Virginia Extension Agents Get Firsthand International Agriculture Experience

Erik Stromberg and two VCE agents
examine soybean leaves for Asian
soybean rust with South African
soybean breeder, Dr. Antony Jarvie,
in Kwa Zulu-Natal.

March, three Virginia Cooperative Extension agents, David Moore, Robyn Whittington, and Matthew Lewis, traveled with PPWS Extension plant pathologists Mary Ann Hansen and Erik Stromberg to South Africa to learn more about disease management of agronomic crops. The group visited University of the Free State's Plant Sciences Department as well as agricultural research centers, a seed company, and several commercial and subsistence farms.

Members of the group had the opportunity to observe several new diseases, including Asian soybean rust and maize streak virus. The Extension agents who participated in the trip may be able to put their new diagnostics expertise to work in Virginia this growing season.

Participants in the trip also had the opportunity to see alternative crops such as the fiber crop, kenaf, and processing methods. Markets for kenaf look promising and this crop eventually could prove useful to Virginia farmers as well.

In addition to large scale commercial operations, the group also visited a community garden in Mphophomeni Township and a research farm where a unique irrigation system produced from recycled tires has been developed for small scale growers. For highlights of the trip, please visit the group's blog site at www.weblogs.cals.vt.edu/spanning