Plennegy Research: Research Field 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 Collect seed from the seed store and arrange as indicated on the planting lists as prepared by production/breeders. Correctly numbering of seed as indicated on the planting lists. This applies to all production, breeding and screening programmes responsible for; grow out evaluations, disease screening trials and trials at different locations. Correct filling of trays with the required growing medium. Supervise correct labeling of trays. Supervise proper sowing of seeds. Ensure optimal germination conditions. Responsible for watering and feeding of the seedlings. Responsible for scouting and reporting insect infestations and disease symptoms on the seedlings; reports it promptly to breeder. This entails measuring out land space; preparation of land/beds with irrigation, building of tunnels/onion cages; the planting and recording of specific seed or seedlings at a specific time in rows specified by the Farm Manager/Breeder. It is the Supervisor’s responsibility to assist with the planting to ensure that it is correct and properly documented. Monitoring and controlling of weeds during the plant growth cycle. Assist with fertilization and irrigation. Supervise trellising and maintaining of plants. Scouting for insect infestations during the plant growth cycle as well as monitoring and reporting plant health to the Farm Manager. Derouging of off-type plants. Execution of hand pollinations. This is a procedure that is very critical in that it is the basis of the breeding programme. All pollinations have to be properly executed, and since this is a biologically dependent process, co-ordination of resources is of utmost importance to accomplish this. The Supervisor is responsible for all selfings and to assist with the hybridization between lines. This entails collecting data from a specific row at a specified time and recording it. Data collected is mainly related to counts and mass. Vast numbers are recorded under pressure to daily and seasonal deadlines. Different market segments need to be harvested according to different specifications. It is crucial to harvest according to normal farming practices to calculate marketable yield. Quantitative data is collected every day. Fruit needs to be arranged daily to allow qualitative evaluation by the breeders and Marketing. The Supervisor is responsible to collect yield data, including weight and fruit number.