“Our contribution also supports other continents
and in some cases, helps predict or guide crop
management in specific regions. We are involved in
new trait discovery projects and coordinate the non-
target component of our research in South Africa. Our
responsibilities at the insectary of the research hub
further include the mass-rearing of pest insects for
research purposes,” she explains.
In what way does this research contribute to
improving the lives of farmers?
“Over and above the research I do at Corteva for
local and global growers to produce food more
profitably, I play an active part in industry forums.
These forums deal with the outbreak of new pests like
fall armyworm, as well as insect resistance against
current pest control. Through close collaboration with
growers, scientific research methods, continuously
educating the industry on latest research findings and
the support of my colleagues, I am enabled to advance
science and improve the lives of many people.”Research and innovation
As part of the research team at Corteva’s Delmas
facility, Suzan Khoza is committed to these same goals.
She is a senior research associate at the facility and
started working for the company in 2015.
“I hold a Master’s degree in plant breeding from the
University of KwaZulu Natal and joined the team at
Corteva because I’m passionate about solving hunger
in the world and Corteva is currently the leader in the
agriscience industry,” she explains.
Khoza’s role at Corteva is to execute breeding
operations in the eastern region, which involvesSuzan Khoza has a
Master’s degree in
plant breeding.The aim for all employees at Corteva and its brands is to
be the most trusted partner in global and local agriculture,
and the food community, by earning the confidence of
those who produce and those who consume. Employees
like the three women featured here are empowered to
act with speed and flexibility, while operating with well-
articulated values and measures of success.
To constantly stay ahead of the curve, the team at Corteva
innovates from the outside in, drawing on diversity in the
broader industry and agricultural sectors, and associated
technologies.
Field science tackles insect issues
The studying of insects, the impact they have on crops
and sustainable solutions to the problems they cause,
are only some of the tasks Dr Marlene van Rooyen and
her team, and the Corteva Delmas Research Hub of
Africa and the Middle East, perform.
“I am the team leader of the insectary, which forms
part of the research hub that supports Corteva and
its growers, including Pioneer, Pannar and our crop
protection brands.”
Van Rooyen holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences
(Integrated Pest Management) and has been part of
the Corteva team since September 2011. This insectary
(insect rearing facility) is the largest privately owned
one of its kind on the African continent and was
established in 2014. It is a critical part of Corteva’s
global research and operations in Africa, given the
insect pests that growers face.
As a Corteva field scientist specialising in entomology
at the research centre, Van Rooyen says she loves
working for the company.
“I personally align strongly with the company’s
mission. Our work is dedicated to enable growers to
increase quality food production – ensuring progress
for generations to come. The Corteva Delmas Research
Hub provides technical guidance, based on solid
research, to support customers to make the most of
every hectare, and – in my role specifically – when
dealing with insect pests. The research facility is where
Corteva develops new technology and evaluates the
current portfolio. We have an encompassing approach
to do so, including farm management practices, seed
applied technologies, crop protection or Bt (Bacillus
thuringiensis) technologies.
“The research we do enables informed decision
making in South Africa and, in the future, for other
African countries as well,” says Van Rooyen.
The research hub engages at a global level and is
part of a cluster of other global technology centres that
contribute to global research of new products.
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