Elephant lice (Haematomyzus elephantis) are dark-coloured small-bodied (<10 mm) insects that lives permanently on elephants. An interesting fact is that they look like little elephants, with a long truck-like mouth parts and a round chubby body. Elephant lice belong to a group or suborder of three louse species that occur on mammals with strong skins. Also included in this suborder are warthog lice (Haematomyzus hopkinsi) and Haematomyzus porci, a species that occurs on the red river hog of the forests of central Africa.

Based on morphology, current taxonomic records list a single louse species (H. elephantis) for both African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) species. However, the validity of this is questioned given the fact that the two elephant species are geographically separated and also belong to different genera.

This hypothesis was recently tested in an international collaborative study that made use of freshly obtained louse samples from an African elephant in Mpumalanga. The research team comprise of both local experts, represented by Prof Sonja Matthee (Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University) and Dr Jeanette Wentzel (Pretoria University) and international colleagues, Prof Lance Durden (Georgia Southern University, USA) and Dr Renfu Shao (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia).

Because they are so tiny, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to spot lice on an elephant. Another confounding factor is that only some elephants have lice. “We were lucky to get lice on our first attempt” say Prof Matthee, a parasite ecologist. The samples (one adult female and four eggs) were molecularly analysed and compared with previously obtained sequences from Asian elephant lice. Based on extensive analyses it is confirmed that the lice on the two elephant species are molecularly distinct. The difference is so large that the lice can be regarded as genetically different species.

The next step will be to do detailed morphological comparisons to assess if the lice are cryptic species (i.e. morphologically undifferentiated). Additional fresh material is required for this step. In addition, further molecular examination will include sequencing of the genome.

Figure caption:
Figure 1. Louse specimen obtained from an African elephant
(photo credit: S Matthee)

Figure 1: Prof Johan van Rooyen, Dr Heinrich Jantjies, and Justice Edwin Cameron (SU Chancellor)

During the March graduation ceremony, the Department of Agricultural Economics celebrated the achievements of two exceptional PhD graduates, Dr Tsega Bekele and Dr Heinrich Jantjies both under the supervision of Prof Johan van Rooyen

Dr Bekele completed a groundbreaking study on the competitive performance of the Ethiopian coffee industry and its value chain. His research, driven by a profound passion for coffee, seeks to enhance the industry’s global competitiveness. Dr Bekele’s journey exemplifies the department’s commitment to producing scholars who make meaningful contributions to their fields. Another notable graduate is Dr Jantjies, whose research focused on the competitive performance of the South African deciduous fruit canning industry. Dr Jantjies’ work highlights the importance of competitiveness for industry sustainability and proposes strategic plans for further enhancement.

In addition to the two graduates, the Department of Agriculture also awarded seven MSc Agric degrees in Agricultural Economics, and two MAgric degrees in Agribusiness Management.

The department is immensely proud of these graduates and their dedication to advancing the field of agricultural economics with their research. We are also grateful for the time and effort that our academic supervisors dedicated to these students.

In 2020 a small table- and raisin grape vineyard was established on Welgevallen Experimental Farm as part of the Welgevallen vineyard re-establishment project. The idea behind establishing this vineyard was to have an on-site demonstration block which can be used in our undergraduate teaching to showcase different cultivars as well as the different trellis systems used in industry. This vineyard is a valuable resource and has enabled us to make students more aware of the table- and raisin grape industry as well.

Over the past four seasons the vines have been developed and in early 2024 we officially harvested our first grapes from these vines! This was a very exciting milestone for us. We have also had two intern students, Mr Phumlani Mhlongo and Ms Malesetsha Tleane, assisting in the management of the block in the 2023/24 season and they are very proud of their vineyard! All of this could not have been possible without the support of the Faculty of AgriSciences, Vinpro, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and the numerous sponsors – a big, big thank you to you all! We are looking forward to the next harvest season!

Our proud vineyard team who has helped make this season a successful one. From left, Mr Brian Heathcote, Ms Malesetsha Tleane and Mr Phumlani Mhlongo.

The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) is an important partner for the Department of Viticulture and Oenology. We strive to build and maintain industry relationships so that we can align our teaching and research endeavors with the needs of industry. Without the support of our funders and insights from producers this will not be possible. On 12 April 2024, the Department of Viticulture and Oenology (DVO) and the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) hosted members from SATI to discuss our future collaborations and opportunities for further enhancing our teaching in the field of table- and raisin grapes. This was also an opportunity to showcase the demonstration table- and raising grape block at Welgevallen to our guests – many of whom have not yet seen this block before. This meeting was the first of future interactions to come and we look forward to sharing our work with our industry partners along the way.

