Technology

It’s not too late to restore damaged palmiet wetlands, says Alanna Rebelo of Stellenbosch University’s Department of Conservation and Entomology. Roelof Bezuidenhout spoke to her about the value of these remarkable wetlands.

Ionised gases are being used to kill food pathogens on packaged food. This method could bypass current heat treatment and chemical sanitising methods.

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.