Weed Control

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WEEDS

Weeds pose a serious problem in the South African sugar industry and, in extreme cases, can lead to complete crop failure. Weeds are normally grouped into the three categories, namely, Broadleaf Weeds, Grasses and Sedges. The effect that these weeds have on cane yield will depend on crop growth vigour and the type of weed. Weeds are less of a problem in a fast-growing crop.

SASRI advocates an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to weed control, i.e. a sustainable approach which combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimises economic, health and environmental risks.

Anushka Gokul

Agrochemical Scientist

Details

Agrochemical Scientist

Tel: 031 508 7400 (Switchboard)
Tel: 031 508 7447 (Direct)
Email: anushka.gokul@sugar.org.za

Role & Overall Purpose

Co-ordination and facilitation of research into promising new agrochemical and biological products including those with insecticidal, nematicidal and herbicidal activities, with the aim of contributing to strategic and sustainable management of the industry’s major pests.

Expertise

Plant pathology, Molecular biology, Microbiology, Biological control and Chemical pathology.

Research Intersts
  • The safe, practical and sustainable application of agrochemical and biological compounds to reduce yield losses caused by pests, diseases, nematodes and weeds.
  • New agrochemical and biological compounds or agents for application and registration in sugarcane agriculture.
Focus Areas
  • To contribute to the development of agrochemical management strategies to minimise yield losses due to pests, diseases, nematodes and weeds.
  • Assessing efficacy of new chemical compounds (nematicide, herbicide and insecticide) against sugarcane pests.
  • Conduct field trials and glasshouse trials towards agrochemical product registration.
  • To compile information generated from agrochemical research into outputs and recommendations.
 
 
Key Publications

Lamprecht, S.C, Spies, C.J., Phasoana, T and Gokul, A. 2020. Seedling diseases lead to poor establishment [Online]. Available: https://sagrainmag.co.za/2020/08/05/seedling-diseases-lead-to-poor-establishment/

Beukes, A. Gokul, L.J. Rose, A. Viljoen, B. Flett and G. van Collar. 2020. Investigating the identification and host-specificity of Fusarium graminearum species complex members in South Africa. Proceedings of: The 1st African Symposium on Mycotoxicology. Livingstone, Zambia.

Gokul, A., Beukes, I., Viljoen, A. Rose, l. 2015. Abstract “Evaluating MALDI-TOF MS and PCR RFLP for the accurate identification of Fusarium graminearum species complex members in South Africa”. EFS13/13th European Fusarium Seminar. Martina Franca, Italy.

Gokul, A., Beukes, I., Viljoen, A. Rose, l. 2015. Abstract “Chemotype determination and mycotoxin production of Fusarium graminearum from wheat and maize in South Africa”. EFS13/13th European Fusarium Seminar. Martina Franca, Italy.

Qualifications
  • MSc. Plant Pathology (Stellenbosch University).
  • BSc. (Hons) Chemical Pathology (Stellenbosch University).
  • BSc. Molecular biology and Biotechnology (Stellenbosch University).
[/db_pb_accordion]

INFORMATION SHEETS

BOOKS

SASRI Herbicide Selection Guide

Information in this guide must be used in conjunction with herbicide label instructions. Users specify weed types and weed stages and then take note of the active ingredients suggested as treatments. These active ingredients are then linked to a list of specific commercial products. While some additional information is provided for each active ingredient, users must consult the label of the selected products for application guidelines and restrictions.

Download Guide

Weeds of the South African sugar industry

The objective of this book is to provide the South African sugarcane grower with the means to identify weeds without the complication of botanical keys. It will also help the grower make better choices regarding weed control measures. All the weed species that appear in the book were collected from canefields throughout the South African sugar industry and, in most cases, each is shown at the seedling and mature stage of development. It must be appreciated that the list of weeds included is by no means complete and further species will appear in subsequent editions.

Download Guide

Integrated weed management of creeping grasses in sugarcane

Creeping grasses pose a serious problem in the South African sugar industry and, in extreme cases, can lead to complete crop failure. This booklet describes sixteen control tactics for creeping grasses, with a description of the circumstance where each tactic is suitable. These are summarised for easy reference in tables having different weed densities. These tactics are more effective when employed in selected combinations. An Integrated Weed Management (IWM) programme uses appropriate combinations of cultural, mechanical and chemical control tactics which are important for successful weed management.

Download Book

Understanding the FAS Report: Water Quality

The FAS Agricultural Laboratory undertakes routine irrigation water quality analysis focusing on determination of excess salt and the suitability of the water source for irrigation. In addition, some growers may use this water for agrochemical mixing. Using good quality water is important to optimise the efficacy of chemicals.

Download Booklet

Uhlelo oludidiyelwe Iwamasu okulawula utshani obenabayo emobeni

isiZulu version of ‘Integrated weed management of creeping grasses in sugarcane’ described above.

Download Book

ILLUSTRATIVE GUIDES

DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS

HERBICIDE SELECTOR

SASRI has developed a herbicide selection tool, available as an MS Excel application. The tool takes into account weed spectrum, weed growth stage and clay% and suggests a range of active ingredients that will work for the chosen criteria. Users can also see a list of commercial products that are available for each active ingredient. Notes are also provided for each active ingredient.

The information is also available as a PDF file.

Download Herbicide Selector (MS Excel) | Download Herbicide Selection Guide (PDF)

Download Agricultural remedies registered for use in South Africa

Videos

Knapsack calibration

Ukugcina amathuluzi okufutha ekhipha isilinganiso esifanele

(Calibrating Spraying Equipment)

Yini edlala ukuthi izibulala khula zingasebenzi?

(What influences efficacy of herbicides?)

Kungani ukhula lungafuneki

Ensimini (Controlling weeds)

Services

Biosecurity

SASRI’s Biosecurity staff work together with Local Pest, Disease and Variety Control Committees to prevent or minimise loss and damage caused by pests and diseases.

Extension and Biosecurity Service

SASRI Extension Specialists located throughout the South African sugar industry are available to offer advice and support on crop nutrition and all other aspects of sugarcane farming.

Special Advisory Requests

Service to investigate new products on behalf of commercial companies to facilitate registration. Investigations can include testing of herbicides, fungicides, ripeners, fertilisers and pesticides.

RESEARCH

Research on weed control develops integrated management strategies that minimise the effects of weeds on crop production in a sustainable manner. Visit CROP PROTECTION for more information.

Subscribe to our News Alerts to receive our latest information.