Members of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology and the South African Table Grape Industry.

Members of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) visit the table- and raising grape vineyard on Welgevallen Experimental farm.

The South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) together with South Africa Wine and the Chenin Blanc Association of South Africa (CBA) has launched an exciting new project focusing on the premiumization and economic viability of South African Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted cultivar in South Africa and there is much expertise in our industry for the making of high-quality wines from this cultivar.

A widespread media release by South Africa Wine on 19 March 2024 has put a spotlight on this project leading to great interest from readers across various fields. What makes the project unique is the use of a model Chenin Blanc vineyard planted with 19 different trellising systems which could generate scenarios ranging from very high to very low production. The collaborative effort between Stellenbosch University Vinpro to establish this vineyard and the generous financial input by Vinpro for this has made this project possible.

Prof Melané Vivier heads the team of academics involved in this project and has the following to say about this new exciting endeavor: “Adopting a market-centric approach, the project endeavours to tailor grape production and winemaking processes to align with consumer preferences and market demands. Integrated data analyses, economic evaluations, and demonstrated results will drive data-driven decision-making and foster industry-wide innovation. We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey to unlock the full potential of South African Chenin Blanc wines. By partnering with various industry stakeholders, we aim to drive sustainable growth and differentiation within the industry”.

Member from South Africa Wine and other stakeholders had an opportunity to visit the model vineyard site at Welgevallen with the project kick-off meeting held on 11 April 2024. We would like to acknowledge all the funders and stakeholders who are working together to make this project possible, especially South Africa Wine, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Chenin Blanc Association of South Africa (CBA).

The Plant Disease Clinic (PDC) Stellenbosch celebrated the official opening of its new laboratory at the Paul van der Bijl building on the Welgevallen experimental farm on 15 April 2024. The PDC consists of a team of skilled plant pathologists who employ diverse methods, including visual inspections, laboratory examinations, and molecular diagnostics, to pinpoint pathogens, pests, and environmental triggers associated with unhealthy plants. The Clinic thus plays a pivotal role in advancing plant disease diagnoses, and documenting and analysing emerging plant diseases. Altogether this fosters the development of sustainable agricultural production and safeguards local crop health and productivity.

Prof. Danie Brink, Dean of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) AgriSciences faculty, opened the event which was attended by guests from various agricultural industries as well as the University. He introduced the Faculty of AgriSciences, highlighting its research and innovation strategy, which spans across plant health, agricultural economics, animal production, sustainability, food systems, and plant improvement. Agri-informatics brings together all these focus areas.

Plant health specifically, is where the PDC plays a key role since it encompasses diagnostics, prevention and biosecurity. Prof. Brink emphasised the importance of the PDC, which has been a bottom-up initiative of the Department of Plant Pathology. The PDC is a good example of where the Faculty has invested in people (expertise and capacity), infrastructure and partnerships with industry. This has resulted in enhanced training, reliable services and purposeful partnerships and networks.

Sonja Coertze, manager of the PDC, provided a brief historical overview of the PDC. The PDC was the brainchild of Prof. Gustav Holz, head of the SU Department of Plant Pathology. The PDC had a small beginning in October 2000, receiving 36 diagnostic plant samples that were analysed by two staff members (Coertze and Lizeth Swart) who worked part-time in the clinic.

By 2006, diagnostic sample numbers had increased to 400 and Wilma van der Westhuizen was appointed, with departmental funding, to work full-time as a PDC diagnostician. Two years later, when sample numbers grew to almost 500, it was evident that the PDC had to become more financially independent as departmental funding was becoming increasingly limited.

This led to the establishment of a five-year PDC business plan that included financial sponsorships from a few agrochemical- and seed companies. This funding allows for the appointment of a new diagnostician – Tammy Jensens – and technical assistant – Brenda de Wee. The business plan was overseen by an advisory committee consisting of Bekker Wessels (ProCrop), Hugh Campbell (Hortgro), Michael Southwood (Hygrotech) and Ockie Oliver (Croplife).

Building on this success, sample numbers increased to an annual 1 000 by 2016, and the revenue generated allowed for the appointment of another full-time diagnostician (Ilze Beukes, followed by Lonette Smit).

The PDC staff currently consists of three staff members – De Wee, Doré De Villiers and Elaine Basson – who work full-time in the clinic, with their salaries being paid in full through the revenue generated from the approximately 1 200 diagnostic samples analysed annually. Coertze is currently, and has been, the manager of the PDC since 2000, which is a part-time responsibility in addition to her technical support position at the Department of Plant Pathology.

