The serenity and calm of the Mahela citrus orchard in Letsitele, Limpopo, at dawn belies the full-scale war that is taking place on the farm. Among the branches of this lush and verdant orchard, a silent fight for survival is unfolding as armies of predatory insects stand primed to sniff out their prey, invade and kill their adversaries. Behold nature’s avengers: guardians of the harvest, maintainers of the natural balance and those that ensure farms will keep producing for years to come.
Eddie Vorster, director of Mahela, is one of a growing group of farmers turning to biocontrols to ward off pests in their orchards. These predatory insects, parasites and beneficial microorganisms come without the detrimental effects on eco-systems that result from using synthetic chemical pesticides. Furthermore, farmers are able to comply with food safety regulations while protecting their crops, since these natural solutions don’t leave chemical residues that could keep the produce out of the market.
A PEST-SPECIFIC SOLUTION
Bio-controls also appeal to farmers wanting to maintain biodiversity to extract the full benefit of an eco-system in harmony. Since the biocontrols are pest-specific, farmers don’t risk wiping out other insects on the farm as they would when using chemical pesticides. An added benefit is that bio-controls offer another tool to combat pests so that solutions can be alternated, thereby eliminating resistance build-up.
Bio-control uptake has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. According to research conducted by AGNews, the global bio-control market is estimated to be worth US$5 billion, with an annual growth trajectory of 17%. The US and Europe represent over 65% of the bio-controls market, while Latin America has the fastest growth rate.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
