Identity of quarantine nematode confirmed
Dr Antoinette Swart of the National Collection of Nematodes found two female nematodes and several juveniles of the genus Ditylenchus in a garlic sample submitted for analysis by the Department…
New species of leafhopper associated with rooibos tea
Leafhoppers are sap-sucking insects capable of transmitting plant viruses and phytoplasmas. A recent taxonomic study of local leafhopper species was based on specimens curated by the South African Nursing Council…
Land expropriation set to be approved in South Africa in 2021
South Africa’s ruling party expects parliament to approve an amendment to the constitution this year outlining the circumstances in which land may be expropriated without compensation, president Cyril Ramaphosa said.…
Rainfall in Free State: Farmers grateful, but floods cause damage
Most farmers in the Free State are rejoicing over the recent rainfall in the province, but this also comes with certain challenges, such as the condition of roads in rural…
Extended alcohol ban pushes craft brewers to the brink of closure
The Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) has issued an urgent call to President Cyril Ramaphosa to lift the blanket ban on alcohol from the 16th of January. “This is…
Buy local ‘Home Sweet Home’ campaign launched in Gauteng
The SA Canegrowers’ Association has announced the arrival of its ‘Home Sweet Home’ campaign in Gauteng. The campaign, launched in KwaZulu Natal last month, encourages South Africans to buy local…
Zimbabwe to Fund White Farmers’ Compensation With Mine Revenue
Zimbabwe plans to use profits from a mining venture to help settle a $3.5 billion compensation claim from white farmers and settle a two-decade dispute that’s soured the country’s relations…
Spar’s successful Rural Hub initiative poised for growth
Spar’s Rural Hub business initiative aims to help address the food insecurity, unemployment and skills shortfalls that continue to plague rural areas across South Africa. The Rural Hub model forms…
How AI is helping African farmers in the fight against locust upsurge
A free tool that will help farmers and pastoralists across Africa to predict and control locust behavior has been launched. Kuzi-the Swahili name for the wattled starling, a bird renowned…
What happens in our soils.
The world beneath you When you pick up a handful of dirt from your garden, you are holding more living organisms than there are people on Earth. Underneath your feet…