Meet Lloyd Sivhangi, a tomato farmer from Vuvani in the Limpopo province. He produces vegetables for the informal market and his produce is much in demand. Tomatoes are an important part of his offering and he has been using STAR 9068 for several years and the variety has proved to be very successful for him. Lloyd is very particular regarding the selection of varieties as ensuring quality product is vital to his marketing strategy. STAR 9068 was chosen mainly due to its vigorous growth and ability to produce the blocky fruits that are ideal for his market. Both characteristics are evident in the photographs below. In addition, the variety has high resistance to Verticil
lium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Tobacco Mosaic Virus, which are prevalent in his area. A strong disease-resistance package is important in achieving top yields. Lloyd has learned how to manage STAR 9068 to the best effect and believes that it has played a significant role in his success as a tomato producer. He notes that it consistently produces yields that he is proud of. Lloyd starts planting in early January and finishes by mid-February every season. Harvesting is in full flow by April and the results are obvious! Starke Ayres offers a wide range of determinate and indeterminate saladette tomato varieties to suit all market segments.
