Hardening of seedlings may sound cruel but it results in stronger healthier plants with higher yields. Hardened off plants are thicker, less succulent and more resistant to transplant damage and stress than non-hardened seedlings. Hardened off plants need less attention in the field resulting in more energy spent on other aspects of farming. Hardening off [...]

The fraction of organic phosphorus that is available for plants is very small and not enough for the plant to grow properly. Compared to nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and sulphur (S) which is part derived from the atmosphere. All organic P comes from available inorganic P in the soil. So it seems that added organic [...]

Blosyrus inaequalis is mostly found in Siri-Lanka and India, but lately also in the northern parts of South Africa. So far the economical damage cause in the highveld in South Africa is not a big concern, but in the lowveld it can cause problems. Folded leaf edges with 15-25 eggs is a sign of Blosyrus [...]

Sweet potato weevil can be devastating in Africa. losses between 73%N.E.J.M.Smit,"The effect of the indigenous cultural practices of in-ground storage and piecemeal harvesting of sweetpotato on yield and quality losses caused by sweetpotato weevil in Uganda," Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment,vol.64,no. 3, pp. 191–200, 1997. -100%K. O. Fuglie, “Priorities for sweetpotato research in developing countries: results [...]

Planting material Sweet potatoes are propagated vegetatively through vines (or runners) which are cut up in cuttings, each 300-400mm long. Most other crops are propagated with seed, which comes from the reproductive parts of the plant. Selecting disease and insect free material from a reputable supplier is the first cheap step in reducing spray cost [...]

Butternut (Cucurbita moschata) fertilizer requirements can be calculated if you know your soil type and have a good idea of the yield potential of your land and climate. These are basic norms and your specific microclimate and variety can have an influence on the total amount applied. These norms do not take top dressings into [...]

Sweet potato soil requirements are similar to many other vegetable crops. Good high quality soil is the first step towards good yields, it is not a guarantee, but it helps. The soil texture, structure and chemical composition significantly influences root growth, which is where the tubers grow. Any part of the soil that restricts root [...]

Root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp., are small round worms present on the roots and must not be confused with root knots of Rhizobium spp., which are actually good for the plant. Legume nodules are smaller and pinkish inside while Root Knot galls are distorted and have abnormal branches. Root Knot infestation just looks bad compared [...]