SERVICES

Supporting optimal agricultural products

We focus on the optimisation of plant health, maintenance of product quality and storage life throughout the value chain to provide input that can deliver an optimal agricultural product for consumer acceptance.

These processes often include harvesting, handling, packaging, storage and distribution related testing and development for local market and export produce.

Each trial is tailor made to suite client requirements. Typically, trial comprehensiveness and complexity varies from detailed scientific trials through to basic demonstration trials required to satisfy observational needs.

EACH TRIAL IS TAILOR MADE TO SUITE CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.

Typically, trial comprehensiveness and complexity varies from detailed scientific trials through to basic demonstration trials required to satisfy observational needs.

CONTACT US

SUSTAINABLE VALUE CHAINS

Harvesting, handling, packaging, storage and distribution of products with an environmental and economic mindset.

Bio-degradable Packaging

We assist clients with the development of bio-degradable packaging and alternatives to find innovative packaging solutions which will not compromise the quality of the produce. We also conduct trials to test the impact of new packaging technologies on produce quality and maintenance.

Energy efficient technology development

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and improved utilisation of storage capacity.

Reduction in crop waste percentage

Our focus on pre-harvest and post-harvest crop quality maintenance and loss prevention unlock value for our clients through increased crop yield and the resulting reduction in crop waste.

Reduction in carbon footprint

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and a reduction in the carbon footprint of produce. The development of bio-degradable packaging or optimization of current non-degradable packaging also contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the produce.

Specialized product applications

Our specialized team of technicians provides precision product application services to customers whose products require specific skills and procedures. We conduct pre-harvest as well as post-harvest specialized product applications.

Consulting

With more than 300 years of combined experience in agriculture, our experts are perfectly positioned to consult role players in agricultural value chains. Our focus on crop quality and yield unlock benefits from pre-harvest stages to the consumption of the produce.

Training/workshops

We use our vast experience of agricultural value chains to present workshops and training sessions on a broad spectrum of topics. Clients can choose from topics such as crop disease identification, crop disease management, crop quality maintenance and loss prevention, or specific training on the application of chemicals.

Technology transfer

We use and develop technology to enable the transfer of knowledge for the ease and benefit of the end user. We assist clients with the development of technology tools and software applications for use in various circumstances.

DISEASE RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR TABLE GRAPES

We assist clients / producers in utilising a Desease Risk Management System (DRMS) for table grapes, by monitoring and noting disease levels in the vineyards prior to and at harvest. Signs and symptoms of decay, and vineyard / packhouse conditions are interpreted and communicated to equip producers with decision-making processes to minimize postharvest quality risks. Real-time information is supplied based on findings of handling practices in the vineyard, during harvest, in the packhouse, packing material used, cooling and subsequent handling of the product until marketing.

SUSTAINABLE VALUE CHAINS

Harvesting, handling, packaging, storage and distribution of products with an environmental and economic mindset.

Bio-degradable Packaging

We assist clients with the development of bio-degradable packaging and alternatives to find innovative packaging solutions which will not compromise the quality of the produce. We also conduct trials to test the impact of new packaging technologies on produce quality and maintenance.

Energy efficient technology development

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and improved utilisation of storage capacity.

Reduction in crop waste percentage

Our focus on pre-harvest and post-harvest crop quality maintenance and loss prevention unlock value for our clients through increased crop yield and the resulting reduction in crop waste.

Reduction in carbon footprint

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and a reduction in the carbon footprint of produce. The development of bio-degradable packaging or optimization of current non-degradable packaging also contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the produce.

Specialized product applications

Our specialized team of technicians provides precision product application services to customers whose products require specific skills and procedures. We conduct pre-harvest as well as post-harvest specialized product applications.

Consulting

With more than 300 years of combined experience in agriculture, our experts are perfectly positioned to consult role players in agricultural value chains. Our focus on crop quality and yield unlock benefits from pre-harvest stages to the consumption of the produce.

Training/workshops

We use our vast experience of agricultural value chains to present workshops and training sessions on a broad spectrum of topics. Clients can choose from topics such as crop disease identification, crop disease management, crop quality maintenance and loss prevention, or specific training on the application of chemicals.

Technology transfer

We use and develop technology to enable the transfer of knowledge for the ease and benefit of the end user. We assist clients with the development of technology tools and software applications for use in various circumstances.

FARMING

Soil and plant health supported by registration and demonstration trials help ensure good inherent quality of produce.

