Organically grown vegetables VS conventionally grown vegetables
The answer is yes and no. IT depends. A prime benefit of organic produce is that it's free of pesticide residue, which is blamed for the progressive increase in cancer.
Joint venture at Durban Fresh Produce Market
Something quite significant has happened on the Durban market. I recently contributed to a week's training session there for prospective salespeople. The significance is that this was a joint venture...
Can marigolds really control eelworm?
Studies have found that marigolds increase the populations of nematode-trapping fungi, and other fungi that attack and destroy eelworm eggs.
More about credit sales
Last week I gave A broad view of the issues surrounding credit sales on fresh-produce markets.
Tunnel farming with cucumbers methods for success
Moving from 600ha in Underberg to a 2ha tunnel farm in Margate involved a major leap of faith for Lewis and Charmaine Alcock. Today, they have reach peak production with...
Marigolds don’t control eelworm
Reading about using marigolds to suppress eelworms piqued my curiosity, so when the opportunity arose, I tried it for myself.
Understanding nitrogen fertilisation in vegetables – part 3
Different vegetables require a "push" at different stages, which is why it is important to understand how nitrogen works in the soil, and its subsequent availability.
Why the commission system?
The debate about which is more desirable, commission- or wholesale-selling of fresh produce, has bounced around the industry for years.
Nitrates versus ammonia: get nitrogen your veg can use
Many farmers apply nitrogen in the form of ammonia and can’t figure out why the crop doesn’t respond. It’s important to understand that, while plants can take up ammonia, most...
Understanding nitrogen fertilisation in vegetables – part 1
Of all the plant nutrients, nitrogen has the greatest influence on the success of any crop. While a shortage of any element will be a limiting factor, its effect on...
Taking your sweet potatoes through to maturity
Even though sweet POTATOES are a generally low-care crop, some pests can cause a complete wipe-out. You need to do regular inspections and know what to look for.
Getting it right with sweet potatoes
You could say sweet potatoes are easier to grow than weeds. The important thing is to keep the planting material disease-free.
Don’t ignore the small guys
I suppose it’s human nature – or is it just greed for people to favour big clients?
Food for Africa!
Africa is the third fastest growing region in the world after Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim. Since 2000 some 90 million Africans have moved to cities, and the continent...
Using radish to control cyst eelworm
A fodder radish crop can exterminate up to 95% of a cyst eelworm population and be used for biofumigation, writes Bill Kerr.
Getting to the bottom of cavity spot mysteries
Cavity Spot is a very destructive carrot disease that has been giving farmers and researchers sleepless nights all over the world. It has been determined that cavity spots on carrots...
It’s a tough road for vegetable farmers
Dear Bruce Roberts-Baxter, Your chillingly accurate letter to Farmer’s Weekly for the issue 26 February 2010, captures the plight of many farmers setting out to make a living from farming.
No-till can be practical for vegetables
No-till helps farmers work with nature, with massive benefits in the quality and health of soils and water use, sustainability and economics. And Bill Kerr speaks from first-hand experience.
Taking your watermelons to maturity
Regardless of yield, watermelon quality is vital for sales, price and future demand for your product. Cultural practices are especially important during the last period towards maturity.
