Compensatory growth in Dorper lambs
Researchers from the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute studied the effect of the early growth environment on the development of Dorper lambs.
GM: weed and insect problems loom
Herbicide and pesticide resistance are leading to an increased use of these chemicals.
Little trees, big benefits
Reducing the height of forestry trees through genetic modification has advantages, say US researchers.
pH: the secret to unlocking soil’s nutrients
Correcting the soil’s pH and conserving its organic matter are key to improving plant response to fertiliser application. Robyn Joubert reports.
Eco-agriculture: a question of balance
Confronted by declining yields and rising input costs, Limpopo farming giant ZZ2 developed and implemented a system it termed natuurboerdery. Ecologist Erik Holm gave a progress report at the PestBiz Convention in Durban in August. Robyn Joubert was there.
Precision farming – suitable for large or small farms
Increased profits, exact management of land variability and enhanced environmental protection through better use of inputs – these are just some of the benefits of precision farming, according to US agricultural expert Dr Don Tyler. Peter Hittersay reports.
Spotlight on enzootic bovine leukaemia
This relatively unknown infectious retrovirus can go undetected for years. There is no effective treatment or efficient commercial vaccine but good biosecurity and management can play a role in prevention. Dr Jan du Preez explains.
Understanding a true original
Participate in a research project studying South Africa’s unique black-seed grass – and stand a chance of being rewarded for your efforts.
Get transplanting right for seedling survival
The yield potential of commercial forestry hybrids is all for naught if they aren’t transplanted properly. Dr Keith Little of the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) shared his tips with Lloyd Phillips.
Determining lamb paternity
Australian researchers have identified a set of genetic markers
that allows highly accurate parentage testing across all breeds of sheep.
Beating coccidiosis
US researchers have developed a control for this devastating intestinal disease.
The key to herbicide resistance?
US scientists may have found how ‘super weeds’ develop resistance to glyphosate.
Choose canola!
A new survey of crop rotation systems in the battered Cape wheat industry demonstrates the advantages of canola as a financially viable cash crop. Kobus van Tonder reports.
Improved nitrogen use means higher yields
Modern hybrid maize varieties use nitrogen more efficiently to produce more grain.
Sustainable mushroom growing
Mushroom farming is going green by replacing peat casing with sugar cane pith substrate. Linda Meyer spoke to Lindi van Rooyen at Mabu Casing Soils about how pith is saving peatlands.
Better than blocking?
n an effort to save on vaccine costs, and time, farmer Graeme Brown experimented with making his own blood vaccine to combat heartwater.
Stamping out aflatoxins
International scientists are close to launching ground-breaking technology that will revolutionise disease control in crops.
Grape exports to US set to increase, thanks to new irradiation system
Hepro Cape irradiator could help South Africa’s table grape producers to once again satisfy the phytosanitary requirements of the US.
