Goss’s Wilt in South Africa Raises Serious Threat to Maize Production and National Food Security
Farmers Magazine | 23.04.2026 23:15
Goss’s Wilt has emerged as one of the most destructive bacterial diseases affecting maize production in South Africa, creating growing concern across the agricultural sector. The disease is caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis and targets maize plants by damaging leaves and disrupting the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients. This leads to severe leaf blighting and systemic wilting that can significantly reduce yields. As of April 2026, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed a rapid expansion of the disease across the country. The scale of spread has placed maize producers on high alert due to its direct impact on food production and economic stability.
