Since joining the Plant Pathology division in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, in April 2021, I have advanced research, teaching, and outreach in plant pathology. My PhD focused on managing Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a major pathogen in oilseed crops, specifically soybean and sunflower stem and head rot, under the guidance of Professor Neal McLaren (UFS, retired) and Professor Emerson Del Ponte (UFV, Brazil). I also completed an MSc. Agric. at UFS, titled "Modeling colonisation and mycotoxin production by the Fusarium graminearum species complex on sorghum grain," which bolstered my background in data science and R programming—skills I now encourage in my postgraduates. You can view more about my academic journey on my website.

Our group, known as the McLab Research Group (in honor of Professor McLaren), is active in both lab and field research. We investigate key pathogens affecting South African crop production, particularly S. sclerotiorum in oil- and protein seed crops, and sorghum diseases, with additional work on uChokwane, dry beans and wheat. Collaborating with various funders, including the Department of Science and Innovation, Technology Innovation Agency, and Sorghum Trust, we contribute to critical research initiatives in dry bean, soybean, sunflower, sorghum disease surveillance, Sclerotinia management, and fungicide registration trials. Third-stream income supports several full-time research positions, including postgraduates, research technicians, and a postdoctoral fellow.
I am dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment for students and teach three core modules:

• Introductory Plant Disease Epidemiology (PPLG4834|PPLG6834) provides hands-on experience in understanding plant disease epidemics. 
• Introductory Plant Pathology and Plant Breeding (PPLG2623), co-taught with Prof. Rouxlene van der Merwe, introduces second-year B.Agric students to plant diseases.
• Introductory Microbiology in Agriculture (AGRI1664), with Prof. Koos Myburgh, covers plant disease management within agricultural systems, this is for the B. Agric line of study.

I also coordinate the Honours Orientation programme, assisting students in adapting to research expectations. My supervision extends to Honours, MSc, and PhD candidates, many of whom have secured funding for impactful research on critical pathogens. I emphasise skill development in R programming, and analytical techniques. In encourage critical synthesis in literature reviews, focusing on integrating and analysing the literature rather than simply compiling citations. 

Our team actively engages with the agricultural community to disseminate research findings and best practices. Through farmer’s days, popular articles, and presentations, we offer practical insights into managing crop diseases. I am the chairperson of the South African Sclerotinia Research Network (you can follow us on Facebook with #SclerotiniaZA), facilitating knowledge exchange among academics, farmers, and industry professionals, and have presented at numerous farmer’s days and webinars. In addition to community engagement, I serve on several committees, including the scientific committee for the International Symposium on Plant Pathogenic Sclerotiniaceae (2025) and am involved in the International Society of Plant Pathology’s: Seed Pathology Committee and Epidemiology Committee. In my role at UFS, I manage the administration for my modules, supervise the operational aspects of research projects, and handle reporting requirements for third-stream income initiatives.

My administrative responsibilities extend to budget management and coordination with the Directorate of Research and Development. I also serve on the Department’s Teaching and Learning Committee and in the past I served 4 years on the University’s Environmental & Bio-Safety Research Ethics Committee (EBREC, ended in 2024). For prospective students and collaborators, our group offers a dynamic and supportive environment for research that bridges academic inquiry with practical applications in the field of plant pathology.  You can see more about our research group here: McLab Field Pathology and Epidemiology. 

The McLab group at the University of the Free State (UFS), led by Dr. Lisa Rothmann, is dedicated to tackling the challenges of crop disease management through innovative and sustainable approaches. This program emphasises rigorous research on summer grain pathogens, control methods, and disease surveillance to support food security and crop productivity in South Africa and beyond.

Key Research Areas

1. Disease Management in Oilseed and Protein Crops
   The program has a strong focus on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a major pathogen affecting canola, drybean, soybean and sunflower. By investigating its prevalence, disease dynamics, and management strategies, this research aims to mitigate yield losses and improve crop resilience. 

2. Surveillance and Diagnostics of Fungal Plant Pathogens
   Surveillance and epidemiological insights form a cornerstone of the program’s work. Utilising advanced statistical and modeling techniques, the program develops comprehensive disease risk assessments and spatial patterns for effective disease management planning. This evidence-based approach informs practical recommendations for reducing disease in the field, supporting farmers with science-driven insights on plant disease dynamics.

