At a launch occasion hosted by crop science firm BASF on Wednesday in Potchefstroom, North West, a number of crucial crop safety points have been mentioned.
Photograph: Jedrie Harmse
One of many major considerations raised was the specter of tar spot (Phyllachora maydis), a severe foliar illness of maize that’s presently wreaking havoc within the US.
The warning got here from visitor speaker Kevin Kalb, a outstanding maize farmer from Dubois, Indiana, within the US.
“Whereas tar spot has not but been detected in South Africa, farmers must be vigilant. The illness is inflicting widespread injury to maize crops throughout the US, and consciousness is essential,” he stated.
Additionally talking on the occasion, Dr Rikus Kloppers, a crop illness specialist at Robigalia CropCare, echoed Kalb’s concern: “Though tar spot doesn’t presently pose a direct risk domestically, we should stay ready. It’s not a seed-borne illness, but it surely might simply enter South Africa by way of contaminated implements or different means. That’s why it’s important to assist the analysis and improvement work being executed by corporations like BASF to guard our agriculture sector.”
On the occasion, BASF unveiled its newest innovation: Revytek®, a fungicide described as a game-changer in maize illness management.
“Trendy agriculture is about extra than simply maximising yield; it’s about making each hectare rely,” stated Jaco van Zyl, crop supervisor of row crops at BASF Agricultural Options South Africa.
“With Revytek, we’re equipping farmers with a breakthrough answer that delivers excessive efficiency, flexibility, and a very good return on funding,” he added.
