar. The berries are oval/oblong and medium-sized, and relatively loose on the bunch. Almeria is a green-yellow grape, with a pleasant taste.

End March to mid-April

Good

Alphonse Lavalleé

Originated in France. It was imported into SA in 1926 from Argentina. It is also known as Ribier in Spanish speaking countries and as Gros Noir (large black) in France.

Alphonse Lavalleé is an early black cultivar. The berries are large, round and a deep black colour. The taste is sweet and juicy.

January to mid-February

Good

Barlinka

Originated in North Africa and was imported to SA from Algiers in 1910.

A late black cultivar. The berries are round to oval and purple-black in colour and dense in the bunch. Barlinka has a strong skin and a sweet crisp taste.

Beginning March to mid-May

Excellent

Belair

Originated in SA and was selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from a cross between Barlinka and Black Spanish. It was released in 1986.

A mid-seasonal black variety. It has medium-sized round berries, which are blue black in colour, usually covered with a dense bloom. The skin is strong and the taste pleasant.

Early March Very good

Bellevue

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij selected Bellevue from open-pollinated Olivetti Blanch progeny. It was released in 1982.

A mid-season white grape. The berries are large, round oval in shape yellow-green in colour and are compact in the bunch. The skin is strong and the taste is pleasant.

January to end-February

Average

Bien Donné

Originated in SA and was selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from a cross between Almeria and Queen of the Vineyard. It was released in 1977. Also known as Peridot.

An early white cultivar. It has small to medium uniformly shaped round berries, fairly dense on the bunch. The berries are straw coloured. Bien Donné has a light muscat flavour. A new grape, Premier Donné, is similar in all respects to Bien Donné, but has a larger berry.

Mid-December to mid-January

Average

Bonheur

Bonheur (also known as Bonnoir) originated in SA and was selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from a cross between Barlinka and Alphonse Lavalleé. It was released in 1986.

A mid-season black grape. The berries are very large, short oval in shape and a deep blue-black in colour. Bonheur has a sweet flavour.

January and February

Good

Bonita

Originated in SA as a cross between Barlinka and Alphonse Lavalleé. It was released in 1989. Also known as Sonita

An early mid-season black grape. The berries are large and deep black in colour. The taste is sweet and juicy.


Good

Crimson Seedless

Developed in California. A late red cultivar, with a firm berry texture and soft skin. Taste is neutral. Berry size is 17 – 18 mm, with a weight of 3,9 – 4,3 g.

Mid-January to end March

Good

Dan-ben-Hannah

Dan-ben-Hannah (also known as Black Emperor) originated in Israel where it was selected from a cross between Black Mikveh and Alphonse Lavallée. It was released in SA in 1973.

An early black cultivar. The berries are oval and medium-sized and red-black in colour. The bunches are well filled and dense. The skin is strong and slightly tannic, but the berries are sweet.

Late December in the early areas, through to end-January.

Medium

Datal

Datal was imported from France in 1974. It was selected from a cross between Waltham Cross and Muscat d’ Alexandrie.

A white grape. The berries are very large, oval in shape and green-yellow in colour. The berries have a tendency to become soft. The skin is strong and the taste is sweet.

January to mid-February

Limited

Dauphine

Dauphine originated in SA, selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from open-pollinated progeny of Almeria. It was released in 1983.

A late, white cultivar. The berries are large and have a long-oval shape. They are a beautiful honey-straw colour when ripe. The skin is firm, slightly tannic and the taste is sweet.

Mid-March to early May

Good

Ebony Star

A new cultivar developed by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. It was released in 2002.

Ebony Star is a late black seeded grape. Berry size is 24 mm, with a mass of 12 g.

Mid-February to end March

Good

Erlihane

Originated in SA and was selected at Roodeplaat from a cross between Muscat d’Alexandrie x Queen of the Vineyard and Muscat d’ Alexandrie. It was released in 1976.

Erlihane is an early white grape. The berries are small, round to oval and green-yellow in colour. The taste is sweet with muscat characteristics.


Poor

Flame Seedless

A multiple cross of, among others. Cardinal, Sultana, Malaga and Hanepoot, released in California in 1973. Flame Seedless is very popular in California and Chile.

An early red seedless variety. The berries are small and round with an attractive red colour.

Mid-November to December

Poor

Golden Hill

Discovered by D Hill among other imported cultivars in 1941. The true identity and origin are not known.

A late white cultivar. The berries are an attractive yellow colour. The eating quality is exceptional.

Late March Average

Italia

Originated in France from a cross between Bicane and Muscat Hamburg. It is also called Ideal or Pirovano 65. It was released in 1976.

A mid-season white varietal. It has large, straw coloured berries, oval in shape. It has a sweet muscat flavour.

Early February Poor

La Rochelle

Originated in SA and was selected by the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from a cross between Barlinka and Alphonsé Lavalleé. It was released in 1986.

An early black cultivar. The berries are round, medium-sized and blue-black in colour with a dense bloom. The taste is sweet.


Excellent

Majestic

A white seeded mid-season cultivar developed by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij.

Berry flesh is firm to moderately firm. The skin is moderately tough and taste is sweet neutral. Berry size is up to 19 mm (7,2 - 7,9 g).

