Plennegy Research: Research Field Assistant (Farm Assistant)

Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for a Research Field Assistant, based in Oudtshoorn. RESPONSIBILITIES Seed Store & Planning Coordination Collect seed from the seed store and arrange as indicated on the planting lists as prepared by Production/Breeders. Ensure correct numbering of seed as indicated on the planting lists. Applies to all production, breeding and screening programmes, including grow-out evaluations, disease screening trials, and trials at different locations. Operations (Tray Preparation & Germination) Ensure correct filling of trays with the required growing medium. Supervise proper labelling of trays. Supervise correct sowing of seeds. Ensure optimal germination conditions. Responsible for watering and feeding of seedlings. Receiving new bee hives. Data capture on Excel and Phenotop (simple input systems, the pages/processes has already been developed and they only need to add data to the system). Seedling Health & Monitoring Responsible for scouting and reporting insect infestations and disease symptoms on seedlings. Report issues promptly to the Breeder. Field Preparation & Establishment Measure land space and prepare land/beds with irrigation. Oversee building of tunnels and onion cages. Plant and record specific seed or seedlings at the correct time in rows specified by the Farm Manager/Breeder. Assist with planting to ensure accuracy and proper documentation. Crop Maintenance & Field Management Monitor and control weeds during the plant growth cycle. Assist with fertilisation and irrigation. Supervise trellising and maintenance of plants. Scout for insect infestations during the growth cycle. Monitor and report plant health to the Farm Manager. Plant Selection & Quality Control Perform de-rouging of off-type plants across all segments. Pollination & Breeding Support Execute hand pollinations accurately, recognising their critical importance in the breeding programme. Ensure all pollinations are properly executed. Coordinate resources effectively for successful pollination. Responsible for all selfings and assist with hybridisation between lines. Harvesting & Seed Processing Conduct fermenting, washing, drying and chemical treatment of seed. Sort and compile lists of all harvested seed. Arrange seed in an organised and hygienic manner in the seed store. Research & Disease Screening Maintain pure virus cultures used for resistance screening. Prevent contamination or loss of cultures. Prepare inoculum and conduct inoculation processes. Report on issues in the field (diseases etc). Staff Management Supervise the field staff (but also able {physically} to assist if needed). Use their drivers license to assist with seedling transport (George to Oudtshoorn, Radical seedlings to the Kouebokkeveld). Use their drivers license to assist with transport on the Oudtshoorn station (my field are not close to each other, we do not have our own storage facilities {few and far between} – for bulb harvest, seed harvest, bulb transport, umbel transport, fiels irrigation prep etc}.)