South Africa steps up action as Goss’s Wilt spreads to more maize growing regions

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has increased awareness efforts and urged farmers to strengthen farm hygiene after Goss’s Wilt spread to more maize growing regions across the country.

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has warned farmers and the wider agricultural sector to remain alert after Goss’s Wilt, a serious bacterial disease affecting maize, spread to more parts of the country.

The department confirmed that the disease now occurs in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces following a national survey completed in 2025. Officials first identified Goss’s Wilt in 2024 in the Free State, North West, Gauteng and Eastern Cape. The latest findings show the disease has also reached Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape. KwaZulu Natal remains the only province where no cases have been reported.

The department continues to work with research institutions and industry partners to improve the country’s response to the disease. Current work includes building a collection of local bacterial strains, improving testing and surveillance systems, and identifying maize varieties that can better withstand infection. The programme also supports information sharing among farmers, researchers and policymakers while preparing practical guidance for different production areas.

“The announcement is directed at farmers, growers and the wider public, highlighting a change in the distribution of the disease and the need for continued awareness.”

Goss’s Wilt remains regulated under South Africa’s agricultural laws, with measures that restrict the movement of plant material and farm equipment from affected areas. These controls aim to protect provinces and production areas where the disease has not yet been detected. Maize remains the only crop of economic importance known to be affected by the disease.

The department said the bacteria can spread through direct contact between maize plants within fields. Although infected seed can carry the disease over longer distances, officials consider this route uncommon. Farm equipment, including harvesters and planters, presents a greater risk because infected crop material can remain on machinery and move between fields if operators do not clean equipment properly.

There are currently no chemical products available to control Goss’s Wilt. The department therefore advises farmers to use crop rotation, plant maize varieties with better tolerance where available, and clean equipment thoroughly before moving between fields. Officials also stressed that strong farm hygiene and biosecurity practices remain the best way to reduce further spread and protect South Africa’s maize production.

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