Better than blocking?
n an effort to save on vaccine costs, and time, farmer Graeme Brown experimented with making his own blood vaccine to combat heartwater.
Stamping out aflatoxins
International scientists are close to launching ground-breaking technology that will revolutionise disease control in crops.
Grape exports to US set to increase, thanks to new irradiation system
Hepro Cape irradiator could help South Africa’s table grape producers to once again satisfy the phytosanitary requirements of the US.
Bigger, sweeter fruit cultivars
Local fruit farmers will soon be able to select from several superior new stone fruit and table grape varieties. Denene Erasmus reports.
Liver fluke on the increase in South Africa
Liver fluke infestation in cattle appears to be spreading. At the North West RPO Congress, Potchefstroom vet Dr Martin Ferreira explained that blood samples analysed during the past two years...
Make the most of your fertiliser applications
It is not always appreciated that fertilisers have to be applied with precision in order to provide crops with the macro- and micro-nutrients they...
Collaborative efforts to combat wheat rust
South African researchers, in co-operation with scientists overseas, are using the latest breeding techniques in the endless war against wheat rust. Wynand van der Walt reports.
Winning secrets of SA’s top wine grape producers
SA’s top 50 producers are performing well despite grim economic conditions. Robyn Joubert studies the 2012 VinPro/Winetech report and finds out why these producers are so successful.
Paying farmers to conserve
In Costa Rica, farmers are paid to provide environmental services. This has helped to place the country in top spot in the ‘Happy Planet Index’, which measures environmental efficiency and...
Scientists find gene controlling vitamin C
Discovery may lead to new crops with extra-high levels of the vitamin.
Genome breakthrough may help beef farmers
Producers may soon have a tool to detect sub-fertile heifers and cows, allowing them to manage reproduction more efficiently.
Improving smallholder banana production
A multi-disciplinary research team from the Institute of Natural Resources in Pietermaritzburg is experimenting with ways to improve banana production among small-scale growers in the Eastern Cape.
Saving SA’s fynbos fish
The indigenous fish of the Western Cape’s fynbos rivers are under severe threat from alien fish, which prey on them. In an attempt to save them from extinction, CapeNature, in...
Glycerine shows promise as cattle feed
Feed efficiency is increased by adding crude glycerine, a by-product of biodiesel production, to feed.
Biological bollworm control
A Swiss-produced biopesticide containing a virus targeting the African bollworm is currently on trial in South Africa – and is proving remarkably effective against this destructive pest. Robyn Joubert reports.
Bioagronomy 1-2-3
A step-by-step approach to soil preparation is key to ensuring the survival of beneficial micro-organisms and greater yields, writes Robyn Joubert.
Benefits of high-Brix farming
Brix testing quickly indicates to a farmer how a plant responds to management changes, and provides an accurate picture of a crop’s health and taste. Jeff Joubert explains the method...
Winning the fight against fruit flies
The local deciduous fruit industry has developed a successful Mediterranean fruit fly control programme that uses environmentally friendly products, as well as the ‘sterile insect technique’. Denene Erasmus reports.
Beating the scourge of PRRS
A genetic marker shows a pig’s susceptibility to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.
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