Latest articles
Preventing bacterial spot in capsicums
Bacterial spot is easily prevented in capsicums, but once in the land it is extremely difficult to stop.
Reducing the risk of P. capsici
Capsicums are subject to pathogenic fungi, bacterial diseases and viruses.
Is your customer king?
It’s said that businesses most likely to survive a recession are those that genuinely believe the ‘customer is king’.
Innovation drives top young table grape farmer
Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year 2014, Jaco du Toit, is never happy sticking with the status quo. His practical research approach to farming has resulted in innovations in table grape production, and he has become a role model for his peers.
Preventing powdery mildew in peppers
One of the most difficult diseases to control in capsicums is powdery mildew.
Managing early fruit set in peppers
Peppers are relatively easy to grow when conditions are suitable. If not, taking the necessary precautions will avoid some problems.
Earthworms boost organic exports
The Rethabiseng Food Garden Project’s new flow-through vermicasting operation not only complements the organic production of vegetables and herbs, but is helping to combat climate change.
Food security?
We often hear commentators offering sage counsel on how to market fresh produce successfully in a country as diverse as ours.
Faith in the future of farming – Sakkie van Zyl
Sakkie van Zyl, Agri North West’s 2014 Young Farmer of the Year, is so positive about the economic prospects of SA agriculture that he left the corporate world to join his family’s enterprise near Bloemhof.
Choose your markets
Younger farmers might find it hard to believe that their fathers had essentially one marketing option for fresh produce – the markets.
Managing peppers through to maturity
As noted last week, the balance between fruit set and leaf volume can have a major effect on the yield and bearing pattern of a pepper plant through its lifetime.
SA apples: all set for healthy growth
By embracing new technology to ensure a greater yield and utilising resources efficiently, South African apple producers can look forward to a bright future.
Fruit and vegetable production with the neighbours
A few years ago, I wrote about the development of fruit and vegetable production in our neighbouring countries – specifically Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Preparing and planting capsicums
Basic fertilisation for capsicums should be adjusted according to a good soil analysis. If you don’t do this, you’ll waste fertiliser and perhaps exacerbate already unbalanced soil fertility.
Fine fruit: the heart of top olive oil
Olyfberg Olive Estate, one of SA’s original commercial olive producers, is renowned for its award-winning blended extra virgin olive oil. Estate manager Pieter Kruger stresses that this success begins in the orchards.
Raising capsicum seedlings
Capsicum seedlings need to be treated differently from other kinds of seedling.
Grassroots no-till in Argentina
Argentina is engaged in comprehensive research on no-till – and its crop farmers benefit directly from its results. Lloyd Phillips spoke to a number of no-till farmers operating under various production conditions.
Fresh produce news
I never cease to be amazed at the versatility of fresh fruit and vegetables, and this week I want to move away from the market floor for a moment and share some news snippets I’ve come across recently.
Producing capsicum seedlings in soil beds
The usual way to grow chillies and peppers is to plant the seed in cavity seed trays with a good growing medium.
Prices continue upwards
High(er) prices might sound like good news for farmers, but it certainly won’t be for beleaguered consumers (who include all of us) as they struggle with increases on a wide front.
