Wayne Sanders, SA’s stewardship manager at Corteva Agriscience, delivered a comprehensive presentation on agricultural stewardship and pest management strategies at the recent Pannar Farmers’ Day held at Sam Nkosi’s De Goedehoop Farm in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Sanders opened his address by defining stewardship as the responsible management of agricultural technologies, emphasising its four core pillars: responsible management practices, regulatory compliance, the preservation of trait efficacy and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
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“Stewardship isn’t just about following rules, it’s about protecting the future of farming technology,” Sanders explained to the gathered farmers and agricultural professionals.
Bt Technology: A Game-changer for African Maize Production
Central to Sanders’ presentation was the PowerCore trait technology [MM1] in maize, which is specifically designed to combat stem borer pests that plague African agriculture with its insect resistance component. It also offers simplified weed control with its glyphosate herbicide tolerance component. The insect-resistant trait (also referred to as “Bt” traits, from the bacterial organism Bacillus thuringiensis), identifiable by the “PW” suffix in hybrid names, targets indigenous maize stem borer species, including Busseola fusca, which poses unique challenges to the continent’s agricultural sector.
“These are not your typical global pests,” Sanders noted, highlighting the specific adaptation required for African conditions. “Our indigenous stem borers have evolved with our local crops and require targeted approaches.”
Understanding the Enemy: Stem Borer Biology
Sanders provided detailed insights into the pest life cycle, explaining how stem borers progress through distinct stages from eggs to destructive larvae to moth. With approximately three generations per season, typically occurring in October-November, December-January and February-March, timing becomes critical for effective management.
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The scientist said that early detection is crucial, as larvae quickly burrow into stalks where chemical control becomes ineffective. “Once they’re inside, your pest management options become very limited,” Sanders warned, stressing the importance of regular field scouting from the V3 growth stage through tasselling.
Integrated Approach: Beyond Technology
While championing Bt technology, Sanders advocated for a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This includes the strategic use of refuge plantings – non-GMO varieties that maintain susceptible insect populations to prevent resistance development.
“Refuge isn’t just a regulatory requirement,” Sanders explained, “it’s insurance for the future effectiveness of our technology.” He outlined specific refuge percentages required by regulation and emphasised compliance with stewardship agreements.
Practical Management Strategies
Sanders gave farmers actionable recommendations for pest management:
- Regular field scouting to identify pinhole damage and “windowing” effects characteristic of early stem borer feeding;
- Early chemical intervention targeting neonate larvae when they’re most vulnerable;
- Post-harvest residue management, including breaking stalks and stubble to expose overwintering larvae; and
- Prompt reporting of leaf feeding damage to technical support teams.
Building a Culture of Responsibility
The presentation outlined the collaborative nature of successful stewardship, highlighting the roles of farmers, agronomists and technology providers. Sanders stressed the importance of the Technology User Agreement (TUA) and encouraged farmers to actively engage with their agronomy support teams.
“This isn’t a one-person job,” said Sanders. “Success requires communication between growers, advisers and technology providers to ensure we’re all working towards the same goals.”
Looking Forward: Sustainability and Innovation
Sanders concluded by addressing the future of agricultural technology, emphasising that current stewardship practices directly impact the availability of future innovations. He warned that poor stewardship today could jeopardise access to advanced traits and technologies in development.
“The decisions we make in our fields today determine what tools will be available to the next generation of farmers,” Sanders cautioned, urging attendees to view stewardship as an investment in agriculture’s future.
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