On-farm biosecurity: Key guidelines every farmer should know

April 2025

DR LAVINIA KISTEN, RESEARCH COORDINATOR AT GRAIN SA

ON-FARM BIOSECURITY IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST PESTS, DISEASES AND WEEDS THAT CAN HARM YOUR CROPS AND LIVELIHOOD. BY TAKING PROACTIVE STEPS, YOU CAN PREVENT COSTLY OUTBREAKS, PROTECT YOUR FARM’S PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFEGUARD THE WIDER AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY.

The recent detection of Goss’s wilt in South Africa emphasises the need to ensure proper biosecurity protocols are in place to prevent the spreading of diseases, pests and weeds. Implementing measures such as cleaning equipment, using certified disease-free seeds and monitoring crops for early symptoms can help contain potential threats.

UNDERSTAND HOW DISEASES SPREAD
Diseases can spread through contaminated equipment, vehicles, people or infected plants. Use Figure 1 to understand and mitigate these risks. 

6 KEY PRACTICES TO PROTECT YOUR FARM

1.    Monitor your crops
Regularly inspect your crops for pests and record your observations.
Familiarise yourself with serious exotic diseases and pests, as well as their symptoms.
Keep detailed written and photographic records of any unusual findings.

2.    Ensure an accurate diagnosis – test your crops
If you suspect a new or a resurgence of an existing disease, pest or weed, report it immediately to the Grain SA Research Team and/or the Diagnostic Clinic at FABI (see contact details at the end of the article). The clinic is available to assist with disease identification. 

The following steps can be taken to contain the infection whilst waiting for identification:

• Mark the affected area and limit access.
• Avoid touching, moving or transporting infected plant material, except for sample testing.
• Wash your hands, clothing and footwear after contact.
• Restrict the movement of people, livestock and equipment nearby.
• Restrict operations in the area while waiting for identification. If operations cannot be restricted, then ensure that all machinery and personal items are cleaned/decontaminated appropriately after entering the affected area.

3.    Manage people’s movement

• Visitors and workers can unintentionally spread pests. Use biosecurity signs to direct visitors to check in, record their visits and ensure that they have clean footwear and clothing.
• Pay special attention to contractors, utility providers and international visitors. Train your workers on biosecurity protocols.

4.    Reduce risks from vehicles and equipment
Direct visitors should park in a designated area that can be monitored for diseases, pests and weeds. Ensure all machinery and vehicles entering production areas are clean.
Here are some more helpful tips:

• Designate a parking area: Direct all visitors to park in a monitored area away from production zones. Input suppliers and technicians visiting the farm should preferably utilise on-farm vehicles rather than their own to prevent contamination across other farms.
• Clean before entry: Ensure all vehicles and equipment are free of soil, plant material and debris before entering your farm.
• Set up a wash-down facility: Install a wash station to clean vehicles and machinery. Use high-pressure water to remove debris and organic matter.
• Disinfect effectively: After cleaning, apply disinfectants like bleach solutions (1:10 dilution) or commercial farm disinfectants to kill pathogens. Focus on tyres, undercarriages and tools.
• Regular maintenance: Clean and disinfect equipment after each use, especially when moving between fields or farms.

5.    Manage grain carefully

• Source seeds from reputable suppliers and document their origin. 
• Regularly monitor stored grain, clean up spills and aerate storage areas to maintain cool conditions that deter diseases and pests.

6.    Manage risks posed by livestock and feed
Ensure that purchased fodder or grain is free of diseases and weed seeds.

By following these guidelines, you can take proactive steps to protect your farm from pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy and productive operation.

A wash station for vehicles and machinery can reduce the spread of diseases.

Contact the Grain SA Research Team to get in touch with the research community for advice or diagnostic services:

• Mike Ellis (072 287 7496/mike@grainsa.co.za)
• Dr Godfrey Kgatle (079 489 5966/godfrey@grainsa.co.za)
• Dr Lavinia Kisten (083 273 0709/lavinia@grainsa.co.za)
• Pfano Musetsho (065 887 7946/pfano@grainsa.co.za)

Alternatively, you can contact the Diagnostic Clinic at FABI on (012) 420 3939 or diagnostic.clinic@fabi.up.ac.za.

Publication: April 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula