es BABY VEGETABLE PRODUCTION GUIDE 2006 NAMBoard Prepared by: Debbie Cutting (BSC Hons) Project CoordinatorBRASSICAS 1. PLANTING“ MMVELD) Green / Savoy cabbage ‘Year round but for best resiilts:miareh August Re anaes can-go year round. but growth lox ee heat and sometimes doesn’t foria, a head March « august Cauiliffower March, April, may, June, July [ave Green / Savoy/ Red /cauli Yoru 2. PLANTING TO HARVEST Green and Savoy cabbage”, 60 days Red cabbage /-Cauliflower 90:days 3. PLANTING DENSITIES If planting 3 on a bed = (BEDS, cere = laine BEDISPACING | D r BED LENGTH? | 100M HECTARES 3) [1 Ha ROWS/BED. [3 5 ae a IN *ROW | 250 mm ‘SPACING 100-nf/ 1.5 ni bed'spabing = 66.6 beds / Ha 66.6'beds per Hi 3 yows / bed “Spacing betweé plaits = 250.mm Hi X 100 m length = 6666.6 running m of bed1 Hevtare (66.6 beds X 1.5 m) X (100m length) 1 Ha 10 000 (=100 m X 100m) Ifplanting at 4 rows per bed BEDS pat | 83.33 By [12m | BED SPACING | 1.2M iS BED LENGTH _ | 100M HECTARES: 1Ha Running meter of | 8333.33 bed Ee 00m ROWS /BED 4 IN ROW | 250 mm SPACING 100 m/ 1.2 m bed spacing = 83.33 beds / Ha 83.3 beds per Ha X 100 m length = 8333.3 runing m of bed 4 rows / bed Spacing between plants = 250 mm 8 333.3 running m of bed X 4 rows per bed = 33 333.32 x 250 mm (= 1000 / 250) 1 Hectare (83.33 beds X 1.2 m) X (100m length) 10 000 (=100 m X 100m) Please bear in mind that if the density is increased by planting 4 per row then the fertiliser application rate per hectare must increase in order to accommodate the increased number of plants. Management will have to be improved since there is more need for water management and a greater chance of disease etc especially bacterial and fungal diseases. Proper scouting should thus be in place.Also see the seed ananuba tures ane Vide may #46 sity ane populations since some vanities slo not hike a Ii:h demstt proble Teal setting SUGGESTED VARIETIES Cultivar information fo buck rot. Summer yood tolerance I tolerance of heat is in the Middleveld 1 it is much Cultivars. should be grown that | production plantings must have « cultivar that has a good can be planted during the summer month: discouraged since the yield and quality is poor, and more difficult to control pests and discases. All farms should mn trials of the various cultivars to ensure cultivar that best performs on their farm at the occurring conditions. Hybrid seed is more expensive but preferable to the open pollinated varieties due to better yields. that they select the Red Cabbage red sky, ruby ball, scarlet 0 Hara, primero, super red Green cabbage Baby balll, discovery, perfection eross, puma, star, Admiral Heads must be green and firm, find a variety that will grow well in your specific region and climatic conditio < Savoy cabbage Capricio, Savoy A . Ne Cauliflower Freemont, Incline, Tetris CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS Cabbages — do well in relatively cool moist climate, optimum temperature for growth is 18 C, with an average maximum of 24 C and average minimum of 4.5 C Cabbage is fairly frost resistant unless there are significant changes between day and night temperatures. Can thus be grown all year but preferably not during, summer months. This applies for Red, Green and Savoy cabbage Cauliflower — has more or less the same temperature and moisture requirements for optimum growth and development as cabbage but it is poorly adapted to conditions deviating from optimum, For this reason cauliflower is for example more sensitive to high temperatures than cabbage and cannot withstand extremely low temperatures either. HARVEST TIMES Harvest over a two-week period to clear landRAL INFORMATION «The cruciferae (which include Cauliflower and Cabbages) grow best on soils that have good organic matter content and are well drained. Best is a welll tirained loamy soil, Manure can be used to enhance the organic content of the Soils but this must be ploughed in very deep and done well in advance of any planting. Please be aware that this practice is not encouraged under Burepesp Since there can be some prevalent diseases carried over in the manure ‘Although organic matter can be beneficial it can also result in a low pH under 5.8 (which will come out in the soil analysis); this can be corrected with Hiydrodol lime application at least 4 weeks prior to planting. There will be need to tip often since these soils have a tendency to compact easily and retzin water. «These crops grow best under cool conditions however there are some cultivars that are slightly heat tolerant. = Do not plant Brassicas more than 2 or 3 times per year in the same ficld, various problems will occur such as club root, black vein disease ete and will decrease the yield of subsequent plantings. PRACTICE CROP ROTATION. © Brassicas are best rotated with legumous cmps, © Red cabbage — increase the amount of Nitrogen applied in the first month (needs 75% of its N in the first month), can foliar feed with Potassium Nitrate. = Savoy cabbage — to support at older stage apply 1 spoon LAN (limestone ammonium nitrate) + 1 spoon potassium nitrate under each plant. = Always remove dead leaves, this build up of dead and decaying matter will increase the occurrence of bacterial disease. «After hail give 20% of Nitrogen program the following day, best in the dripper + If you bave a club root problem plant cheapest maize seed very dense and plough it ALL in after one and a half months. «After heavy rains bacterial disease is prevalent, apply kocide or copper count N or desogerm, remove all dead leaves and give LAN or 1:0:1 @ 100Kg per Ha © Soft leaves indicate a potassium shortage.FERTILISER «that the calcinm level is adequate to best plan a fertiliser prograzn- Soil analysis should be done h Ca content) + Cabbages are a strong feeder (especially o} aa nutrients; it is essential to fertilise to Teco soil analyses. Seen? 7 Bete 56-60 r f rum, © However as a general guideline once the calcium, magnesium and potassn balance is taken into account and corrected where necessary the following applies i P supplement before planting usually with superphosphate if the analysis indicates less than 30ppm N apply af planing then again after 3 or 4 weeks followed by two OF three topdressings K apply as potassium chloride Boron = Cauliflower is most susceptible to’ insufficient boron levels, symptoms include browning head, misshapen and there are corky lesions on the Cpidermis of the stem and the midrib of the older leaves. Stems are usually hollow with intemal angular lesions and rotting of the internal tissue. « Cabbages ‘are less sensitive to bom but if a deficiency occurs lesions will develop in the pith of the stem. A slight deficiency in boron can be remedied by broadcasting 5 Kg commercial borax per Ha, however see the recommendations by the appropriate lab Molybdenum «Molybdenum — cauliflower is more sensitive to Molbdeum deficiency than most other crops. Symptoms incinde abnormal leaf development, midrib is seminal but most of the blade tissue is missing. The part of the blade that does develop is malformed, thickened, dark green and curled. © Molybdenum deficiency is fairly common in acid soils (pH 4.5 and lower) mostly because the molybdenum is there but unavailable to the plant at this pH. This may be remedied by applying lime and sodium molybdate. ‘Apply sodium Molybdate at a rate of 150g per 500 L water per hectare before It forms a head (2 weeks). If the problem continues apply sodium Molybdate at 125g per hectare as a foliar feed at the 2, 4 and 6-week stage. Iron, Manganese and Zinc © These deficiencies are relatively uncommon in Brassicas and can be ignored unless stipulated on the soil analysis.9. LAND PREPARATION Rememb the weeds will Lake all fertiliser that you put down unless: Ids are clean, this will result in a poor yield, poor quality of baby veg and high costs. can be controlled with Fusillade, gallant or Focus. Always read the label before spraying, Cabbage cauliflower need good drainage make sure the Iand preparation is well done and have at least 40cm depth of well-acrated soil. When preparing beds of 100m in length ensure that there is a gap of 12m between lands for good drainage. Water accumulation is a major problem that could cause disease to come into your field. Leave grass coverage within this 12m and control with fusillade or gallant. Prepare raised beds, which will encourage drainage, and be able to accommodate two or three rows of scedlings. Ridge beds high. This is almost a must for baby cabbage and cauliflower where quality is of the utmost importance, Rip between beds when plants are small to encourage drainage and promote acration. Can apply MAP granular prior to bed preparation, this may be more preferable than superhosphates. Active Product name |Rate/Ha — | Harvest Notes ingredient interval _| Clhlothil — | Dacthal 8Kg ‘Weeds, annual | dymethol grasses Paraquat gramoxone 1-2 litres NA Post em Giphosphate [roundup 1-l0litres | WA. Post em Metazachlor ‘| butisan 15 — 25(NA Pre em grasses and litres some broadleaf. Oxyflourphen | Goal 3 litres Atinual broadleaf’ me weeds ‘Trifluralin Triflorolin 2 litres Annual grasses and certain broadleaf Alachlor Lasso 3 litres ‘Annual grasses10. PLANTING nt on weather and a oc Jependa * Use seedlings that are between 4 and 5 weeks old (d : ensure that the seedling js not more than 10 cm tall. ated; this will result in a poor quality Brassicas at yed or unsatisfactory head formation. they are received from the nurseTy- f their arrival. ; gs but if this is impossible growing condition: Therefore they have not etiol the end of the day and possibly even dela: * — Scedlings should be planted as soon as Lands must be prepared well in advance o! ® — Cool cloudy days are best for transplanting seedling then on clear day’s transplant late in the afternoon. - «At planting beds must be inrigated to full eapacity, then plant, the irrigate to fall capacity again and then remove water for a few days (depending on outside temperatures) in order to stress the plant and encourage root growth. 11. IRRIGATION «The first couple of weeks are very important for irrigation purposes once the roots have taken hold. During this period ensure that the ground is kept at vvound 70 — 80% of field capacity. This must be done again once the plant reaches head formation or flower set. Be aware that too much water though can cause the head to crack. = The water intake of Cole crops is high, however the more favourable the other growing conditions such as temperature, light and fertiliser the greater the effect of irrigation. «= Good results are obtained if the irrigation has started when the moisture content of the soil layer where the roots are has dropped to below 50% of the field capacity. However this occurs more rapidly on light soils than on heavy soils. This is normally ascertained with the use of a tensiometer. © To avoid crusting it may be advisable to give the required amount of water in two applications rather than’ one with an interval of a few days. Excessive irrigation will result in superficial rooting and leaching out of nutrients. Since the effective root area of a Brassicas is 600mm it is not necessary to irrigate below this level, except for preplant when the field is irrigated to capacity. «The irrigation needs are highly dependant on the climatic conditions present, water evaporation rate and the season in which the cabbage / cauliflower is being grown.PESTS AND DISEASES Bollworm Larvae feed on plant leaves and damages heads iption: Full grown larvae are around 40 in in length. Their colours vary fromblack, brown, or green to pale yellow pink but have a characteristic dark band along their back and light bands along, the sides. Chemical control Active Product name | Rate/ha | Harvest Ingredient zi Bacillus Dipel ES J litre Thuingier _ Cypermethrin _ | Polythrin 1Omi/hl [4 days. Lambda- “| Karate 80m ~— | 2 days ‘cyhalothrin Mereaptothion |Malathion | 1.25 litres | 7days - Aphids Damage: insects feed in groups and suck leaf sap, resulting in stunted deformed growth, excess occurrence on the heads see by greeny / black mass of aphids results in rejections. Pest description: small green soft bodied insects with or without transparent wings. Active Productname | Rate / ia Harvest interval | Notes ingredient fo Dimethoate Rogor 375 mlb 14 days a Oxidemoton- | Metasystox | 75 ml 10 days amethyl Pirimicarb aphox ‘Various Tdays | Mevinphos phosdrin 75 ml] Ha 4 days Dichlorvos diyos 100ml / Ha 2 days Black Rot (bacterial Spot) Symptoms: black spot appears as yellow or dead V shaped areas at the leaf edges. When cut the leaf veins are black inside plant stems and petioles and leaves. Some of the oldest leaves may wither and die. Control: used treated pathogen free sced, practice 3 year crop rotation, destroy all plants after harvest, use resistant cultivars, use disease free seedlings. Active Product name | Rate /Ha Harvest interval | Notes ingredient _ : Copper Kocide 1Kg 3 days hydroxide ion the exterior undersides of Diamond back moth Demage: young larvae “mine” the leaves, later feeding ° Jeaves producing small holes. Description: small green caterpillars aod ead thoy of BE when you run your Can also see small white moths appear sicas. plants, This is a severe problem with Bras eer Asie oe Rate7ha | Harvest interval Notes ingredient | a Mis \ilitre ‘Use very 7 days thuringiensis | _ Bi Cypermethrin | 1Omi/hl | 4 days Tambde- 80 ml/Ha | 2 days | cyhalothrin ale Mereaptothion 1.25 litres _| 7 days Cate 600g 7 days | hydrochloride Mevinphos. Tmihl__| 4 days | Dichlorvos 100ml fal | 2 days | Downy Mildew Symptoms: typical leaf spots are first pale green and later yellow ‘ite wil yellowish white with mould under surfaces of leaves. Favoured by low moist conditions. = Control: do not overcrowd plants, follow proper irrigation practices ee s Product name | Rate /Ha Harvest interval | Notes Copper Kocide 1 5 hydroxide Kg days Copper. Copper count N | 2.5 litres 3 days ammonium carbamate Other chemicals approved Active Product name | Rate /Ha = | agzedient cape fyrothecium | same oii A Titre 0 x aij Trichodorma | romulus 900 + harzianum Ee 2 Nematodes Beanveria ‘spartans I 2 18Kg v ii = Sulphur thiovit 3k Didecyl rekill ; 0 +} die ee | ees litre 3 days a Eh mildewmmonium | | (Sis 13. HARVESTING PRACTICE, Cut the heads when they have reached the appropriate size, see spec sheets. Do not remove too many outer leaves, this will be done in the packhouse. After harvesting collect heads in crates and place out of direct sunlight in cool arcas, suggest the creation of outdoor coldrooms if drippers are in use. Otherwise the product must be delivered to the packhouse very soon after harvest. Do not bring excess soil into the packhouse, all produce must be free of soil. Ensure that the crates are washed regularly and free from soil.be tight and firm and have a hard and tight and red cabbage heads mus fency, no spongy feel to heads No more than 10% defects on quality and size in punnets Heads must be uniform in colour, shape and size No more than Smm diameter difference per heads in a punnet Products must have distinct cabbage taste and flavour. Cauliflower curds to have conformity be firm and dense with a close texture. Cord colour must be white and creamy white through to ivory (not yellow) No open, loose, ricey or crumbly curd allowed in cauliflowers. Cauliflower heads to be as round as possible Cauliflower products free from bruising, insect damage and mechanical damage in punnets. All products must retain cool temperatures at all times (maximum 10 degrees). Optimal temperature of arrival from packhouse to market outlet 5 — 8 degrees. Product will have limited shelf life if brought into the packhouse at temperatures above 20 degrees.ie CUCURBITS (PATTY PAN , BABY MARROW, BABY GEM) r PLANTING TIMES Maven Late January, Feb, March, early April, August and September If the temp is a prevale iinet ate eousistently too Tow (or for an extended period of time) then there cc of male flowers and few female flowers. Try to avoid the times when mosai loss of saleable fini. {AVELD, September, October, November, December, January Hawever cold conditions can impact on the yield (occassional cold wet summer days with fog and mist) [LowvELo Mostly year round if care is taken and management is extensive. Be aware of the prevalent high-risk mosaic periods in your area, and take care t0 avoid plantings for that period of time. Pen times are April, May, June and July then move it up to Middleveld and Lowveld. 2. PLANTING TO HARVEST 6 weeks in general but can be slowed if increment cold weather. 3. PLANTING DENSITIES 2 Kg seed per hectare. [BEDS 66.66 “ B| [15m BED SPACING |'1.5M 5 BED LENGTH | 100M HECTARES 1 Ha Running meter of | 6666.66 bed. rm ROWS/BED _|2 IN ROW | 600 mm SPACING —_| 1B66.6 beds / Ha ft 100 m/ 1.5 mbed spacing a 6 nig © 66.6 beds per Ha X 100 m leny 210 Spacing between plants = 600 mm = 13 333.32" 600 ram (= 1000 / 600) 6666.66 running m of bed X 2.rows per bed = 22. 222.22 plants per hectare 1 Heetare (66.6 beds X 1.5 m) X (100m length) =1Ha 10000100mx 100m) 4, SUGGESTED VARIETIES ‘Yellow patty pan Sunburst, do not plant sunny delight Green patty pan Starship Baby marrow Raven, Aphrodite (must be a dark green eae variety) Baby gem 8 ball. Cultivar information Bush Squash (mostly Cucurbita pepo) grow on plants that do not produce runners, although there are runner type baby gems most Cucurbits are bush type. They have a shorter growing season and are sometimes referred to as summer squash. ‘The fruits have a soft skin and limited shelf life. All Cucurbits require pollination to be done by insects to produce good quality high yielding plants. Thus the simple desgep@esets very important in the fields and many farmers keepg#i#¥€S for this purpose (up to two hives per hectare can be accommodated in the fields). It is important that spraying is well managed especially during the pollination period. Systemic pesticides should only be sprayed. Spraying should be seme in the .afternoon or on.cool cloudy days, Bees visit the flowers in the moming, as the flowers are unattractive in the afternoons when they have wilted. Systemic pesticides that were sprayed in the aftemoon of the previous days should have been absorbed by the morning when the bees arrive. By doing this a minimum number of bees will be killed.According, to vesearch very few pisillate flowers will eventually develop fruit with most and then a nutrient shortage ahseising, before fait set. Producers should be able to distinguish between norm excessive Hower abscission however if it ns abnormally hip) may be the cause and should be investiga Rotational eropy Although impossible to lay down hard 1 Cucurbits on the same field during combat soil borne diseases and pe designed to include a green manure crop in order to ine of the soil, Cuembits may follow any unrelated ve potato is an exception as there is evidence th Cucurbits and potatoes. for rotation: three-year eycle. s associated with 5. CLIMATIC AND SOIL REQUIREM! 5.1 Soil temperature Soil temperature influences germination and root growth. The minimum soil temperature for good field germination is approximately 18 C and the maximum’30 C ‘At temperatures between these limits the scedling should emerge within 7 days. Seed germinates poorly below 16C and then requires 2~3 weeks to emerge. ‘The optimal temperature for root development is 20C; temperatures below 16C have a detrimental effect on root growth. 