The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has issued an alert after a bacterial disease on maize was detected in some provinces.
The disease, called Goss’s Wilt, was detected after official samples were collected following surveys, the department’s statement said. Here’s all you need to know.
ALERT ON BACTERIAL DISEASE ON MAIZE DETECTED IN SOME PROVINCES
The department released a statement on 22 January 2025, alerting the public that a bacterial disease on maize has been detected.
The statement read: “The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) hereby issues an alert on the detection of Goss’s Wilt (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis) on maize in South Africa.
“DALRRD is continuing with research in understanding the epidemiology and management of the pest to support local maize producers, while conducting delimiting surveys to determine the extent of the spread of the disease. Goss’s Wilt is regulated in terms of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983) and Control Measures R.110 as amended.”
WHICH PROVINCES ARE AFFECTED?
According to the department, the four provinces this bacterial disease on maize has been detected are as follows:
- Free State
- North West
- Gauteng
- Eastern Cape
HOW THE BACTERIAL DISEASE SPREADS?
Maize (Zea mays) is said to be the “only known economically important host of the pathogen.” The department further explained how the bacterial disease on maize spreads over short and long distances.
“Over short distances, the disease can be spread within a field by contacting leaves on adjacent plants. Over long distances it can be spread through seed, even though seed-borne transmission has shown to be very limited.”
HOW IT IS MANAGED?
There are said to be “no recorded fungicides that work against” Goss’s Wilt. However, it can be managed by planting maize hybrids that are highly resistant. Rotation of host crops with non-host crops and reducing movement of stubble that’s infected between fields also helps.
WHAT SHOULD FARMERS AND COMMUNITIES DO?
Farmers and communities have been encouraged to follow certain steps to manage the spread of bacterial disease on maize. These are to reduce movement of infected stubble between fields and practice effective cultural control.
“International travellers are advised to avoid illegal importation of agricultural commodities into South Africa as this may lead to the introduction of new pests and diseases that are expensive and difficult to manage,” the statement added.
Guidelines on how to manage the disease can be found here.
HAS THERE BEEN ANY REPORTS OF THIS BACTERIAL DISEASE NEAR YOU?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article. Or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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