A word from… The research team

March 2024

South African Grain and Oilseed Producers grapple with challenges affecting their practices, including market price fluctuations, escalating production costs, climate variability, and the imperative for sustainable farming.

Organisations like Grain SA play a crucial role in supporting farmers to achieve profitable and sustainable production. Grain SA’s diverse departments, including applied economics and Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) for farmer development, as well as the research department, contribute to these efforts. 

The Research Department is exploring cutting-edge developments in grain research. The team collaborates across sectors to conduct innovative and applied research in disciplines or consortia such as plant health, climate resilience, crop improvement, cultivar trial evaluations and human capital development, addressing crucial needs for national food security.

Here is an update on the Plant Health Consortium research activities:

• Grain SA, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation, the Technology and Innovation Agency, and the Maize Trust, has established a Diagnostic Clinic at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI). This clinic serves three purposes: The accurate identification of pests and diseases, providing the industry with insights into pest and disease distribution, and guiding research priorities to ensure proactive and relevant research. The research team at Grain SA can facilitate connections with the Diagnostic Clinic.
• The team is engaging with weed researchers on the escalating challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds. A detailed article on weed issues will be featured in the SA Graan/Grain magazine.
• A collaborative project is underway to evaluate the efficacy of potential chemicals to control Sclerotinia diseases affecting the oilseeds industry. 
• Farming communities from various regions of the country are reporting more cases of cutworms affecting maize production. The research team is currently having engagements with experts from North-West University to address these challenges.

– Grain SA’s research team consists of Dr Godfrey Kgatle (research coordinator) and Dr Miekie Human (research and policy officer).

Publication: March 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula