Field Crops

New varieties and technology are ensuring that local soya bean producers are now better equipped to compete with farmers in other production areas around the world, reports Magda du Toit.

Advanced seed technology presents farmers with the opportunity to introduce more resilient crops, improve yields and adapt to a more dynamic farming environment to ensure a sustainable future.

Stoller South Africa offers a wide range of plant physiology solutions for leguminous and non-leguminous crops.

To combat the effects of climate change, South African wine farmers will have to plan the establishment of new vineyards more carefully, especially if they want them to achieve heritage status.

When it comes to managing powdery mildew in grape orchards, prevention is better than cure, and the key lies in taking action early in the season.

FMC’s new Amicor® Insect Control represents an advancement in insecticide technology, and offers farmers so much more than mere insect control.

Integrated pest management (IPM) helps farmers reduce their dependence on chemicals to fend off pests, while improving biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Industry experts Andrew Bennett and Rodney Bell spoke to Magda du Toit about the factors involved in implementing an IPM programme.

According to a study by Ale Vidal Elgueta et al, researchers from Chile and France, the intensification of agricultural production over the past two millennia has led to a reduction in the level of iron in maize.

In Pongola, the tomato leaf miner is threatening the sustainability of family-run Basaki Boerdery, one of the last tomato producers in the area. Brothers Sakkie and André Terblanche spoke to Lindi Botha about their strategy for fighting this pest.

They are notoriously tricky crops to grow in summer, but broccoli and cauliflower flourish on Southern Block farm in KwaZulu-Natal. By focusing on optimal soil and vigorous plants, this farm uses minimal chemical inputs. Lindi Botha spoke to the team about their winning recipe.

Growing black winter truffles can be a highly lucrative undertaking for farmers looking to diversify their enterprises. Volker and Paul Miros, who run Woodford Truffles SA, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the expert knowledge and capital required to do so.

Cover crops are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they maintain soil moisture and improve soil health, but they are a valuable tool for reducing pest loads in subtropical orchards. By planting specific species, farmers can reduce their pesticide bill and meet the crop safety requirements of their markets.