Fresh Produce sector faces challenges
Challenge. I hope that my readers will regard this word in a positive way, instead of as something to be dreaded. I say this because the fresh produce sector faces...
Weevils & other sweet potato pests
The sweet potato weevil (Cylas spp) is arguably the most destructive pest of this crop.
Fresh produce sector : More change for the better
The rapid changes that we witness every day in the world are well-documented, but I remain constantly intrigued by them.
Irrigation & pest control in sweet potatoes
For sweet potato runners to root, the soil around the plants must be moist. Usually, the irrigation applied just after planting will be enough, but this depends on soil type...
Sweet potatoes after planting
Sweet potatoes are highly adaptable when it comes to soil type. I have grown this crop commercially in soils ranging from sandy to a very heavy clay.
Remembering Len Hobson
Len Hobson, who died recently at the age of 87, introduced papayas from Hawaii to South Africa in the late 1960s and became a recognised authority on subtropical fruit and...
Improvements at Springs Market
I cannot believe the transformation that has taken place at Springs Market.
Growing sweet potatoes
Unless you obtain clean planting material from time to time, there is a risk of virus lowering yield and quality in your sweet potatoes.
The future of sweet potatoes
Sweet potato consumption has not grown in the way it should have. When travelling in the Mpumulanga Lowveld 35 years ago, I recall that in season there would be piles...
Fresh Connections conference – an event to remember
The annual two-day ‘Fresh Connections Conference’ hosted by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) on 13 and 14 August this year was once again a winner.
More research on fresh produce wastage
I have always considered the apple industry to be at the forefront of innovation.
Capsicum diseases
Spotted wilt, which was covered in a previous article, is but one of 17 viruses found in peppers worldwide.
Service improvements at the Markets
On many occasions, I’ve pummelled markets on their inability to upgrade and make improvements.
Greenhouse production in SA – learning from Europe
It is every vegetable farmer’s dream to produce a higher yield per hectare and have the same yield winter and summer. Jacques Claassen visited an innovative lettuce producer achieving exactly...
Effective control of capsicum diseases
Several pests are a potential threat to capsicums. Not only can they damage the crop but they may be vectors for destructive diseases.
Market agencies need to be BBBEE compliant
Saying “I told you so” is not always the right way to go about winning friends and influencing people. However, in the case of market agents, the rebuke is justified.
Dealing with spotted wilt
Spotted wilt can be devastating in a land of peppers, but need not be if the correct strategies are adopted.
Happy birthday Joburg Market
When you drive into the Joburg Market nowadays, you’re greeted by an enormous banner proclaiming ‘120 Years of Freshness’.
Preventing bacterial spot in capsicums
Bacterial spot is easily prevented in capsicums, but once in the land it is extremely difficult to stop.
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