Healthy apples processed for export in South Africa’s apple industry.
South African scientists are developing an innovative biocontrol method to protect apple trees from the woolly apple aphid, a pest that damages roots and shoots. Researchers from Stellenbosch University are testing fungi as an alternative to chemical insecticides, which are becoming less effective and more harmful to the environment. Their study identified three fungi species that rapidly infect and kill the aphids within five days. South Africa, which produced 1.3 million tonnes of apples in 2023, may benefit significantly from this sustainable approach, particularly in the Western Cape, where most apple cultivation occurs. The researchers hope to partner with commercial companies to mass-produce the fungi for widespread use, helping growers manage aphid infestations while reducing environmental damage.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION