PHC Content

Why it matters Root-knot nematodes are microscopic parasites that attack plant roots, causing invisible but serious yield losses in soybean production. In South Africa, especially under dryland conditions, these pests often go unnoticed and unmanaged. This leads to poor root development, stunted growth and lower yields. This project addresses a critical knowledge gap by studying

Why it matters Cutworms pose a serious threat to maize production, particularly in the early growth stages when damage to seedlings can result in major stand losses. In South Africa’s smallholder systems, limited awareness and delayed interventions worsen the impact. This project aims to provide farmers with practical, integrated tools to manage cutworm populations, drawing

Why it matters (80-100 words) Palmer amaranth is one of the world’s most aggressive and herbicide-resistant weeds and it has arrived in South Africa. First identified in the Northern Cape in 2018, this weed has since spread to Limpopo and North West, with signs of resistance to widely used herbicides like glyphosate. If left unchecked,

Why it matters Herbicide-resistant weeds are becoming a major challenge in the Western Cape, especially for farmers practising conservation agriculture. Overreliance on herbicides is no longer sustainable, and alternative weed control methods are urgently needed. One such approach, Harvest Weed Seed Control (HWSC), targets weeds at harvest before their seeds return to the soil. HWSC

Why It Matters The National Grain Research Platform (NGRP) is a strategic initiative designed to unify South Africa’s grain research efforts across government, academia, and industry. Established in 2021, the NGRP fosters collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in grain production. It addresses critical challenges such as climate change, biosecurity, and digitisation, while promoting human capital development

Why it matters Timely identification of pests and diseases is critical to protecting crop yields and producer livelihoods. This project, based at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), provides expert pest and disease diagnostic services to all grain and oilseed producers in South Africa. By offering free pest and disease diagnostic services, building a

Why it matters Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major biosecurity threat to maize production in South Africa. With no natural containment and limited local data on its seasonal patterns, this pest has rapidly spread across key maize-producing regions, causing significant yield losses. This project focuses on understanding when and where fall armyworm populations peak,

Why It Matters? Climate change is reshaping pest dynamics in agriculture, threatening food security and smallholder livelihoods. In South Africa’s Limpopo Province, farmers growing maize and sorghum are particularly vulnerable to stem borers such as the maize stalk borer (Busseola fusca), pink stem borer (Sesamia calamistis), and spotted stem borer (Chilo partellus). These pests can

Why it matters Maize ear rots not only reduce grain quality and yield but also pose serious food safety risks due to the production of harmful mycotoxins. These fungal diseases are difficult to control, especially in wet seasons like those recently experienced in South Africa. To help producers protect their crops and consumers, this project

Why It Matters Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a destructive fungal pathogen affecting a wide range of crops in South Africa. The South African Sclerotinia Research Network (SASRN) was established to foster collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders, and government to address this challenge. Initially aimed at supporting early-career researchers, the network has grown into a national platform