Dealing with tomato curly stunt virus
As if the challenges of growing tomatoes aren’t enough, tomato farmers seem to be constantly subjected to new pests and diseases.
SA’s canola growers poised for success
Canadian canola expert Phil Thomas says producers can improve yields with innovative technology and better farming practices. Kobus van Tonder reports on Phil’s recent visit to SA.
About agents
We spoke about the fiduciary relationship between producer and market agent in the previous issue and focused on the producer. This week we turn the spotlight on the market agent.
Growing tomatoes in a bacterial wilt area
Bacterial wilt can be a devastating disease in tomatoes. I’ve seen whole crops destroyed, and if you’re farming in a warm area where the disease is prevalent, it’s worth knowing...
Putting theory to the test
Left to his own devices, a young sugarcane farmer from Upper Tongaat has made great headway in developing a farming model that meets his financial and sustainability goals. Robyn Joubert...
Be pro-active where early blight is a threat
Early blight (Alternaria solani) is a fungal disease that every tomato grower should know about. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘target spot’ as it forms concentric rings reminiscent of a...
Make it work
Last week I wrote about the all-important fiduciary relationship between producer and market agent. Now I’d like to offer a few suggestions to both parties as to how to make...
Watch out for powdery mildew
There are now two species of powdery mildew which attack tomatoes in South Africa. The most common is Leveillula taurica. The spores don’t need water to germinate and it is...
Proven Mango success
Rénald Radley runs 30ha of mango orchards on Radley Estate. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to him about producing quality mangos through careful pruning and inducing drought.
Fiduciary responsibilty
The fiduciary responsibility carried by market agents remains the most crucial requirement of their relationship with producers.
Physiological disorders of tomatoes
An unmarketable fruit is pure loss, having cost the same to produce as a perfect fruit. And there are a number of disorders which can affect the percentage of marketable...
Is this wave unstoppable?
A wave of rejuvenation and new commitment is sweeping all before it as role players in the sector take on the most serious challenges currently faced by South Africa’s fresh...
Managing successful crop rotations
Kiewiet, Theo and Neilus Ferreira have long realised that soil is a farm’s greatest asset, so they expend as much effort on crop rotation as on growing crops. A family...
These pests will creep into your crop unseen
Whiteflies and mites are likely to attack your tomato crop unnoticed if you don’t keep a wary eye open for them.
Tobacco farming in Zambia
Ten years ago, James and Rita Chance were forced off their thriving tobacco, maize and cattle farm in Zimbabwe. Since then, they have made a success of tobacco farming in...
Saddened & annoyed
Recently, I wrote about one of our fresh produce markets in a way some readers might have found a bit scathing.
Beware the thrips threat!
The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) was accidentally introduced into this country some years ago, with severe consequences for many crops.
Growing diversity in the Swartland
Western Cape finalists for 2012 Grain Producer of the Year, Francois and Pieter Eksteen, who farm in the Rooi Karoo near Piketberg, follow in the pioneering footsteps of their father,...
It’s not too late
Recently, I paid a two-day visit to one of our medium-size markets, and want to try and describe the scene that greets anybody who drives through the main entrance.
Growing lettuce for the home garden – part 2
This issue we look at the different kinds of lettuce available and which are best for your home garden.
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