Spray Deposition

We provide a spray deposition service to assess the efficacy of spray equipment used commercially.

Fertilizer and Chemical Product Efficacy Testing

We conduct independent agricultural chemical and fertilizer product efficacy testing ranging in scale from laboratory and observational trials, demonstration trials, field trials, semi-commercial trials to commercial trials. Our expertise includes pre-harvest as well as post-harvest testing and applications. These trials are tailor made according to the requirements of the specific client. Variables may include different dosages, application methods, and weather conditions during applications, etc.

Soil and Plant Nutrition

We assist clients to improve soil and plant nutrition. We conduct trials to test the efficacy of soil and plant nutrition products and enhancers.

Soil Health

We assist clients to measure and improve soil quality. We also conduct trials to test the efficacy of products and processes which aim to improve soil health.

Product Registration Trials

We conduct chemical and fertilizer efficacy testing for registration purposes, including Group 3 fertilizer registration trials.

Demonstration Trials

We conduct demonstration trials for clients who want to establish proof of concept that his product, new cultivar, packaging technology or other innovative concept has practical potential. These clients primarily want to establish if there are any grounds for further research of a concept.

Observational Trials

We conduct pre-harvest and post-harvest observational studies where we attempt to understand cause-and-effect relationships and draw inferences from a sample to a population. The independent variable in observational trials is not under the control of the researcher, the researcher does not control how subjects are assigned to groups and which treatments are applied.

Technology Transfer

We use and develop technology to enable the transfer of knowledge for the ease and benefit of the end user. We assist clients with the development of technology tools and software applications for use in various circumstances.

Entomology

We monitor the presence of insects in orchards and conduct trials to test the efficacy of entomology control measures.

Decay Risk Management

We provide comprehensive decay risk management services for every aspect of the value chain.

New Cultivar Evaluation

We evaluate the viability of new cultivars in terms of fruit quality, storage characteristics and consumer acceptance of the product.

Developing Quality Protocols

We develop quality protocols for clients and the agricultural industry to ensure that produce of optimal quality is delivered to global consumers.

Technology Development

We develop technologies to unlock value for producers/farmers as participants in global agricultural value chains. We are proud of the integral role we played in the development of innovative pre-harvest and post-harvest technologies commonly used in the agricultural industry today.

Pathogen identification

We assist clients / producers in indentifying decay causing pathogens, by various laboratory methods, including molecular technologies, to enable decisions with regard to decay control.

FARMING

Soil and plant health supported by registration and demonstration trials help ensure good inherent quality of produce.

Spray Deposition

We provide a spray deposition service to assess the efficacy of spray equipment used commercially.

Fertilizer and Chemical Product Efficacy Testing

We conduct independent agricultural chemical and fertilizer product efficacy testing ranging in scale from laboratory and observational trials, demonstration trials, field trials, semi-commercial trials to commercial trials. Our expertise includes pre-harvest as well as post-harvest testing and applications. These trials are tailor made according to the requirements of the specific client. Variables may include different dosages, application methods, and weather conditions during applications, etc.

Soil and Plant Nutrition

We assist clients to improve soil and plant nutrition. We conduct trials to test the efficacy of soil and plant nutrition products and enhancers.

Soil Health

We assist clients to measure and improve soil quality. We also conduct trials to test the efficacy of products and processes which aim to improve soil health.

Product Registration Trials

We conduct chemical and fertilizer efficacy testing for registration purposes, including Group 3 fertilizer registration trials.

Demonstration Trials

We conduct demonstration trials for clients who want to establish proof of concept that his product, new cultivar, packaging technology or other innovative concept has practical potential. These clients primarily want to establish if there are any grounds for further research of a concept.

Observational Trials

We conduct pre-harvest and post-harvest observational studies where we attempt to understand cause-and-effect relationships and draw inferences from a sample to a population. The independent variable in observational trials is not under the control of the researcher, the researcher does not control how subjects are assigned to groups and which treatments are applied.

Technology Transfer

We use and develop technology to enable the transfer of knowledge for the ease and benefit of the end user. We assist clients with the development of technology tools and software applications for use in various circumstances.

Entomology

We monitor the presence of insects in orchards and conduct trials to test the efficacy of entomology control measures.

Decay Risk Management

We provide comprehensive decay risk management services for every aspect of the value chain.

New Cultivar Evaluation

We evaluate the viability of new cultivars in terms of fruit quality, storage characteristics and consumer acceptance of the product.

