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Research for Citrus Exports (RCE) is a public-private partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the South African citrus industry through Citrus Research International (CRI) with the objective of increasing citrus exports through preharvest research.

The Sector-Specific Innovation Fund (SIF) within the DST is tailor made for partnering with industry associations with a view to improving competitiveness of strategic sectors of the South African economy.

Within the citrus industry the research areas that would benefit the most from this partnership and result in both increased exports and continued sector growth are as follows:

•     Improving Citrus Black Spot control in the orchard without plant protection products.
•     Improving False Codling Moth control in the orchard using biological and biorational techniques.
•     New horticultural practices or technology to overcome climatic challenges to fruit production and quality; and
•     Sustainable control of soilborne pathogens in the post-methyl bromide era.

CRI invites applications for funding of research on the above themes that will be conducted between December 2014 and January 2018.

Applications from post-graduate students are welcome. The application form can be downloaded from www.citrusres.com/research.

The closing date for applications is 3 October 2014.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology