Page 55 - SA Fruit Journal VOLUME 14

International Horticultural Society Congress BRISBANE 2014Every four years horticulturists from around the globe gather for the International Horticultural Society Congress (IHC). This year (17 – 22 August 2014) it was held in Brisbane, Australia.A group of well-known South African industry role players were there, as well as HORTGRO Science’s Richard Hurndall and Wiehann Steyn.riCHarD HurnDall HORTGRO Science Research and Development Manager (right) compiled this report.The IHC congress is a series of horticul- tural symposia (52 product and theme symposia, as well as several workshops) com- prising of around 3 400 delegates. One of the challenges of such a large event is the dashing from venue to venue in the large and impres- sive Brisbane convention centre to accom- modate topics of interest. On the other hand, one can fill in the gaps by attending lectures of peripheral interest that one would not oth- erwise have an opportunity to do.The scene was set with an excellent open- ing presentation by Julian Cribb, an author, journalist, editor and science communicator. He explored the question whether horticul- ture could feed the world in the years ahead. The conundrum is to feed the worlds’ popula- tion which is expected to increase by 1 billion people in the next 12 years, given that climate change can have a negative impact on produc- tion levels (demand versus scarcity). Of this population growth, 7,7 people will be con- centrated in mega cities and cities. He noted that the potential of a food shortfall is not well understood by governments and consumers. They have not grasped the impact of climate change. There is currently competition for available resources. Cities are devouring farm- ers’ water. Vehicles are consuming fossil fuels. At the same time there was unacceptable food waste and diet related disorders. The R & D on food research was low in relation to, say, defence spending.Possible solutions to resource limitations and feeding the world population include:• Recycling (water, packaging and food waste)• Innovative intensive high rise and rooftop vegetable greening of cities• Floating greenhouses• Desert farms• Boom in fish farming• Algae production and harvesting for feed, fuel, textiles, chemicals etc.• Novel edible plants• Cultured meat• Biocultured products• Adoption of weird foods (insects, reptiles etc)In summary, the age of food has arrived. This, in a world where 800 million people are hungry every day while more than 1 bil- lion are obese. It was noted that the nutrient density of fruit and vegetables had declined over time, whilst there has been a dramatic increase in energy-dense snack foods.A strong theme that emerged in the con- ference was the focus on nutrient content of fruit and vegetables, and specifically phy- tonutrients. In Australia and New Zealandthere is a particularly strong focus on con- sumer studies. A brief summary of selected presentations follow.Consumers' changing perceptions of quality: revisiting the science of fruit and vegetable cultivation for improved health benefitsPatilGlobal health imperatives to reduce chronic diseases, and shifting consumer preferences, require us to address the health benefits of fruit and vegetable crops. Current market trends have shifted based on consumers’ perceptions of health-promoting qualities of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Consumers base these perceptions on the phytonutrients pre- sent in these foods. Emerging knowledge on the effect of phytonutrients in the prevention of chronic disease requires that we re-visit the crop management strategies that affectPrOF. WiEHann StEyn, HORTGRO Science Crop Production Manager“It certainly was one of the best symposiums in a long time and a valuable networking op- portunity,” said Prof. Wiehann Steyn, Crop Production Manager, at HORTGRO Science.“There were excellent sessions on plant physiology and consumer studies, but the Smart Farms presentation by Prof. Salah Sukkarieh, Sidney University, Mechanisation, Precision Horticulture and Robotics (http://www.acfr.usyd.edu.au/) was inspirational.Their technology, spatial tools and remote sensing machines were most impressive. This requires a complete mind shift for the grower about future agricultural practices. Prof. Luca Corelli-Grappadelli an Italian researcher from the University of Bologna presented an interesting session on: how fruit grow and how fruit is affected by climate stress, yield optimisation and how sugar is deposited in apples and pears.“Also under discussion was the new pear variety from New Zealand, the Picaboo. This pear is edible from the tree or after storage. It’s a good looking pear with excellent all- round quality and the aroma of an European pear, but without the finicky ripening process. It sure is a most impressive product.”Both Wiehann and Prof. Karen Theron from the University of Stellenbosch presented electronic posters.TEGNOLOGIE52 FEB | MAART 2015