Breaking the trust between Producer and Market agent
The other day, a market agent told me about a supposedly ‘loyal’ producer who had decided to bypass him and supply directly to an unnamed buyer in the same town,...
Other tomato wilts
We have already discussed bacterial wilt which sees the leaves and growing tip of an apparently healthy plant hanging due to lack of water.
What is ‘VAC’?
‘VAC’ is my acronym. It stands for ‘visibility, availability and credibility’, and refers to the need for a market manager (MM) to be on the market floor as frequently as...
Don’t let late blight catch you napping
Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a fungus in a hurry, and may already have done much damage if you’re not awake and watching out for the conditions which favour it.
Managing leaf miners in tomato crops
Leaf miners need not be the threat they were when originally introduced.
The role of a market manager
Being a market manager (MM) on a fresh produce market is a hands-on business and not about skulking in sumptuous offices. Unfortunately, far too many of our current crop of...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
