In April 2026, we accompanied producers Solomon Makobela and Andries Masoga, participants in Potatoes SA’s Enterprise Development Programme (EDP), on a visit to WesGrow Potatoes in Christiana. The purpose of the visit was to inspect and verify the quality of the Mondial seed potatoes the producers had procured and were expected to receive in the following weeks, well in advance of the winter planting season.
Both Makobela and Masoga produce Mondial potatoes, a sought-after cultivar at fresh produce markets. A large portion of their production is sold to traders supplying the Mozambique market, where buyers are known to be particularly selective regarding cultivar choice, tuber size, skin appearance, and overall quality. Since the producers do not currently have grading and washing facilities, their potatoes are marketed unwashed, making it even more important to produce a crop that meets market requirements from the field.
The seed procured through the EDP was funded through a combination of support from Potatoes SA, producer contributions, and credit facilities made available by VKB. Given the investment made, the producers viewed the visit as an important opportunity to confirm that the seed met the required quality standards before delivery.
Inspecting seed on site
The group was hosted by David Steyn of WesGrow Seed Potatoes, who guided the producers through the storage facilities and explained the quality-assurance processes used in the seed potato industry. Attention was given to several critical quality indicators, including bruising, greening, mechanical damage, and overall seed condition. For Makobela, the visit provided reassurance at a critical time. The 2026 production season had already presented challenges, with heavy rainfall and flooding experienced during February and March disrupting land preparation activities and delaying planting schedules.
“The visit was important because it allowed us to confirm that the seed is ready for planting despite a delayed season,” said Makobela. “The flooding earlier in the year affected our preparation plans, so it was valuable to inspect the seed and assess its condition before it arrives on the farm.”
One of the key discussions during the visit centred on the importance of planting plant-ready seed. Uniform emergence is critical in potato production as it allows plants to develop at the same pace throughout the growing season. When emergence is even, the crop enters the bulking stage together, resulting in more uniform tuber sizes and a more efficient harvest. Uneven emergence often leads to variations in tuber size and maturity, reducing overall marketable yield.
Understanding the labels
The producers also reviewed the information on the manufacturer’s tag attached to each seed bag. Although often overlooked, the label contains valuable information that can help producers make informed planting decisions. The label indicates the seed count, cultivar, burn-off date, and packing date.
Seed count is important because it helps producers calculate planting populations and determine whether sufficient seed has been delivered for the intended area. The cultivar confirms that the correct variety has been supplied, while the burn-off date indicates the seed’s physiological age, helping producers understand how it may perform once planted. The packing date further helps assess how long the seed has been stored and handled before delivery.
Equal attention was given to the certification tag, which can be identified by the South African coat of arms and the details of the South African Potato Certification Service. This tag provides assurance that the seed has been produced and inspected in accordance with strict industry standards. The certification tag includes information relating to seed generation, class, and a unique traceability code.
Generation is particularly important because it indicates how many multiplication cycles the seed has undergone from disease-free parent material. Lower generations generally carry a lower disease risk and higher genetic purity. The class confirms the quality category achieved during certification inspections, while the traceability code allows the seed lot to be tracked throughout the production chain if required. – Rachichi Marokane and Takalani Sikhau, Potatoes SA
For more information, send an email to rachichi@potatoes.co.za