Pretoria: The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has issued a warning about the detection of Bud rot of palms (Phytophthora palmivora) in certain regions of South Africa. This fungal disease has been identified in orchards within the Mopani District in Limpopo and three commercial papaya orchards in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality in Mpumalanga.
According to South African Government News Agency, the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa (NPPOZA) confirmed the presence of this pest in August 2024. The disease, caused by a fungus attacking palms, can also be transmitted through soil contaminated with roots from an infected palm. In response, NPPOZA, in collaboration with various stakeholders, initiated a delimiting survey to assess the pest’s spread within the country.
“This was done in accordance with the P. palmivora National Action Plan and relevant standards. DALRRD is currently conducting delimiting surveys in all production areas to determine the extent of the spread,” the department stated. Phytosanitary measures have been implemented to restrict the movement of host material from infested areas to non-infested areas, unless authorized by a removal permit.
The department highlighted that the removal or movement of host material from affected to unaffected areas within South Africa is restricted under the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983), and Control Measures R.110, to prevent further spread to other provinces. Hundreds of plant species, including horticultural, ornamental, and agricultural crops, have been infected by P. palmivora, with agricultural host crops such as papaya, pineapple, citrus, black pepper, cocoa, and coconut being affected.
The potential spread of P. palmivora through host material to other areas could significantly impact domestic and international trade, as well as the export potential of relevant host commodities to countries where it is considered a quarantine pest. Effective management of this pest involves practicing cultural control, using resistant varieties, chemical control, constant monitoring, and regulating the removal of host material from quarantine to non-quarantine areas.
The department has urged farmers and communities to implement effective cultural control measures and refrain from moving host materials from infested to non-infested areas without proper authorization. International travelers are also advised to avoid illegal importation of agricultural commodities into South Africa to prevent the introduction of new pests and diseases that are costly and challenging to manage.