Breakthrough in fight against Sclerotinia diseases in South African crops

The South African Sclerotinia Research Network is driving innovation in combating Sclerotinia diseases through coordinated research, advanced technologies, and collaborative efforts to safeguard crops like sunflower, soya bean and canola.

- Octavia Avesca Spandiel

The South African Sclerotinia Research Network (SASRN) is leading a multi-institutional charge against one of the country’s most destructive crop diseases: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Since its establishment in 2018, the SASRN has united researchers, farmers and industry stakeholders in a collaborative effort to mitigate the economic devastation caused by this fungal pathogen, particularly in canola, sunflower and soya bean production.

Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Dr Godfrey Kgatle, research co-ordinator at the SASRN, said: “Sclerotinia has become one of the most significant threats to our oilseed crops due to its wide host range and environmental adaptability. Our goal is to translate science into action: tools that farmers can actually use in the field.”

FUNDING AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

Kgatle added that the network, initially funded by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust, has received further support from Grain SA, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Technology Innovation Agency, and the South African Cultivar and Technology Agency.