The March 2026 issue of Oilseeds Focus brings together key insights shaping the future of South Africa’s oilseed sector. From cultivating climate-smart systems for canola in Mediterranean-type regions, to tackling pressing production challenges such as Sclerotinia in sunflower and greening in soya bean, this issue explores practical responses to agronomic and quality risks. It also benchmarks fertiliser use and nutrient efficiency in soya bean, sunflower, and canola against major global producers, while outlining a five-point market watchlist for 2026. Also read about navigating climate pressure, input cost volatility, disease threats, and evolving market dynamics.
Cultivating climate-smart oilseed systems
Mediterranean-type climates – characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters – are warming faster than the global average. These regions are projected to become more arid and climatically unstable. For oilseed crops such as canola, this presents a dual challenge: maintaining yield and quality under climate stress while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet global climate targets. This article in the March 2026 issue of Oilseeds Focus identifies which agronomic interventions can contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation in crop systems typical of Mediterranean climates.
Sunflower desiccation and sclerotinia: What laboratory results may mean for disease management
Sclerotinia head rot remains one of the most devastating threats to sunflower profitability in South Africa and can lead to complete yield loss in severe cases. At this stage, producers have limited to no preventive options available, particularly in the absence of registered fungicides for Sclerotinia head rot in sunflower in South Africa. This lack of reactive management has driven a critical search for new, effective components to strengthen an integrated disease management programme.
Management of soya bean greening and its implications for kernel quality
Soya bean is a cornerstone oilseed for feed, food, and industry globally. In South Africa, soya bean forms part of the crop rotation system with maize. As production areas expand and growing season conditions become more variable, maintaining yield and seed quality has become more challenging for producers. One notable quality defect is soya bean greening, in which mature seeds remain visibly green because the chlorophyll breakdown during maturation is ineffective. Green seeds can cause cloudy, off-coloured oil that is more costly to refine, reduce the end-use value of full-fat products, and impair seed lot performance during storage and planting.
International benchmarking of fertiliser uses for oilseed crop production
Oilseed crops such as soya bean, sunflower, and canola are central to South African crop production. The sector has expanded over the past decade due to improved cultivars and alternative soil and crop management practices, and this expansion has occurred alongside, among others, rising input costs and variable soil fertility. Fertiliser is a major variable cost in oilseed production, but are influenced by global price volatility, local soil conditions, and crop nutrient requirements. This article in the March 2026 issue of Oilseeds Focus compares fertiliser costs and nutrient use efficiency for soya bean, sunflower, and canola in South Africa with those of major global exporters.
Oilseeds market 2026: Five-item watchlist
The oilseed sector heads into 2026 with plenty to pay attention to. After a few seasons of major production shifts, strong demand from crushers, and volatile global prices, soya bean, sunflower, and canola are set for another interesting year. Producers and industry have built a solid base, but the months ahead will still bring a mix of opportunities and challenges – from weather and input costs to trends in global markets. Read more about the five items to look out for in 2026 in the March issue of Oilseeds Focus.
The March 2026 issue of Oilseeds Focus can be downloaded as an interactive flipbook at https://digimags.agriorbit.com/books/Oilseeds-Focus-March-2026/ or download the PDF version here. To subscribe, phone Beauty Mthombeni on 064 890 6941 or SMS ‘Subscribe’ and your phone number to 064 890 6941 and we will get back to you.
