When it’s time to ring in spring, you will need to ramp up your garden care routines to prepare for common fungus diseases and pests. While this seasonal shift is experienced differently for the various regions of South Africa and Namibia, there will be some common factors to look out for. We break down concerns by region and which solutions to apply to keep your garden in good stead.
Biomes of South Africa and Namibia
To better understand the region and the common traits where you live, we have organised our information by biomes.
A biome is a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat. These groupings can be split into nine main biomes but can be further divided into about 20 biomes. The reason for this is that, for example, not all forests are the same. When comparing temperate forests to tropical forests, these are vastly different spaces that will experience different pests and fungal diseases.
To see what biome you live in, explore this interactive map. And for readers based in South Africa, read our guide on spring climate zones.
South Africa’s Biomes
Terrestrial biomes: Albany thicket, Azonal vegetation, Desert, Forests, Fynbos, Grassland, IO Coastal Belt, Nama-Karoo, Savanna, and Succulent Karoo.
Namibia’s Biomes
Terrestrial biomes: Desert, Karoo, Savanna and Woodland.
11 Region by Fungus Diseases and Pests
Generally, during this transition from winter into spring, there will be noticeable changes in pests.
There will be an increase of:
- Aphids
- Mealy bugs
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
There will be a decrease of:
- Rats
- Harvester termites will be less (but won’t cause as much damage as in winter)
1. Acacia savanna
Fungal Diseases
Acacia trees may face gummosis and other fungal diseases during spring in the savanna.
Garden Pests
Beetles, aphids, and other insects might be active pests targeting acacia trees.
Solutions:
Tip: To avoid infecting wounds and getting diseases like gummosis after trimming or pruning acacias, use Efekto Steriseal wound paste.
2. Albany Thicket
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases might affect plants in Albany Thicket areas during spring.
Garden Pests
Snout beetles, mealybugs, and scale insects could be active pests during this season.
Solutions:
3. Broad-leafed savanna
Fungal Diseases
Spring could bring about leaf blights and leaf spot diseases in the broad-leafed plants of this biome.
Garden Pests
Caterpillars and various insects could be common pests during this season.
Solutions:
4. Desert
Fungal Diseases
While fungal diseases might be less common in deserts, spring encourages root rot due to increased moisture.
Garden Pests
Insects like ants and beetles could be active pests, particularly in more vegetated desert areas.
Solutions:
5. Forest
Fungal Diseases
Spring in forests may experience fungal diseases like leaf spot and canker diseases affecting various tree species.
Garden Pests
Depending on the forest type, pests like caterpillars, bark beetles, and wood-boring insects could be active.
Solutions:
- Efekto Cypermethrin 200 EC
- Efekto Stalkborer Plus
- Efekto Virikop
- Efekto Funginex
- Efekto Fendona 6 SC
6. Fynbos
Fungal Diseases
During spring, Fynbos plants might be susceptible to fungal diseases such as Botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and rust.
Garden Pests
Aphids, caterpillars, and snails could be common pests in Fynbos areas during spring.
Solutions:
- Efekto Funginex
- Efekto Eco Fungimite
- Efekto Cypermethrin 200 EC
- Efekto Snailban
- Efekto Snailflo
- Efekto Aphicide Plus
7. Grassland
Fungal Diseases
Spring can bring about fungal diseases like rust and smuts in grassland biomes.
Garden Pests
Cutworms, grasshoppers, and rodents might be active pests in grassland ecosystems during spring.
Solutions:
- Efekto Eco Rat and Eco Rat Bait Station
- Efekto Cutworm Bait
- Efekto Snailban
- Efekto Snailflo
- Efekto Funginex
- Efekto Karbadust
- Efekto Karbaspray
8. Indian Ocean Coastal Belt
Fungal Diseases:
Coastal plants might experience fungal diseases like downy mildew and leaf spot during the spring season.
Garden Pests:
Coastal areas may get pests like snails, slugs, and salt-tolerant insects during this time.
Solutions:
9. Nama-Karoo
Fungal Diseases
Root rot and other fungal diseases might impact plants in Nama-Karoo biomes during spring.
Garden Pests
Grasshoppers, beetles, and small rodents could be active pests in this dry spring environment.
Solutions:
- Efekto Malasol
- Efekto Eco Rat and Eco Rat Bait Station
- Efekto Mole Repellent
- Efekto Karbadust
- Efekto Karbaspray
10. Savanna
Fungal Diseases
Savannas might experience leaf spot diseases caused by various fungal pathogens during spring.
Garden Pests
Termites, grasshoppers, and browsing herbivores could be common pests in savanna areas during spring.
Solutions:
- Efekto Karbadust
- Efekto Karbaspray
- Efekto Kamikaze
- Efekto Eco Rat and Eco Rat Bait Station
- Efekto Mole Repellent
11. Succulent Karoo
Fungal Diseases
Succulent plants might face fungal diseases like rot and wilt during spring.
Garden Pests
Aphids, mealybugs, and snails could be common pests targeting succulent plants.
Solutions:
- Efekto Snailban
- Efekto Snailflo
- Efekto Cypermethrin 200 EC
- Efekto Malasol
- Efekto Insecticide Granules Plus
Stay ahead of fungus diseases and pests with Efekto
As spring takes shape across South Africa and Namibia, give your garden the protection and defence it needs against pests and fungus diseases. For additional information on best care practices or product guidance, contact our team or message us directly on WhatsApp at +27 83 249 7399.
