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MAIZE CULTIVAR EVALUATION TRIALS (MCET)
The 2021/2022 season was the third year that Grain SA, SANSOR and seed
companies formed a consortium to execute the MCET. During the past season,
cultivars entered into the trials were again coded for anonymity. Results from
the 2021/2022 season are available from the Grain SA website and the October
issue of the
SA Graan/Grain
magazine.
SORGHUM CULTIVAR EVALUATION TRIALS
The sorghum cultivar evaluation trials have been completed successfully for the seventh consecu-
tive year. This is a major milestone as annual data that depicts cultivar performance across different
regions is now available. Information from the trials is distributed through seed companies and the
various communication channels of Grain SA (
SA Graan/Grain
magazine and working groups).
CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURE
The correct choice of cultivars, taking the diverse climatic conditions into consideration, is of the utmost
importance to producers since it affects yield. Through support to producers in their choice of adapt-
able cultivars, optimum yields can be obtained and the risk for yield losses can be managed better.
Conservation agriculture
During the period 2016 to 2020, the CA Farmer Innovation Programme (FIP) was successfully im-
plemented under the banner of Grain SA for accessing and managing CA funding (and projects).
However, in a strategic move by Grain SA and the Maize Trust to sustain and scale up the activities
of the CA FIP, activities from 2020/2021 and later will be coordinated under the banner of ASSET
Research. ASSET Research is keen to work with Grain SA in the advancement of both the relation-
ship between the entities and that of the development of ap-
propriate CA systems. As such, producers can contact the
research team with specific CA research needs. Further
information on ASSET Research can be found at the
following link:
https://assetresearch.org.za/
.
Cultivar evaluation trials
Cultivar evaluations provide producers, seed
companies and agricultural advisers with
independent, unbiased and scientifically ac-
curate information on the performance and
adaptability of cultivars relative to the current
commercial cultivars grown under local con-
ditions. Grain SA coordinates the maize and
sorghum cultivar evaluations in partnership
with industry stakeholders.
CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURE
The potentially devastating effects of climate change and variability on the food and nutrition security
status of South Africa are concerns shared by the government and the industry. Therefore, the Climate
Resilience Consortium addresses challenges faced by producers and seeks opportunities to build
resilience to climate change and variability.
OF THE UTMOST
IMPORTANCE
IS
THE
correct
CHOICE OF CULTIVARS
for producers
MARKETING, NAMPO AND
RESEARCH COORDINATION