Lintle Mohase is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Plant Sciences (Botany Division) at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. With over two decades of teaching and research experience, she specializes in plant defence mechanisms, focusing on stress tolerance , particularly during wheat–aphid interactions. Her academic journey spans a PhD in Botany on rust resistance in sunflower, an MSc on Russian wheat aphid resistance in wheat, and a postdoctoral fellowship in Sweden investigating barley resistance against aphids. She also holds an MEd in Higher Education Studies, reflecting her commitment to quality assurance in postgraduate training.
She has published widely on cereal crop resistance, with recent highlights including studies on aphid virulence, cell wall markers, and salicylic acid priming in wheat. She has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students, advancing research on pest resistance, drought tolerance, and biopesticides. Her professional service includes editorial roles with the South African Journal of Botany and Frontiers in Plant Science, alongside active membership in the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, South African Assiciation of Botanists (SAAB), and Insecticide Resistance Action Committee- South Africa (IRAC-SA).
Her research is supported by competitive grants from the NRF and UFS, focusing on phytohormones, host resistance, and cross-tolerance to drought and pest stress. As Head of the Botany Division (2018–2021), she provided strategic leadership and administration; in her current role, she focuses on teaching plant physiology and defence mechanisms, guiding and mentoring postgraduate students, and driving interdisciplinary research in crop protection.

 1. Mafa, M.S.,  Zondo, S.N.N., Jankielsohn, A.,  Tolmay, V., and  Mohase, L. 2026. Breaking the wall between cereal aphids: unveiling their distribution, virulence and wheat inducible biochemical responses upon infestation. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1007/s13562-026-01054-2
2. Zondo, S.N.N., Mohase, L., Tolmay, V., and Mafa, M. 2025. Simultaneous Accumulation of Holocellulose, Callose and Lignin: Cell Wall Markers for Resistance in Wheat Infested with Diuraphis noxia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(20), 9874. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209874
3. Jankielsohn, A. Tolmay V.L, le Roux M-S.L., Mohase, L., Mafa, M.S., Nicolis V.F., Venter, E, Burger NFV, and Botha A-M. 2025. Russian wheat aphid: a model for genomic plasticity and a challenge to breeders. Insect Science, 0: 1-20. doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.70144
4. Bilal, H., Boshoff, W.H.P., and Mohase, L. 2025. Puccinia triticina and salicylic acid stimulate resistance responses in Triticum aestivum against Diuraphis noxia Infestation. Plants, 14 (3), 420. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030420
5. Zondo, S.N., Mohase, L., Tolmay, V., and Mafa, M.S. 2024. Functional characterisation of cell wall-associated ß-glucanases and peroxidase induced during wheat-Diuraphis noxia interactions. Biologia 79, 2873-2890.
6. Zondo, S. N., Mohase, L., Tolmay, V., and Mafa, M. S. 2024. Elucidating ß-1,3-Glucanase and Peroxidase Physicochemical Properties of Wheat Cell Wall Defense Mechanism Against Diuraphis noxia Infestation. J. Vis. Exp. (209), e66903.
7. Mafa M.S., Rufetu E., Alexander O., Kemp G., and Mohase L. 2022. Cell wall structural carbohydrates reinforcements are part of the defence mechanisms of wheat against Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) infestation. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 179: 168-172.
8. Masupha P., Jankielsohn A. & Mohase L. (2018). Assessment of cultivation practices of wheat and knowledge of Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia), in Mokhotlong and Thaba Tseka districts of Lesotho. International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Studies. 5 (3):13-23
9. Jankielsohn A., Masupha P. & Mohase L. (2016). Field screening of Lesotho and South African Wheat Cultivars for Russian Wheat Aphid resistance. Advances in Entomology 4: 268-278
10. Mohase L. & Taiwe B. (2015). Saliva fractions from South African Russian wheat aphid biotypes induce differential defence responses in wheat. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 32 (4): 235-240
11. Achilonu C.C., Mohase L., Musara C, & Chitamba J. (2014). Biochemical responses conferred by wheat cultivars against Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) biotypes RWASA2 and RWASA3. Annals of Biological Research 5 (8):49-57
12. Mohase L, van der Westhuizen A.J. & Pretorius Z.A. (2011). Involvement of reactive oxygen species generating enzymes and hydrogen peroxide in the rust resistance response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). South African Journal of Plant and Soil 28(1):64-68
13. Mohase, L. 2008. Plant activators in disease management. Navors. Nas.Mus., Bloemfontein 24(4): 29-36
14. Mohase L, van der Westhuizen A.J. & Pretorius Z.A. (2006). Induced defence responses and rust development in sunflower. South African Journal of Science 102: 144-150
15. Mohase L., van der Westhuizen A.J. (2002). Salicylic acid is involved in resistance responses in the Russian wheat aphid-wheat interaction. Journal of Plant Physiology 159 (6): 585-590
16. Mohase L., van der Westhuizen A.J. (2002). Glycoproteins from Russian wheat aphid infested wheat induce defence responses. Z. Naturforsch. 57c: 867-873

