Vegetables

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.

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.

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...

We have about 200 tomato varieties in South Africa. This fact alone makes the value of the variety list highly questionable.

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.

Businesses that practise good customer relations make sure their ‘frontline people’ – those who answer the phone – are trained, competent, friendly and helpful.

Communication must be one of the most under-valued and misunderstood activities on a market floor.

The Hawaiian beet webworm is a caterpillar that attacks beet and Swiss chard. The moth’s delta-shaped wings are brown with white stripes.

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.

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.

I recently attended a workshop on the transformation – or lack thereof – that’s taken place in market agencies since government launched its BBBEE requirements.

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,...