The Agricultural Research Council - Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) was established in 1962 through the amalgamation of the Divisions of Entomology and Plant Pathology within the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. These divisions have a rich history, dating back to the Unification of South Africa in 1910. In 1981, the research focus expanded to include invasive weeds, and in 2000, the Agricultural Biodiversity Information Unit was incorporated into the Institute.
ARC-PHP adopts a
holistic, multidisciplinary approach to address the complex challenges posed by pests, diseases, and alien invasive plants. This approach aligns with the principles of
Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as outlined in
Agenda 21 of the
Rio Convention.
ARC-PHP is one of the key research campuses within the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) where it is situated in
Roodeplaat, while satellite units are in
Cedara,
Uitenhage, and
Stellenbosch. ARC-PHP is committed to addressing plant protection issues that affect a wide range of agricultural commodities across various regions and provinces of South Africa. Our research aims to meet the needs of the broader African agricultural sector, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
