KEEPING IT NATURAL
The Sundays River Valley is proud that its products are not genetically
modified in any way. Indeed, such fruit is no longer acceptable in many
international markets today. Instead, SRCC makes use of hormones and chemicals
that occur naturally in the fruit itself.
One of these is Gibberellic acid, which can be used at different times for a
variety of purposes. For example, the quality of the clementine fruit can be
enhanced if they are sprayed when they are flowering. In addition, spraying can
be used to increase fruit maturity. This is financially beneficial to growers,
since it enables them to extend the length of their picking season.
Another naturally occurring substance, Ethrel, is used to enhance the natural
ripening process. As the weather gets colder, it stimulates the release of
ethylene from the peel of the fruit. This starts the natural process of
ripening from green to orange. By spraying the tree at the correct time, the
ripening process can be enhanced or speeded up. SRCC is continually investing
in increasing its degreening capacity. This enables growers to benefit
financially from the increased margins that are paid for fruit entering the
markets earlier when there is often a shortage of supply. |