3. Research Impact and Industry Collaboration
   Dr. Rothmann’s research is widely published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, reflecting the program’s commitment to scientific excellence and industry relevance. The team actively engages with the agricultural sector, particularly through contributions to popular industry publications and partnerships with professional organisations. This engagement facilitates the translation of research findings into actionable practices that enhance disease management in South African agriculture. The program also explores sustainable feed production through innovative fermentation techniques, adding value to agricultural by-products and supporting circular economy principles in agriculture.

Commitment to Education and Knowledge Sharing
As a lecturer and researcher, I am deeply invested in the academic and professional growth of future plant pathologists. I focus my mentorship of postgraduate researchers on applied skills and open science practices, particularly encouraging proficiency in R programming for plant disease epidemiology. Through active participation in the South African Sclerotinia Research Network and ISPP initiatives, the program fosters a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment that benefits both academia and industry.

• Epidemiology
• Sclerotinia diseases of oil and protein seed crops
• Applied plant pathology 
• Field work 
• Grain sorghum
• Oilseed and protein crops  
• Mycotoxins
• Science communication and social media 
• Reproducible research 

Disease Management in Oilseed and Protein Crops

Our research centers on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, an economically significant pathogen in oilseed crops such as canola, soybean, and sunflower. This includes in-depth knowledge of pathogen prevalence, disease dynamics, epidemiology, and the development of innovative control and management strategies to reduce yield losses.

Fungal Pathogen Surveillance and Epidemiology

We have a strong focus on surveillance methodologies and the epidemiological study of fungal pathogens affecting summer grains. This expertise includes the application of advanced statistical and modeling techniques to analyse disease risk, to work towards predicting outbreaks, and inform regional disease management planning.

Plant Disease Epidemiology

Our team utilises statistical methods, particularly in R programming, to model disease spread, develop risk assessments, and understand influence of weather on disease development. This supports our goal of making informed, data-driven recommendations for disease control in agriculture.

Industry Collaboration and Science Communication

Our research is applied and highly collaborative, engaging with the agricultural sector to translate scientific findings into actionable recommendations. We work with industry publications and partnerships demonstrates our commitment to bridging the gap between research and practical applications for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

Mentorship and Open Science in Plant Pathology

As an educator, I emphasise practical skills in plant pathology, with a specific focus on data science, reproducible research, and open science practices. Through your mentorship, students gain valuable experience in applied plant pathology, particularly in R programming for epidemiology.

Leadership in Research Networks and Collaborative Platforms

My active roles in the South African Sclerotinia Research Network and International Society of Plant Pathology reflects my dedication to collaborative research and knowledge-sharing. I foster a supportive environment for early-career researchers, encourage cross-industry partnerships, and contribute to advancing plant pathology research in South Africa.

Module Summary for Introductory Plant Disease Epidemiology (PPLG4834 | PPLG6834)

This module provides an in-depth exploration of plant disease epidemiology, introducing students to the science of understanding, monitoring, and managing plant disease epidemics within agricultural systems. It emphasises the impact of plant diseases on historical and modern societies, uncovering how outbreaks have shaped agricultural practices and food security. With a focus on practical applications, students learn how to assess and respond to disease dynamics using key concepts such as the arguments around the disease triangle, epidemic development, and integrated pest management.

Guided by Dr. Rothmann, an experienced plant pathologist specialising in diseases affecting crops like sorghum, soybean, and sunflower, students engage in hands-on data analysis exercises. They gain skills to evaluate disease severity, monitor pathogen-host interactions, and measure temporal and spatial epidemic dynamics. With interactive tutorials, assessments, and peer-reviewed resources, this module prepares students for advanced work in plant pathology and equips them to make informed, ethical decisions in managing crop health. 

You can view the syllabus by clicking on this link. 

Module Summary for Microbial Principles in Agriculture (AGRI1664)

In this first-year module, I introduce students to the basic characteristics and importance of microorganisms in agriculture, with a specific focus on introductory plant pathology, plant disease, and crop protection. 

Module Summary for Basic concepts applied in plant pathology and plant breeding (PLPG2623)

This second-year module focuses on the impact of biotic plant diseases on farmers and society. Students explore the importance of seed health, crop protection, and the interconnected role of plant health in agricultural production systems. I co-developed this with Professor Rouxlene van der Merwe.