What happens when you take a relatively small industry (in agricultural scale at least), which goes above and beyond the due diligence required by Act 36 of 1947, and self-regulates pesticide use while adhering with a certification scheme that is moving towards zero pesticide usage?

You get pesticide manufacturers that view the forestry sector as unviable to manufacture for, and you are left with a small selection of chemical pest control agents to choose from.

We are already feeling the impact in our nurseries, with several pest species taking hold and very few available options to control them. Red spider mite and powdery mildew are good examples of this and why TIPWG is working closely with SGASA (Seedling Growers Association of South Africa) to identify potential solutions.

It is also why we are continually engaging with pesticide manufacturers regarding the needs and potential markets for products within the industry. In this regard, we were thrilled by Harry Quicke’s visit to SA. Harry was here to do a due diligence on behalf of Bayer and determine the possibility of introducing a pre-emergent into SA forestry and better understand the sector.

Thanks those who helped with the organization of the visit as well as shared information with Harry before and during his visit.

More about Harry

Born and bred in Pietermaritzburg, Harry completed his BSc Forestry Honours at Stellenbosch University before working for the then Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. He has also done a stint of teaching at Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as working out of Ulundi as a regional forestry manager for KwaZulu-Natal. His career then took him to the United States, completing a PhD in Forest Science at Auburn University focusing on tree growth response to vegetation control and a career focusing on the tools needed to control vegetation.