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 [...]

A good spray programs is not rocket science, and it shouldn't be. There are millions of successful farmers around the world that get it right without having an agricultural degree. Pest management or pest control is about logic and simple easy to follow principles. It also requires you reading the instructions, not only of the [...]

Basil is native of tropical Asia, where for centuries, especially in India, it has been highly esteemed as a condiment. The early Greek and Roman writers were well-acquainted basil. England used basil as early as 1538 and by 1586 it was a well-known herb. The Americans started using it about 100 years ago. It is [...]

We cannot control and know all the factors that influence plant growth. We know that by addressing the most limiting factor to plant growth, plants grow better and produce higher yields. If you suspect that your yields are lower or that you have less marketable yields the than your neighbour, you should have a look [...]