The University of Mpumalanga Students Nematology Society (UMP-SNS), in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), recently organized a farmer's day aimed at improving the skills of local fresh produce farmers.
UMP-SNS, an academic student society dedicated to raising awareness about the field of nematology among learners, students, researchers, and farming communities, was established following the successful 2nd Pan African Nematology workshop, which was held at UMP in March 2023.
The society is affiliated with the Nematologist Society of Southern Africa and strives to promote an understanding of the significance of nematodes as both harmful and beneficial organisms in crops, animals, and human beings among students, extension officers, and farmers.
The workshop has highlighted a significant lack of awareness about nematodes among extension officers and farmers. As a result, UMP-SNS, in collaboration with agricultural partners, organized the farmers' day to provide training on nematology to 67 farmers and extension officers.
Fortunate Zulu, a master’s degree student in Agricultural Science and the secretary of UMP-SNS, takes pride in the society's contribution to knowledge sharing within the broader community. She explains that the society has strategically incorporated five approaches to accommodate its diverse audiences, which include teaching and learning, engagement, research, and collaboration.
Local fresh produce farmers benefitted from the shared information.
“Part of our mandate is visiting primary and secondary schools, and even hosting events about nematodes and their importance, engaging with farmers and extension officers on research bases. At the university, students will be given the opportunity to do their research on nematodes which will improve their understanding of the field of study and increase their footprint nationally and internationally,” she says.
Extended reach and impact
In addition to its local initiatives, UMP-SNS also focuses on collaboration by actively participating in conferences held at both national and international levels. These conferences provide valuable opportunities for the society to engage with experts and researchers in the field.
Nematodes, being microscopic and worm-like organisms, possess the ability to exert both beneficial and harmful effects on plants, animals, and human beings. UMP-SNS aims to create awareness about the diverse impact of nematodes and their significance in various ecosystems.
“Some nematodes are beneficial to plants, as they can help control other plant pests and diseases. However, other nematodes can be harmful to plants, causing significant damage to crops and reducing yields.”
Zulu further explains that is it essential for small-scale farmers to learn about and understand nematodes.
Learning about nematodes will assist small-scale farmers to maximise yields.
“They can have a significant impact on crop productivity and profitability. Farmers need to be able to identify nematode problems in their crops and understand how to manage them effectively. This includes implementing soil management practices that can help reduce nematode populations, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic matter.”
“Small-scale farmers may not have access to the same resources as larger commercial farmers, such as expensive chemical treatments for nematode control. Learning about nematodes and their management can help small-scale farmers make informed decisions about how to protect their crops and maximize their yields in a sustainable and cost-effective way,” she adds.
Zulu says her passion for the study of nematodes, motivated her to join the UMP-SNS and the nematology research team led by Dr Zakheleni Dube. “My MSc research project aims at addressing the inconsistencies in the use of plant extracts in addressing the challenges of nematodes, as a potential alternative to synthetic nematicides.
The continuous withdrawal from agricultural chemical markets of effective yet negative impact on the environment and humans has led to the need for the identification of environment-friendly, cost-effective, easily accessible, human and animal-friendly alternative strategies.
Plant extracts have provided such an opportunity; hence, my current research seeks to determine and validate the correct application time for Maerua angolensis and Tabernaemontana elegans plant extracts in the management of Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne enterolobii.”
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.