Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast

In this CRI Podcast episode, we speak with Dr Sean Moore, Research Manager at Citrus Research International, about one of the most ambitious Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiatives undertaken by CRI in recent years. Despite decades of IPM research and grower engagement, adoption across the citrus industry has remained slower than expected. In response, CRI has launched a three-year IPM Transf...

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, reduce...

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 t...

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...

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 comp...

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...

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. H...

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 roots...

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 perfo...

In this Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast, wespeak with Dr Kandas Cloete, Senior Analyst at BFAP and specialist in farmprofitability and agricultural policy for high-value export crops. Kandas explains the core drivers of economic sustainabilityin citrus farming, showing that profitability depends far more on cartons per hectare, fruit size, market returns, and farm gate value than simpl...

In this episode of the Citrus Research International (CRI)Podcast, Prof Jacquie van der Waals, Programme Coordinator for Preharvest Diseases, explains the epidemiology and management of Alternaria Brown Spot and Core Rot - two important diseases increasingly affecting soft citrus. Jacquie discusses how Alternaria infections begin early inthe season, often during first flush and flowering, and how...

In this episode of the Citrus Research International Podcast, we talk to Dr. Paul Fourie, Manager of Biosecurity and the Citrus Improvement Scheme (CIS) at CRI. Paul explains how South Africa’s world-class citrus industry depends on one critical safeguard - certified, disease-free propagation material. From the Citrus Foundation Block in the Eastern Cape, every legal citrus tree in South Africa st...

In this episode of the Citrus Research International Podcast, André Combrink, Area Extension Manager for the Eastern Cape, shares practical insights into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and how growers can reduce chemical reliance through smarter cultural practices. Drawing on decades of experience—from his years at SRCC to his current role at CRI—André explains how pruning, spray machine calibra...

We are excited to share key insights from our recent conversation with Etienne Rabe, who discussed the future of citrus farming. With decades of experience across South Africa, California, and Mexico, Etienne highlighted how South African citrus growers are at the forefront of the global market.

We are excited to share insights from our recent podcast with Dr. Aruna Manrakhan, Research Entomologist at Citrus Research International (CRI). Fruit flies pose significant threats to our citrus industry, but effective management practices can help mitigate these risks. Listen to this new podcast in our library.

"Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical tools to manage pests effectively. Learn more from our podcast with Dr Sean Moore. #CitrusResearch #IPM"