Posts by Jandrie Klopper
Ceres cultivar trial under irrigation at Donkerbos in 2025/26
Producers in the Ceres production area plant roughly 1.27% of South Africa’s total potato hectares. Processing and table potatoes are planted under irrigation. The most prominent cultivars produced in this…
Read MoreThe potato: A tale of psychology, disease, and certification
The world celebrated International Day of the Potato on 29 May this year. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the oldest and best-known foods in agricultural history. People discovered…
Read MoreSandveld cultivar trial under irrigation at Aurora in 2025/26
The Sandveld production region accounts for roughly 13.12% of South Africa’s total potato harvest, cultivated on approximately 6 967 ha across summer and winter plantings. This region supplies potatoes and…
Read MoreIs charcoal rot an emerging potato disease?
Charcoal rot is caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. The pathogen was reported on sunflowers and soya beans in South Africa as early as 1969. It has a wide host range and…
Read MoreA genetic passport for South African potatoes
One of the most important criteria affecting the total potato cultivation value chain is whether the plant material used is indeed the designated cultivar. At certain growth stages, it is…
Read MoreSyngenta National Potato Farmer of the Year: Finalists and winner 2026
SW and Hannelie van Zyl of Sandveld Aartappels SW and Hannelie van Zyl of Sandveld Aartappels in Lamberts Bay were named the Potatoes SA Southern Region Potato Farmer of the…
Read MoreCHIPS September/October 2026
Topical • Aktueel / Regulatory • Regulatories8 Aartappels SA-kongres 2026: Die pad vorentoe12 The seventh statutory levy period approved15 Syngenta Nasionale Aartappelboer van die Jaar | Syngenta National Potato Farmer…
Read MoreProkon News
During June and July 2026, a total of 14 potato-producing regions, as well as non-producing suppliers, delivered potatoes to fresh produce markets nationwide. Average percentage downgraded: 15.75% Total number of…
Read MoreTips for disciplinary hearings
As a rule, a disciplinary hearing should be held prior to dismissing an employee. Following the correct procedure is essential to ensure that any dismissal is procedurally and substantively fair.…
Read MorePotatoes power the ultimate human race
Potatoes SA took to the streets of KwaZulu-Natal on 14 June this year, to manage a refreshment station at the 99th Comrades Marathon. The event was an ‘up run’ from…
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