Plant health in South Africa – threats to biosecurity, biodiversity and food security
10 – 11 June 2021
Plant health is intrinsically linked to the survival of our planet and all that live on it. While plant health is a broad topic, it is imperative we understand the latest research and dynamics in the South African context. The NSTF Discussion Forum topics include detecting and controlling plant health problems, research into pests and pathogens, chemicals versus biological control, and the role of breeding and technology for resistance. There will also be discussion on government regulations for the importing of plants.
VIDEOS FROM THE EVENT
A global perspective on tree health: Celebrating the United Nations 2020 International Year of Plant Health
The role of natural science collections and biobanks in plant health
The impact of a tiny beetle and its deadly fungus on South Africa’s forests
Q&A Part 1
Whither (or wither) Plant Pathology in the next 50 years
Threat of migratory and invasive insect pests to food security in South Africa
Q&A Part 2
Are there enough honey bees for sustainable food production
Biosecurity; and Early warning systems
Q&A Part 3
Disease resistance in small grain cereals: The South African approach
Use of Crop-Climate Models to Develop Advisories
Managing the risks to biodiversity using insects: Biocontrol in South Africa
Q&A Part 4
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE EVENT
Day 1: Whither (or wither) Plant Pathology in the next 50 years?
Prof Wijnand Swart: Professor of Plant Pathology, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
Day 1: Threat of migratory and invasive insect pests to food security in South Africa
Dr Roger Price: Research Team Manager, Insect Ecology Division, Plant Health and Protection, Agricultural Research Council
Day 1: Role of natural science collections and biobanks in plant health
Prof Michelle Hamer, Director: Natural Science Collections Facility, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Day 1: A global perspective on tree health: celebrating the United Nations 2020 International Year of Plant Health
Prof Michael Wingfield: Advisor to the University of Pretoria (UP) Executive
Day 2: Use of Crop Climate Models to Develop Advisories
Prof Sue Walker: Principal Researcher, Agrometeorology ARC NRE , Arcadia Pretoria
Day 2: Are there enough Honey Bees for Sustainable Food Production?
Prof Robin Crewe: Social Insects Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology
Day 2: Artificial intelligence and the future of crop health monitoring
Prof. Dave Berger: Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and FABI, University of Pretoria
Day 2: Disease resistance in small grain cereals: The South African approach
Prof Willem Boshoff, Associate Professor: Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State (UFS)
Day 2: Managing the risks to biodiversity using insects: Biocontrol in South Africa
Dr Candice-Lee Lyons: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT)
