Villa Botcast

In this webinar, Dr Brian de Villiers explores the often-overlooked factors on the leaf that directly impact spray efficacy, even after water quality and droplet size have been optimised. He unpacks what happens once a droplet lands on the leaf, covering key elements such as surface tension, retention, droplet spreading and absorption, as well as how environmental conditions, plant structure and a...

Are spray water conditions reducing your product performance without you realising it? In this webinar, Dr Brian de Villiers, adjuvant expert, explains how water quality affects spray efficacy, from mixing in the tank to droplet drying on the leaf. He unpacks key factors like cations, pH, buffering capacity and turbidity, and shows how they influence absorption, compatibility and overall control....

Are you getting the most out of your spray application, or is valuable product being lost before it reaches the target? In this first Spray Technology Webinar, Voltan Senekal, National Marketing Manager at Villa Crop Protection, takes you through the science and real-world realities of spray application. From nozzle selection to droplet behaviour, drift risk and penetration into the canopy. This p...

In this episode of the Villa Botcast , Winfield United Canada’s team embarks on an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s diverse agricultural landscapes. From the Cape Winelands to the Kruger National Park, the group explores local farming practices, mango production, and innovative crop protection solutions with experts from Villa Crop Protection and Winfield United South Africa. Amid scor...

Discover why glyphosate sometimes underperforms—and how to fix it—for cleaner, more reliable weed control. This video, authored by adjuvant expert Dr. Brian de Villiers and RDI manager Dr. Johan Huyser, is based on independent trials conducted by Curativo and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). In this video, you’ll find clear answers to questions like: Why should I add AMS (Ammonium Sulphate...

Turkish pome fruit and grape specialists visit South Africa to exchange insights with Villa partners. Lourens Steytler and Neville van Buuren discuss PGRs (Plant Growth Regulators), crop protection, and spray tech like MASTERLOCK® and EXILIS® .

In this episode of the Villa Botcast, we dive into the surprising ways weather affects herbicide performance. From temperature extremes that alter plant absorption to rainfall and humidity influencing herbicide activation and drift, we explore the science behind smarter spray decisions. Make every spray count with METOS® weather stations. Get real-time, on-farm data like temperature, humidity, win...

In this episode of the Villa Botcast, we unpack the benefits and usage of MASTERLOCK®, a powerful adjuvant designed for permanent crops. Learn how it improves spray performance, canopy coverage, and crop protection—straight from the experts at Villa. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL BEFORE USE: CLICK HERE MASTERLOCK® Registration Details: MasterLock®, Reg. No. L 10496 Act No. 36 of 1947, Active ingredients:...

In this packed episode of the Villa Botcast, we explore Villa’s recent performance and strategic direction under the leadership of Marius Boshoff, now also heading up Acropolis SA. We dive into their latest Insights paper , covering regulatory changes, long-term research, and the proactive steps growers need to take now—like adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and preparing for product phase...

In this episode of the Villa Botcast , we break down the science and strategy behind Class Act NG , a leading adjuvant in the Villa portfolio. Learn how this powerful tank mix partner enhances herbicide performance , boosts rainfastness, and neutralises hard water antagonism — all while improving absorption and spray coverage. Tune in to get the facts that help you spray smarter , not harder. Clic...

In this episode of our Adjuvant Tip of the Month series, Dr Brian de Villiers takes a deep dive into a topic that often gets overlooked—spray adjuvants. Discover how these powerful partners influence efficacy, application success, and even the chemistry of the water in your tank. Whether you're in the field or on the move, this is essential listening for anyone serious about smarter crop prot...

In this episode of the Villa Botcast , we take you behind the scenes of the crop protection industry’s evolving regulatory landscape. Discover how Villa navigated major product restrictions , overcame complex labelling hurdles , and continues to invest in innovative, safer solutions —both chemical and biological. Hear how Bianca Rabie's strategic “hurdle” approach to product development helps...

In this episode of the Villa Botcast , we dive into Dr Brian de Villiers ’ Adjuvant Tip for June 2025 and unpack the facts from the fiction surrounding spray adjuvants. From outrageous marketing claims to the real role adjuvants play in crop protection, we break down how these products work, what they can’t do, and why responsible use at registered rates is non-negotiable. Backed by science and ex...