By Michelle van der Spuy
Namibia’s Department of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has banned the import of maize, palm trees and related products from the Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.
This comes after bud rot (Phytophthora palmivora) and the new maize disease, Goss bacterial wilt and leaf blight spread (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis), were observed in these provinces.
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The ban was announced on Thursday afternoon. Earlier this week, Botswana closed its borders to several South African products for the same reason.
According to the Namibian agricultural magazine Agriforum, bud rot is not dangerous to humans, but it is considered one of the most devastating plant diseases in tropical regions. Bud rot affects palm, rubber, cocoa and papaya trees, among others.
Goss bacterial wilt and leaf blight spread occurs in maize, sorghum and sugarcane, among others. It is classified as a high-risk quarantine disease as it spreads rapidly and can result in a 30% loss in maize yields, as well as plant mortality. The department has therefore decided to revoke all import permits issued for maize, palm trees and their related products. No new permits will be issued for the import or transport of these goods. The ban will remain in effect until South Africa has established disease-free