Get to know some of the researchers at the University of the Free State whose work is inspiring excellence and transforming lives globally.
In addition to the experts listed below, the UFS also boasts a unique research centre: The International Studies Group (ISG), which comprises a wide network of postgraduate researchers each with their own specialist field.
To arrange an interview with any of our experts, please contact our media office at news@ufs.ac.za.
Prof Maryke Labuschagne
Area of expertise: Genetic improvement of nutritional value and quality of important field crops
Faculty/Department: Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Sciences
Prof Maryke Labuschagne leads the DST and NRF SARChI chair in ‘Disease resistance and quality of field crops’. Her research interest is the genetic improvement of nutritional value and quality of important field crops. Her research focuses on the improvement of provitamin A, iron, and zinc concentration in crops such as maize, legumes, sorghum, and cassava, and essential amino acids in maize, especially under abiotic stress conditions. The aim is to improve the nutritional value of crops grown especially by small-scale farmers in order to improve nutritional status in poor rural communities. The gluten quality of wheat under stress conditions is also a research focus, with the aim of producing consistent end-product quality for the wheat industry.
Contact Details:
E-mail: LabuscM@ufs.ac.za