5.2 Air temperature Vegetative growth, flowering and fruit set are greatly affected by temperature. Cucurbits are very frost sensitive and damaged by severe cold. Almost no growth takes place below 15C, but rapid growth takes place between 18C and 28C. Plants generally grow better in warmer temperatures. Relatively low temperatures promote ‘the formation of more pistillate flowers in relation to staminate flowers, as the temperature increases so the reverse takes place. In extremely hot temperatures only male flowers will be formed. ‘The length of the growing season is determined to some extent by the ambient temperature and must be kept in mind when planting. 5.3 Humidity Areas with high humidity during the growing season will be troubled by fungal diseases. A long rainy period especially just before or during harvesting will cause the fruit to rot especially on the heavier types of soils. Try to plan plantings when flowering does not occur during periods when cool cloudy or moist weather is expected if at all possible. 1s5.4, Soil requirements vay sil spot do not drain, Is. Avoid I i eee be grown OD soils less than ind in the top 300% of soil so pest results obtained on Toatny {0 sandy loam well, Cucurbits prefer soils that have & stig ly . Peal [deal soil depth is 900mm and deeper. These cx : er 450 ram deep. The highest concentration of rool vood land preparation is essential. / e nee « soil is more acidic thy Soil pH can vary from 5.5 to 7.5 if the ‘ rein ‘ th the soil tests and recommendations. an 5.5 then lime should be applied in accordance wi 6. HARVEST TIMES 3 jod t If the fields are well taken care of ‘then one can harvest over am g-week period to clear lands. 7. GENERAL INFORMATION Cucurbit fruit are susceptible to sunburn and swind damage; this should be minimised frovided an adequate leaf cover has been established prior to fruit set bY the application of sound production practices. If plants begin to produce fruits when they oPPiiEll emall and have insufficient leaf cover to support fruit set it may be wise to remove all fruit and prevent a small yield. : Remove all dead and mosaic plants within the fields to minimise spread of disease. 8. FERTILISER Soil tests should be carried out to correctly determine what preplant fertilisers and soil treatments are required. This will result in the maximum usage of nutrients by the plant GuonghoutHaZife apa, Decal preplant fertiliser is applied and worked into the top layers of the prepared beds thereafter additional top dressings will be given. — a ‘Thais particularly important for the Nitrogen requirements of the plant since Nitrogen used fertilisers are easily Ieached out of the soil by rain and frequent irrigations, so it must be given at frequent intervals during the growing season. — General rule of thumb for baby marrow, increase nitrogen when in low producti y for bi , Ai decrease nitrogen when in high production. This is because a high Nitrogen ieee set will cause flower abortion. Réflat:feegs can be very effective in prolongi i span ofa field; gutiiiBins shown good cs a Yep fertiliser program high if leaf coverage needs to be increased. ‘The plant should have formed its stable base before fruit set, tryi Dasal be uld s , trying to appl fertiliser after fruit set will not greatly transform your yield, this should have tesa been Berek nun P E bo -75 9° Sndle Atrhige Qo ~% °} = qk Blas 2agyr'6] PBT : aGhy ay SUsSlac) = 2.Bym-)yestablished dining: the veyetative Howl period of the plant Mowever if the plant Bows prod the lar you lift flint fectts ran f, iven ae ee 8 kG a ee ic a Mil tend {0 convert phosphorous to a form that i tnavaitable (0 the plants. Phosphate fertilisers scala He only be j planting tine is recommended 3 or 4 { applied to ro-clements require tremely sinall quantities of micro-elements (tr for healthy growth and production Itis normally very difficult to symptoms as many 8), which are ine Which trace clement is lacking by looking at leaf ciencies have similar appearances. common deficiency is molybdenum especialy in the Lowveld and when the soil pHis {ess than 6. Plants having this deficiency are usually small, light preen in colle ant the Gages of the leaves tend to curl upwards, in extreme eases there will be scorching, of the leaf margin. Later these leaves tum white and eventually die off The very young fruit re Hable to abort. This can be rectified with an application of sodium Molybdate. 9. LAND PREPARATION ; i isced then Land prep should be well done; the fields should be ploiaghed, ripped and disced shaped into beds. Fields must be free of weeds before planting and weeded often during the course of the crop cycle. ; © When preparing beds of 100m ensure that there is a gap of 12m between lands for good drainage. Water accumulation is a major problem that could cause disease to come into your ficld. Leave grass coverage within this 12m and trol with fusillade or gallant. . Prepare raised beds, which will encourage drainage, and be able to accommodate rows of seedlings (in highveld plant single line due to high mist and water accumulation problems, Lowveld can go to double lines). Ridge edshigh. =< : . a ie ‘beds when plants are small to encourage drainage and promote Can analy MAP granular prior to bed preparation, this may be more preferable than supethosphates. ‘Active Product name | Rate /Ha Harvest F ae zs | Gramoxone | 1 —? litres a | Giphosphate __ | Roundup 1—10Jitres [Ni ;yPABLISHM!) he ground direct {10 ation sect 1m seed but should there be a 10. PLANTING AND CROP F Avised. Squash are generally sown into persistent prol Seedlings are also advant » Planting out of vigorous plants = Larger plant is more + No pumpkin fly larva aE Soil should be well prepared, free of stones, clods and weet's- : according to the Spain provided and cover with a layer of fine soil. Do bot aie the soil to form a crust or the seedling cotyledons will not be able to effectivel ly pus! through this layer. Soil moisture must be maintained carefully during germination and the establishment of the young scedlings. 