69 RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT FALL ARMYWORM MONITORING AND DISTRIBUTION MAPPING Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest of maize in South Africa, first detected in Limpopo and North West in 2017 after spreading from the Americas. The larvae damage young maize plants and also affect crops like sorghum. Their populations are shaped by environmental conditions and farming practices. To support early warning and sustainable management, this study monitored seasonal activity and distribution using pheromone traps in Gauteng and North West. The two-component lure and green-yellow bucket traps were most effective, with moth numbers peaking in autumn. Warm, dry conditions and irrigation favoured survival, while high summer rainfall reduced populations. North West showed the highest activity, driven by continuous maize planting, late planting, and crop residue retention. Timely planting and crop rotation helped reduce pest pressure. This project provides essential information to support early detection, timely intervention, and sustainable management of fall armyworm in South African maize production systems. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS IN PLANT HEALTH CONSORTIUM – GOSS’S WILT In 2024, Goss’s wilt, a bacterial disease caused by Clavibacter nebraskensis, was confirmed in multiple provinces, posing a serious threat to maize yields and national production. Its rapid spread and limited control options underscore the need for timely management and coordinated research to safeguard crops and food security. In response, the Plant Health Consortium has expanded its focus through the newly established Goss’s Wilt Research Platform. This initiative brings together leading institutions, including the ARC, CSIR, and the UP (DPSS and FABI), with Grain SA coordinating efforts. The project sets out a national framework for surveillance, pathogen characterisation, cultivar evaluation, rapid diagnostics, and producer engagement, aiming to strengthen early detection, improve management strategies, and build collaborative capacity across the industry. Research highlights in the Plant Health Consortium: Fall armyworm mapping completed: Seasonal distribution and population dynamics of fall armyworm were successfully mapped across Gauteng and North West provinces using pheromone traps, providing critical data for pest monitoring and management. Maize ear rot surveillance and predictive modelling: Multi-mycotoxin data is being integrated with fungal and weather variables to develop disease prediction models. DON-related toxins were consistently present in several regions, and the work received international recognition. Sclerotinia Research Network expansion: The South African Sclerotinia Research Network strengthened its collaborative platform through farmer roundtables, social media outreach, and training events, enhancing visibility and knowledge exchange. Cutworm management insights: Economic losses due to cutworm infestations in maize were quantified. Surveys and trials advanced understanding of cutworm ecology, natural enemies, and resistance, informing future control strategies. Palmer amaranth genomic profiling: High-coverage genome sequencing of South African Palmer amaranth populations revealed extensive genetic diversity. This will contribute to the development of herbicide resistance management plans. Climate Resilience Consortium The Climate Resilience Consortium was established to explore the effects of climate change and variability on agricultural production and to enhance resilience, thereby ensuring future food and nutrition security. The 2024/2025 season’s extreme weather again tested South Africa’s grain systems, yet the Climate Resilience Consortium made significant progress in turning climate-smart research into practical tools for farmers. Six years of maize trials confirmed yield penalties of up to 50% with late planting, while advanced imaging and economic studies deepened understanding of heat and drought stress. Disease and genetic studies revealed shifting pathogen dynamics, guiding new breeding and management approaches.
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