pests
Production guide for small grains in Africa part 5: Common insect pests affecting small grains
Armyworm The armyworm exists in two distinct phases: 1.The solitary passive phase, where the larvae have green and brown stripes on the back 2.The active phase, where the larvae are velvety black on the back surface, with several yellow lines running the length of the body, broad white lateral[...]
UP researcher advances fruit fly management through innovative study
Some SA fruit industries spend more than R300 million a year to combat fruit flies. UP researcher Tania Pogue explains how her study of pest traps could revolutionise how we protect our fruit exports. In a significant advancement for agricultural pest management, University of Pretoria (UP) researcher Tania Pogue[...]
Make your plants happy: Keep your hydroponic system free of pests and diseases
Over the past few months, you have learned about the benefits of setting up a hydroponic system, the different hydroponic systems available, what you need to start your hydroponic system, and the best plants you can grow in your hydroponic system. The last thing to understand about hydroponic systems[...]
Vegetable production Part 14: Learn bit-by-bit how to grow cucurbits
A cucurbit is any plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. These plants are climbing or trailing plants and include squash, pumpkin, gourd, watermelon, melon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and marrows. They can be divided into the categories of pumpkins and squash (Cucurbita spp), melons (Cucumis melo), cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) and watermelons (Citrullus[...]
International Day of Forests: ‘Forest entomology is the key to healthier forests’ – UP forestry experts
By Professors Almuth Hammerbacher, Bernard Slippers, Brett Hurley and Chris Weldon of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria. Wood is a valuable renewable resource that is used widely across various sectors, from the paper, textile and bioelectronic industries to construction and mining. When[...]