The PDC, prior to 2023 operated from a modest space first within the JS Marais Building and subsequently in the Lombardi building, before moving to the new new Paul van der Bijl building in September 2023. During her presentation, Coertze emphasised the historical significance of the Paul van der Bijl building to the Department of Plant Pathology and the PDC. The building is named after Paul Andries van der Bijl, the first Professor in Plant Pathology and Mycology in South Africa, at SU. He was also the first head of the department in 1921. The upgrading of the PDC laboratory at the Paul van der Bijl building to a state-of-the-art diagnostic facility was enabled through an SU Strategic funding grant obtained by the Faculty of AgriSciences, spearheaded by Brink.

Prof Adele McLeod, from the SU Department of Plant Pathology, joined the PDC team in 2022 as a part-time member when the PDC enrolled as an incubation company at Innovus. At the opening event, she presented the PDC advisory committee, established in 2022, with a token of appreciation, recognising their important role in guiding and supporting the PDC’s journey towards financial self-sustainability and commercialisation.

The PDC advisory committee consists of Wessels (ProCrop), Campbell (Hortgro), Anel Andrag (Wine South Africa), Albert Strever (SU Viticulture and Oenology Department), Dereck du Toit (private consultant), Rudolph Geldenhuys (private consultant and previous CEO of InteliChem), Kobus Serfontein (ICA), MJ Freeborough (AgriSciences Faculty Manager) and Dr Cheryl Lennox (SU Department of Plant Pathology). McLeod also presented thank-you gifts to representatives of the agricultural industries that have provided the financial means to purchase equipment for the new laboratory at Paul van der Bijl.

Representatives of the PDC’s gold sponsors included Cambell (Hortgro) and Marius Boshoff (Villa), the silver sponsors were Anel Andrag (South African Wine), Dawie Moelich (SATI), Retief Du Toit (Korkom) and Elzette Schutte (Berries ZA), and to the bronze sponsors were Suzel Serfontein (ICA) and Wilma van der Westhuizen (Nexus).

The 25th International Grassland Congress (IGC), held from May 14-19 in Covington, Kentucky, USA, brought together researchers and experts from around the world to share new findings and advancements in forage and grassland agriculture. With a rich history dating back to 1927, the congress convenes every four years and serves as a platform for discussing the stewardship of grasslands and the vital role they play in sustaining livestock, wildlife, and the environment.

This year’s event saw the participation of over 1000 delegates from more than 80 countries, providing a unique opportunity for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Grasslands, aside from being a primary feed source for animals, offer essential ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and soil health. Furthermore, these ecosystems have the potential to sequester carbon and, under appropriate management, contribute to mitigating climate change.

The congress program comprised thematic oral presentations and informative keynote addresses. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including the integration of crops and livestock, a subject that often elicited diverse perspectives and results among researchers. However, there was a prevailing consensus that incorporating grazed pasture and cover crop phases between crop cycles can significantly enhance the sustainability, productivity, and resilience of agricultural systems. Particularly in South African cropping systems, where the benefits of maintaining permanent living roots in the soil are well-documented, further research on long-term cover crop and pasture phases is warranted.

In addition to the presentations, poster sessions provided an opportunity for researchers to showcase their work and engage in discussions with fellow attendees. Guy Musto, an MSc student in Agronomy presented a poster titled “Adaptive multi-paddock grazing of cover crops in integrated crop-livestock systems in Mediterranean regions: a review.” Guy is supervised by Prof Pieter Swanepoel (Agronomy) and Dr Johann Strauss (Western Cape Department of Agriculture). The platform and poster sessions facilitated insightful conversations and the exchange of ideas with leading experts in the field, leaving attendees with valuable insights and potential collaborations.

One of the highlights of the congress was a mid-congress tour, which allowed participants to visit a local Angus beef farm. The farm showcased the benefits of high-density grazing, a technique that mimics the natural movement patterns of large bison herds across the Great Plains of the central United States. The results were impressive, demonstrating a significant improvement in the composition and quality of the pastures. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to visit a university research station, where the latest drone technology for seeding pastures and crops, as well as applying agrochemicals, was demonstrated. These advancements hold promise for enhancing the sustainable management of grasslands and croplands in the future.

The success of Guy Musto’s attendance at the 25th IGC would not have been possible without the support of Stellenbosch University, the Grassland Society of Southern Africa, the Western Cape Agricultural Research Trust, and the South African Society of Crop Production. Their contributions made this invaluable learning experience and the connections forged at the congress possible.

