The maize demonstration field conducted at Tshiombo Irrigation Scheme in Vhembe district near Mutale holds a better food security future within Mianzwi village and surrounding areas.
This was proven during the maize demonstration day at Mianzwi village, which was through the partnership of Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) with Bayer SA PTY LTD and Crop Life South Africa.
maize plants at Tshiombo irrigation scheme during the demonstration day
The Demonstration was held approximately 120 days after four different cultivars of maize seeds were planted at the demonstration field in Tshiombo irrigation scheme. The cultivars were planted to test the seed’s resistance to amongst others; fall army worm (FAW) and stalk borer worms in maize, their yield potential, as well as the roundup ready seed’s reaction towards weeds control roundup chemical.
The four cultivars planted were DKC 76-73R N LF, DKC 76-77 BR N MF, DKC 72-76 BR N LF and DKC 74-26 R N SR. All the cultivars were roundup ready, and weeds were controlled by glyphosate Round up. The two cultivars with BR had a a further technology to resist attack by stalk borer. The BR cultivars assessed in this trial were not attacked by either stalk borer or FAW. The cultivars without BR were attacked by stalk borer and FAW and were sprayed with insecticides but the results were not as good as the BR treatments in the control of both stalk borer and FAW.
The event was aimed at educating the farmers on the benefits of using Bayer SA PTY LTD’s newly developed hybrid maize seeds and to ensure that they continue to maximize their maize production yield without the use of different pest control chemicals and labour-intensive weeding techniques that has proven to be physically and financially strenuous.
This was an initiative by Crop Life South Africa’s Chantel Arendse and the Provincial Crop Protection Office implemented with the dedicated Thulamela Crop Production Scientist, Ratshilivha Nyengedzedzeni, Crop Research Production Scientist, Gerhard Breedt, Matangari service centre Agric Advisor, Tshifhango Shonisani, Madzivhandila’s Farm Aid, Netswera Pilani and selected farmers within the Tshiombo Irrigation Schemes. The main aim of the demonstration trial was to promote other technologies that farmers could use to manage FAW and stalk borer, which are major challenges in maize production in this area other than the use of pesticides and to also compare the yields of these cultivars.
According to Bayer SA PTY LTD representative, Ndou Rodney, their seeds have got an expected maturity dates ranging from 122 to 145 days with a very high yield potential, excellent stability, highly prolific and good disease tolerance. We also have Bacillus Thuringiensis also known as BT gene seeds which are able to resist fall army worm and stalk borer worm. “ With Bayer SA PTY LTD seeds, you are guaranteed more with fewer resources,” boasted Ndou.
Thohoyandou Service Centre head, Mudzielwana Freddy encouraged farmers to take their farming to greater heights by always putting into practice the things learnt from information or demonstration days. “Bayer South Africa PTY LTD honoured you as farmers because they believe in the power within you as farmers, you can show your appreciation by doing things differently from this day onwards,” stated Mudzielwana.
LDARD Director for Crop Production, Dr Tshikolomo Khathutshelo was pleased with the attendance of Madzivhandila College students. “It is reassuring to see students attend these kinds of events because long after we are gone, there will be people to convey on the teachings of Agriculture,” said Tshikolomo.
He also commended the farmers for their zeal to always improve in their farming practices and for heeding to the advice they get from their Agric Advisors.
The farmers were grateful for the department’s partnership with Bayer and Crop Life South Africa for the great initiative.
“We feel included when events like this take place. We have learnt a great deal, and it is encouraging to have someone show us where and when we are going right or wrong,” stated Ramafamba Emishem representing farmers.