Early January to late February

Poor

Muscat d’ Alexandrie (Hanepoot)

This grape is also known as White Hanepoot. It is one of the oldest cultivars still grown and originated in North Africa from where it spread to Europe. It has been grown in SA for hundreds of years.

A white cultivar. The berries are medium-sized, oval in shape and green-yellow in colour. The skin is strong and the taste is distinctively muscat. It is a popular table grape and is well suited to winemaking and grape juice, as well as drying. It has no cold storage ability and a very short shelf-life.

Early March Poor

Muscat Seedless

Originated in SA from a cross between Muscat d’Alexandrie and Perlette. It was released in 1986.

A very early, white seedless cultivar. The berries are small and round and yellow-green in colour. The taste is sweet and juicy and distinctively muscat.

Early January Poor

Muscat Supreme

Originated in SA and was selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. It was released 1994.

An early white cultivar. It has a muscat flavour. The berries are medium-sized.

Mid-January Average to good

Mystery

Hoekstra Fruits brought this cultivar to SA from Israel in the late 1990’s.

A white seedless grape with an oval shape and has a straw yellow colour. If harvested under optimal conditions, it tends to have a greener shade. Cold storage capability is poor (4 weeks maximum) and the cultivar is susceptible to SO2 burn.

December Poor

New Cross

Also known as Aledo in Spain. A mid-seasonal white cultivar. It has medium-sized berries, round to oval in shape and green-yellow in colour. It has a strong skin and a sweet taste.

Mid-March Poor

Prime

Prime was cultivated in Israel in the 1990’s and brought to SA by Hoekstra Fruits.

It has medium to large berries with a yellow-green colour. The taste is sweet and juicy.

November to early January

Average to good

Queen of the Vineyard

A cross between Souvenir de la Reine and Pearl of Csaba. It was imported from Hungary in the mid-1930’s.

An early white cultivar, harvested in. It has short oval, medium-sized berries, and light green in colour. The taste is sweet with a light muscat flavour.

Early January Poor

Red Emperor /Emperor

Originated in the East. It is an important cultivar in California. A new clone was released in 1983.

A mid to late seasonal red cultivar. The berries are small, oval in shape and dark red in colour. The taste is sweet with a light muscat flavour.

Mid to late March

Poor

Red Globe

A multiple cross between, among others, Red Emperor, Hunisa and Nocera, which were eventually again crossed with one another to obtain the new selection. It was developed in California in 1958.

A mid-season red grape. It has large round berries with a wine-red colour. The skin is strong and the taste is pleasant.


Average

Regal Seedless

Developed by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. A white, seedless variety with inherent large berries. Berry texture is firm. The taste is neutral while the skin tends to be tough. Berry size is 16,8mm - 18,2 mm, with a weight of 5,5 g - 6,8 g.

December and January

Good

Ronelle

Ronelle (also known as Black Gem) originated in SA and was bred at Roodeplaat from a cross between Barlinka and Queen of the Vineyard. It was released in 1980.

A black cultivar, best suited to summer rainfall areas. It has medium-sized berries, short oval in shape and purple-black in colour. It has a strong skin and a pleasant taste.


Average

Rubistar

Originated in SA from a cross between Queen of the Vineyard and Muscat Hamburg. It was released by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in 1986.

An early red variety. The attractive berries are short oval in shape, medium-sized and bright red in colour. The taste is sweet with a slight muscat flavour.

Early January Poor

Sugraone

Developed by Sun World International. Sugraone is also known as Superior Seedless® and Festival Seedless.

An early white seedless grape. The berries are medium to large, and a most attractive straw colour. Sugraone has a pleasant, sweet taste.

December and January

Good

Sultanina

Originated in Anatolia and three clones were imported to SA from Australia in the 1970’s. Also known as Sultana or Thompson Seedless.

Originally used for wine or dried for raisins but has been cultivated as a table grape in SA since 1982/1983. It is a white seedless grape. It has small round berries, straw yellow in colour. The taste is sweet. Thompson Seedless is a Sultanina with a larger berry size (280 berries per kilogram) obtained by manipulation. A highly popular export grape.

December Poor

Sunred Seedless

Originated in SA and was selected by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij from a cross between Datal and Ruby Seedless. It was released in 1991.

It has seedless medium-sized berries, elliptic in shape and dark maroon red in colour. The skin is strong and the taste is sweet, slightly acid.

Early January to mid-February

Better than other seedless cultivars

Victoria

Originated in Romania. An early white cultivar. Berry texture is soft. The taste is neutral and sweat, while the skin is medium tough. It has large berries with an oblong shape, green-yellow in colour. Berry size is 20 mm - 24 mm, with a weight of 9 g - 11 g.

Early December to mid-January

Average

Waltham Cross

Waltham Cross has been cultivated in SA since 1910. It is an eastern cultivar, which spread to the West via Beirut. It was imported to SA from Waltham Cross in England. It is known as Dattier de Beyrouth in the Middle East, Rosaki in France and Spain and Regina in Italy.

It has medium-sized berries with a long oval shape, green-yellow in colour. The taste is sweet and juicy.

Mid-January to mid-March

Average to good

Documents

APPLES - Hortgro · Early March Good, with a medium shelf-life. A tendency to develop mealiness. Topred Discovered in the 1950’s in Columbia, USA. It is a mutation of Shotwell Delicious,