Horticulture

Natural Mineral Solutions elevate turf and horticulture performance. (Image credit: Pratley)

Across the turf management and horticulture sector, professionals are increasingly turning to natural solutions to overcome long standing soil related challenges.

Maintaining healthy turf and productive landscapes has become more complex as soil conditions directly affect plant performance, water efficiency and maintenance costs. Two of the most common problem soils remain sandy soils, which lose nutrients rapidly through leaching after rainfall or irrigation, and clay soils, known for poor drainage and restricted root development. These limitations often result in stressed plants, increased water use and higher ongoing management expenses, particularly in water scarce regions such as parts of South Africa.

In response, the industry is embracing naturally occurring minerals that enhance soil structure while improving nutrient availability. A growing focus has been placed on zeolite minerals, which are valued for their ability to support sustainable turf and horticultural practices. One notable example is Vulture Creek Clino, a solution derived from clinoptilolite, a naturally occurring zeolite. Zeolites are recognised for their strong ion exchange properties, allowing them to capture essential nutrients such as potassium and ammonium and release them gradually within the root zone. This process ensures plants receive nutrients when they need them most, reducing losses and improving fertiliser efficiency.

By integrating mineral based amendments into turf and landscape fertiliser programmes, professionals are seeing measurable benefits. These include better water retention at root level, lower reliance on frequent fertiliser applications, reduced irrigation needs and stronger, healthier turf. Developers and landscape managers report visible improvements in lawn quality alongside reduced maintenance demands.

As sustainability continues to shape modern horticulture, natural mineral based products are emerging as practical, environmentally responsible tools that support long term soil health while delivering consistent performance in demanding conditions.

Kenya’s floriculture industry remains a vital pillar of the national economy, generating more than KES 150 billion each year and supporting over 500,000 jobs across the value chain. (Image credit: Corteva Agriscience)

Corteva Agriscience Kenya has marked a significant breakthrough in crop protection with the launch of Verpixo 100 SC, an advanced fungicide powered by Adavelt technology.

Officially registered for use on roses, one of Kenya’s most valuable export crops, the product brings cutting-edge agricultural innovation directly to farmers, enabling them to protect yields, improve flower quality, and meet increasingly strict international market standards.

Kenya’s floriculture industry remains a vital pillar of the national economy, generating more than KES 150 billion each year and supporting over 500,000 jobs across the value chain. As global competition intensifies and buyers demand consistently high-quality produce, innovations such as Verpixo 100 SC are strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional leader in sustainable horticulture and reinforcing its reputation in premium export markets.

At the core of Verpixo 100 SC is Florylpicoxamid, a next-generation active ingredient classified under FRAC Group 21. Its unique mode of action offers reliable protection against two of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting roses: powdery mildew and botrytis. With no known cross-resistance to existing fungicide groups, this technology provides growers with a robust solution for long-term, sustainable disease management, reducing the risk of resistance development and safeguarding future productivity.

For rose farmers, the benefits are immediate and practical. By preventing crop losses caused by fungal infections, Verpixo 100 SC supports the production of high-quality, export-ready flowers that meet stringent global requirements. This not only improves farm profitability but also gives growers greater confidence to plan ahead, reinvest, and expand operations. The product’s sustainability focus further contributes to healthier growing environments and resilient farming systems.

Industry leaders have highlighted the broader significance of the launch. According to Charles Mutema, Business Lead at Corteva Agriscience, its introduction “represents more than a product introduction  it’s a testament to Corteva’s long-term investment in local innovation, farmer resilience, and the future of sustainable agriculture in Africa.”

Echoing this sentiment, Marketing Campaign Manager Innocent Oeri stated that “Verpixo 100 SC is more than a fungicide it’s a promise to Kenyan farmers that Corteva is committed to helping them compete globally,” combining advanced science with local expertise to consistently deliver world-class roses.

As climate change, disease pressure, and export challenges continue to shape the sector, innovations like Verpixo 100 SC are helping Kenyan farmers protect livelihoods, enhance global competitiveness, and cement the country’s status as a world-class floriculture powerhouse.

Beekeeping protecting food security in South Africa.

South Africa is stepping up efforts to strengthen its beekeeping sector, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen reaffirming government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s honeybee populations and the livelihoods that depend on them.

Speaking at the Beekeeping Awareness Field Day at Oude Raapkraal in Westlake, Cape Town, he described honeybees as “the farmers of the sky,” emphasising their essential yet often overlooked contribution to food security, biodiversity, and rural economies.

