There are three diseases that are a significant threat in a guava orchard:
• Guava wilt disease (GWD) A fungal disease caused by Acremonium spp, GWD was first reported in South Africa in 1981. It is present in most of the guava-producing areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Plant material may not be removed from the affected areas.
The initial symptoms of the disease include wilting and yellowing or bronzing of the leaves. The tree can decline rapidly or relatively slowly.
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Why wetlands are vital for humans and nature: Part 1
Wetlands vary greatly in type, yet all are indispensable for purifying water and controlling its flow. They include mountain springs, midland marshes, flood plains, coastal lakes, mangrove swamps and estuaries.
‘COVID-19 deaths help drive up goat sales'
Communal goat farmers in South Africa can set their own prices due to a shortage of the animals brought about by COVID- 19-related deaths, according to Gugu Mbata, project manager of the Mdukatshani Rural Develpment Project.
SA breeder's new cultivar sparks fresh love for passion fruit
Mpumalanga-based granadilla breeder Darryn Stoltz has developed a delicious new passion fruit cultivar that offers several advantages over previous varieties. One of these is longer shelf life, enabling the export of better-quality fruit. He spoke to Lindi Botha.
The layperson's guide to ley farming
Over the past few years, monocropping has largely given way to the crop rotation system, and ley farming has gained popularity in grain-producing areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West, where many farmers also produce livestock. Prof Chris Dannhauser spoke to Susan Marais about how the rotating of grain crops with planted pastures can be a highly useful practice.
The good and the bad of chimera
Chimera can be mistaken for a viral or bacterial infection, but it is actually a genetic disorder that could benefit some producers.
Massey Ferguson launches new tractor for orchards
With interest in the production of orchard crops on the rise, Massey Ferguson has launched the MF 3300 narrow-width tractor series in SA.
John Deere self-driving tractor is ready for commercial use
John Deere recently launched a fully autonomous tractor at the Consumer Technology Association’s show in Las Vegas, and it will be on sale in the US later this year.
Making it with medical cannabis
Thinking of producing medical cannabis? Glenneis Kriel spoke to industry pioneers about the opportunities and pitfalls for growers of this crop.
Indigenous veld goats: the ideal option for extreme conditions
Changing weather conditions and Africa’s severe poverty demand tough, easy-to-care-for livestock. The answer, says breeder Deon Vlok, is indigenous veld goats. Annelie Coleman reports.
Combating the effects of soil pollution
Soil pollution is a serious challenge worldwide, resulting in environmental damage and potential health hazards to people and animals. This report examines affordable ways in which farmers can limit its effects on their crops and reduce further soil degradation.
HE'S ON FIRE!
An unemployed Limpopo man’s clever idea to turn old geysers into braai stands has paid off big-time
Vaalwater Hotel, Limpopo
Vaalwater’s “drab”name is misleading– the past decade or so has seen itstep into its role as headquarters of theWaterberg with aplomb.
AT LAST, JUSTICE FOR OUR BOY
The Komape family have won in court –but it will never bring back their son who died after falling into a pit toilet
The Other Blouberg
Blouberg sails on the bushveld like a solitary ship, rising above the Limpopo landscape near the town of Vivo. Set your course for adventure because vultures and views await…
Brahman Breeders In Limpopo Have A Winning Plan
Several breeders from the Bosveld Brahman Club in Limpopo are applying genetic excellence and genotypic correctness to stimulate the demand for their bulls. At several of the last auctions, the minimum standard of bulls was raised to achieve this goal.
A Wahlberg's Summer
Wahlberg’s Eagles have always been close to my heart and when the opportunity arose to photograph a breeding pair at the nest, I grabbed it with both hands. It all started when Marius, my future son-in-law, told me early in 2019 about an eagle’s nest in a thorn tree near the Sand River on the farm where he lives in Limpopo. He sent me a photograph of the two eagles at the nest and I immediately recognised them as a pair of Wahlberg’s. To add to my excitement, one of them was a pale morph.
Life Along The Limpopo
The Limpopo River is South Africa’s border with Botswana for about 500km. It’s also a lifeline for farmers and wildlife, and for the deep roots of ancient trees. Join us as we follow one WhatsApp message to the next, from Steenbokpan to Pontdrift.
Hidden Treasure Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
Despite being the largest owl species in the region and sporting characteristic bright pink eyelids, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls Bubo lacteus can be surprisingly difficult to find in the wild. It was a colleague of mine, Callum Evans, who first pointed out an eagle-owl nest to me on 1 August 2020 in Mawana Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal. I had seen an adult and a sub-adult in the vicinity a few days before and had thought there might be a nest somewhere, but I hadn’t been able to locate it.
Activism In The Time Of Covid-19
The Bench Marks Foundation rose to the challenges caused by the pandemic through innovation and creativity with its community activist training programme.
I Love My Body, Curves & All!
New Miss SA Shudu Musida on her road to fame and why she’s proud of her body