Crops

As fruit-importing countries become increasingly intolerant of pest infestations and diseases posing phytosanitary risks and equally intolerant of the use of pesticides, South African fruit producers have had to revisit their pest and disease management strategies, writes Magda du Toit.

Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.

Transformation in the fresh produce sector faces a significant challenge in that small-scale producers are unable to stay the course. Lindi Botha reports on how overwhelming obstacles, such as defunct government infrastructure and the high cost of food safety compliance, are shattering these farmers’ prospects for success.

Precision irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, maximising efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Zunel van Eeden spoke to Netafim South Africa’s Charl van Reenen about this irrigation technique, which can help South African farmers address the challenges brought about by a water shortage.

Beans originated in Central and South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years, says Bill Kerr.

Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been linked to the hot and humid northern provinces. Recently, though, Western Cape plantings have grown. Louis Vorster, who has extensive experience in avocado production, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the differences in production between these regions.

Macadamia nut farms have been in dire straits over the past two seasons as prices have dropped and input costs have risen. With little relief on the horizon, orchard management needs to be revised to maintain sustainability. Lindi Botha looks at the options available to farmers to reduce their costs.

Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr

Bill Kerr shares how he transformed nutrient-deficient soil into a thriving, self-sustaining farm. Learn about pest control methods and soil improvement techniques.

Gluten-free sorghum contains protein, dietary fibre, and B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It’s also a good alternative to planting maize, writes Magda du Toit.

The development of herbicide resistance is forcing farmers to incorporate non-chemical management practices in their weed control programmes. Dr Michael Walsh spoke about how it’s done in Australia at a farmers’ day in the Western Cape.

Treequattro is looking for South African producers to augment production of its non-oxidating Maribelle apple variety, which is boosting farm income in Europe.