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.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
