The research that we fund focuses on generating new knowledge, technologies or practices that are required to mitigate, avoid or overcome threats and risks and to leverage opportunities.
Our primary objective is to keep South African pome and stone fruit growers internationally competitive and economically sustainable.

Science Team

Prof Wiehann Steyn
General Manager: Hortgro Science

Dr Mariana Jooste
Postharvest Programme Manager

Dr Minette Karsten
Crop Protection Programme Manager
(positioned at Stellenbosch University)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University)

Elise-Marie Steenkamp
Group Communications Manager

Marno van der Westhuizen
Crop Production Programme Manager | Research Implementation Manager

Anita de Souza
Research Administrator

Dr Nanike Esterhuizen
Entomology Technician (positioned at Stellenbosch University)

Dr Renate Smit
Phytosanitary Facility Manager and Researcher
(positioned at Stellenbosch University)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University)

Dr Daleen Stenekamp
Insectary Manager (positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Terence Asia
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Emilia Arendse
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Lee-Zaan Scheepers
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Simonay Claasen
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Sarane’ Henniker
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Steph Peterson
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Meagan Hendrikz
Crop Protection Technical Assistant (positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)

Alyssa Hoe
Crop Protection Technical Assistant
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
(positioned at Stellenbosch University, PHYLA)
Hortgro Science Advisory Council
Objectives of the Hortgro Science Advisory Council
- Assist programme with formulation of strategic research planning in defined areas of research
- Identify new technologies of relevance
- Seek collaborative research opportunities across local and international research/technical organisations
- Seek funding opportunities to ensure inputs into targeted research focus areas
- Meetings as required
- Advisory to programme manager
- Stephen Rabe – Chair
- Charl Stander
- Frikkie Jacobs
- Gerrit van der Merwe
- Graeme Krige
- Hugh Campbell
- Dr Ilse Trautmann
- James Hutton-Squire
- Prof Karen Theron
- Linde du Toit
- Raymond Koopstad
- Anton Rabe (observer)
- Cynthia Mahlathi (observer)