Okra is not well known in South Africa. Actually its not very well known except maybe in Turkey, India and Asian countries (but they use a different variety). Okra has various popular names such as Gumbo and Lady's Finger. Chinese Okra is something totally different, Luffa acutangula, family Cucurbitaceae. The Okra we are talking about is from [...]

Soil compactionFeatured Image obtained from: Photos Public Domain; Dirt is a problem that all growers face. There are a huge variety of equipment for soil preparation, but the primary tillage implements are mouldboard ploughs, large discs and chisel ploughs. The mouldboard and large disc ploughs tend to produce a compacted hard layer just below [...]

Nutritional value of pigeon peas can vary considerably, as with any crop. Climate, growth stage, plant part, fertilizer application are but a few variables that can affect the nutrient content of a pigeon pea analysis. The table below should just be used as a general guideline. The total protein, fat and fibre content are high [...]

Soil preparation has a significant influence on yield and quality of the crop. Unfortunately equipment and tractors not only cost a lot but are expensive to maintain. In most cases it is more economical to hire someone to do the ploughing with better equipment that what you can afford. If your soil is managed poorly, [...]

Tomato 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 account, only [...]

Green pea soil preparation Achieving good yields green pea soil preparation is the first step for any grower. The soil must be well drained as green peas are very sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Make sure that the water table of the underground water is not closer to the surface than 800 mm.  As with any [...]

Chillies are just as susceptible to the know viruses as tomatoes. The most common known virus is tobacco mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt virus and potato virus group X and group Y.  You cannot control or spray for a virus. There are no chemicals that can kill viruses on a large scale as required on [...]

Pigeon pea growth period and harvesting The growth period of the pigeon pea varies considerably. Depending on variety pigeon peas will grow 100-300 days. Location, thus local micro climate and sowing date have a significant influence on growth season length. In India most late-maturing varieties take about 240-280 days to produce a seed crop and [...]