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SOUTH AFRICAN SCLEROTINIA RESEARCH NETWORK
The occurrence of Sclerotinia in South Africa is becoming more prominent as adequate control is
lacking. Therefore, the South African Sclerotinia Research Network (SASRN) was established to
provide a platform for dialogue to take place between researchers, the industry and producers, as
well as to approach research projects in a concerted manner.
The SASRN website (
http://sclerotinia.co.za/
) hosts a diverse collection of articles and provides
opportunities for producers to submit questions and interact with researchers directly. Current research
is focused on investigating disease epidemiology and screening local and international soybean germ-
plasm for resistance to Sclerotinia. Results from these studies will contribute to effective management
strategies for this pathogen.
A Sclerotinia day was held on 13 October at which the industry, producers and researchers discussed
management options for Sclerotinia on soybean and sunflower. Panel discussions were held in which
planting density, planting dates, cultivars and climate were discussed. Effective chemical control
and production practices to manage the disease were also discussed. Outcomes from the day are
available here (
https://sagrainmag.co.za/2022/11/28/tactics-to-disrupt-sclerotinia/
).
BIOSECURITY
Biosecurity is a priority shared between the government and the industry. As
such, an opportunity is available for the government, the industry and the
research community to jointly work towards ensuring that biosecurity threats
are identified and dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner through co-
funding and shared expertise. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform
and Rural Development as well as the Department of Science and Innova-
tion launched the National Biosecurity Hub (
http://www.ia.up.ac.za/index.php/
research-platforms/biosecurity-hub/e-journal
) at the University of Pretoria on
11 October 2022.
This launch signals the commitment of the government to collaboratively work with
the industry and the research community to ensure that adequate and timely
biosecurity measures are put in place to safeguard the country against bios-
ecurity threats. The vision for the biosecurity hub is to significantly increase the
capacity currently available to the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulatory
authorities of South Africa to deal with biosecurity issues. The hub will facilitate
collaborative working arrangements between the government and stakeholders
directly affected by biosecurity threats rather than having these groups act in isolation.
CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURE
The Plant Health Consortium enables the government, the industry and academia to jointly work
towards assisting producers to decrease disease incidence, improve crop yields and, ultimately,
increase food security for South Africa.
MARKETING, NAMPO AND
RESEARCH COORDINATION