Archive for July 2021
A quick look at crown rust of oats
Crown rust of oats is the most common leaf disease of oats in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is caused by a fungus named Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae and can cause major damage in susceptible cultivars. Although the word “crown” is referred to in the name, which may be confusing, it is basically…
Read MoreWin a Case of Nuy Winery’s Koffiepit Pinotage
In December 2015, a new wine and food destination opened slightly off the beaten track in the picturesque Nuy Valley … and soon became an iconic landmark on the R60 between Worcester and Robertson. Today, Nuy Winery’s Nuy on the hill tasting room and restaurant is firmly established as a highly recommended and memorable experience,…
Read MoreIs Climate Change a Reality?
The Mangaung Metro Municipality experience Whether or not climate change is a reality is a dilemma faced by many within the farming community and poses different questions. For example, why have the onset date and duration of seasonal rainfall changed? Why are we noticing the intensification of prolonged dry spells that can last up to…
Read MoreSolar Steam Distillation Technology in Oils Extraction
Wild exotic oils play an important role in the societies in Africa and globally, from a flavour, fragrance, and aromatherapy perspective. South Africa, a country with a strong history of traditional healing, hosts a variety of more than 30,000 plant species which account for almost 10% of the world’s higher plants habitant in the country.…
Read MoreSolar-powered irrigation systems
Solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) are increasingly in demand as they can provide a cost-effective and “clean” solution to increase agricultural productivity. Access to water for irrigation is key to farmers, particularly to sustain their livelihoods and food security. However, operating irrigation systems efficiently often calls for the adoption of local irrigation techniques and this in…
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