The strange history of the butternut

The butternut has a most unlikely origin. It was bred by a Charles Leggett of Stow, Massachusetts, in the USA in the mid-1940s. He was not a plant breeder, but...

Common watermelon fungal diseases

Watermelons are generally grown in fairly dry climates as this reduces the risk of diseases considerably.

Fresh produce conference season

We’re approaching the fresh produce sector’s ‘conference season’ once again.

Watermelon weeding & watering

Weed control depends on a farmer’s particular situation. For example, where weeds are rife, a weedkiller may be needed.

Producers returning to markets?

Quite a few market insiders have told me that producers have had enough of supplying supermarkets and are stepping up their deliveries to the markets.

Planting watermelon seeds and seedlings

Success with watermelons, as with most fruit and vegetables, begins with getting the basics right.

Quality sells

Supplying a quality product is easier said than done. Within the farming context there are many challenges that have to be overcome before quality products can be produced.

Give your watermelons the correct nutrient mix

There are several important considerations when planning a fertiliser programme for your watermelon crop.

Project Rebirth going forward

Readers will recall my regular updates on Project Rebirth. Launched by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa) at its 2011 AGM, it seeks to facilitate the upgrading...

An early start to the watermelon season

Watermelons command a higher price earlier in the season. Because of this, you might want to choose a variety that’s ready sooner, even if it’s lower-yielding.

The Apac brand

Following a recent meeting at the Agricultural Produce Agents’ Council (Apac) office in Boksburg, we were each presented with an attractive shopping bag, a pen and a water bottle, all...

Sharing market information

To ‘communicate’ is to impart or share knowledge. In this latter sense, communication between producer and market agent is crucial when it comes to determining price on a market floor.

Growing watermelons – part 1

Watermelons are a warm season crop, but can be started in winter in areas where conditions are milder.

Herbs and diversified farming: how to do it

Allée Bleue started growing and selling herbs on a small-scale in 2000, but driven by high consumer demand the estate is flourishing.

Some lesser cucurbit pests & diseases

There are two species of leaf miner that can cause a problem – Liriomyza huidobrensis and L. trifolii. The former prefers temperate climates, the latter warmer climates.

Language of economists

Most of us read the financial and economic news, but how many of us really understand the language of economics so fluently used by economists?

Strategies for pumpkin fly control

Pumpkin fly is a pest every cucurbit grower will know. It is similar to a fruit fly but, as its name suggests, it parasitises members of the pumpkin family.

Market demand

Continuing last week’s theme of the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing, I’d like to consider a few aspects of demand.

Vigilance: the best anti-virus weapon

The sooner you spot the first signs of infection among your cucurbits, the more effectively you’ll be able to slow down the spread of the virus.

Continuity is crucial

I often refer to the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing: supply, demand, quality, continuity and communication. This week I want to focus on continuity.

Vegetables