The following are some of the main tomato pests encountered in South Africa:
• African bollworm
(Helicoverpa armigera)
The bollworm is a major pest of many crops. On tomatoes, the larvae feed mainly on the flowers and fruit, and can cause huge losses if not controlled.
The moth lays creamy-white eggs of about 0,5mm in diameter singly on the flowers and leaves. They hatch within three to five days under good conditions. The young caterpillars are hairy, and vary from black to dark beige in colour.
When fully grown (after two to three weeks), the larvae are up to 40mm long, with a characteristic broad white to pale yellow stripe on either side of the body and small black spots on the upper side. Mature larval colours range from shades of green and reddish yellow, to reddish brown and black. The underside is greyish white.
Pupation takes place in the soil. The adult moth has a wingspan of 40mm, and a body length of 18mm. The forewings have two characteristic brown markings, while the hindwings have two distinct pale spots.
In the warmer parts of KwaZulu-Natal, bollworm is present throughout the year, although populations are smaller during the cooler months (with temperatures below 18°C).
• Cutworm
(Agrotis spp)
Cutworms feed at night and do substantial damage by cutting off the stems of young plants at or near ground level. During the day, cutworms can be found just below the surface of the soil next to the damaged plants.
The caterpillars, which may reach a length of up to 35 mm, are usually greasy-looking, and grey to dark brown or almost black in colour, with several black tubercles (bumps) on each segment.
The moth has brown or greyish forewings, and light brown hindwings.
• Plusia looper
(Chrysodeixis acuta)
Denne historien er fra December 13, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra December 13, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
