How to identify different ticks
Ticks are the most common external parasite of livestock and are vectors for a number of serious diseases. We list and describe some of the more common ticks.
Ticks – a dangerous pest
Ticks are the most common external parasite of livestock and are vectors for a number of serious diseases, cautions Paul Donovan.
Better parasite control
‘Selective target treatment’ seems to be gaining ground in areas where sheep and goats are mostly run on dry veld, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Sunflower seed bug
Nearly all parts of a plant are targeted by pests. However, most pests ignore the seeds, as they are often unpalatable or covered by a hard shell.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 3
Getting your spraying right is especially important, says Bill Kerr.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 2
Before fertilising your tomato crop, carry out a soil analysis. This is well worth the cost, explains Bill Kerr.
Redwater (Tick-borne disease)
Redwater is a disease affecting cattle and is transmitted by infected blue ticks occuring in the higher rainfall regions of South Africa, such as the Western and Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Bluetongue (Midge-borne disease)
“Bluetongue is transmitted by the Culicoides midge, which breeds in moist, warm conditions,” says Dr Leask.
Careful with those licks!
Indiscriminate use of licks can do more harm than good, cautions Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 1
This is an expensive crop to grow, so do your homework before you start, cautions Bill Kerr.
Dealing with fig pests and diseases
SA’s fig-growing industry, although relatively small, produces a significant harvest for export. Here are useful tips to treat diseases and pests on this plant.
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