• White maize is primarily grown for human consumption and yellow maize for industrial use and animal feed. • South Africa • Excessive climate anomalies (heatwaves, drought, excessive precipitation, and hail) put pressure on the projected yields of the season. • Maize stalk borer (), fall armyworm () and the common cutworm () caused significant damage during the season. • Grey leaf spot (), northern corn leaf blight () and Diplodia ear rot () were prevalent leaf and ear diseases during the season. • Despite the various setbacks, the third-largest harvest to date was recorded at a total of 16,4 million tons, 5% more than the crop for the 2024/22 season. • An additional 51 650ha have been planted, which could deliver a greater yield in the next harvest season. • Agrico has 40 branches across Southern Africa (two in Zambia and 38 in South Africa), and can assist producers to personalise irrigation systems to meet their individual needs. • Limagrain South Africa adivses that proactive practices (pathogen resistant/tolerant maize hybrids, stubble reduction, crop rotaion, early harvesting) are needed to prevent infection by diseases.