Addressing attendees, Steenhuisen highlighted that bees play a far greater role than simply producing honey. “They do not use tractors or ploughs, yet their work ensures that nearly 75% of our food crops bear fruit. In South Africa, bee pollination contributes more than R10 billion every year to agriculture,” he said. This pollination service directly supports the country’s food production system and indirectly fuels job creation across numerous agricultural industries.

Beekeeping, recognised under the Animal Improvement Act (Act No. 62 of 1998) as part of agricultural activity, is closely aligned with several national priorities. These include increased agricultural output, improved food and nutrition security, strengthened biosecurity measures, and improved market access for local producers. However, Steenhuisen warned that multiple threats including habitat loss, prolonged drought, and irresponsible pesticide use are putting bee populations at risk. “When the land stops flowering, bees go hungry, colonies weaken, and honey yields decline,” he cautioned.

He encouraged citizens and farmers to play a role in restoring bee forage. “Imagine if every farm, school, and roadside in South Africa became a bee garden – filled with indigenous plants, fruit trees, and wildflowers,” Steenhuisen said. He also stressed the importance of responsible pesticide management, warning that “spraying at the wrong time, during bloom, can kill thousands of bees overnight.” To mitigate this, the department is promoting integrated pest management and improved communication between farmers and beekeepers.

Beyond pollination, the Minister drew attention to the honey value chain, which holds significant economic potential. South Africa produces up to 2,500 tons of honey per year but consumes nearly twice that amount. As a result, domestic markets rely heavily on imports, with a large portion sourced from China. “We rely heavily on the imports of natural honey, with more than 80% of our imported honey coming from China… Since there is such a high demand for this product, we have seen an increase of very poor quality and sometimes adulterated honey,” Steenhuisen said.

To protect consumers and support local producers, the Department of Agriculture’s Inspection Services will conduct an operation in December to remove mislabelled or counterfeit honey products from shop shelves. Steenhuisen said these efforts form part of a broader initiative to build a trustworthy, competitive, and locally driven honey sector.

Progress is also being made in research and biosecurity. Key priorities include the development of a National Beekeeping/Apiculture Strategy, an American foulbrood (AFB) Management and Response Strategy, a national Bee Forage Strategy, and the finalisation of the Residue Monitoring Plan required for honey exports to the EU. The department has also revived the Honey Value Chain Round-Table Forum and re-established cooperation with the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO). In addition, the Agricultural Research Council has been commissioned to conduct a national survey on AFB as part of its mandate to protect beekeeping and pollination services.

“Our task is clear - to protect these pollinators, nurture our beekeepers, and grow South Africa's honey industry into a model of sustainability and pride. Together, we can make sure that the hum of the honeybee continues to be the sound of life, abundance, and hope for generations to come.”

South Africa’s macadamia growers can secure a stronger, more sustainable future.

The year 2025 marks a defining period for South Africa’s macadamia industry, as the sector faces major shifts that will influence its future growth and profitability

Three significant developments are shaping the direction of the industry: declining inshell prices, widening price gaps between different kernel grades, and the increasing importance of strong partnerships between growers and processors. These changes reflect how the market is evolving and why farmers need to adapt their production and marketing strategies to remain competitive.

Macadamia nuts sold in their shells have encountered tough market conditions, largely due to the industry’s dependence on export markets such as China. As China strengthens its own cracking and processing capacity, its need for imported South African inshell nuts has decreased, placing continued pressure on prices. This growing self-sufficiency highlights the risk of exporting unprocessed produce instead of investing in local value addition. Farmers are now encouraged to explore domestic cracking and processing opportunities, which can help them secure better returns and reduce exposure to global market fluctuations.

At the same time, the market is experiencing a noticeable difference in prices between whole and broken kernels. Although international demand for macadamia kernels remains strong, whole kernels are commanding much higher premiums than halves or pieces. Farmers who focus on varieties and post-harvest practices that maximise whole-kernel yield stand to benefit most. Traditional inshell varieties, such as Beaumont, tend to produce a higher percentage of halves when cracked, leading to reduced margins. This trend demonstrates how careful variety selection and quality-focused handling can directly influence on-farm profitability.

The strength of relationships between growers and processors is also becoming more critical. While farmers have little control over international price movements, they can improve their earnings by partnering with processors who prioritise efficiency and product care. As one expert noted: “Even the best crop can lose value if the processor lacks the right equipment or does not pay attention to detail.” Every small improvement in handling, from minimising drop heights to maintaining equipment, can make a real difference in kernel recovery and value.

By investing in quality production, building reliable partnerships, and focusing on value-added processing, South Africa’s macadamia growers can secure a stronger, more sustainable future.