11. IRRIGATION It is important to carefully manage your iigation, provide adequate water for sced germination and establishment of the young seedlings and then it can be removed for a short period of time in order to ensure that the established scedlings push deep roots, however this must be carefully monitored. The roots system should eventually be concentrated in the top 450 cm. Thereafter give sufficient water once again and the third critical time will be at flower onset until harvest. Irrigation should not be excessive since this will result in pithium and thizoctonia as well as an oxygen deficit, leaching out of all nutrients and wilting Frequeney of irrigation depends on soil type, sandy soils retain litle water and will need more frequent irrigation cycles, whilst clay soils retain sufficient water provided they are ‘well prepared to allow good water permeation. Rule of thumb is 25 ~35 mm per week dependant on prevailing wind and heat conditions. ‘Best practice is drip irrigation. Flooding can be effective provided the nutrients are not all eccbod out and the soil type, gradients and furrow length is taken into consideration seen calculating the amount of time to open the furrows. Overhead sprinklers are wiffoient for seedling, germination but once the plant js in the main vegetative stage and ae fruit ‘set it can cause problems with spread of disease and dirt on the fruit due to splashing. 18Powdery mildew Symptoms; a fungus of leaves and | up and tum br se first appearing later spreading to the upper I ‘own. Prevalent when conditions a White powdery growth on the undersides turfaces and stems. Infected leaves shrivel we hot and dry. Control: Active [Product name [Rate Tha | Harvest [Notes al Ingredient | e sceval = cyproconzole —_| Alto 300ml | 3days pate a ‘triforine Denarin 150g / 100 | 1 day L i Didecyl Sporekill, litre 3 days dimethyl ammonium chloride trifloxystobin_ | Flint 125 /|7days - 100It = Hexaconazole | Oscar 40 — 60 ml | 3 days anes ss es Nimrod. 60 ml/ha | 3 days Spacey visible striations / markings on the leaves. Control: ‘Haan Harvest: Notes me roduetmame [Rate/ha | Harvest aaa Confidor 400ml [21 days Pate Mes eee coloured flies with yellow bands or spots. Larvae are Pest descr Saat re ic, gloss DnB Semi the fut which develop ino maggots, Suit Hes “tng” Pe at cn Control: as Productname |Rate/ha | Hi 1 a Active ient i NA A Baited Trichlophon | diptere traps 20awe when disturbed. It is active at below the soil surface. During of 20-50 mm. Catworm Description® ! night when it sev' the day the larvae he worm is grey to black and coils itself up ers the stems of Young plants at or just abe found underground at a soi depth Control: ‘Aaive | Product name Rato/ha | Harvest Ingredient. | interval Lambda — | Karate ml | Atplanting | cyhalothrin Ae | Bacterial wilt Control: ‘Active Product name | Rate / ha ites ae Harvest Not Copper Kocide ake hydroxide ae Boers Nematodes Symptoms: infected roots have typical kne i n ots, which obstruct the normal uptake of water ‘and nutrients. Plant growth rate is retarded and wilting may take place deopite rogalar irrigation. Control: Active Prodi Ingredient inet pame | Rate] te Notes Myrothecium | same Sp a texval verrucaria Trichoderma | Romuh harzianum, = 900 g 0 days Beauveria Spats bassiana 18Kg. | Odays Amis eyo { Oxamyl Vydate SL [15-201 |3 days Diamond back moth & worms Danage: young larvae “mine” the leaves, later feedin etcier aes Jeaves producing small holes. Soe eee eset De ae Ps aca eee inl see small white moths faa me you run your across the top of the ‘Active Product namt 2 ingredient je [Rate/ha | Harvest interval | Notes Alpha- Kasia s cypermethrin Various | 3 days 21Rust Control: Active Prod (name ate eer uctname | Rate/ha — | Harvest interval { Notes Tebuconazole Oring. 0.04 0.1 | 3 days uM s Mosaic virus Symptoms: The symptoms are first obse st leaves. A dark to light evel Seek appears on the leaves and the leaf surface becomes uneven. When ablenieyas lenis curl and the plants remain small. Where the leaf tissue within ae loes not develop normally the main veins protrude like fingers on a hand. The mit of the infected plant has a knobbly appearance, usually remains small and is unmarketable. The virus can be transmitted by handling the plants during harvesting but it is mainly spread by aphids. This damage can be devastating. Control y Try to avoid times of peak mosaic times in your area. Spring is best as the heat of summer is normally the peak time for mosaic. Isolation — Cucurbits should not be planted near old infected plantings Removal of diseased plants — remove all diseased plants from a field as aphids feeding on these plants will spread the virus to un infected plants nearby. Control aphids - Experiments have shown that control of aphids with insecticides does not really impact on the control or prevention of mosaic virus, as the virus has already been transmitted to the plants by the time the aphid dies. Strips of aluminium foil can be laid on the soil between rows, which discourages aphids by reflecting light however although effective this method is very expensive. Maize between rows — it bas been observed that planting muize between rows of Cucurbits hampers the movement of the aphids thus controlling the mosaic to some - Spraying of mineral oils — when the plants are covered with a layer of mineral oM the aoe cannot be transmitted by the aphids to the plants as the oil inactivates it; However this must be done twice a week and after heavy tains which can be unpractical for many farmers. Active Product name | Rate /ha {ee cami Notes Mineral oil lire Tit/i001t_| 14 days White fly & leaf hoppers Active Product name | Rate/ ba Harvest interval ‘Notes tds ile ingredient Prev-am 500 ml /| 0 days ea Loree ls 100istunted deformed growth. A ‘ids ce Z Ae nck leaf sap, resulting, in Damage: insects feed in groups and si r B arent Wings. Pest description: small green soft bodied insects with or without transpé Activ rg | Bavest it Yotes Active Productname | Rate / Ha Harvest interval | N ingredient | S00: abc bi eee ‘Mevinphos | Mevinphos | 690 ml/Ha__ 4 days Anth his fmgus d diseases of Cucurbits. Not ‘This fungus disease is known to be one of the most destructive Dea only does it cause the fruit to rot but it also affects the plants jn the fields. Lesions concentric chestnut brown rings are characteristic of the disease on pumpkin fruits. At a later stage black specs occur within these rings. Control: Active Product name | Rate / Ha Harvest interval | Notes ingredient Chlorothalonil | Bravo 1.5—2.75 It 3 days Pre flowering Other diseases Damping off (Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia spp. “Where seedlings are not cultivated under optimal conditions, quite a large number of the young plants often die. Ensure that the seedling nursery practices good controlled Zaltivation methods including seed disinfection prior to planting, correct weather conditions where possible and well drained seedling trays) z Foot rot (Fusarium The fungi causing this disease can