Research & Technical
The detective work behind indentifying PepRSV in South Africa
Identifying the causes of defects or disease symptoms in plants is not always straightforward. This also applied to the challenge of identifying pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV). In March 2019, a…
Read MoreWestern Free State cultivar trial under irrigation at Bultfontein in 2025
The Western Free State is a major potato production region where approximately 6 871 ha of potatoes (15.1% of the country’s potatoes) are planted by 38 producers. The most prominent…
Read MoreSouthwestern Free State cultivar trial under irrigation at Petrusburg in 2025/26
The Southwestern Free State production region accounts for around 1.86% of the country’s commercial potato production on 954 ha. The most prominent cultivars produced as part of this region’s main…
Read MoreThe role of herbicides in defending crops
Weeds pose a constant threat to crop plants, not only when they grow alongside crops, but also in the absence of plants through seeds in the soil seed bank. The…
Read MoreTurning weather information into farming decisions
Agricultural producers across South Africa regularly make management decisions influenced by changing weather conditions, whether preparing livestock for heat stress, planning irrigation after rainfall, or managing fire risk during dry…
Read MoreWes-Vrystaatse kultivarproef onder besproeiing by Bultfontein in 2025
Die Wes-Vrystaat is ’n groot aartappelproduksiestreek waar 38 produsente aartappels op sowat 6 871 ha (15.1% van die land se aartappels) produseer. Die mees prominente kultivars wat hier geproduseer word,…
Read MoreVersatile power for modern farming
The John Deere 6M series tractors are among the most versatile, hardworking platforms in the mid-sized tractor segment. Built to handle everything from loader work and baling to transport, mowing,…
Read MoreCultivar check: Sound
Description The Sound potato plant has a vigorous growth form and high tolerance to stress factors. This table variety is producer-friendly and offers high yield potential across a wide range…
Read MoreDie rol van onkruiddoders in gewasverdediging
Onkruid hou voortdurend ’n bedreiging vir gewasplante in; nie net wanneer dit saam met gewasse groei nie, maar ook in die afwesigheid van plante in die vorm van sade in…
Read MoreNematodes: Hidden vectors of PepRSV
Unlike other viruses in South Africa, such as potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV), tobraviruses, including pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV) and the closely related tobacco rattle virus…
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