Cucurbits: A fascinating history of cultivation for over 11 000 years
These much-loved vegetables, which are technically fruits, were among the earliest cultivated crops in the world, says Bill Kerr.
Plant health: Protect your canola from blackleg
With blackleg being amongst the worst diseases of canola, South African researchers are conducting trials to find the most resistant cultivars and most effective fungicides for local conditions. Dr Gert van Coller...
Cassava: an untapped resource in South Africa
Light Ngobeni and Zinhle Nkosi, agricultural economists and master’s students at the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo respectively, write about the importance of cassava production for farmers...
A shorter growth cycle for higher lettuce profits
Lettuce is beholden to an inconsistent market, with demand often dependent on the weather. Sustainable production therefore requires careful management of supply and demand. Equally important, as farmer Jakkie Mellet...
Cucurbit planting strategies
To ensure a successful crop, it’s crucial to plant out the seedlings at the optimal time. Getting it wrong may prove expensive, says Bill Kerr.
Cactus pear: one crop, three profitable markets
One of the most important decisions the Van der Berg brothers ever made was to include the production of cactus pear in their farming operation. Dewald van der Berg spoke...
Factors influencing maize yield
Yield potential refers to the maximum yield that a farmer can obtain from a crop in a given environment and is largely determined by a specific combination of factors. Magda...
Avocado farmers prove the value of ridging
Limpopo farmers Kosie and Manie Eloff, faced with the need to re-establish their avocado orchards, decided to conduct a multiyear experiment comparing the yields of trees planted on ridged and...
The pros and cons of tunnel tomatoes
Growing tomatoes in tunnels is not as easy or affordable as some people think. Do your research before committing yourself, cautions Bill Kerr.
A guide to optimising blueberry production
Blueberries are a challenging crop to cultivate, as the plants don’t readily absorb key nutrients, and the berries can therefore vary in flavour, quality and size. With an increasingly picky...
Bacterial wilt: a threat in tropical and subtropical areas
Once bacterial wilt has infected tomato plants, there is no way to stop its spread. Prevention is the only option, says Bill Kerr.
Brothers turn apple farm into top producer
The Lingenfelder brothers have made significant changes to production methods and orchard management since joining their family’s apple and pear farming operation in the Western Cape’s Overberg region. They spoke...
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