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Father and Son team Leon and Reynecke Viljoen nurture the establishment of International Fruit Genetics varieties in South Africa

Father and son team Leon and Reynecke Viljoen are table grape producers in the Hex River Valley but are also closely involved with the exciting process of evaluating the remarkable range of new table grape varieties from International Fruit Genetics, the California based grape breeding company.  Leon is a director of Exsa Exports and he and Reynecke take responsibility for the evaluation process on behalf of Exsa.

Clearly driven by a passion for the process, together they employ infinite patience and finely honed grafting skills in nurturing tiny bud wood cuttings into fruition as young table grapes. They form an important part of the South African division of the IFG (International Fruit Genetics) table grape breeding initiative. 

“I have been privileged to work closely with Leon and Reynecke Viljoen in the development of the IFG varieties in South Africa,” says Jack Pandol, co-owner of the IFG grape breeding programme. “They have led the way with extensive testing that has been essential in proving the potential of our varieties in the South African climates and markets,” he added.

Although producers are not usually involved in the propagation of new table grape varieties, this has long been an interest of Leon Viljoen. Leon explained that this interest started in 1971 when he realised that standard Jacques rootstocks used at that time did not do well on all soils. He investigated what other kind of rootstocks were available and was one of the first growers to make use of Ramsay/Salt Creek as a rootstock for South African table grapes. From then on he has always taken an interest in the new South African varieties and has been involved in the propagation and commercial development of these for many years. 

“Just over ten years ago Jack Pandol started looking for South African companies to be involved in the evaluation and marketing of the IFG varieties,” explained Leon. “We were thrilled when he selected Exsa as a partner for this process.  He stressed that he wanted to do evaluation on the new varieties in countries where the necessary disciplines existed to support the evaluation process and South Africa fitted the bill. Reynecke and I manage this process on behalf of the Exsa Group and we share a personal passion as it is truly exciting is to see the incredible potential of these exciting new varieties.” 

Reynecke grew up seeing his father’s involvement with the quest for improved new varieties and after his studies (Agricultural Diploma from Elsenburg College followed by B. Comm. Finance at Stellenbosch University), he returned to the family farm in 2008.

“In 2009 I had the good fortune to spend a four month internship in Delano, California evaluating the new varieties in the IFG programme,” says Reynecke.  “During this time I worked closely with the IFG Co-owner Jack Pandol and IFG variety breeder Dr David Cain. It was my job to try various manipulations on the new varieties, evaluate the results and then fine tune the most successful approach. I was given a free reign to do this, performed all the procedures myself and the process was an invaluable learning experience for me,” he stressed.

“What was also incredibly interesting was to see how the table grape farming operation were organised and run in California. The meticulous planning and work ethic I observed there were truly an inspiration. To be part of the IFG evaluation process, both on an ongoing basis in South Africa as well as the period I spent in California, remains an incredible privilege.”   

 

“These new varieties are really exciting and hold great potential for South African growers. It is with a mixture of cautious anticipation and excitement that we look forward to seeing the local commercialisation of these innovative varieties in South Africa,” concluded Leon.