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Farmer’s Weekly brings you the latest crop farming news and updates from South Africa and the rest of the world.

Managing the domino effect for a quality litchi crop

The process of eating a litchi reveals a greater truth about the fruit’s production: crack the hard part and reap the sweet rewards. While many have opted out of this journey, litchi farmer André Schoeman has continuously placed his bets on the crop, focusing on timing to get maximum returns.
Cloddy soil

Getting your soil ready for carrot planting

Carrots have a deep root system and this needs to be taken into account when preparing the soil for this crop, says Bill Kerr.

Fighting the Russian wheat aphid to safeguard SA’s crop

Addressing the challenge of Russian wheat aphid in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach that combines host-plant resistance and biological, cultural and chemical control.

Good advice and hard work tripled this farmer’s potato crop

Potatoes are a notoriously tricky crop to produce, making transformation in the sector extra-challenging. However, through collaboration with Potatoes SA and mentorship, Limpopo farmer Walter Mathidi has boosted production. Lindi Botha reports.

Some physiological disorders of cabbages

Oedema, bursting cabbages, tip burn and cold damage may cause concern but they can be prevented and managed, writes Bill Kerr.

Be aware of cauliflower’s special requirements

Cauliflower is very sensitive to a boron deficiency, much more so than other cruciferous crops, writes Bill Kerr.

Permaculture nurtures life into barren soil

Kathryn Eybers and Ross Dwyer have transformed a degraded ostrich farm into an economically viable, vibrant healthy ecosystem

Before going into carrot production, read this

Carrot farming has changed considerably over the past 30 years, making it difficult for new entrants to get into the market, says Bill Kerr.

The critical element that determines cabbage yield

Farmers know that nitrogen is necessary for growing cabbages and other crops, but many do not fully understand its importance for maximising yields, writes Bill Kerr.
cutworm

The basics of cutworm management

While the presence of weeds strongly influences the pest status of cutworm, the influence of soil moisture on factors such as their biology and behaviour are often overlooked. Entomologist and Bt-maize expert Prof Johnnie van den Berg and Zunel van Eeden, a master’s student at North-West University’s Integrated Pest Management group, have undertaken research on cutworm behaviour, control and insecticide resistance.

Making the most of the Cripps Red

This year, Two-a-Day’s Stewart Murray Champagne Orchard Trophy went to a Cripps Red apple orchard at Dunmanway Farm. Owner James Downes spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his exceptional orchard.

Achieving success with broccoli

Plant breeding has progressed to the point where one can now plant two or three varieties of broccoli over the year, says Bill Kerr.

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