attack plants in the seedling stage and at an older stage. If matire plants are infected the entire plant will wilt. Ifthe stems and roots are cut open lengthwise there will be a brown discoloration of the wooden tissue, it is often prevalent in patches within the lands and is aggravated by high temperatures. No direct control measures are known. Pythium wilt Plants wilt as a result of rotting of the root system of the stem base. Infected fruit becomes soft and in. many cases covered with a white fungus growth. The disease is encouraged by heavy rains and occurs severely on poorly drained soils. No direct measures of control are known. Scab (Cladosporium cucumerinum) Symptoms include large ragged leaf spots (particularly on the youngest leaves) surrounded by a yellow halo, spots and clongated streaks on young petioles and vine tips, dead areas on young leaves and small dark depressed spots that later display a sooty 23growth on the fruit. | is at 21 nfection is promoted | fungal grorwt, Bacterial spot / gummy Prevalent after heavy TAINS accom mpanied by fairly high, temperatures fruit looks healthy but in trang spot When picked the sit it develops small water soaked spots which later become more conspicuous and develop into white Cavities which often crack on eying ont and sometimes exnde a gummy substance. The cracks provide entrance points for secondary decay Organisms. Soft rot Scen at market water soaked spots of iregular size aad which salarge rapidly under favourable conditions while the mderlying tiseaes soften. Sse teen es by paring pal dete or ples baad hag at any sign of infection, Fusarium rot ae oval lesions are found om all parts of the fruit. Sth ct Prt ge ok ize is of extreme importance. Once a field is in fall ee ee ee re production i = optimal, be taken when Tae gre le en tne en tari Ea tt ney tm ey rss Seg es in goieas do the fruit away iJ laced in crates. It is best spread of discase. ipreeperipe al ioral De mt ees es ic sheeting between cach carefully : practice to put clear p crates. : come out at a later stage as to bruising which will the shelf life and Any mechan app hypiega degen dap orhetnah black sunken spots snarketability of the produto ensure that once rust be taken the packhouse or if e 10 immediately to The fruits are very susceptible to dehydration so car harvested they are kept out of the sun preferably sen! not possible then kept under a “bush type cold 1000 Jd with chicken wire, burnt coal, dripper lines ‘s tached. It is also best practice to structure that sits in the fie Fruits are cut from the plant leaving 2 ~5 cm of stem al i i ensure that the shelf life is break the flower in half and remove the stigma. This wil maximised and there is less damage due to rot.NAMBOARD PROD PRODUCT , YELLOW pa: TTY PAN PRODUCT SPECIFICATION Fruit diameter Fruit count Maximum Minimum st 40 9 per punnet Export JCT SPECIFICAT ION mm 8-12perpunnet some RSA markets Tolerance 5 % tolerance of Dehydration Dis-colouration Insect / disease damage Allproduets free from Soil Rots Major bruising Splits Breakdown / mould Chemical deposits Mechanical damage All products to be / have: Fresh in appearance Stalks cut squarely lowers removed remo eae coloration -- green patty pan. Not exceed 25 degrees arrival temp Use of GM seed is prohibited dark green in colour 26PECIFICATION | NAMBOARD PRODUCT S PRODUCT ‘ Baby gems PRODUCT SPECIFICATION Maximum = Minimum Frit diameter 40 si Os! Fruit count open on 8-12perpunnet some RSA markets Sone 5 % tolerance of Dehydration Dis-colouration Insect / disease damage All products free from _ Soil Rots Major bruising Splits eee Break down / mould Chemical deposits Mechanical damage All products to be / have: Fresh in appearance Stalks cut squarely Appeorsint colores dark green in colour Not exceed 25 degrees arrival temperature. No GM seed is permitted 27NAMBOARD PROty) CUSPECIFC PRODUCT BABY MARROWS PRODUCT specie, TION Maximum Minimwin Fruit length Hem Bem Fruit diameter 23mm 13mm Fruit count 6-12 per punnet Export Tolerance 5 %tolerance of Dehydration Dis-colouration Insect / disease damage All products free from ___ Soil Rots Major bruising Splits Chemical damage Breakdown mould Mechanical damage Appropriate coloration. dark gre=n Not exceed 25 degrees arrival temperature. ATION 2BMANGETOUT PEAS 1. PLANTING TIMES MVEL] March, April, May ae ield ii ison to Summer varieties are available but they. will give a reduced yield in comparison planting the winter variety at the correct time of year. October, November, December, January, Feb, June, July, August, September However occasional cold wet summer days with fog and mist will result in increased disease 2. PLANTING TO HARVEST 2 and a half months in general, but can vary according to climatic conditions a PLANTING DENSITIES 75 Kg seed per hectare. [BEDS «(66.66 B| [ism- BED SPACING _|'1.5M. ze BEDLENGTH ~| 100M | HECTARES 1a Runnirig meter of | 6666.66 bed ) ROWS/BED [2 ae IN ROW | 40mm SPACING, 100 m/ 1.5 m bed spacing = 66.6 beds / Ha 66.6 beds per Ha X 100 m length = 6666.6 running m of bed 2 rows / bed Spading between plants = 40 ram 6666.66 running m of bed X 2-rows per bed = 13 333.32 x 40 mm (= 1000 / 40) = 333 333 plants per hectare 291 Heetar, (66.6 beds X 1,5 my x (1000 tenginy 10000 (100m x 100m) an 333-333 plants per hec tare 80% viable 266 666 Plants viable 12 fruit per plant =3 200 000 fruit weight 22 = 6400 Ky 65 % packout hy 208 0000 saleable frnit 100 fruit per punnet average 4160 Kg saleable 20 800 punnets 4. SUGGESTED VARIE Mangetout winter variety: Siowwind scsan sierce Settee vaceies Burn eee Sugar snap variety:5. HARVEST TIMES k period to clear If the fields are well taken care of then can harvest over a 6 week peri land Cultivar information Edible pod peas remain within the group Pisum sativum, and are grown for export purposes. The pods and the seeds are both consumed since they are still very immature. Mangetout is also referred to as snow Peas; these are broad flat blunt pods with a dark fren colour. It has a sweet flavour and fine texture. The sugar snaps are thick walled fleshy sweet pods which are cooked or eaten raw right up to the stage of full development of the peas but it is best selected whilst the peas are still very immature. Rotational cropping As with all crop: $ rotation is of great importance to prevent build up of soil borne diseases. 6. CLIMATIC AND SOIL REQUIREMENTS A suitable temperature is the first requirement for successful commercial production_ Temperature lays an, important role during, pod development and strongly affects the quality of the pea. 6.1 Soil temperature Optimal soil temperatures for germination are 4,5 —20 degrees Celsius. 