The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has issued an alert regarding the detection of Goss’s Wilt, a bacterial disease affecting maize crops, in four provinces. The department is actively conducting research to understand the disease's epidemiology and management strategies, while also implementing delimiting surveys to assess the extent of its spread. Farmers and communities are advised on preventative measures such as reducing the movement of infected plant material and practicing effective crop rotation.
The Department of Agriculture , Land Reform and Rural Development ( DALRRD ) has issued an alert after a bacterial disease on maize has been detected in four provinces in South Africa . The disease, called Goss’s Wilt (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis), was detected after official samples were collected following surveys, the department’s statement said. Maize (Zea mays) is said to be the “only known economically important host of the pathogen” according to the department.
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.” 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. 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
Goss's Wilt Maize Disease South Africa Agriculture DALRRD
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