Controlling the African bollworm
As a tomato grower you always need to be on the lookout for the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), no matter the season.
Market agents – will they never learn?
Recently a senior market agent was complaining to me about other market agents on the market bad-mouthing his sales staff when talking to producers. As he spoke, my hackles rose.
Doing it ourselves
Many of us are quick to find fault in the business sector where we operate, but we’re slow to implement changes.
Spray your tomatoes effectively
Everyone who knows anything about tomatoes knows that spraying and disease control are extremely important. Tomatoes have a reputation for being especially susceptible to a host of pests and diseases.
Still too high!
Wastage of fresh fruit and vegetables is a costly part of the business. When the products you’re handling are highly perishable, then the best efforts to preserve them can only...
Fertilising tomatoes after planting
When it comes to fertilising tomatoes after planting, much will depend on what fertiliser you used in the pre-planting stages and the condition of the soil.
Investing in knowledge
We all know the Shoprite/Checkers stores, but how many people outside the fresh produce trade know of Freshmark, the company that distributes their fresh produce throughout South Africa and into...
Early pest management for tomatoes
The first consideration for those who plant in the soil is the threat of soil insects, especially cutworms.
Fiddling while Rome burns?
In her speech at the AGM of the African Farmers Association of South Africa, agriculture minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson spoke glowingly of the Walmart initiative to support small-scale farmers.
Why prune tomatoes?
There are instances where tomatoes have to be pruned and cases where pruning is entirely optional. We therefore need to know why we prune and when or if it’s necessary.
Growing tomatoes without stakes
Staking tomatoes involves a lot of work and expense, and many try to avoid this by planting determinate varieties.
Keep the customer happy
In our imperfect social and business environment we frequently find that companies say one thing and make ambitious promises – especially when it comes to good service – but seldom,...
Are you legal?
Market agencies are required to register with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) before they may conduct business.
Know your tomato seedlings’ needs
Tomato growers invariably buy their seedlings from a dedicated seedling nursery. This usually means the seedlings are produced in seedling trays with 200 cavities.
Tell it like it is
In the market agency business, the establishment of a sound working relationship between producer and market agent remains the single most crucial requirement for success.
Bringing some sanity to tomato fertilisation
Several years ago I worked for a seed company and, one day, some of South Africa’s biggest tomato growers came to view our trials.
Potato nation
No matter their quality – or ‘health benefits’ – the products we in the fresh produce business handle must still compete for a spot in the hearts and minds of...
Choosing a tomato variety
We have about 200 tomato varieties in South Africa. This fact alone makes the value of the variety list highly questionable.
Biological control of aphids
The subject of biological control of aphids is a complex one, as different crops require different approaches, and the season plays a role as well.
Answer that phone!
Businesses that practise good customer relations make sure their ‘frontline people’ – those who answer the phone – are trained, competent, friendly and helpful.
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