Understanding erosion – Part 1

We look at the different forms of soil erosion.

Watch out for those poisonous plants

One of the greatest risks to farmers is the loss of livestock as a result of plant poisoning. So it’s important to know what promotes their growth and how to avoid them.

Know your crop pests: Mediterranean fruit fly

Despite its name, the Mediterranean fruit fly is thought to have originated in sub-Saharan Africa. But it has now spread over the entire continent, as well as Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas.

Remove bush and increase grazing capacity

Bush encroachment has affected large areas of savannah to such an extent that keeping livestock is no longer viable. Lindi van Rooyen looks at rehabilitation of grasslands.

Know your crop pests: African bollworm

Scientific name: Helicoverpa armigera Family: Noctuidae Distribution: Throughout Africa

Groundnuts in a nutshell

A source of plant protein and oil, groundnuts are produced by commercial and subsistence farmers. ARC agronomist Loureine Salomon offers tips for growing this popular crop.

Don’t be tricked by pronkgras

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum, or pronkgras in Afrikaans) can trick landowners into assuming that it is a relative of indigenous blue buffalo grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and therefore valuable as a grazing plant.

Dealing with powdery mildew

Unless a cucurbit variety has genetic resistance to powdery mildew, you will have to deal with this fungal disease at some stage.

Know your pests: Aphids

All aphids share the same basic body structure. They are small and soft-bodied with a tear-drop shape and sucking mouthparts. Their success is in part due to the prolific asexual reproduction capability of some species.

Know your crop pests

In the coming months, entomologist Paul Donovan will explain how to identify crop pests and suggest various measures to control them.

Farming hydroponically – part 3

Hydroponics is a popular way to grow vegetables because of the high quality of the produce and efficient water use. If you use a greenhouse, you can supply vegetables out of season when the price is good.

Farming hydroponically – part 2

Here’s what you need to start farming hydroponically.

Carrot pests and diseases

Protecting carrots from nematodes, leaf and bacterial blight and white mould.

Spinach: a step-by-step guide on how to grow it

Spinach is a cool weather crop that doesn’t grow well in hot summer months when the days are long. The best temperature for growing spinach is between 16ºC and 24ºC.