Tobacco Mosaic Virus: symptoms, transmission and management
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) can infect a wide range of hosts, and losses of up to 20% have been reported in infected tomatoes. Phillip Mphuthi of the Agricultural Research Council’s...
Amaranth farm trial: a high-potential crop for marginal land?
Amaranth has a high nutrient value and is a popular superfood worldwide. Because it can withstand harsh climatic conditions, it is also an attractive crop to farm. Western Cape farmer,...
Get to know how your crop ‘thinks’
A crop has no way of ‘knowing’ or ‘sensing’ your good intentions. Instead, it responds to the prevailing conditions as a means of self-preservation.
Attention to detail – key to successful cherry farming
Jeandré du Preez visited Derick van Zyl, estate manager of the farm, Esperanto, in the Koue Bokkeveld, to learn about cherry production in that province, and what makes this crop...
The benefits of farm trials – Part 1
When a farmer says he has 20 years’ experience, it could mean that he has simply been doing the same thing for 20 years without ever trying anything new!
Cash crops can combat low grape prices – Part 2
While some farmers in the Olifants River Valley are switching to organic production to overcome poor wine prices, others are converting to fruit and vegetables.
Don’t drown your crop’s roots!
Where many farmers fall short is knowing how deep the water has penetrated after irrigation or rain.
Diversification beats poor wine grape prices – Part 1
Wine grape prices have remained unchanged for the past decade, and producers in the Olifants River Valley have started to investigate alternative avenues for generating income. Local farmer, Willem van...
Olifants River Valley farmers’ irrigation woes
The supply of water to Olifants River Valley producers has been frequently interrupted in recent years due to breakages in the irrigation canal. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Johan Matthee, CEO...
Getting irrigation right
Farmers often ask me how frequently and how much they should irrigate. There is no simple answer, as many aspects must first be considered.
Crop problems: look for the clues!
We recently discussed how to identify mineral deficiencies and eelworm infestation. Many other problems can occur, of course.
The guardians of South Africa’s export fruit quality
Farmers invest considerable money and time to produce high-quality fruit and vegetables. Lucien Jansen, CEO of the Perishable Products Export Control Board, South Africa’s export certification agency, spoke to Glenneis...
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