PHC Content

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

Why It Matters Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating fungal pathogen affecting oilseed crops, particularly sunflowers. Its resilience stems from melanin-coated sclerotia, which protect the fungus from environmental stress and microbial degradation. These structures persist in soil for years, increasing disease risk and reducing field profitability. This project explores a novel polymer-based intervention using pyrones and

Why It Matters Soybean and sunflower crops are vulnerable to a range of diseases, particularly Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which can severely impact yield and profitability. While complete resistance is unavailable, cultivar trials have identified lines with partial resistance. This project enhances the National Cultivar Trials (NCTs) by integrating disease surveillance and diagnostics, enabling early detection and

Why It Matters? Sclerotinia head rot is a severe fungal disease affecting sunflower crops in South Africa, especially in the Free State and North West provinces. The disease has forced many farmers to stop planting sunflowers, disrupting crop rotation and reducing profitability. This project addresses the urgent need for effective chemical and biological control strategies.

Why It Matters? Sclerotinia Head Rot is a major disease affecting sunflower production in South Africa, causing severe yield losses and threatening crop viability in certain seasons. With no resistant cultivars available and current management strategies offering limited control, innovative approaches are needed. This project explores the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to shift