Advancing the use of integrated pest management in crop production

Experts in integrated pest management are gaining importance as fruit-importing countries tighten their phytosanitary regulations. Nadine Botha, technical and commercial manager at Insectec, spoke to Magda du Toit about her journey from growing up in a small mining town to taking on a leading role in the field.

- Magda du Toit

Nadine Botha is the technical and commercial manager at Insectec. The company operates in the agriculture sector and focuses on the production of natural insect enemies and their implementation in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes.

Insectec is situated in Limpopo's beautiful Letsitele Valley and was founded to develop a secure and steady supply of biological pest-control solutions for producers of a variety of fruit and vegetable crops in the area.

FROM A SMALL TOWN TO THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Botha grew up in a small mining village close to Burgersfort, and later in Polokwane in Limpopo. After finishing high school in 2011, she studied a bachelor of science degree in zoology, botany and microbiology, and then went on to obtain a master of science degree in IPM at North-West University in Potchefstroom in 2019.

At present, she is enrolled for a PhD at Rhodes University, specialising in the biology and management of the delottococcus mealybug (Delottococcus aberiae), a major citrus pest in South Africa.

During her studies, she was introduced to the agriculture sector and, more specifically, IPM.

"This exposure made me realise what immense potential the agriculture sector holds in creating a sustainable society. Within the sector, we can make a meaningful impact, as it offers countless opportunities to promote sustainable farming, whether through innovative pest-control strategies or technological advancements to improve crop yields," she points out.

Botha adds that the moment she realised the critical role agriculture plays in shaping a sustainable future, she knew that it was a field she wanted to dedicate her career to.

"The efforts of so many people in the sector contribute to enhancing food security while protecting our natural environment. That realisation shaped my future," she says.

CAREER PROGRESSION