The activities of the Crop Protection research focus area are
directed towards the implementation of integrated control programmes which will
enhance yield and quaity of crops and limit the impact of pesticides on the
environment. It consists of the following three research areas:
Plant Pathology:
This area
provides a research and consultancy service of diseases of industrial crops.
Research in plant pathology is directed towards the effects of viruses, bacteria
and fungi on crop production. Plant breeders are also assisted by developing and
applying techniques to screen breeding lines for disease resistance.
Nematology:
In the growing absence
of chemical control for nematodes, an integrated nematode research control
strategy is followed with the accent on biological control. In conjunction with
the plant breeders, tobacco breeding lines, with possible resistance
to Meloidogyne spp. are screened.
Entomology:
This area directs
its research towards the establishment of integrated pest management which is
cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
