By Maile Matsimela
The days of potato farmers losing their crop to potato tuber moth and tomato leafminer are about to be a thing of the past. This after a long-term potato tuber moth monitoring project in the Sandveld has proven so successful over the past eight years that it is now expanding to the northern provinces of South Africa.
Potato tuber moth (PTM) (Phthorimaea operculella) causes significant economic losses to potato farmers and is notoriously difficult to control. However, Sandveld farmers have seen long-term success in managing this pest, thanks to an innovative project and the collaboration between InteliGro and Syngenta.
The Sandveld potato tuber moth monitoring project was launched in 2016 when InteliGro introduced a network of PTM traps. These traps use a species-specific pheromone to attract and catch male moths, providing producers with early warnings of population increases.
“Ingenuity, data, and targeted pest management have delivered remarkable results for Sandveld farmers over the long term,” says Stefan Steenekamp, technical marketing specialist leading InteliGro’s national potato strategy.
Steenekamp adds that through weekly farm visits, they track populations of both potato tuber moth and tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta, earlier known as Tuta absoluta) on electronic platforms such as Cropwise and CropWatch.
“The data is then analysed, and the combined interpretation of trap catches, physical data monitoring and weather information makes it possible to more accurately predict moth outbreaks and design better strategies for crop protection,” he said.
Stephan & Seun Boerdery, a well-known family-run business in the Sandveld, has been part of the InteliGro monitoring project from the outset and has seen significant improvements. Johan Stephan of Stephan & Boerdery said they are extremely satisfied with InteliGro’s monitoring of potato tuber moth and tomato leafminer in their fields.
Steenekamp says their regular and accurate field data helps them determine the optimal timing for applying plant protection products.
This, he says, reduces costs, minimises spray applications and prevents crop damage. “The service gives us peace of mind and supports better yields.”
Steenekamp emphasises that InteliGro follows an integrated pest management strategy, combining chemical and biological solutions with cultural practices, such as tillage and irrigation.
“Our goal is to promote sustainable farming and proactively address climate challenges,” he says, adding that this programme delivers economic benefits while reducing the environmental footprint, ensuring a resilient potato industry for future generations.
While South Africa produces only 1% of the world’s potatoes, Steenekamp believes the sector has significant potential for growth. “Potatoes are a nutritious staple and can play a crucial role in food security and poverty alleviation,” he says.
With approximately 52 000 hectares of potatoes planted annually, South Africa can supply fresh potatoes year-round. The Sandveld produces throughout the year, while other regions follow seasonal cycles.
“To farm sustainably in both dryland and irrigated areas, we need to overcome environmental challenges, such as climate change, diseases and insect pests. Climatic factors such as temperature and humidity directly affect the life cycle of insects,” says Steenekamp.
Furthermore, Steenekamp said that in the past, the industry relied to a large degree on products now considered to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive disruptors (CMsR).
“These classes of products are being phased out, limiting the number of available crop protection options. This requires innovation, which is why InteliGro is collaborating with industry organisations to find feasible alternatives,” explains Steenekamp.
The success of the Sandveld project has paved the way for a pilot initiative in the far north region of Limpopo. InteliGro, in collaboration with Potatoes SA and Metos SA, is integrating moth trap and weather station data to help producers fine-tune their spray programmes based on real-time moth population trends.
“After eight years of experience, we can now extend our integrated pest management strategies to potato-growing regions across the country,” says Steenekamp. “By combining historical data with weather forecasts, InteliGro will refine its pest management recommendations even further.”
InteliGro’s Crop Advisors provide customised solutions for each farm. Interested farmers can contact Steenekamp at +27 66 472 3994 or stefans@inteligro.co.za.
