Agricultural research and farming practices are increasingly driven by recognition of the need for sustainable agriculture and lower environmental impact. In one such example, Mahela Group, in collaboration with the Komati Fruit Group and Laeveld Sitrus, recently teamed up with a local entrepreneur in a joint venture to develop a state-of-the-art insectary situated in the town of Letsitele in Limpopo.
Founded in 2015, Insectec has expanded from a small laboratory in Tzaneen to become a leader in the production of natural insect predators for use in integrated pest management (IPM) systems on South African farms. The new insectary, which is now Insectec’s main facility, boasts the latest technology and a local research and development team that enables the company to address the specific needs of its clients.
“Although we might be a bit cheeky to claim as much, we believe that we have the largest insectary in the Southern Hemisphere,” says Karel van Heerden, CEO of Insectec. “Our mission is to produce integrated and sustainable solutions for pest management that contribute to healthier and more productive agricultural systems.”
The insectary is run by director and production manager Hannah Otto, who is renowned for her expertise in insect breeding under South African conditions. The facility focuses on the production and application of beneficial organisms used in biological pest control and IPM programmes.
Insects will be mass-produced to support the IPM programmes of citrus and grape farmers both locally and internationally.
Denne historien er fra September 03, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra September 03, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
