More on integrated pest management
A recent visit to a client has prompted another article on integrated pest management (IPM). This farmer has two vegetable farms separated by a few kilometres. He uses wasps to...
Integrated pest management of brassicas
This practice combines natural and chemical means to control pests. In SA, brassica farmers tend to stick to a set chemical pest control programme.Issue date:23 March 2007
Bringing black truffles to South Africa
Ranking alongside caviar and saffron in price and rarity, black truffles are now produced in South Africa by Donna Hornby of Truffles of Africa in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.
Don’t let thrips creep up on you
In South Africa, this is a relatively new pest in cabbage. The western flower thrip is the problem and apparently was accidentally introduced from the US in chrysanthemum cuttings. It...
Fulvic acid passes the fertigation test
Fruit farmer Ian de Kock of Harmonie farm near Montagu in the Western Cape, says the use of fulvic and amino acids has improved crop health, yields and fruit quality...
Quality spawn is key to mushroom success
Growing mushrooms on a small scale for home use or commercial sale can be lucrative. However, Lloyd Phillips discovers why a good-quality mushroom crop can only come from spawn produced...
Beware: cabbage aphids also carry viruses
Cabbage aphids maintain a low profile in summer heat. is easy to become complacent only to later discover that they have established themselves.
Protea nutrition: food for thought
Research conducted in Hopefield, Western Cape, aim to show that with an understanding of protea nutrition farmers could improve their protea yields while supporting biodiversity. Issue date: 23 February 2007
Contract growers could capitalise on katambora
Zimbabwean expatriate Paul Hanly has persevered since he began promoting local katambora rhodes grass seed production for export to the Middle Eastern dairy industry. Issue Date: 16 February 2007
Wine tourism – an answer to the wine industry’s woes?
The wine surplus across the globe is putting the livelihoods of wine farmers under pressure. While there are no easy answers, key role-players in the South African wine industry feel...
Organic oils – scents of success
Stuart and Grant McMurray are reaping the rewards of essential oil production in Zululand, KZN, after identifying the need for a South African operation that could supply the growing international...
