New cultivars could push up sunflower profits
In some production regions of the country, sunflower is considered a last-resort crop. However, its ability to produce relatively consistent yields under adverse weather conditions makes it an attractive option for farmers in dryland areas. Magda du Toit reports on how the negative view of sunflower can and should be changed.
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South Africa has had lots of rain and most dams are full, but water crisis threat persists
South Africa has had lots of rain and most dams are full, but water crisis threat persists
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Water in 2030
Many areas of the world that are already experiencing a shortage of water resources will see their water issues worsen, causing hardships for millions. Here are 18 projections that attempt to predict the future of the world’s water supply.
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A successful switch from grain to tea tree oil
On a quest to diversify away from the crops traditionally cultivated in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, André de Waal shifted to the production of essential oils. By growing, distilling and marketing these products, he has gained greater control over the value chain, ensuring his business is both viable and sustainable.
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China plans to feed 80 million people with ‘seawater rice’
Scientists in China developed new salt-tolerant rice strains by over-expressing a gene from selected wild rice that’s more resistant to saline and alkali.
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Robot boosts blueberry picking efficiencies
Agritech company ARCi Technologies is in the process of developing South Africa’s first semi-autonomous agricultural robot. Three of the company’s founders spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their machine.
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Saffron: harvesting ‘red gold’ in the Karoo
Bennie Engelbrecht is breaking new ground for saffron production in South Africa through his company Saffricon. He spoke to Wouter Kriel about his journey so far and his plans for the future.
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SA pear exporters excited about finally getting access to China
South Africa’s largest exporter of apples and pears, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, has welcomed the news that China will now allow local pears to be sold in the Asian nation.
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South African groundwater project shows the power of citizen science
This is especially so in remote areas, such as the part of South Africa’s Limpopo province where a research project called Diamonds on the Soles of their Feet is taking place.
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Integrated pest management: Taking care of crop protectors
ntegrated pest management has become an increasingly popular means of protecting crops against damage from pests such as weeds and insects, and is being driven by, among other factors, the growing resistance to a purely chemical approach to crop protection. Annelie Coleman spoke to several experts to find out more.
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