Commonly referred to as Verbesina encelioides, wild sunflower contains the toxic compound galegine. It has recently been reported in clinical cases of intoxication in sheep and cattle in several provinces in South Africa, except Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
The same plant has been reported causing similar clinical signs in other countries. No studies have been conducted on the toxic effects of wild sunflower in South Africa. However, there is evidence of wide distribution of the plant.
We have embarked on an investigation to determine the concentration of galegine in different geographical localities in South Africa. To measure the concentration of galegine, the identification and collection of the plant material is needed. Therefore, we appeal to farmers and people in the field to assist with plant collection (aerial parts of 10 plants plus GPS coordinates) if it is present on farms, as well as reporting any suspected cases of intoxication. The information or any further questions can be emailed to Dr Asive Luningo, via Madelyn de Wet at madelyn.dewet@up.ac.za.
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の December 08, 2023 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は Farmer's Weekly の December 08, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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