The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) reported on disruption of citrus operations in South Africa due to flooding late last month.
Heavy, persistent rainfall in South Africa’s Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Waterlogged citrus orchards have hindered disease management and increased the risk of citrus black spot (CBS) infestation, threatening market access, especially to Europe.
The affected regions do not export citrus to the United States, as only CBS-free areas in other provinces are eligible for U.S. export. These CBS-free areas are in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, as well as designated districts in the Free State and North West provinces.
Reports indicate that Limpopo received 28 inches of rain since Jan. 9, exceeding the 100-year flood line in many areas. The widespread flooding has been declared a national disaster.
Citrus growers in both Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces have been significantly affected by the rain and flooding, which coincided with the start of the harvest season. One production region in Limpopo received about 13 inches of rainfall over five days, while the annual average rainfall in the region is approximately 25 inches. Although this region did not report extensive damage, the rain resulted in waterlogged orchards, preventing growers from working.
The rainfall disrupted harvesting and export activities for early-harvested lemons, which are mostly exported. Some growers expect to harvest lemons around week 10 if weather permits, but fruit may be lost due to over-maturity.
The heavy rains may affect the internal quality of mandarins by reducing acid levels if orchards do not receive drainage to allow water to pass through and minimize damage to the trees before harvesting.
The wet conditions also favor CBS infestation and limit spraying for the disease.
Limpopo province is a leading citrus production region, accounting for 41% of the total South African area under citrus cultivation, while Mpumalanga accounts for 8%. Limpopo is responsible for 59% of the grapefruit area and half the orange area, particularly Valencias.
The citrus industry is engaging with government in assessing road and bridge damage and tracking the progress of rehabilitation of critical road networks as the citrus season commences.
Read the full USDA FAS report on the rain and flooding impact on South African citrus here.
Source: USDA FAS
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