Climate change is reshaping the agricultural landscape, presenting unprecedented challenges for producers worldwide. Irregular weather, including altered rainfall patterns, more frequent floods, and higher temperatures, are significantly impacting crop yields.
South Africa, a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, has not been spared from these effects. The devastating floods in the Western Cape and unusual snowfall on the Highveld in 2024 serve as stark reminders of the changing climate.
The unpredictability of weather conditions makes it difficult for producers to accurately forecast yields. A late frost, an early heatwave, or a sudden downpour can significantly impact crop production. This uncertainty underscores the importance of protecting every harvested grain, especially when yields may be lower than expected.
Even after successfully navigating the challenges of the growing season, producers must contend with the ever-present threat of post-harvest pests. These insidious insects can quickly infest stored grain, leading to significant losses in both quality and quantity. Pests such as the rice weevil, maize weevil, and saw-toothed grain beetle, to name a few, can rapidly multiply, reducing the value of a hard-earned harvest.
Common consequences of pest infestations include:
- Degradation of grain, leading to reduced consumption quality and market value.
- Financial losses from reduced grain quality and increased operational costs.
- Potential health risks due to contamination.
Why a Proactive Pest Control Strategy is Crucial
A robust pest control strategy is essential to safeguard your grain investments. By proactively addressing pest infestations, you can enjoy numerous benefits:
- Enhanced food security: Ensure a reliable food supply, even during periods of scarcity or harvest fluctuations.
- Market stabilisation: Contribute to stable prices for commodities.
- Preserved quality: Protect the value and sensory attributes of your grain.
- Risk mitigation: Minimise losses due to weather-related crop damage and pest infestations.
K-Obiol® EC25
To effectively implement a comprehensive pest control strategy, consider using K-Obiol® EC25. This advanced product is designed to prevent and manage a wide range of pests, safeguarding your valuable grain stocks.
It is a premium and trustworthy product designed to protect your grain from pest infestations. K-Obiol® EC25 is an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation that utilises the active ingredient deltamethrin. Deltamethrin is a contact pyrethroid insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of insects upon contact, leading to paralysis and death.
To further enhance its effectiveness, K-Obiol® EC25 is synergised with piperonyl butoxide (PBO). PBO helps manage insecticide resistance in insects by inhibiting the enzymes that break down insecticides, allowing the deltamethrin to work more effectively.
K-Obiol® EC25 is a versatile and effective solution for protecting bulk-stored raw grains, including maize, wheat, rye, and oats from insect infestations. It can be conveniently applied directly to the grain during intake, making it a practical choice for both grain growers and accumulators. K-Obiol® EC25 offers a range of application methods, including:
- Admix treatment of bulk-stored grains
- Residual spray treatment of storage facilities
- Thermal fogging
- Treatment of bag stacks
Additionally, it can be used to prevent tropical grain moth eggs from hatching and control lesser grain borers when applied as a fogging solution.
Another key benefit of K-Obiol® EC25 is that once dried after admixture application, there is no withholding period, and the grains will not exceed current South African maximum residue limits when applied according to the label.
With K-Obiol® EC25, you can focus on what matters most: Maximising your profits and delivering high-quality grain. This potent grain protectant, effective against a wide range of insect pests, can help you reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring your hard work pays off. Don’t let a changing climate threaten your success, contact Envu today on 082 616 2962 or visit www.envu.co.za to learn more about K-Obiol® EC25 and how it can benefit your specific grain storage needs.
