Economical pest control
Having already addressed bollworms, this week we discuss the control of aphid, cutworm and leaf miner in lettuce crops.
Keep the market free!
I’ve heard rumblings from on high that it should be compulsory for bigger farmers to allocate, say, 20% of their produce to a black-owned market agency.
Controlling bollworm in lettuce
One pest has caused severe damage on almost every lettuce farm at some time or other: the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).
Integrity is profitable
In his Managing for Profit column of 5 February, Peter Hughes tells how leadership expert Fred Kiel found that businesses managed by people of character made returns up to five...
What to do after transplanting lettuce
The manner in which lettuces are transplanted makes all the difference to the profitability of a crop, as all subsequent practices and expenses up to maturity remain the same.
Korkom annual producers and market agents’ information day
I recently attended the annual producers and market agents’ information day hosted in Ceres by Korkom.
Planting and fertilising lettuce
When planting lettuce, it is very important to ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist to reduce transplant shock.
IT in fresh produce
The other day, I met with two young people from the subtropical fruit sector. As we settled down around the table, they brought out their smartphones.
Fresh produce: A complex business
The latest South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) crop estimate makes for interesting reading, and reminds me once again of just how complex the fresh produce business can be.
Starting a new market agency
Over the past year or so, several new market agencies have opened on some of the bigger markets.
Interesting facts about lettuce
Lettuce has its origin in the eastern Mediterranean and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is part of the daisy family Asteraceae, and the range of varieties is...
Small markets – can they survive?
As I’ve noted before, in the 1940s this country had more than 100 markets. Today, we are down to 24.
Beating cucurbit viruses
Having ignored my own advice – given to readers in a past column – I recently ended up paying the price.
Fresh produce market forecast
At this time of the year, I usually make my annual forecast of the fresh produce markets. I peer deep into my crystal ball and, with uncanny accuracy, predict that...
Learning from the lands
Every year offers opportunities to gain more experience and understanding of how to improve production.
Nepotism at the market
The casual visitor won’t be aware of it, but for someone like me who is closely associated with markets it is amazing to see the number of people working as...
Flagship market sold?
The name of this column, ‘On the Market Floor’, was chosen for a good reason: the market floor is exactly where you’ll hear all the news in the fresh produce...
Marketing your fruit and vegetables
Providing a steady supply of quality products when marketing your fruit and vegetables will lead to success.
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