Developing Quality Protocols

We develop quality protocols for clients and the agricultural industry to ensure that produce of optimal quality is delivered to global consumers.

Technology Development

We develop technologies to unlock value for producers/farmers as participants in global agricultural value chains. We are proud of the integral role we played in the development of innovative pre-harvest and post-harvest technologies commonly used in the agricultural industry today.

CROP PROTECTION / EXPERICURE

Crop protection is the science of managing plant pests, diseases and other organisms that cause crop damage or loss. Various disciplines like entomology, plant pathology and molecular biology are drawn in to protect field, vegetable and fruit crops.

Fungal Pathogen Diagnostics

We assist clients with detection and diagnosis of disease-causing organisms from plants, soil, swabs or air samples. Advanced diagnostics include quantification of disease or spore loads in field, packhouse and packed products. This enables us to make recommendations to clients to prevent financial loss.

Chemical efficacy services

We assist clients to determine the pre- and post-harvest efficacy of sanitisers, fungicides and biological products. Fungicide sensitivity testing is offered to determine a loss in fungicide efficacy in a known fungal pathogen population from a specific area. This enables clients to optimise disease control and fungicide resistance management, ultimately to reduce plant and produce loss, and maintaining food security.

Packhouse Risk Management

We assist clients to determine the amount and type of microflora in water, air and on surfaces at different points in packhouses and cold rooms. This is used to identify and manage areas with high spore load, establish the efficacy of packhouse cleaning operations, and enable the client to take appropriate corrective actions.

Insecticide efficacy testing

We assist clients to determine the efficacy of insecticides with laboratory bioassays or field trials.

Insecticide registration trials

We assist clients with insect field trials with the aim of product registration using appropriate application and evaluation techniques.

Insect monitoring

We assist clients with the monitoring of insect species in the field, enabling them to take the appropriate corrective actions to safeguard crops.

Desktop research and site visits

We consult on a variety of insect-pest related topics in the form of in-person visits or written reports. In addition, we provide training to field monitors to assist in early insect pest detection.

CROP PROTECTION / EXPERICURE

Crop protection is the science of managing plant pests, diseases and other organisms that cause crop damage or loss. Various disciplines like entomology, plant pathology and molecular biology are drawn in to protect field, vegetable and fruit crops.

FUNGAL PATHOGEN DIAGNOSTICS

We assist clients with detection and diagnosis of disease-causing organisms from plants, soil, swabs or air samples. Advanced diagnostics include quantification of disease or spore loads in field, packhouse and packed products. This enables us to make recommendations to clients to prevent financial loss.

CHEMICAL EFFICACY SERVICES

We assist clients to determine the pre- and post-harvest efficacy of sanitisers, fungicides and biological products. Fungicide sensitivity testing is offered to determine a loss in fungicide efficacy in a known fungal pathogen population from a specific area. This enables clients to optimise disease control and fungicide resistance management, ultimately to reduce plant and produce loss, and maintaining food security.

PACKHOUSE RISK MANAGEMENT

We assist clients to determine the amount and type of microflora in water, air and on surfaces at different points in packhouses and cold rooms. This is used to identify and manage areas with high spore load, establish the efficacy of packhouse cleaning operations, and enable the client to take appropriate corrective actions.

INSECTICIDE EFFICACY TESTING

We assist clients to determine the efficacy of insecticides with laboratory bioassays or field trials.

INSECTICIDE REGISTRATION TRIALS

We assist clients with insect field trials with the aim of product registration using appropriate application and evaluation techniques.

INSECT MONITORING

We assist clients with the monitoring of insect species in the field, enabling them to take the appropriate corrective actions to safeguard crops.

DESKTOP RESEARCH AND SITE VISITS

We consult on a variety of insect-pest related topics in the form of in-person visits or written reports. In addition, we provide training to field monitors to assist in early insect pest detection.

COLD CHAIN

Handling, cooling, storage and shipping technologies make or break product quality.

Chemical product efficacy testing

We conduct independent agricultural chemical product efficacy testing at different stages of the value chain. These trials are tailor-made according to the requirements of the specific client. We are able to assist storage and distribution facilities to find the chemical products and combinations with the highest efficacy for their specific scenarios.

Handling, storing and shipping quality protocols

We assist storage and distribution facilities and industry organisations to develop the optimal handling, storage and shipping protocol for each variety to prevent damage to produce and resulting claims from consumers.

