Vegetables

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...

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...

Whiteflies and mites are likely to attack your tomato crop unnoticed if you don’t keep a wary eye open for them.

Recently, I wrote about one of our fresh produce markets in a way some readers might have found a bit scathing.

The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) was accidentally introduced into this country some years ago, with severe consequences for many crops.

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.

This issue we look at the different kinds of lettuce available and which are best for your home garden.

As a tomato grower you always need to be on the lookout for the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), no matter the season.

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.

Many of us are quick to find fault in the business sector where we operate, but we’re slow to implement changes.

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.

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...

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.

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...

The first consideration for those who plant in the soil is the threat of soil insects, especially cutworms.

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.

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.

Staking tomatoes involves a lot of work and expense, and many try to avoid this by planting determinate varieties.

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,...

Market agencies are required to register with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) before they may conduct business.