Postharvest Management: Decisions That Drive Returns - Dr. Arno Erasmus

In this episode of the Citrus Research International (CRI) Podcast, we speak with Dr Arno Erasmus, former CRI researcher and now Postharvest Plant Pathologist at Wonderful Citrus in the United States.

Arno shares his journey from applied research in South Africa to working inside one of the world’s most highly integrated citrus businesses, where every technical decision must make economic sense. He explains how postharvest practices, sanitation, grading accuracy and line performance are evaluated through the lens of return to the grower, and why even small inefficiencies carry a measurable cost.

The conversation explores how electronic grading, consistent specifications, and data-driven scorecards can improve utilisation without compromising quality. Arno also discusses how technology is used not to replace people, but to remove emotion, improve accountability, and support better decision-making across operations, maintenance, treatments and management teams.

A central theme is that postharvest success is not only about chemistry or equipment, but about people, consistency and culture. By measuring what matters, understanding fruit behaviour, and aligning technical actions with business outcomes, packhouses can improve efficiency while protecting fruit value.

For South African growers and packers, this episode offers practical insight into how postharvest systems can be optimised to reduce waste, improve consistency and ultimately strengthen returns throughout the value chain.

About the CRI PodcastThe CRI Podcast features interviews with leading researchers and extension experts from Citrus Research International, highlighting the science and field innovation that keep Southern Africa’s citrus industry competitive and sustainable.