
Dr Ken Pringle – IPM Legend Passes Away
It is with great sadness that Hortgro learned of the passing of Dr Ken L. Pringle, distinguished entomologist and senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Born in 1946, Ken dedicated his career to studying insect pests affecting South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry, significantly advancing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Rhodes University, Ken earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Stellenbosch University. In January 1987, he joined the Department of Entomology and Nematology at Stellenbosch University, bringing with him valuable experience from his work on apple pests at the Fruit and Fruit Technology Institute (now the Agricultural Research Council Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Institute).
Throughout his tenure, Ken focused on non-chemical insect pest control measures, developing sampling systems for monitoring pest populations in deciduous fruit orchards and vineyards. His research encompassed the biological control of mites, field biology and management of woolly apple aphids, codling moth mating disruption, and fruit fly behaviour.
Ken’s contributions to entomology are evident in his numerous publications and the successful implementation of IPM strategies that have benefited South Africa’s fruit industry. His work on the biological control of mites, particularly the introduction and establishment of predatory mite species like Neoseiulus californicus, has provided sustainable solutions for pest management in apple orchards.
Beyond his research, Ken was a dedicated educator, mentoring countless students in applied entomology. His passion for the subject and commitment to sustainable agriculture inspired a new generation of scientists and practitioners.
He is survived by his family, colleagues, and students, who will remember him for his significant contributions to entomology, his dedication to education, and his unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. His legacy will continue to influence the field for years to come.

Friends and colleagues remember Ken
Frikkie van Schalkwyk and Kobus Hartman:
“Few if any other academics brought the science of entomology into practice in a more understandable manner than Ken. Entomologist, academic, and above all statistician, and quite a grumpy individual … if he detected that you were taking him for granted or unintentionally wasting his time. Having said that, we have never experienced a more compassionate supporter in solving difficult questions when you genuinely needed his support. He was a unique individual from whom we all learned so much. He was a true scientist and philosopher. His logic in solving a difficult statistical problem was far beyond average. His willingness to forfeit valuable time to have a chat and share some philosophical discussion over lunch gave direction and eased the journey on many a road that would otherwise have been difficult to travel.
Ken’s understanding of biological control in the fruit industry placed South African crop protection strategies amongst the best in the world, supporting our competitiveness and the profitability of the industry at large. Not only was Ken hardworking and loyal to the research institute and the university where he worked, but he was also a passionate sportsman and cricketer.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to summarise his legacy in a short space of time. So, I would like to conclude: Ken left us with a good score of almost 80 runs. I am sure that when the ultimate Umpire raised his finger to call him to the stand, many of those already there and also those looking on would agree that there was a great batsman worthy of his cause.
You deserve your seat amongst the best Ken!”
Prof. Jan Giliomee (SU Department of Entomology):
“It was very sad to hear the news about Ken’s passing. He was a very loyal, knowledgeable and hard-working colleague. When he was a postgraduate student, I advised him to do an introductory course in Statistics. He liked it so much that he continued to the third year. This was so wonderful to have an entomologist with a good background in statistics, so essential for quality research, that I appointed him as a lecturer in our department of Entomology when we had a vacancy. He made a most valuable contribution in ensuring the experimental work of post-graduate students would always be based on sound statistics. Combined with his experience in and knowledge of integrated pest management, he was an outstanding lecturer. Interestingly (and endearingly to me), he was fluent when giving prepared lectures but had a slight speech impediment (a little stutter) when somewhat stressed by a difficult question. I honour his legacy.”
Prof. Pia Addison (SU Department of Entomology):
“Ken was a mentor to me, from being my lecturer at university and then handing over his lecturing responsibilities to me, when I was employed to take over from him. He was (of course) our statistical ‘go-to’ and the IPM guru with all his knowledge of insect pests. He did always say that statistically speaking, he had already outlived the probability of death many, many years ago (based on his family history). We will miss his dry humour and family stories, which always amused us over the many morning coffees we shared over the years.”
