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06 March 2020 | Story Igno van Niekerk | Photo Igno van Niekerk
Gert Marais looking at pecan leave_
Dr Gert Marais says the UFS is helping to ensure that the pecan industry not only survives but thrives.
“When opportunity knocks, you must jump. The more opportunity knocks, the more you should jump.” 

Look closely, and you will notice the rise in pecan-nut plantations as you travel through South Africa. Do not be surprised if you find that the UFS’s pecan-nut project – steered by Dr Gert Marais, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Plant Sciences – is associated with those pecans.

Main exporter
In an ever expanding and interconnected global economy, South Africa has joined the USA as main exporters of pecan nuts to China. We have several advantages; our seasons differ from that of the USA, and we have the benefit that we are harvesting and exporting pecan nuts at the time when they are most popular at Chinese festivals and events.

Although it takes a long time to grow pecan trees (seven to eight years before they start producing), the long wait has extensive benefits. Dr Marias explains: “Unlike other crops, you do not have to prepare the soil and plant new crops annually. Rather than re-investing, you only need to do proper maintenance. Once planted, the pecan trees can produce for generations to come. And the UFS is involved in ensuring that the pecan industry not only survives but thrives.”

Empowering farmers
As the pecan industry in South Africa grows, new challenges are identified. Some trees suffer from a condition called overall decline, others from scab, and some others are infested by combinations of fungi not found in other countries. Dr Marais and his team have filed several ‘first reports’ of combinations between pecans and pathogens, leading to opportunities for MSc research projects and making a difference in the industry.

Dr Marais undertakes six field trips per year to visit all the production areas in South Africa, share information at farmer’s days, arrange courses to ensure best practices with regard to pecan cultivation; students also use these visits to collect samples for their research. Due to the systemic collaboration between the private sector and the university, farmers are empowered to manage their pecan crops better, the university benefits from cutting-edge research, and South Africa becomes a stronger player in the international economy.

Opportunity is knocking. And the UFS is jumping.

News Archive

UFS sets deadline for applications
2005-11-14

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2006 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2005.

“This applies to first-time entering first-year students, senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year and undergraduate students from other educational institutions,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar:  Academic Student Services at the UFS.

According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2005 and until 25 January 2006 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for. 

“After 30 November 2005 academic advice within a one-stop service may not be available to students and no conditional exemptions will be considered.  No transfer students from other tertiary institutions will also be accepted after 30 November 2005,” said Mr Collett.

Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R110 into a designated account, which will be provided when the application form is sent to them.  The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee.  The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.

“A total of 25 251 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus this year.  We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.

First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, on 14 January 2006 at 11:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 17 January 2006 and that of senior students on 23 January 2006 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.  Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2005 can register from 2 February 2006.  Lectures will commence on 6 February 2006 and the registration process will end on 11 February 2006.

Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call (051) 401-3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.uovs.ac.za.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 November 2005

 

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