24 It has been a while since so many growers gathered in one place to discuss the growing of wattle. Due to the current demand for wattle bark extract internationally and the constant supply of wattle pulpwood chips into Japan and China, NCT coordinated two wattle industry field days, in Vryheid and New Hanover respectively, to share information ranging from clonal wattle trials, through to the promotion of green wattle (Acacia decurrens) particularly given that green wattle bark now has a proven place in the tannin extract market. The ”Back to Basics” theme of the days came about from numerous discussions with Friedel Eggers after him having visited wattle growers from Harding in KwaZulu-Natal through to Piet Retief in Mpumalanga and even as far afield as Swaziland. During Friedel’s tour, the basic principles of wattle silviculture were seen to be lacking with the consequence being lower bark and timber yields. First to speak were Sandisiwe Jali and Prof. Brett Hurley from TPCP who discussed the latest wattle-pest occurrences found in Howick and Melmoth. The pests identified were Melanterius inconspicuous the Melanterius Seed Weevil and Agrilus grandis the Jewel Beetle. The National Forest Pest and Pathogen Surveillance Project was introduced, its importance explained, and the need outlined for growers to report outbreaks of pests and disease so that record be kept of occurrences and locations throughout South Africa. All growers affiliated to FSA through NCT or TWK have access to the TPCP for assistance, at no charge, and growers were encouraged to make use of the services offered. Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager of NCT, shared an informative progress report regarding the rebuild of the NCT Richards Bay Mill complex. NCT engineers and staff were commended on their commitment towards achieving the plants operational resumption in October 2024. Also shared was a brief overview of the market for the new 2024/2025 supply season, planned vessel schedule, and the various customers overseas. Whilst market volumes are still to be finalised, news of the mill progress, solid markets and pleasingly the repair of the Durban port loader was well received by all. Field visits were next, and thanks must go to Hagen Gevers and Terry Wolhuter for allowing access to their farms and visits to their clonal plantings, pruned compartments and provision of demonstration sites. Craig Norris spoke in field about the birth of the wattle clonal program, thanking all the nurseries and organisations involved who have worked tirelessly to get the wattle clonal program to where it is today. Craig discussed the various clones available, with SP644 being the pioneer commercial rust resistant wattle clone fast tracked. Two other clones bred for wattle rust tolerance, AF01 the top performer and the new kid on the block, JC108, were also highlighted. Mention was made of FW54, the only frosttolerant clone in the programme with emphasis on frost tolerance NOT resistance! Why plant clones, three reasons: • Better growth • Better frost tolerances • Better uniformity – Roger Poole – Member Services & Chain of Custody (CoC) Coordinator – Melanterius weevil Agrilus grandis PHOTO: Dr Wilma Nel
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