About Us

CRI-PhytRisk was established in 2016 as a research initiative funded by Research for Citrus Exports (RCE) as a public-private partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DST), now the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the Citrus Growers’ Association of southern Africa (CGA) through Citrus Research International (Pty) Ltd (CRI) with the objective of increasing citrus exports through preharvest research. Citrus Black Spot (CBS), Alternaria Brown Spot (ABS) and Botrytis epidemiological models are integrated on the CRI-PhytRisk platform to allow improved decision support to citrus growers in CBS areas, to improve fungicide spray timing and choice of fungicides used. The models also indicate CBS-risk, ABS-risk and Botrytis-risk following the past season’s weather conditions and implemented control measures.

The CRI-PhytRisk models are based on the latest scientific knowledge, through the use of predicted and measured weather data. Users are advised that the scientific knowledge is by no means complete, and weather data sources vary in accuracy. The CRI-PhytRisk model output should therefore be regarded as a decision support tool and not as an exact predictor of complex biological events. CRI is continuously working to make improvements to the CRI-PhytRisk platform, and validation of the models are being conducted through various CRI-funded projects.

Users of CRI-PhytRisk agree to hold CGA, CRI and the DSI harmless of any direct or indirect costs or damages incurred through use of information obtained from the CRI-PhytRisk website and service.

Enjoy using CRI-PhytRisk and please provide feedback to phytrisk@cri.co.za to enable us to improve the site and service. Thank you.