´In this issue's 'Field Notes', Mbali Nwoko identifies new technology as one of the trends in agriculture to watch. She's not exaggerating; we're in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is spawning mindboggling new technology, transforming the world in ways we could never have imagined in years gone by.
Take the humble bean. As you know, it's a legume, and legumes provide much of their own nitrogen through the process of nitrogen fixation. Legumes provide nutrients to bacteria in return for nitrogen harvested from the air, and as a result need far less synthetic fertiliser.
In recent years, scientists in the US have been 'teaching' non-legume crops the same trick. By rearranging the DNA of a given microbe, they have succeeded in getting crops such as wheat and maize to source nitrogen from the air.
It sounds like science fiction, but it's not. It's happening, and at least two commercial organisations, Joyn Bio and Pivot Bio, are well on their way to releasing products to achieve this.
Another breakthrough has scientists shaking their heads in disbelief. Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have boosted rice yields by up to 40% by giving a Chinese variety a second copy of one of its own genes.
Denne historien er fra September 09, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra September 09, 2022-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
More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer recently handed over R14,98 million to the Citrusdal Water Users’ Association.
Zambia, Burundi agree to maximise agri potential
In a bid to capitalise on the livestock and arable land in Zambia and Burundi, the two countries have agreed in principle to review the existing bilateral trade agreement in agricultural products under memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
Expanded market brings avocado season success
The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine.
Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry
Dr Heinrich Jantjies, group risk, safety and security director at Tiger Brands, says the deciduous fruit canning industry has been on a decline in South Africa since 2016. He suggests implementing a Deciduous Fruit Canning Industry Recovery and Competitive Plan to turn the industry around.
Kruger's memory lingers in his Boekenhoutfontein farmhouses
Lucille Davie visits Kedar Heritage Lodge in North West to see the farmhouses Paul Kruger owned.
From street art to feats of engineering, Bristol has it all
Brian Berkman visits the vibrant UK port city of Bristol and says two days are not enough to explore renowned graffiti artist Banksy's hometown and pop in at all the historical taverns.
Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely
Broodmares and their foals are at high risk of stress, diseases and injuries if their management is suboptimal, says Dr Mac.
Double cab's leisure features find favour
The GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Super Luxury AT has launched in South Africa, and the bakkie takes aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. Car Magazine's Marius Boonzaier writes.
More fungal diseases that can infect beans
Bill Kerr explains the symptoms of angular leaf spot and anthracnose and how to avoid infection in your fields.
Keeping invasive insects at bay
Featuring an array of delicious fruit from peaches to cherries, stone fruit is attractive to a variety of bugs that can be effectively controlled with integrated pest management, writes Zunel van Eeden.