Matthew Addison (Hortgro Science Crop Protection)
I first met Ken in January of 1987 when I visited him in the J S Marais building. This was a direct result of an interview with SAPPA. Ken had just moved from the ARC (then FFTRI) to university. Ken was helpful and enthusiastic about the proposed IPM program and offered some very helpful advice. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Ken had drafted a proposal for an area-wide IPM program for the apple and pear industry. The proposal had been supported by industry and had been adopted by SAPPA. I still have the original handwritten proposal; it makes for interesting reading.
I interacted a lot with Ken as he was central to the newly launched IPM program. Ken was seen as the authority in the meetings, and he provided a lot of guidance to the producers participating in the program and the IPM meetings. As the program progressed more and more data became available, which kept Ken occupied. This in turn catalyzed much-needed applied research. The IPM meetings have been held regularly since 1987, which is 38 years, and Ken was present in the vast majority of them.
The contribution Ken made to the Entomology Department was significant, to say the least. Ken developed all the applied entomology courses. He did so in a very methodical way and ensured that they were kept up-to-date and relevant. Ken also taught all the modules, no small task. In addition to the regular postgraduate courses, Ken motivated for a part-time M.Sc course. It was successful in that it allowed for fully employed people to undertake an applied postgraduate degree in entomology. Ken thus taught a generation of applied entomologists from 1987 through to 2015 (need to confirm the date of retirement from university). It is interesting to look over the names of those he taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His postgraduate students are spread out all over the world.
Ken published numerous articles on a wide variety of insects. His contribution to the biological control of mites in South Africa is unique and was very influential. In addition to this his work on vine pests, woolly apple aphids and various other pest insects of great value.
After his retirement from University Ken took up a position with DFPT and later Hortgro. This involved Ken advising the industry on various crop protection matters, doing research and supporting graduate students. He also sat on several advisory boards, where he was invaluable.
Towards the end of his formal career, Ken started writing a formal textbook on IPM. The drafts of the book and its basic structure have been used as a basis for a multi-author book on African applied entomology and IPM. It is due to be published soon.
Hugh Campbell (former General Manager of Hortgro Science):
“Dr Ken Pringle was a remarkable applied entomologist who contributed greatly to the South African deciduous fruit industry during his tenure at what was the FFRTI, later the ARC and then Stellenbosch University and finally as a Hortgro appointed entomologist at Stellenbosch University. He was one of the founding fathers of IPM (integrated pest management) in the industry and his work on red spider mites transformed the way spider mites were controlled in the apple industry. The current monitoring system used in the industry is based on the work of Dr Pringle. Then there was the research that he conducted on woolly apple aphids (WAA) and so the list goes on. Ken was a researcher who had a wonderful combination of intense observation powers, tenacity, and a strong statistical bent. He always started with gaining an understanding of the life cycle of the insect that he was studying, and he was only prepared to refer to the data, and the evidence when he was asked to comment on any entomological situation. The industry was able to draw on his strengths in entomology and statistics as he played a critical role in Lindi Benic’s market access team.
“Before Ken turned 70, he warned us all that no male in the Pringle lineage that he was part of had lived beyond 70. Well, he changed that statistic and served the industry in a consulting role until December 2019, beyond his statical due date! So, we bid farewell to a legend of the SA fruit industry who made an indelible impact. Rest in peace!”
Hortgro Colleagues, specifically the Market Access Team:
“Ken was a mentor to many in his role as entomology lecturer and postgraduate student supervisor at the university, as well as to Hortgro’s Trade and Market Access team, of whom he was a highly valued member. He was the ‘go-to’ when it came to statistical input for phytosanitary entomology and export protocols. After retiring from the university, he formed part of the Market Access Team and continued to apply his knowledge and experience, assisting Hortgro and the Department of Agriculture with many challenges in fruit export trade negotiations and forming part of international delegation visits to help secure market access for our industry. His extensive knowledge base in agriculture and insect pests was admirable and an asset to the team. We also remember him fondly for his infectious laugh and how, when asked how he was doing, he’d reply with a sigh but also a smile… “Still pushing along.” One year we did a spa experience as an end-of-year event and to the surprise of many Ken was completely up for it! He donned a gown and slippers along with us ladies and together we went for our head massages, foot soaks and the like.”
Also read about Dr Ken Pringle, SA’s trailblazing entomologist here: https://www.hortgro.co.za/news/integrated-pest-management-are-we-there-yet/