Maintaining your sprayer
Some basic precautions to keep you safe and your sprayer in good working order.
Testing your soil
Understanding the make-up of soil is fundamental to achieving the best crop yield. The advent of a simple-to-use soil test kit has made this a great deal easier, says Paul...
Parasitoids – The ‘good guys’
Parasitoids employ remarkable strategies to attack their hosts, many of which are crop pests. Paul Donovan looks at why these insects are allies of farmers.
Fungicide fundamentals
Fungicides are an effective weapon against fungal diseases. But care should be taken to apply them correctly, says Paul Donovan.
Protecting granadillas against pests
Methods of controlling dikvoet, leaf wilters and other diseases and pests.
Know your crop pests: Locust
Not for nothing do we speak of a ‘plague’ of locusts – these pests can destroy crops in an entire region and swarms can survive for years.
Pruning, fertilising and harvesting granadillas
Pruning and thinning out are necessary when the granadilla vine becomes unproductive. This allows light and air to reach the inner parts of the vine, discourages pests and diseases, and...
An easy guide to growing granadillas
In South Africa, the purple granadilla, also known as the passion fruit, is grown commercially as well as for home use. Here is an overview of how this crop is...
Dealing with slugs and snails
These pests are not just the bane of the suburban gardener – they can wreak havoc with agricultural and horticultural crops, explains Paul Donovan.
Know your crop pests: Mealybug
Scientific name: More than 120 species have been identified in South Africa alone. Family: Pseudococcidae Distribution: Worldwide
Boosting kikuyu pasturage
Kikuyu is a perennial summer grass that can be over-sown by other pasturage in winter.
Understanding pesticide resistance
Why pesticide resistance is a serious problem, and how farmers can help to prevent it. Paul Donovan explains.
Preparing your land for winter
With a long hot summer almost over, it’s easy to become complacent. If you’re not careful, winter can arrive suddenly and find you unprepared.
Sawfly – pollinator and pest
Scientific name: Sawfly is the common name for insects belonging to suborder Symphyta of the order Hymenoptera. Distribution: Widespread.
Interested in selling vegetables?
Before starting production, you should obtain as much information as possible – and ask yourself some tough questions! Commercial vegetable-growing is not for everyone.
Grazing perennial ryegrass
To survive, perennial ryegrass needs good management practices. In particular, farmers should ensure that grazing does not take place too frequently.
Know your crop pests: False codling moth
The false codling moth is a major pest of citrus and other commercial fruit in South Africa, causing a substantial financial loss every year.
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