The FABI Grain Research Programme team, led by extension officer Lawrence Mataha, MSc student Kiara Munsamy, and interns Steven Shange and Annah Boreni, conducted field work at maize farms from 13-17 March. The aim of the trip was to monitor for, and collect maize ear rots in the Alfred Nzo and O.R. Tambo districts in the Eastern Cape, and the Swartberg in KwaZulu-Natal. This forms part of a Maize Trust funded project led by Dr Neriman Yilmaz in collaboration with Dr Hannalien Meyer from the Southern African Grain Laboratory.

The team would like to thank government officials Mxolisi Mtyobile, Ntlantla Jokozela, and Phindile Qomfo, Ukhanyo Farmer Development co-founder Sinelizwi Fakade, and coordinator Yondela Diko for their help in connecting with the farmers and navigation between farms. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to all the farmers in the region for their warm welcome and for allowing us onto their farms.