General info
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Climate
Variation in latitude and height above sea level, together with the effect of ocean currents along the coast, causes a wide variety of climatic conditions.
There are three main rainfall-regions a winter rainfall region in the south-western corner of the country, an all-year-round rainfall area along the southern coastal belt and a summer rainfall region throughout the remainder of the country. Rainfall increases from west to east from below 125 mm annually along the arid west coast to more than 1000 mm a year on the east coast. Only 10% of the country receives an annual precipitation of more than 750 mm. Rainfall is extremely irregular and varies considerably from the average. Consequently, horticultural crops are mostly produced under irrigation.
South Africa is hot in summer, with many cloudless days, but during winter few areas are frost-free. Together with soil factors, temperature plays an important part in the natural demarcation of areas suitable for the cultivation of different horticultural crops.

Geography
South Africa covers an area of 122.3 million ha of which 14 million ha are under cultivation. The country consists largely an inland plateau, at an average height of 1200 m above sea level. The plateau is separated by an escarpment from a narrow coastal belt, which varies from 60 km in the west to more than 220 km in the east. There are only a few perennial rivers. These are found in the south and on the eastern slopes of the plateau. As there are no lakes or perennial snow fields the flow of these is largely determined by rainfall.

Horticulture
South Africa has a highly developed deciduous fruit industry geared for the export of a large percentage of its products. From an economic viewpoint, apples rank first, followed by table grapes, pears, peaches, plums and apricots. In addition, many smaller crops such as kiwi fruit, almonds, strawberries and olives are cultivated. The South African wine industry, although small compared to the leading European countries, is widely known for its high-quality products.

Citrus and many other crops including pineapples, bananas, avocados, mangos, litchis, papayas, granadillas, guavas, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, coffee, tea and ginger constitute another of South Africa's major horticultural industries. The citrus industry is still by far the largest in this group, while pineapples, bananas and avocados are the three most important fruits. The production of many (sub) tropical fruits, such as avocado and mango have experienced a rapid growth rate in recent years.
South Africa is self-sufficient with regard to vegetable production and also exports both fresh and processed vegetables. Tomatoes are the most important vegetable crop, followed by onions. A steady growth in more sophisticated vegetable products, such as asparagus, celery, lettuce and baby-marrow's is taking place. The ornamental plant industry has grown into an important branch of South African horticulture. Although ornamental plants, seedlings and pot plants are economically by far the most important, cut flowers also make a noticeable contribution. The export of fern leaves is also noteworthy.
At present, it is estimated that 150 ha of greenhouses are in use in South Africa, in which mainly English cucumbers and tomatoes are produced. Greens, such as peppers, lettuce, spinach and celery are grown on a much smaller scale and mostly under 50% shade-cloth structures. Hydroponic vegetable production is firmly established.
Horticultural crops, particularly vegetables are produced throughout South Africa. However, the following areas are very important for specific crops. The south-western and southern regions of the Western Cape for deciduous fruit, grapes, wine and vegetables. The low lying, sub-tropical areas of Mpumalanga and the Northern Province for sub-tropical crops, citrus and vegetables. The lower reaches of river valleys of the Eastern Cape for citrus and vegetables. The Upington area for grapes and wine.

Distribution of Horticulture
Horticultural crops, particularly vegetables are produced throughout South Africa. However, the following areas are very important for specific crops. The south-western and southern regions of the Western Cape for deciduous fruit, grapes, wine and vegetables. The low lying, sub-tropical areas of Mpumalanga and the Northern Province for sub-tropical crops, citrus and vegetables. The lower reaches of river valleys of the Eastern Cape for citrus and vegetables. The Upington area for grapes and wine.

Research Thrusts
The main research thrust is the National Department of Agriculture.

Nature of Institutes
Horticultural research on a national basis is at present being conducted mainly at five research institutes, all of which became part of a newly founded science council, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The ARC is a statutory body with a mandate to conduct research, development and technology transfer. Member institutes of the ARC function autonomously within the ARC framework.

The ARC co-operates closely with the National Department of Agriculture and the various Provincial Departments of Agriculture as well as other scientific institutions, such as universities. At universities, research and training in horticulture are carried out mainly in the faculties of agriculture. Although no strict formal demarcation exists between universities in this respect, the University of Pretoria specialises in citrus and ornamental crops, the University of Stellenbosch in deciduous fruit, viticulture and oenology, the University of the Orange Free State in vegetables and the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg in subtropical crops and vegetables. Horticultural research is also conducted in faculties other than agriculture, or even at universities without a faculty of agriculture. Several private organisation also conduct research and development aimed at furthering the production of specific horticultural commodities.
Horticultural training as part of a two-year diploma course is offered by three training colleges run by Provincial Departments of Agriculture viz. Elsenburg Agricultural College (near Stellenbosch), Cedara Agricultural College (near Pietermaritzburg) and Lowveld Agricultural College (near Nelspruit).
A database is maintained of all current and completed research projects undertaken by personnel of the ARC. ARC institutes, universities and private research organisations publish reports on their research and general activities.
In 1988, the Southern African Society for Horticultural Sciences (SASHS) was established to promote horticultural science and related research through purposeful communication. This society holds an annual national congress and it also publishes a scientific journal, the Journal of the Southern African Society for Horticultural Sciences, twice yearly.

Organisations / Institutes:
Southern African Society for Horticultural Sciences

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