The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture warns farmers about nematodes
The department said nematodes inhibits the soil and causes damage on produce.
Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) recently said vegetable farmers need to be vigilant and be on the lookout for any damage on their produce.
The Extension and Advisory Services and the Research Unit, the University of Mpumalanga’s Nematology Society and the Agricultural Research Council, hosted local farmers and other stakeholders during a Nematodes Farmers’ Information Day held at Magezangesonto Coop in Peebles Farm outside White River.
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The farm is owned by Joseph Masuku and during the event they looked at some of the produce.
Dardlea’s spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, said the must farmers watchful for any damage that might be caused by nematodes.
“It is a microscopic worm-like creature that inhibits the soil and attacks the roots of plants like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, bambara ground nuts, including cabbage.”
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“The idea was to create awareness to fresh produce farmers to constantly monitor the leaves of their plants, to see if there’s any change in colour, or damage, which they must report if spotted. Farmers are also encouraged to take soil sampling, rotate crops, and consider Agro Processing to increase profit.”
