Communication complexities
Communication must be one of the most under-valued and misunderstood activities on a market floor.
Dealing with Hawaiian beet webworm the biological way
The Hawaiian beet webworm is a caterpillar that attacks beet and Swiss chard. The moth’s delta-shaped wings are brown with white stripes.
Keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases
Cabbages are popular with South African consumers and can provide growers with sustainable short-term income. However, sound management is needed for keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases.
Developing an IPM outlook
As we’ve said before, integrated pest management (IPM), or using the natural enemies of crop pests to help control those pests, has a long way to go in this country.
Transformation status
I recently attended a workshop on the transformation – or lack thereof – that’s taken place in market agencies since government launched its BBBEE requirements.
How tomato growers can practice IPM
When it comes to Integrated Pest Management (IPM), tomatoes have quite a complex array of requirements which will depend on the varieties planted and the region where they are grown,...
The giant stirs
At the recent Potatoes SA Marketing Seminar held in Pretoria, Africa came under the spotlight.
Practicing IPM with cabbages
It requires a lot of observation and experience, but Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be practiced with cabbages.
IPM for cabbage aphids
When it comes to cabbage aphids and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), success will depend on the crop being grown, the season and other considerations.
Why we need integrated pest management
Vegetable farmers are increasingly expected to supply produce with low pesticide residues.
Think about it!
I’m not against a farmer supplying direct to a supermarket. I am, however, not in favour of a farmer giving everything to a supermarket. This can rebound on a farmer...
Saving labour
One of the hot topics these days with vegetable farmers is ways of reducing their dependence on labour.
A valuable asset
I was most interested in Peter Mashala’s article (27 July, pg 58) about his recent trip with minister of agriculture Tina Joemat-Pettersson and others on a fact-finding junket to Costa...
More common potato diseases
Early blight is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, and attacks tomatoes as well as potatoes.
Learning the ropes
Many people think that when they plan to market their fruit or vegetables, their first stop should be a supermarket.
Late blight: fast & very destructive
Late blight in potatoes is caused by airborne spores of the Phytophthora infestans fungus. The disease manifests as irregular dark lesions on the stems and leaves and spreads quickly.
Co-operation works!
I was paging through the archives of the Institute of Market Agents of SA (IMASA) the other day when I came across the minutes of a joint meeting of the...
Potato tuber moth and other spud pests
Many pests target potatoes but most of these occur very occasionally and are likely to do minimal damage.
Tomatoes year-round – new cultivars
Producing tomatoes in tunnels is highly scientific, expertise-intensive and efficient in terms of area, water, nutrient and resource use. Keri Harvey visited Amanda Viljoen to find out how she does...
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