6.2.1 Air temperature The pea is a cool season crop. Optimum average atmospheric temperature for growing plants is 15 ~ 19 Celsius and optimum average maximum temperatures are 21 — 24 Celsius. Low temperatures - Peas are very susceptible to low minimum temperatures especially after they have started to flower. During this stage of development flower buds and growing points can be totally damaged by frost and very low iling temperatures, It can also cause major damage once the pods have prevailing Iso formed and a typical frost or cold injury wor wuld be the lifting of the outer layer of the pods “skin”. This will require handsorting before the Product should reach the packhouse, High temperatures — these can be just as harmful as low temperatures. This affects ecuiunaeel 31622° Rainfat and wind ll and i Wind play an important yy He in the sueee With biph humidity esas 1 poor pennitent pe 1c f 48 blight (Ascochyta) dd downy mildew. Under h ae ny on heavy soils the stems of Vigorous plants that are classy fad then bY various fungi near the soil surface, : Strong £2 So a the plato co ose Oe al aus, casing he Strong winds easi e ; is offset as IY blow the plants over and cause large amounts of dz d Be; this asmall degree by trellisiny IB. 623 Light Plant in two ways; by daylength and by light intensity. These are ditions and as such irregular flower development Insignificant and pod Tight may also cause the pods to be a yellowish green, 6.3. Soil requirements Peas can be cultivated ona Variety of soil types but the choice of soil can impact on the potential yield. The best results are always obtained on deep, well drained, fertile cool loam soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (pH 6.0 7.0) Although the pea has a relatively shallow root system, the roots can penetrate up fo Im deep so soil / land preparation is vital down to this depth, Very heavy clay and very light sandy soils are not suitable to the growing of peas Heavy clay soils do not drain sufficiently and tan get too wet whereas the opposite is true of light sandy soils, a have limited water retention ability i i owth and low yields. re pes — somite S poor soil structure or compact soils with Poor drainage and aeration. Once again the importance of good land preparation is evident in the success of this crop. 7. GENERAL INFORMATION Stringing / trellising: they are kept off the ground and thus limited ee a also very effective in exposure a eer inimal mechanical damage to the plants and the fruit in ensuring a minimal re boas should be done with bailing twine and should commence before the plants Tellising Oni ise complete strings / baling twine can be re used but should be ce the dipped in a chlorine solution overnight to prevent the spread of bacterial diseases. The i in 328. ed with clean water before using them in chlorine dipped strings should be well rins the following crop. FERTILISER lant fertilisers and soil Soil tests should be carried out to correctly determine what preplant fe eae treatments are required. This will result in the maximum usage of nutrients by the p throughout its life span, er hectare) is applied and Basal preplant fertiliser (2:3:4 general rate of 500 — 600 Kg pe ¥ a ‘worked into the top layers of the prepared beds, thereafter additional top dressings will be given. If the plant is soft, the general rule of thumb is to check the be inadequate and require foliar feeds or other such boosts. Acidic soils may be assisted by placing 5g of Hydrodol at the potassium levels, as they may base of the plant after planting but first ensure that a soil test has been completed. If the field has a large presence of straw it may be useful to increase the fertiliser program to asia he misanbes inthe besksown ofall possibly add more microbes into the soils. Side dressing is done at week 4 during the vegetative stage. At first flowers it may be necessary to give potassium nitrate at a rate of 90 Kg / Ha but this should be cross-checked with the soil analysis and fertiliser recommendations. 9. a Pr iss a EeeSO) LANDPREPARATION . * Zi i Sdehen LO Land prep should be well done; the fields should be ploughed, ripped and disced then shaped into beds. Fields must be free of weeds before planting and weeded often during the course of the crop cycle. © When preparing beds of 100m ensure that there is a gap of 12m between lands for good drainage. Water accumulation is a major problem that could cause disease to come into your field. Leave grass coverage within this 12m and control with fusillade or gallant. Prepare raised beds, which will encourage drainage, and be able to accommodate rows of seedlings (in bighveld plant single line due to high mist and water accumulation problems, Lowveld can go to double lines). Ridge beds high. Beds should be 1 m wide. Fields are irrigated after ridging to ensure that whatever weeds are left germinate and should time allow before planting these weeds / grasses should be sprayed and left to die. The preparation process is then repeated to ensure clean lands at pre plant stage. ° Seeds are sown and then irrigated for one hour to assist with germination. Rip between beds when plants are small to encourage drainage and promote ~ aeration. Can apply MAP granular prior to bed preparation, this may be more preferable than superhosphates. 3Product name Rate / 1a ; interva Gramoxone nterval Dal WA gence hear Broad leaf weeds ‘usilade 21 Atplanting | Grass weeds ccusulta 12 Tdays | Post ” emergence a | es grasses : losphate. Roundup |7- NA | Post emergence _— 10. IRRIGATION Water should be applied at least every third day after getmination and thereafter oy Second day once flowers appear. This also applies to during fruit set. If there i= inadequate water the pods will curl and not be of any marketable vale. ihe water requirements are highly affected by climatic conditions especially high temperatures and the prevalence of wind. 11. PESTS AND DISEASES American Bollworm and cutworm ee oe = feed on plant leaves and flower heads. . aie Se ee Jarvae are around 40 mm in length. Their colours vary from black, brown, or green to pale yellow pink but have a characteristic dark band along their ‘ight bands along the sides. a : ae aa ease ie ae is prey to black and coils itself up when disturbed. Itis active oe when it severs the stems of young plants at or just below the soil surface. Fis