By Nico van Burick
There is currently no reason for large-scale concern or for trade restrictions due to the wilt disease that has been observed locally, Grain SA assures.
Botswana closed its border to the import of, among other things, grain and oilseeds from South Africa on 16 January after Goss bacterial wilt and leaf blight spread from America to South Africa.
Grain SA says in a letter to its members the reporting of the disease and its recent announcement have caused some panic in the industry.
“Grain SA assures farmers the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders are monitoring and managing the situation, and according to current information, there is no cause for major concern.”
The disease is well known in countries such as the United States and is handled effectively with management practices. Tools that can spread the organism are cleaned between fields, crop rotation is practiced with crops (such as soybeans) that are not susceptible to the disease, and tillage methods of maize residues in which the organism can survive are reduced.
Possible cases were already noted in 2024 and Grain SA collected and analysed samples using the diagnostic clinics funded by its programmes.
Out of 14 samples that showed strange symptoms, four tested positive for the disease. A task team consisting of representatives from Grain SA, South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR) and researchers from various institutions was subsequently formed. The Agricultural Research Council then tested the samples, which tested positive.
READ MORE: JUST CONFIRMED | New maize wilt disease reported in South Africa
Grain SA says official monitoring is being done and a survey has so far indicated the disease is not occurring or spreading on a large scale. “To protect the local market as well as trade, the department is engaged in a risk analysis and compilation, which is used to provide information to countries that trade with South Africa.
“The department has indicated there is currently no risk for restrictions, but if countries do impose restrictions, bilateral discussions will follow to discuss the risks.”
Dr Dirk Strydom, head of Grain SA’s Nampo division and of marketing and research coordination, says a bilateral discussion within the international trade protocol is already underway with Botswana.
Due to a lack of information about the actual scope, action is still limited, but as more information is obtained, the department can begin with additional steps and discussions.
Dr Maanda Rambauli, the department’s deputy director of plant health, also says the disease is not widespread and only occurs in isolated areas. However, the necessary international authorities have been informed about it.
Goss wilt is a quarantine disease. Farmers or land users are legally obliged to report any suspicions of its occurrence to the department.
A further statement from the department is expected later this week. More information about Goss is available here.
