FAST FACTS
Government is ultimately responsible for managing locust outbreaks.
Outbreaks need to be reported as soon as possible.
New technologies, such as drones and a GPS-linked app, can improve control strategies.
Overall conditions favour the development of giant populations of brown locust (Locustana pardalina) this summer.Hundreds of adult swarms were reported in the Karoo during the autumn months of 2020 and 2021, and laid their eggs over a wide area. These lay dormant during winter, but are now hatching in large numbers. In addition, normal to above-normal summer rainfall has been forecast for South Africa, and this will increase the chances of survival for the hatching hoppers. According to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa, widespread small outbreaks have already been reported in the Springbok and Concordia areas of the Northern Cape, and the GraaffReinett, Cradock and Aberdeen districts of the Eastern Cape. “These reports are worrying, as they were received much earlier than usual,” he says.
THE PROBLEM
Dr Roger Price, research team manager at the Agricultural Research Council’s Plant Health and Protection Unit, explains that L. pardalina is endemic to the Nama-Karoo region, which covers most of the Northern Cape and parts of the Eastern and Western Cape and southern Namibia.
It has an average lifespan of 78 days, with hatchlings developing through five stages, spanning about 56 days, before reaching sexual maturity. The female can produce up to 380 eggs in her lifetime.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 05, 2021-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 05, 2021-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.