The International Grassland Congress continues to play a crucial role in fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of forage and grassland agriculture. As the world grapples with the need for sustainable food production and environmental conservation, events like the IGC provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to come together, exchange ideas, and shape the future of agriculture for the better.

In June, two staff members of the Department of Plant Pathology assisted the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to prepare countries in Southern and Eastern Africa for a possible incursion of a devastating fungus that causes a lethal disease in bananas. Prof Altus Viljoen and Dr Diane Mostert have been doing research on Fusarium wilt in bananas for more than 15 years and have trained and supported national plant protection organisations (NPPOs), scientists and growers in Africa and globally. They participated in two workshops, one in Johannesburg and the other in Nairobi, Kenya, to help NPPOs from 16 countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and eight Eastern African countries to develop contingency plans should the disease enter their countries.

Bananas serve as an important staple food for many Africans. The crop is an essential source of income and employment and is a nutritious staple food for more than 400 million people. In Africa, bananas to the value of $4.3 billion are grown by more than 20 million resource-poor farmers. However, bananas on the continent may be threatened by a highly virulent strain of the Fusarium wilt fungus, called Foc TR4, that was first detected in northern Mozambique in 2013. At the time, the fungus was identified by the research group of Prof Viljoen and Dr Mostert, who have since presented numerous training events and workshops on the diagnosis and management of the pathogen in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In February of this year, Prof Viljoen visited Ecuador to advise government researchers on methods for mutating bananas for Foc TR4 resistance, while Dr Mostert visited Lebanon in May to evaluate the status of the disease in the country and to propose means to reduce the impact of the fungus on bananas.

Foc TR4 is difficult to manage. The fungus is soilborne and cannot be eradicated from infested soil. It survives as durable spores for decades, affecting all susceptible bananas planted in such fields. Foc TR4 is also difficult to detect when it is introduced into banana farms and may spread locally and regionally before it is contained. It is thus necessary to prepare African countries for a possible incursion of the fungus by strengthening national capacities, raising awareness and introducing preventative measures.

Figure 1. Delegates at an FAO workshop in Johannesburg on strengthening the capacity of plant protection officials in Southern Africa to respond to plant health emergencies. Figure 2. Plant health officials representing eight Eastern African countries met in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss strategies to prevent Foc TR4 from entering their countries.

Fusarium wilt TR4 was detected in Mayotte, two islands in the Comoros archipelago, in 2019, and in the Grand Comoros earlier this year. The latter detection is the direct result of a training workshop for African scientists held by Dr Mostert and other international scientists in November 2022. Apart from Mozambique and the Mayotte islands, Fusarium wilt TR4 has not yet been reported from other Southern and Eastern African countries.

The Foc TR4 workshops in Johannesburg and Nairobi were organised by the FAO with the support of the African Union’s Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC). These activities were part of the implementation of the global project, OSRO/GLO/208/USA, financed by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID BHA). The project aims to build alliances between all relevant stakeholders to strengthen the plant health emergency management capacities of FAO member countries.

The International Seed Federation (ISF) held the 99th World Seed Conference 2023, with the theme of “Shared Roots, Greater Heights”, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 June 2023. This conference occurs annually; however, it has been 22 years since the last World Seed Conference was hosted in South Africa (at Sun City in 2001). The 100th World Seed Conference 2024 will be hosted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This year, the World Seed Conference hosted more than 1 200 delegates from more than 60 countries. Of these delegates, only 250 were under the age of 40 and were recognised as the “youth” during the conference. The ISF aims to empower the youth through industry engagement and collaboration, giving opportunities to young scientists wanting to grow in the field. Postgraduate students were invited to attend for this very reason, inspiring and empowering them at the same time. Further, it is worth noting that this year was the first time that a women’s luncheon was hosted at a World Seed Congress, shining a spotlight on women in the industry.

The Department of Agronomy is honoured to have had three postgraduate students, Sandra Hull (MSc), Louise Bestbier (MSc) and Mosima Mabitsela (PhD), out of only eight students chosen for this noteworthy conference, selected to attend and represent our department and university. The ISF, together with the South African National Seed Organisation, created a video competition where postgraduate students throughout South Africa could present their research related to seeds. The eight winners of this competition were selected to attend the conference. These videos were also played throughout the conference, allowing South African students’ research to be showcased to an international audience.

