Know your soil – Part 1
This year has been designated the International Year of Soils by the United Nations, so it’s a fitting time to learn more about the properties of soil and how to get the most out of your greatest farming asset.
All about chicory
Plans are underway to curb imports and revive the industry in South Africa.
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 Donovan.
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 promotes healthy new growth.
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 produced.
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
