General overview

During the reporting period, 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2023, the Trust met regularly to discuss and decide about matters that will benefit the oilseeds industry and specifically sunflower, soybean, groundnut and canola.

During the period under review, R39 936 875 was approved in respect of research projects, provisions, technology transfer and information support and advisory services. The mentioned amount was allocated as follows:

The total budget approved for the 2022/2023 financial year therefor amounted to R 43 930 563.

The above-mentioned amount includes the following bursaries approved:

• Continuation applications

  • Investigating resistance inducers and the phytobiome for sustainable crop production and control of sclerotinia stem rot of soybean.
    Mr A Edwards, University of the Free State, PhD
  • Factors affecting liver health in egg laying hens.
    Mr L Ndlebe, University of KwaZulu-Natal, M.Sc
  • The effect of selected Regenerative Agriculture practices on soil productivity, plant growth and crop yield in a winter cereal and canola production area of the Western Cape.
    Mr GA Musto, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc
  • A novel approach to discover fungal biodiversity.
    Ms C Dewing, University of Pretoria, PhD
  • The physiological impact of heat wave conditions on anthesis and pollination in domesticated sunflower.
    Ms UNN Memela, University of Pretoria, M.Sc
  • Analysing Helianthus annuus transcriptomes in response to heatwaves in field.
    Ms V Röder, University of Pretoria, M.Sc
  • Genetics and genomics of South African isolates of the agricultural pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum affecting sunflower.
    Mr ST Buthelezi, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Phd
  • Effect of inclusion of legumes in maize on ensiling characteristics and productivity of South African Merino sheep.
    Mr O Hawu, North-West University, M.Sc
  • Impact of climate change adaptation practices on income and poverty among smallholder sunflower farmers in the North West.
    Ms LE Molefe, University of Pretoria, M.Sc

• New applications

  • A pre-breeding approach towards Fusarium soybean sudden death syndrome resistance in South African soybeans using marker-assisted breeding."
    Mr HJ Basson, University of the Free State, M.Sc — Dissertation
  • Identification, prevalence and fungicide control of seedborne fungi associated with soybean.
    Mr NV Hlongwane, University of the Free State0, M.Sc

During the reporting period the following important matters were addressed by the Trust:

• Development of a Transformation Program for the Oilseeds Advisory Committee and Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust;
• Challenges experienced at GFADA;
• Financial support to SAGL in respect of the replacement of capital equipment.