Botswana Suspends Grain Imports from South Africa After Detection of Bud Rot and Goss’s Bacterial Wilt

The Republic of Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, through its Department of Plant Health, has issued an urgent notification regarding the detection of Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Bud Rot of Palms in South Africa.

These pests have raised serious concerns due to their potential impact on Botswana’s agriculture, particularly concerning maize, palms, and other related plant products.

Velleminah S. Pelokgale, Head of the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of Botswana, emphasized the importance of taking immediate precautionary measures.

“While these pests have not yet been detected in Botswana, we cannot afford to take any chances. We must act swiftly to prevent any potential introduction and spread of these plant diseases,” said Pelokgale.

The pests in question, Goss’s Bacterial Wilt (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis) and Bud Rot of Palms (Phytophthora palmivora), have been found in South Africa in the Free State, North-West, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces.

The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is actively conducting surveys to identify pest-free areas and to manage the situation.

The host plants for Goss’s Bacterial Wilt include maize, sorghum, wheat, sugarcane, and other grasses such as Sudan grass and barnyard grass. Meanwhile, the host plants for the Bud Rot of Palms include a range of crops such as palms, pawpaw, kiwi, coconut, durian, and cocoa.

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In response to the threat, the Botswana government has suspended the importation of all affected plants and plant products, including maize, sorghum, wheat, sugarcane, and the listed fruits and palms.

Import permits for these materials have been revoked, and phytosanitary measures are now in place to prevent the introduction and spread of these pests.

Pelokgale further reassured the public and farming communities that Botswana has not yet detected these diseases within its borders but urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant.

“We are taking every possible step to protect our agricultural industry from these potential threats, and it is essential that we all work together to safeguard our crops and our livelihoods,” she concluded.