FAST FACTS
After a hiatus of almost 20 years, several cases of maize eyespot were reported during the 2020/21 production season.
Yield losses caused by maize eyespot are often not significant enough to warrant treatment via the application of expensive fungicides.
Infection by powdery mildew in wheat can cause yield losses as well as a decline in grain quality.
Maize is the most important field crop in South Africa, making up more than 50% of the country’s total field crop production. The use of improved seed technology and sustainable farming practices have both contributed significantly to the management of pest and disease damage to maize crops. However, the industry remains vigilant about the emergence of new threats to the production of this staple crop.
RETURN OF AN OLD FOE
During the 2020/21 production season, several cases of maize eyespot, which is caused by the fungus Aureobasidium zeae, were reported in a number of production regions. These were the first known cases of the disease since it was initially recorded in the more humid production areas of the south-eastern Free State, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and south-eastern Mpumalanga during the 1992/93 season.
Dr Bradley Flett, senior plant pathologist with the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Grain Crops Institute, says that during the 1993/94 season, eyespot was more widespread and its severity greater, particularly in the Heidelberg district.
Esta historia es de la edición June 25, 2021 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 25, 2021 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.