AGRA PROVISION SAVES CROP FARMERS FROM LOSING THEIR HEADS
Published: 01 Sep 2014 

Timely advice and information on “diplodia headrot” was presented at the Agra ProVision breakfast meeting held in Grootfontein on 22 August 2014. The meeting was hosted in partnership with Ecologika, a South African based agricultural enterprise manufacturing and distributing plant nutrients within a holistic approach to farming. The gathering was well attended by crop farmers and industry stakeholders.

Under the theme “don’t lose your heads,” the meeting discussed diplodia headrot, known as “Kopvrot” in Afrikaans, a fungal disease of maize. This disease caught many farmers off-guard during the past maize season. It mainly affects the cob of the maize plant and causes it to rot and produce mycotoxins which are toxic to animals, and also makes the maize unfit for human consumption.

In her opening remarks, Dagmar Honsbein, General Manager of Agra ProVision commended the participants for attending the informative session to receive valuable information on this fungal disease. “Agra ProVision congratulates you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this information session. As a dedicated producer, you always need to be on the lookout for what is trending in the market,” she said. She concluded her remarks by saying, “Agra ProVision will continue empowering stakeholders in the agricultural sector by bringing vital information to the people.”

Randolf Meyer, Agronomist from Ecologika, introduced the topic to the participants. He explained that Diplodia is caused by the fungus Stenocarpella maydis, which can either infect the head or the stalk of the maize plant. “In the case of the head rot, the infection is triggered by a drought in the early life of a maize plant, followed by excessive rains in the latter growth stages. This causes the head to rot from the embriotic tissue to the endosperma. This causes diplodiosis in animals fed with this maize,” he clarified. He continued by saying, “The stalk rot is caused by a good rainy season interrupted by a mid-summer’s drought. During the stress period the plant “cannibalises” its stalk and sugars are withdrawn from the stalk. This causes the maize to lodge.”

Meyer continued to explain how it can be prevented or treated. He said, “The spores of diplodia usually use surface stubble as a host. The spores however do not survive well in the soil. Therefore it is important that stubble is incorporated into the topsoil, or treated to speed up the breakdown of the stubble.” He added, “The resultant humus also helps with the water retention of the soil. It is important to ensure proper fertilisation, especially the supplementation of “energy” nutrients like Phosphorous, Zink and Potassium. Proper scheduling of irrigation is essential throughout the life of the maize plant. Try and avoid too high plant populations, especially on dry land.” 

In his closing remarks, he encouraged producers to practise sustainable farming practices, such as: crop rotation with leguminous plants; using stubble digesters to speed up the breakdown of the organic material to form humus; using water scheduling equipment to assist in managing the irrigation of the crops during stress periods; and using complete nutrition programmes to maintain high energy levels and optimal photosynthesis.

Agra ProVision offers interactive information sessions every 2 months to facilitate networking and brainstorming among individuals from various sectors in Government and private industry on topics relevant to the agriculture industry. These interactive information sessions are open to members of the public, but those interested are requested to confirm their attendance in advance.