Storage regime development and evaluation

We conduct trials to find the storage regime for each variety, which will ensure the optimal produce for each global market.

Quality assurance & maintenance

We provide a quality assurance and maintenance service anywhere in the global agricultural value chain. We also assist clients to develop quality assurance and maintenance systems and protocols.

Temperature and atmosphere evaluation

We evaluate the impact of different storage techniques such as atmosphere and temperature on the storage quality and shelf life of produce. We conduct trials to test different atmosphere and temperature combinations for specific varieties and market requirements.

Storage protocol development for new commercial varieties

We develop storage protocols for new commercial varieties.

COLD CHAIN

Handling, cooling, storage and shipping technologies make or break product quality.

Chemical product efficacy testing

We conduct independent agricultural chemical product efficacy testing at different stages of the value chain. These trials are tailor-made according to the requirements of the specific client. We are able to assist storage and distribution facilities to find the chemical products and combinations with the highest efficacy for their specific scenarios.

Handling, storing and shipping quality protocols

We assist storage and distribution facilities and industry organisations to develop the optimal handling, storage and shipping protocol for each variety to prevent damage to produce and resulting claims from consumers.

Storage regime development and evaluation

We conduct trials to find the storage regime for each variety, which will ensure the optimal produce for each global market.

Quality assurance & maintenance

We provide a quality assurance and maintenance service anywhere in the global agricultural value chain. We also assist clients to develop quality assurance and maintenance systems and protocols.

Temperature and atmosphere evaluation

We evaluate the impact of different storage techniques such as atmosphere and temperature on the storage quality and shelf life of produce. We conduct trials to test different atmosphere and temperature combinations for specific varieties and market requirements.

Storage protocol development for new commercial varieties

We develop storage protocols for new commercial varieties.

MARKETING

Markets often drive environmental strategies including compostable packaging, energy efficiencies, crop waste and carbon and water footprint.

Bio-degradable Packaging

We assist clients with the development of bio-degradable packaging and alternatives to find innovative packaging solutions which will not compromise the quality of the produce. We also conduct trials to test the impact of new packaging technologies on produce quality and maintenance.

Energy efficient technology development

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and improved utilisation of storage capacity.

Reduction in crop waste percentage

Our focus on pre-harvest and post-harvest crop quality maintenance and loss prevention unlock value for our clients through increased crop yield and the resulting reduction in crop waste.

Reduction in carbon footprint

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and a reduction in the carbon footprint of produce. The development of bio-degradable packaging or optimization of current non-degradable packaging also contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the produce.

Specialized product applications

Our specialized team of technicians provides precision product application services to customers whose products require specific skills and procedures. We conduct pre-harvest as well as post-harvest specialized product applications.

Consulting

With more than 300 years of combined experience in agriculture, our experts are perfectly positioned to consult role players in agricultural value chains. Our focus on crop quality and yield unlock benefits from pre-harvest stages to the consumption of the produce.

Training/workshops

We use our vast experience of agricultural value chains to present workshops and training sessions on a broad spectrum of topics. Clients can choose from topics such as crop disease identification, crop disease management, crop quality maintenance and loss prevention, or specific training on the application of chemicals.

MARKETING

Markets often drive environmental strategies including compostable packaging, energy efficiencies, crop waste and carbon and water footprint.

Bio-degradable Packaging

We assist clients with the development of bio-degradable packaging and alternatives to find innovative packaging solutions which will not compromise the quality of the produce. We also conduct trials to test the impact of new packaging technologies on produce quality and maintenance.

Energy efficient technology development

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and improved utilisation of storage capacity.

Reduction in crop waste percentage

Our focus on pre-harvest and post-harvest crop quality maintenance and loss prevention unlock value for our clients through increased crop yield and the resulting reduction in crop waste.

Reduction in carbon footprint

We assist clients with the development of energy efficient storage technologies which will not compromise the quality of produce. We also conduct trials to establish the optimum storage protocol for specific varieties, which often lead to savings in energy consumption and a reduction in the carbon footprint of produce. The development of bio-degradable packaging or optimization of current non-degradable packaging also contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the produce.

Specialized product applications

Our specialized team of technicians provides precision product application services to customers whose products require specific skills and procedures. We conduct pre-harvest as well as post-harvest specialized product applications.

Consulting

With more than 300 years of combined experience in agriculture, our experts are perfectly positioned to consult role players in agricultural value chains. Our focus on crop quality and yield unlock benefits from pre-harvest stages to the consumption of the produce.