1. Mafa, M.S.,  Zondo, S.N.N., Jankielsohn, A.,  Tolmay, V., and  Mohase, L. 2026. Breaking the wall between cereal aphids: unveiling their distribution, virulence and wheat inducible biochemical responses upon infestation. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1007/s13562-026-01054-2

2. Zondo, S.N.N., Mohase, L., Tolmay, V., and Mafa, M. 2025. Simultaneous Accumulation of Holocellulose, Callose and Lignin: Cell Wall Markers for Resistance in Wheat Infested with Diuraphis noxia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(20), 9874. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209874

3. Jankielsohn, A. Tolmay V.L, le Roux M-S.L., Mohase, L., Mafa, M.S., Nicolis V.F., Venter, E, Burger NFV, and Botha A-M. 2025. Russian wheat aphid: a model for genomic plasticity and a challenge to breeders. Insect Science, 0: 1-20. doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.70144

4. Bilal, H., Boshoff, W.H.P., and Mohase, L. 2025. Puccinia triticina and salicylic acid stimulate resistance responses in Triticum aestivum against Diuraphis noxia Infestation. Plants, 14 (3), 420. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030420

Book chapters

1. Mohase, L., Mafa, M., Jankielsohn, A., Ajidahun, J., Botha, A-M., and Tolmay, V. 2026. Methods for studying wheat infestation through controlled release of Diuraphis noxia, In: Plant Biotic Stress: Methods and Protocols, Volume 2, Muthappa Senthil-Kumar. Ed. Springer Nature

2. Hlalanathi Y. Gwanya, L. Mohase, and Mpho S. Mafa. 2026. Method for Analysing CAZyme Activity from Whole-Body and Saliva Proteome of Russian Wheat Aphid, In: Plant Biotic Stress: Methods and Protocols, Volume 2, Muthappa Senthil-Kumar. Ed. Springer Nature

Wheat is one of the world’s most important staple crops, playing a vital role in sustaining global food supplies. Yet its productivity is increasingly challenged by shifting climates and biotic stressors such as the Russian wheat aphid (RWA, Diuraphis noxia). This pest weakens plant growth and reduces yields, threatening food systems worldwide. Understanding tolerance mechanisms allows breeders and scientists to develop resilient crop varieties that protect yields and minimize environmental damage. This exploration is more than an academic pursuit — it is a practical step toward safeguarding food security in the face of climate change. Every breakthrough brings us closer to crops that can thrive under pressure, ensuring farmers and communities have reliable harvests for generations to come.

Research themes:

A: Mechanisms of resistance against aphids 
• RWA Virulence & Distribution: 
i. Investigating how geographic distribution and aphid virulence levels dictate the intensity of the plant`s biochemical response
ii. Profilling aphid extracts for potential virulence factors

• Host Defence Mechanisms: 
i. Structural Reinforcement: Using cellulose and hemicellulose levels as primary indicators of resistance during active pest infestation 
ii. Enzymatic Gatekeepers: Analyzing how isozymes regulate callose accumulation to facilitate the rapid transport of immune-signaling molecules

B: Managing aphid populations 
• Inorganic nutrients and hormones (Se, Si, fungi, hormones)
• Insecticides (plant extracts, chemicals)

Plant stress physiology

Plant growth and development

Plant defence mechanisms

Plant stress physiology

Plant-pathogen/pest interactions

Expertise:
• Managing plant growth and development under greenhouse conditions.
• Metabolite extraction and analysis using spectrophotometric techniques.
• Enzyme assays using spectrophotometric techniques.
• Managing aphid cultures and determining phenotypic symptoms.

The Interdependence of Plants and Life on Earth (BLGY1643). This foundational course introduces students to the critical relationships between plants and other life forms on Earth. A key component of the practical sessions focuses on plant physiology, specifically the visible phenotypic symptoms of aphid infestation in wheat. Students learn to identify and differentiate the distinct symptoms of Russian wheat aphid damage in various wheat genotypes, a crucial skill in agricultural entomology and crop protection.

Introductory Plant Development and Biotechnology (BTNY2626). This module provides an in-depth exploration of the physiological and environmental factors that govern plant growth and development. It delves into the roles of plant hormones and the effects of abiotic and biotic stressors on plant physiology. Instruction covers the fundamental principles of plant developmental biology, focusing on understanding how the surroundings influence development.

Plant Defence and Applications (BTNY6844). A postgraduate module exploring complex genetic and physiological plant defence mechanisms against pests and pathogens. The course utilises research-focused and problem-based learning approaches, primarily focusing on the molecular and physiological interactions between wheat and aphids. 

Literature Review (BTNY6806). A capstone module guiding postgraduate (BSc Hons) students in compiling a comprehensive literature review. The topics are directly related to my research expertise, explicitly focusing on the physiological and biochemical resistance mechanisms of wheat against aphid infestation. I  guide and mentor students on research methodology, critical analysis, knowledge synthesis and academic writing.

Research supervision (BTNY8900, MSc & BTNY9100, PhD): I guide students in conceptualising research questions and support them throughout their studies by providing training and mentorship in research methodology, critical analysis, knowledge synthesis, and academic writing.