2021/2022 Research Report: General Overview of OPDT

OPDT   OIL & PROTEIN SEEDS DEVELOPMENT TRUST
OAC   OILSEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

OPDT
OIL & PROTEIN SEEDS DEVELOPMENT TRUST

OAC
OILSEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

OPDT  //  Research Report 2021/2022

General overview

During the reporting period, 1 March 2021 to 28 February 2022, 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, R26 116 033 was approved in respect of research projects, provisions, technology transfer and information support and advisory services. The amount of R26 116 033 was allocated as follows:

Current Projects / Continuation Applications
Approved R8 458 749
Under consideration R356 007

New Applications
Approved R881 059
Under consideration –

Transformation Projects
Approved R15 673 358
Under consideration –

Joint Project Proposals
Approved R337 525
Under consideration R62 013

Provisions
Approved R3 549 186
Under consideration –

Management of Research Projects

 R2 931 790

The total budget approved for the 2021/2022 financial year therefor amounted to R39 144 750.

The above-mentioned amount includes the following bursaries approved:

  • Continuation applications

    • Analysing feasibility of soy protein (isolated) to substitute / reduce current meat consumption in SA.
      Ms KJ Potgieter, University of Pretoria, M.Sc
    • The effect of nanosulphur and sulphur on oil and yield quality of sunflower under different en­viron­ment conditions.
      Ms K Lekone, North-West University, M.Sc
    • 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

  • New applications

    • Factors affecting liver health in egg laying hens.
      Mr L Ndlebe, University of KwaZulu-Natal, M.Sc
    • The effects 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 — Dissertation
    • 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 — Dissertation
    • Analysing Helianthus annuus transcriptomes in response to heat waves in field.
      Ms V Röder, University of Pretoria, M.Sc — Dissertation
    • 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 — Dissertation
    • Impact of climate change adaption practices on income and poverty among smallholder sunflower farmers in the North West.
      Ms LE Molefe, University of Pretoria, M.Sc — Dissertation

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.