Training/workshops

We use our vast experience of agricultural value chains to present workshops and training sessions on a broad spectrum of topics. Clients can choose from topics such as crop disease identification, crop disease management, crop quality maintenance and loss prevention, or specific training on the application of chemicals.

CONSUMER

Consumers demand shelf-life quality including good taste and use of supply chains providing responsible and safe practices.

Packaging and handling efficacy

We test the efficacy of packaging and handling processes in global agricultural value chains either through simulations or by evaluating commercial processes. These tests unlock value for participants in the value chain through the delivery of optimal quality produce according to the preferences and unique circumstances of each market.

Storage regime development and evaluation

We develop storage regimes for all stages of the cold chain in order to maintain the quality of produce from the producer to the consumer.

Quality assurance & maintenance

We provide a quality assurance and maintenance service anywhere in the global agricultural value chain. We also assist clients to develop quality assurance and maintenance systems and protocols.

Shelf life quality enhancement

We develop technologies and protocols to enhance shelf life and maintain the quality of produce in different markets and handling conditions globally.

Developing optimal quality protocols

We develop quality protocols for each phase in the value chain to ensure that optimal quality produce reach the consumer in global markets.

Tasting panels & consumer preference

We conduct tasting panel and consumer preference studies in specific global markets on behalf of individual clients, industry organisations or variety licence holders.

Technology Transfer

We use and develop technology to enable the transfer of knowledge for the ease and benefit of the end user. We assist clients with the development of technology tools and software applications for use in various circumstances.

Technology Development

We develop technologies to unlock value for producers/farmers as participants in global agricultural value chains. We are proud of the integral role we played in the development of innovative pre-harvest and post-harvest technologies commonly used in the agricultural industry today.

PACKING

Optimal chemical application, packaging development and quality assurance is vital for management of fresh produce quality.

Chemical product efficacy testing

We conduct independent agricultural chemical product efficacy testing at different stages of the value chain. These trials are tailor-made according to the requirements of the specific client. We are able to assist packing facilities to find the chemical products and combinations with the highest efficacy for their specific scenarios.

Chemical applications efficacy testing

We provide a chemical applications efficacy testing service to assess the efficacy of application equipment and processes, such as drenching and atomizing, used commercially.

Handling protocol development

We assist packing facilities and industry organisations to develop the optimal handling protocol for each variety to prevent damage to produce and resulting claims from consumers.

Packaging material development and evaluation

We assist clients with the development of innovative packaging solutions which will not compromise the quality of the produce. We also conduct trials to test the impact of new packaging technologies on produce quality.

Quality assurance & maintenance

We provide a quality assurance and maintenance service anywhere in the global agricultural value chain. We also assist clients to develop quality assurance and maintenance systems and protocols.

market access

We conduct various trials that relate to the understanding and mitigation of quarantine pests and diseases. Of these, pest / pathogen identification and distribution, and cold sterilisation trials form the main components of our research.

Fungicide sensitivity

We test the sensitivity of pathogen populations against specific fungicides. Symptomatic samples are received or collected, the focus pathogen isolated and screened against different concentrations of a test fungicide / active ingredient. This information is used to adapt spray programmes or disease control strategies, and to provide early warnings of fungicide resistance.

PACKING

Optimal chemical application, packaging development and quality assurance is vital for management of fresh produce quality.

Chemical product efficacy testing

We conduct independent agricultural chemical product efficacy testing at different stages of the value chain. These trials are tailor-made according to the requirements of the specific client. We are able to assist packing facilities to find the chemical products and combinations with the highest efficacy for their specific scenarios.

Chemical applications efficacy testing

We provide a chemical applications efficacy testing service to assess the efficacy of application equipment and processes, such as drenching and atomizing, used commercially.

Handling protocol development

We assist packing facilities and industry organisations to develop the optimal handling protocol for each variety to prevent damage to produce and resulting claims from consumers.

Packaging material development and evaluation

We assist clients with the development of innovative packaging solutions which will not compromise the quality of the produce. We also conduct trials to test the impact of new packaging technologies on produce quality.

Quality assurance & maintenance

We provide a quality assurance and maintenance service anywhere in the global agricultural value chain. We also assist clients to develop quality assurance and maintenance systems and protocols.

CONTACT US



+27 21 887 1134



info@experico.co.za



Lelie Street, Stellenbosch, 7609

SERVICES EXPERTISE CROPS PUBLICATIONS CONTACT US