Agriculture is at the heart of South Africa’s economy, and combating crop diseases like Sclerotinia stem rot is critical to maintaining food security. This fungal disease, prevalent in the Western Cape’s canola-producing regions, poses a significant threat each year.
By Lee-Ann Bell
Recognising the need for innovative solutions, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) implemented a pioneering initiative to monitor and predict the disease’s development.
This project, led by Arie van Ravenswaay and Lizette Nowers, was recognised with two prestigious accolades at the CPSI Awards :
- Public Sector Trailblazer Award, won by Arie van Ravenswaay for innovative disease monitoring technology
- First runner-up in the Replication and Adaptation Category, shared by Arie van Ravenswaay and Lizette Nowers for the project’s scalability and national relevance.
Combatting Sclerotinia with precision
Sclerotinia stem rot thrives under specific weather conditions. Predicting its outbreak is critical, as fungicides must be applied shortly before infection occurs.
A key indicator of the disease’s onset is the formation of apothecia, which are tiny fungal structures that develop from sclerotia in the soil.
The WCDoA’s Sclerotinia Camera, stationed in Napier (-34.46910, 019.91003), monitors these structures during canola’s flowering season. During the flowering season the system sends live image updates every four minutes, allowing producers in the vicinity of Napier to react in real time to favourable conditions for disease development. Each image is time-stamped, ensuring precise data for effective decision-making.
A collaborative effort with national reach
Sclerotinia is considered one of the most destructive diseases affecting oilseed crops such as canola, soybean and sunflower in South Africa. The pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum also infects other plants, including cabbage, lettuce, and various weed species.
This trailblazing initiative has not only proven invaluable in the Western Cape but is now being replicated in Mpumalanga for monitoring Sclerotinia stem rot in soy. This collaboration between national and provincial governments showcases the potential for innovative agricultural practices to address challenges across South Africa.
The CPSI Awards highlight the critical role of technology in transforming agriculture. Arie’s recognition as a Public Sector Trailblazer underscores the value of forward-thinking solutions, while the Replication Award demonstrates the initiative’s adaptability to various agricultural contexts.
A model for South Africa
As South Africa faces increasing agricultural challenges due to climate change and evolving diseases, projects like the Sclerotinia Camera set a benchmark for innovation and collaboration.
By empowering producers with real-time data, this initiative contributes to sustainable farming practices, ensuring healthier crops and greater food security nationwide.
For more information about the Sclerotinia Camera, contact Lizette Nowers at the WCDoA Plant Pathology Section via email at lizette.nowers@westerncape.gov.za or call 021 808 5269.
This article first appeared in AgriProbe.