Giants in the industry, such as Bayer, Rijk Zwaan, Syngenta and Sakata, were in attendance, which allowed our delegates to network with CEOs and presidents of the global seed industry. Learning opportunities were plentiful, from seed coating technology, machinery and preservation to seed pathogens and nematodes. This opportunity gave Sandra, Louise and Mosima, as future seed leaders, insights into how their research has a far-reaching impact on a global scale.

Stellenbosch University prides itself on an international network that includes more than 120 formal bilateral agreements, of which more than 25 are with African partners. SU is also part of 15 international consortia, with academic staff participating annually in about 600 independent collaborative projects. Over the past three decades, the University, through its international office, built and maintained networks to advance staff and student development.

In 2020, SU signed a memorandum of understanding with Mendel University in Brno the Czech Republic. Since then, several Mendel University colleagues have visited SU’s Department of Agricultural Economics to establish relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration. During May and June 2023, academic staff members, Drs Melissa van der Merwe and Willem Hoffman, and PhD student, Petri de Beer (Department of Agricultural Economics), visited Mendel University to further develop the relationship between the two institutions.

The following opportunities were identified for collaboration: (i) research on the competitiveness of the South African (SA) wine industry; (ii) capacity building to support research on the profitability of Czech wine farms; (iii) capacity building to upskill subsistence Czech wine farmers to conduct farm-level financial management and analysis; (iv) comparative studies between the SA and Czech wine industries; (v) co-development of an online wine course; and (vi) the exchange of postgraduate students.

The SU colleagues mentioned the following highlights when asked about their visit to Mendel University:

“Being invited to a village of traditional Plźe subsistence wine cellars to drink wine directly from the barrel as is traditional while sitting in front of the cellars.” – Petri de Beer
“Having the opportunity to taste some of the top 100 wines from the Czech Republic and discussing research opportunities in the wine industry with colleagues from the Institute of Regional and Business Economics.” – Dr Melissa van der Merwe

“Sharing my knowledge of budgeting and financial management with colleagues at Mendel University to use as a research tool or to build capacity among Czech farmers to support farm-level financial decision making.” – Dr Willem Hoffmann

The HortiDemoCentre, located at the department of Agronomy, Stellenbosch University, has emerged as a hub for innovative horticultural technology and sustainable farming practices. Since its grand opening on October 20th, 2022, the centre has captivated local and international audiences, showcasing resource-efficient production techniques with great success. The centre is dedicated to advancing climate-smart horticulture and through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the centre showcases future fit Dutch horticultural technology and provides a platform for teaching and training in innovative cropping systems to support future food security. Its mission is to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary for profitable, productive, sustainable, and climate-smart agronomy.

Exciting news awaits as the HortiDemoCentre announces the launch of a diverse range of climate-smart training opportunities open to the public, set to commence in July 2023. Collaborating with renowned industry leaders such as Delphy BV, Stellenbosch University, Greener Solutions, Ludvig Svensson, Ridder Group, Rijk Zwaan, Control Union, and Koppert South Africa, the centre offers a comprehensive blend of knowledge and cutting-edge technology spanning the entire horticultural value chain.

Participants can expect a curated selection of short courses designed to cater to the needs of students, emerging and commercial farmers, and extension workers. Delving into crucial topics such as Crop Production, Greenhouse Management, and Business Skills for Horticulture, these courses empower attendees with practical skills and insights that will propel their horticultural ventures to new heights of success. The target groups for these short courses include commercial and emerging farmers, students, agronomists, researchers, local government and extension services, as well as value chain actors such as buyers and retailers. Joining our esteemed network offers invaluable opportunities for collaboration and networking, allowing participants to amplify their impact within the horticultural landscape. This is an invitation to embark on a journey of growth and innovation. Enrol in our climate-smart training opportunities at the HortiDemoCentre and unlock the full potential of your horticultural endeavours. Together, we will shape a future where sustainable practices and technological advancements harmoniously coexist, cultivating prosperity at every step. Join us today!

Course dates set for July and August. Dates for courses from August to November to be announced soon:

• Basics of Financial Management – 10 – 14 July
• Tomato production – 24 July
• Greenhouse Management – Hygiene – 25 July
• Crop rotation – 25 July
• Crop strategy – When to plant and harvest – 25 July
• Cultivation system – Type of trellising – 26 July
• Crop Management – Twisting and pruning – 26 July
• Greenhouse management – Climate control – 3 August
• Fertigation – Irrigation management and nutrition management – 17 August
• Post harvest management – 25 August
• Global gap certification – 25 August
• Greenhouse design and construction – 31 August

For more information please visit hortidemocentre.co.za or contact us at info@hortidemocentre.co.za