​​The creation of the Post-Harvest Physiology Research Chair in Deciduous Fruit will substantially improve know - how about the handling of deciduous fruit, and ultimately be to the benefit of both producers and consumers. The activities of the Chair are being led by Dr Elke Crouch, a senior lecturer in the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Dr Crouch focuses on ways to eliminate various physiological disorders which occur when apples and pears are stored or ripened after picking. This includes internal discolouration and blemishes on the peel of the fruit. She is searching for ways to retain the quality of fruit post-harvest until they are ready for consumers to enjoy. Her work is also increasingly focused on understanding how conditions being experienced while fruit are still on the tree affect their quality. Temperature and seasonal changes play a huge role in fruit quality and harvest and postharvest managements of fruit. One of her research projects focusses on pre-harvest temperatures from 95 farms in many regions over a number of years to understand its effect on maturity rate and internal browning of Cripps Pink apples in order to better understand and adapt to future temperature changes. This research focus from pre- to postharvest management of fruit is unique in many ways and a way to adapt to future climatic challenges.

Dr Crouch sees the chair not only as an opportunity to do important research, but also as a chance to train future industry leaders and to ensure greater interaction with the fruit industry and other researchers.