The July 2024 edition of The Link is now available on the SASRI website.
In this issue:
- Dr Shadrack Moephuli (SASRI Director) discusses sustainable sugarcane production, highlighting the SUSFARMS® framework for responsible farming.
- Dr Iona Basdew (Biosecurity Scientist) suggests farmscaping to attract beneficial insects, improving pest management and sustainability in sugarcane monoculture.
- Dr Marvellous Zhou (Senior Plant Breeder) calls for tailored variety recommendations considering specific regional and field conditions to address growers’ concerns.
- Dr Riekert van Heerden (Senior Scientist: Sugarcane Physiology) answers common questions about using refractometers and the PurEst® app for on-farm sugarcane quality assessments, explaining their benefits and limitations.
- Michelle Binedell (Knowledge Manager) emphasises the benefits of SUSFARMS® for long-term sustainability and better management practices, despite the self-assessment process being challenging for some farmers.
- News on a recent Variety Grower Day held on the SASRI Gingindhlovu farm by Dr Ruth Rhodes (SASRI Extension Specialist – Zululand South).
- Regular features: “Topical Tips” by Rowan Stranack (Extension and Biorisk Manager) on seasonal farming advice and a Weather review and outlook by Phillemon Sithole (SASRI Agrometeorologist).