Covering the Cape

The Pocket Diagnostic distributor network has taken a firmer hold in the Southern Hemisphere with the appointment of Rapid Technologies cc in the Republic of South Africa.  Rapid Technologies is an established business specialising in point of care diagnostics for veterinary and agri-business applications. 

South Africa is a major player in crop production, with an industry determined to improve efficiency and quality.  The range of crops grown is wide, reflecting the diverse climatic and environmental conditions across the country.  Suza Adam, co-founder of Rapid Technologies, is well aware that growers and advisers are looking to make best use of innovations to raise output.  ‘Pocket Diagnostic tests offer South African growers something new in crop management.  Disease control is so much more effective if the pathogen is identified correctly. The simplicity of the test is of  great importance in the context of less experienced, emerging farmers, who would benefit from the acquisition of instant knowledge in regard to the identification of certain plant diseases.’

South Africa relies heavily on exports of fresh produce, and growers need to keep on top of disease risks.  ‘Recently, a leading industry player used a Pocket Diagnostic test to identify Pepino mosaic virus infection in his crop’, says Suza.  ‘It is believed that this is one of the first reports of this virus in South Africa, so growers do need to be very careful with crop hygiene.’

Forsite Diagnostics will be working closely with Rapid Technologies to support expansion of the product range in South Africa.  ‘With a shortage of technical skills and diagnostic clinics in the country, Pocket Diagnostic tests do offer growers of many crops, including tomatoes, grapes and potatoes, a new tool in disease management’, concludes Suza.

Rapid Technologies is distributing the full range of Pocket Diagnostic tests, and products can be purchased via www.rapiddiscovery.biz.