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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SUMMERTIME SALADS
These salads are a celebration of summer, and are perfect to have on their own or as a side. They are also easy to make and super affordable. Bon appétit!
North West farmers extend helping hand to hungry communities
Prompted by their own hardship during a decade of drought, farmers in the Schweizer-Reneke area have recognised the urgent need to help unemployed and hungry families in the local communities. Lindi Botha spoke to Jozeph du Plessis about the farmers’ project to distribute maize meal to the needy.
Backgrounding Beef Animals For Higher Profit
Most South African beef producers sell their weaners straight to feedlots for finishing. Chéri-Lynn Steyn, a master’s student in agricultural economics, explains how backgrounding these animals can increase the income of commercial beef farms and even of the feedlots themselves.
Economic Outlook 2021: Now Is The Time To Build Reserves
After a particularly tough year for its economy, South Africa faces many challenges in 2021. Reduced spending power, credit downgrades, and a second wave of COVID-19 could put a damper on agricultural profits this year, and farmers will need to consider their marketing plans carefully. Lindi Botha shares advice from two of the country’s leading economists.
Good Summer Rain Forecast For SA
Weather experts have predicted above-average precipitation for South Africa’s summer rainfall areas in 2020/2021. Meteorologist Johan van den Berg explained the weather cycles and La Niña/El Niño phenomena behind the forecast to Jeandré van der Walt.
Land Reform 2021: Beware Of Fake News
Land reform in South Africa is mired in policy uncertainty and government neglect. At the same time, it is a political football, kicked around shamelessly by some leaders to serve short-term political goals. Glenneis Kriel spoke to three experts in the field to obtain clarity on this crucially important topic.
Managing calf health for maximum long-term productivity
Prevention is better than cure, and this mindset is especially applicable when it comes to preparing calves for their productive adult lives. Dr Schabort Froneman, technical manager for ruminants at Zoetis, provides some pointers on how to raise healthy calves that can become healthy adult animals.
The stories that got us through a tough year
Farmer’s Weekly editor, Denene Erasmus, looks back at some of the top stories of 2020 that not only inspired her, but also served as an example to all South Africans of the remarkable resilience and determination shown by the farming sector during this most unusual year.
SA Harvest: fighting hunger and food waste one meal at a time
Small beginnings can lay the foundation of great success. This holds true for SA Harvest, a food rescue and distribution organisation. Ali Conn, regional manager at SA Harvest, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about the organisation’s journey over the past year and its future plans.
Diversifying with a new variety pays off for pumpkin producer
The demand for convenient meals and easy-to-prepare vegetables is opening up marketing opportunities for the Hokkaido pumpkin, a newcomer to South Africa. Small, and with an edible peel, the variety holds much promise for expanding cucurbit cultivation. Lindi Botha spoke to Francois Steyn about farming the Hokkaido.
I Love My Body, Curves & All!
New Miss SA Shudu Musida on her road to fame and why she’s proud of her body
Where Kingfishers Call
Limpopo lodge encourages reflection and interaction with nature
Eyes Over Africa
Deciding on a career is like one of those choose-your-own-adventure books: Each small decision you make impacts on what you end up doing with your life. Delport Botma (28) went for the “out-there” option and became a helicopter pilot.
A Dog's Life
What would a garden or cosy living room be without a dog – whether it works for its food or simply keeps its owner company? Artist and illustrator Piet Grobler* shares the insights he has gained over the years of living in South Africa, England and now Portugal.
Pick Your Grain
In her first column for Taste, Mogau Seshoene, of The Lazy Makoti fame, uses sorghum to create a seven-colours-inspired bowl with her favourite veggies
Conservation Agriculture Reduces Erosion And Improves Production
Soil erosion is a natural process, but the rate of soil erosion presently taking place – mainly due to anthropogenic influence – is not sustainable. When travelling through South Africa, we see soil eroded by water as acceptable and natural.
Beautiful white ironwood for medium to large gardens - Vepris lanceolata
The white ironwood is a tall or spreading evergreen tree, usually 7 – 20m high. It has smooth, light greyish-white bark and a rounded crown covered with shiny, trifoliate, lance-shaped leaves with wavy edges.
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.
Life After losing a child
A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.
A Solid Strategy Against Rising Input Costs
Had it not been for out-of-the-ordinary conditions that made his onions very sought after and expensive in 2000, he probably would not have owned his Soutpansberg farm today.