Technology

Plants of the brassica family can act as natural biofumigants when chopped up and worked into the soil, says plant pathologist Dr Reinette Gouws of the Agriculture Research Council.

The Royal Show, SA’s oldest and largest mixed exhibition, took place in Pietermaritzburg from 24 May to 2 June. Joe Spencer describes some of the vehicles that Bell Equipment had displayed.

Precision agriculture (PA) allows farmers to operate more efficiently and become better decision-makers. Australian Tim Neale and Sharon Clay from the US took part in a PA conference in Potchefstroom. Annelie Coleman compiled this report.

The new Challenger RoGator RG1100 high-clearance self-propelled sprayer offers more power and boom-to-boom benefits to cut fuel consumption, emissions, maintenance and operator fatigue.

The use of bees as crop pollinators is well-known, but a group of scientists warns against confusing the European bumblebee with the South African carpenter bee.

Bumblebees have been used worldwide since the mid-80s to deliver pollen to flowers. Now they’ve become ‘flying doctors’. Robyn Joubert reports.

Due to underdeveloped gut microflora and immature immune systems piglets are highly susceptible to pathogenic infections which result in poor performance. To withstand these pathogens, a protective gut microflora and an optimised non-specific immune system are crucial. Feed expert Dr Thomas Volker explains why.

French company Jeantil’s robotic feed distributor demonstrates that robotic feeding, like robotic milking, is a reality.

The BigBaler range can now add a SIMA Silver Innovation Medal to its Good Design award. Joe Spencer reports.

A foretaste of what to expect at the show that just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Activated oxygen water treatment trials in North West have shown positive results in wheat and maize yields. Annelie Coleman reports.

Australian research has shown the possibility of eliminating the horn gene in Merino sheep.

Research conducted by HortResearch SA’s Dr Steve Oosthuyse shows that timely pruning of litchi trees can produce a rich flush and yield a greater harvest.

Co-operation between South African and Argentinian agricultural organisations has led to a series of multi-year trials in selected South African localities to compare Argentinian direct planting technology and conventional systems with those used in South Africa. Pietman Botha reviews the first year of the trials, which were launched in 2011.

A foretaste of what to expect at the show that just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

The latest offerings from German manufacturer Horsch were demonstrated by SA distributors Terratill at a recent farmers’ day in Bothaville. Joe Spencer reports.

Already popular among cane growers, the Kengem floating paravane ripper has now been adapted for use in maize lands. Joe Spencer reports.

‘Switching off’ a gene that slows germination in high temperatures will allow farmers to grow lettuce all year round.

A novel approach to controlling a destructive root parasite has produced good results with sorghum in Ethiopia, according to Robyn Joubert.

At the SIMA Paris Show, Massey Ferguson celebrated the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the first self-propelled combine harvester. Joe Spencer reports.