Research & Technical
Using cover crops as green manure to combat Verticillium wilt in potatoes
Verticillium wilt is known for causing early maturing and die-off in potato plants. In other words, it shortens the potato plant’s growing period, lowers its crop yield, and ultimately leads…
Read MoreThe potato leaf miner in South Africa
The potato industry in South Africa plays a vital role in agriculture and food security, contributing significantly to both local consumption and export markets. However, potato cultivation is constantly threatened…
Read MoreDie gebruik van dekgewasse as groenbemesting teen Verticillium-verwelk van aartappels
Verticillium-verwelk lei tot vroeë veroudering en afsterwing van die aartappelplant. Dit verkort dus die groeitydperk van die plant, verlaag die oesopbrengs per plant en kan gevolglik groot verliese vir die…
Read MorePotato tuber moth: Eliminating a monster pest
The potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) challenge is not new to South African potato producers and has been around for 130 years, causing losses of up to 30%. Alongside the…
Read MoreRegion-specific crop rotation programmes for the Eastern Free State (Part 2)
While crop rotation has been around for centuries, soil health is a new topic in recent agricultural discussions. Despite the long history of agriculture and different farm management techniques, the…
Read MoreEffect of fungicide application on potato cultivars at Cedara in the 2023/24 growing season
The Cedara Research Station (S29° 32’ 15 33, E30° 16’ 09 19) is situated in the moist mist-belt zone of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands (900 to 1 400 m above sea…
Read MoreSoil health: The bedrock of potato farming
The need for sustainable farming practices has never been more urgent, as the global demand for potatoes continues to rise. The success of potato farming hinges on the quality of…
Read MoreBoosting profits with weather insights
Farming is faced with the growing pressures of climate change, erratic weather patterns, and increasing disease outbreaks. Potato growers therefore need advanced solutions to optimise production and protect their crops.…
Read MoreEastern Free State cultivar trial under irrigation at Bethlehem in 2023/24
The Eastern Free State is a major potato producing region where 19% of the country’s commercial potatoes are produced on approximately 9 522 ha (2023 harvest year). The most prominent…
Read MoreThe development of region-specific crop rotation programmes for the Eastern Free State (Part 1)
The advantages of crop rotation have been known for centuries and are utilised by producers to enhance soil fertility and control diseases, pests, and weeds through the inclusion of specific…
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