Scientists find gene controlling vitamin C
Discovery may lead to new crops with extra-high levels of the vitamin.
Genome breakthrough may help beef farmers
Producers may soon have a tool to detect sub-fertile heifers and cows, allowing them to manage reproduction more efficiently.
Improving smallholder banana production
A multi-disciplinary research team from the Institute of Natural Resources in Pietermaritzburg is experimenting with ways to improve banana production among small-scale growers in the Eastern Cape.
Saving SA’s fynbos fish
The indigenous fish of the Western Cape’s fynbos rivers are under severe threat from alien fish, which prey on them. In an attempt to save them from extinction, CapeNature, in co-ordination with the Cape Action for People and the Environment programme, has launched a project in the Rondegat River, Cedarberg. Denene Erasmus reports.
Glycerine shows promise as cattle feed
Feed efficiency is increased by adding crude glycerine, a by-product of biodiesel production, to feed.
Biological bollworm control
A Swiss-produced biopesticide containing a virus targeting the African bollworm is currently on trial in South Africa – and is proving remarkably effective against this destructive pest. Robyn Joubert reports.
Bioagronomy 1-2-3
A step-by-step approach to soil preparation is key to ensuring the
survival of beneficial micro-organisms and greater yields, writes Robyn Joubert.
Benefits of high-Brix farming
Brix testing quickly indicates to a farmer how a plant responds to management changes, and provides an accurate picture of a crop’s health and taste. Jeff Joubert explains the method to Robyn Joubert.
Winning the fight against fruit flies
The local deciduous fruit industry has developed a successful Mediterranean fruit fly control programme that uses environmentally friendly products, as well as the ‘sterile insect technique’. Denene Erasmus reports.
Beating the scourge of PRRS
A genetic marker shows a pig’s susceptibility to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.
Keep your ewes longer
The reproductive performance of a sheep flock can be improved significantly if farmers retain their best ewes for an extra year or two.
Commercial potential for the humble cactus pear
Dr Maryna de Wit and her team at the University of the Free State are studying commercially viable uses for the cactus pear. The researchers argue that although South Africa produces huge quantities of the crop, its many uses have never been fully exploited here. Annelie Coleman reports.
