Rob Wood of Farmers Agricare relates his experiences with Eco-T and other biocontrol products
“Mark Laing
spoke of how they had tested over 1000 strains of Trichoderma and had selected Eco-T as the one that was most
effective in controlling the soilborne pathogens Rhizoctonia and Pythium in
greenhouse trials,” said Rob. “He also showed results of trials at the
University’s research farm Ukulinga that confirmed this Trichoderma strain’s efficacy against soilborne diseases.
“This
started me thinking about the ongoing problem of uneven germination that was
commonplace in the high organic soils in the
“That year Tony
had remarkably even germination and growth. He had not left a control block,
but his neighbour’s untreated maize directly alongside, of the same variety and
planting date, displayed the typical uneven germination characteristics.
“
“At a
farmers’ day held in the Karkloof we discussed the benefits of even germination
and vigour and greater standability through reduced Diplodia and Fusarium
levels obtained with Eco-T application. The following season most farmers in
the area were using Eco-T,” said Rob. “Over the years is has become a household
name in the
Many of
Rob’s clients use Semevin (thiodicarb) to treat their maize seed because it
wards off crows, which are a terrible nuisance to many
Over the
years trial results and positive reports have filtered through to Farmers
Agricare agents concerning the use of Eco-T on many other crops including
soybeans, vegetables, ryegrass and potatoes.
Rob recalls
another similar success story, this time on potatoes: “I identified severe symptoms of Rhizoctonia stem canker in a crop of
emerging potatoes. We were able to save the area of the crop that was about to
emerge by drenching part of the land with Eco-T. The comparison of treated area
versus the untreated was remarkable.”
Rob grows
proteas as a hobby and has observed first-hand how an Eco-T drench can help
against Fusarium. In fact, protea
farmers in the
Rob’s
proteas have also benefited from the use of Eco-77, another biocontrol agent
specially selected for Botrytis
control and pruning wound protection.
Rob has
also observed huge differences where vegetable speedlings have been dipped in
Eco-T before planting out, with some untreated rows left for comparison.
“Eco-T is
tried and tested,” said Rob. “Farmers Agricare has enjoyed a fruitful long-term
relationship with Plant Health Products and we can vouch for the quality of
their products.
“Our philosophy at Farmers Agricare is to be
conscious of environmental issues and, if there is a proven and effective biological product that can
help control a pest or disease, we are all for it,” he said.
Tony Matchett's first Eco-T treated maize crop in the Karkloof. The crop was very uniform and the yield was excellent.
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