ra EET oe Chemical control: lActive Product name | Rate/ha | Harvest Gta! ingredient __— 7m | Atplanting | Soil drench poe - 0 Preventative use all | cybal ie [Pes . | 500g xe ae nnbottom leaf surface. Downy Mildew 5 sd on the Spenee Start with yellowish leaf spots with nt ected leaves AY also faves Yellow spots tum brown and can. be round or angu i) c, before the is appear. greenish - yellow mosaic pattem, which may be VISIT IC, feaciae condition is serious the leaves die from the edges irwart © a fa oe moist weather conditions not only high rainfall but also mist or Chemical control: g Active - Productname |Rate/ha | Harvest Notes fl Ingredient interval | Mancozeb Sancozeb 1-4Kg_| 21 days Symptos fi wth on the undersides Symptoms; a fungus disease first appearing as white powdery 20 of leaves and later spreading to the upper leaf surfaces, stems and pods. Infected leaves shrivel up and tum brown. Prevalent when conditions are hot and dry. ‘Control: “Active Product name [Rate/ha | Harvest ‘Notes Ingredient = interval Leyproconazole | Alto 175ml ___| 3 days Leaf miner Symptoms: clearly visible striations / markings on the leaves. Control: Active Product name |Rate/ha | Harvest Notes | Ingredient interval Deltamethrin | Decis 250ml __| 7 days Damping Off Damage: Brown watery soft rot near the soil line and rotting of the root system. Favoured. by high soil moisture content and poor drainage Control: Active Product name | Rate/ha | Harvest Notes zl Ingredient interval metalaxyl Apron 50—200g [N/A I 35General Disease ‘Active Frodatname [Rayia Harvest interval | Notes ingredient ae eee S eine iz oe Ammonium Sporekill 400 mi 0 chloride LL — ‘Thrips Damage: Plant sap is removed by insects feeding on the lower leaf surfaces. ee become distorted with a silvery sheen than can become | Heavy infestation Kill young plants. Pods have small white ‘marks and make the product unsaleable. length with 4 long narrow Pest description: Very small-longited insects about Imm in fringed wings Control: ‘Active Product name | Rate /Ha Harvest interval | Notes ZI ingredient | Sulphur Thiovit 400g/100L | 0 ‘Sulphur Dusting sulphur |10-15Kg | 0 Other diseases Insects in general Active Product name | Rate /Ha Harvest interval | Notes ingredient jon | Avigard 175 ml 7 days (malathion) 7a 12. HARVESTING PRACTICE Pods should be harvested when the seeds have just started to develop but are not yet fully formed. You should not be able to feel distinct seeds within the pods. Once peas are harvested they retain their optimum quality for a very limited amount of time. Harvesting must be doné at least daily to ensure optimal size and placed into crates, in the field. Bags etc are not acceptable, as this will cause mechanical damage to the pods. The cold chain must be started and maintained from harvest to customer delivery or the pods will.become very soft and unmarketable. They must maintain crispness at all times. Harvest is best done in the moming before the daily temperatures escalate and packed into the required boxes or punnets within 24 hours for optimal sales. 37NAMBOARD PRODUCT SPECIFIC PRODUCT MANGETOUT AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS PRODUCT SPECIFICATION Maximum = Minimum Fruit length 80cm 60cm Fruit diameter 10mm 15mm Tolerance 5% tolerance of Dehydration Dis-colouration Insect / disease damage All products free from Soil Rots Major bruising Splits Chemical damage Breakdown mould Mechanical damage Insect infestation All products to be / have: Fresh in appearance and crisp to the touch ’ Flowers removed and stalks trimmed (this will be done in packhouse) Appropriate coloration medium - dark green Not exceed 20 degrees arrival temperature. 38BABY CORN 1. PLANTING DATES (MvELD) Jonuary, February September, October, November, December, (aVELD] October, November, December [LowvErD| Year round but will be slow growing in winter 2. PLANT POPULATION 3. 55 000 plants per hectare on average 75 Kg seed per hectare YIELD 3/4 cobs per plant, depending on variety. come waneties have been known to promote side development of cobs with detasseling of the top flower only. VARITIES Suggested varieties: yellow maize, ensure that the yield is 2 —4 cobs per plant Some cultivars af stendard yellow maize can be wsed for bay com but ensure that the cob characteristics are correct in terms of colour (yellowish not white), small tightly packed kemels, and correct cob length. Growing time approximately 80 days dependent on variety and Siren conditions. FIELD SPACING Baby com can be planted Double row spacing Bed width 60cm — 80cm Between rows 25-35 cm in single or double rows 39Between be 1-12m In row spi 15 ~20 cm Je row spacing Between rows 60 —90 cm In row spacing 25 ~35 em IRRIGATION To establish good germination one or two light irrigations may be required: Once the seedlings are well-established (Sem high) sufficient inrigation water needs to be applied to fill the soil to a depth of 60 cm. This will assist in sufficient growth and root development. The most important time when the plant should not experience any water stress is from tasseling to harvest. FERTILIZER Renilts from a soil test completed by a reputable laboratory will be helpful in Getemmining the correct fertiliser application ratcs. Basal fertiliser is applied time of planting (2:3:4 approximately 350 Kg per Ha depending on soil analysis aot cocemnmendation) and thereafter up to two side dressing applications at 3 and 5 weeks. Punpling of the leaves indicates a shortage of Phosphorous, whilst lines on the eaves is indicative of sulphate shortages, this can be rectified by applying ammonium sulphate. HARVESTING PRACTICE Baby com is usually harvested within one or two days after the sillt emerges from the developing cob. Cobs should be harvested into crates; the practice of placing in pre-used bags is not permitted or encouraged.SPECIFICATION __ NAMBOARD PRODUC! PRODUCT BABY CORN T SPECIFICATION PRODU Maximum — Minimum liem 9cm 15mm per punnet Export Cob length Cob diameter 1mm Cob count 8-10 7 5 % tolerance of Dehydration Dis-colouration . Insect / disease damage Tolerance All prodnets free from__ Soil Rots Major bruising Splits Chemical damage Breakdown mould Mechanical damage All products to be /have: Fresh in appearance ‘Appropriate coloration _ light to medium yellow colour Removal of outer sheath will be done in the packhouse Not exceed 23 degrees arrival temperature. Duplication and presentation of this information is permitted, provided that the author is acknowledged. al