Spanning the Globe

Our day at the Agriculture Research Council Small Grains Institute, (ARC, SMI), Bethlehem, SA

The day began by leaving Bloemfontein at 8AM for the airport to secure a second van as our original rental had a problem with the front passenger door wanting to fall off the car.  We continued on our way in a Mercedes van despite considerable road work delays as the Republic of South Africa is preparing its roads for hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

We finally arrived at the Institute to be greeted by the staff and a sign warning about meerkat crossing.

We were treated to a lunch and a tour of the facilities.  We were introduced to the facility by Dr. Vicki Tolmay, agronomist.  From there we visited the laboratory of Dr. Goddy Prinsloo, entomologist, to learn about work on the chemical ecological suppression of the Russian wheat aphid, next we learned of work conducted by Dr. Justin Hatting on the biological control of insects using fungi, virus, and nematodes.  We had the opportunity to visit plant pathologist, Ms. Cathy de Villiers on here work with fusarium head blight resistance evaluations and measures to restrict the movement of Karnal bunt in South Africa.

We greatly appreciate the hospitality and enthusiasm to the staff of the Institute.  This looks like a good place for Erik Stromberg to arrange a sabbatical leave.

1. Dad, I would say that I have to agree with that only if your daughter and son-in-law can come for a visit : ). Oh, these pictures already look much better than many of the ones I saw from your last trip. Sounds like you all are learning a lot and having a good time.
   Posted by  on  03/07  at  06:33 PM
Page 1 of 1 pages