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Agriculture Building: Block 4 105A
Bachelors in Agricultural Science (BSc. Agric)
University of the Free State
MAJOR SUBJECTS: Plant Pathology and Entomology
Magister in Agricultural Science (MSc. Agric)
University of the Free State
MAJOR SUBJECT: Plant Pathology
Title: Study of inoculation and disease evaluation techniques for sclerotinia stalk rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) of soybean
Philosophiae Doctor (PhD)
University of the Free State
MAJOR SUBJECT: Plant Pathology
Title: Soybean response to rust and sclerotinia stem rot under different biotic and abiotic conditions
Cultivar screening for resistance characteristics.
Identifying races and determine genetic relationship among and within species.
Investigating the role of oxalic acid in S. sclerotiorum pathogenicity.
Investigation and evaluation of physiological mechanisms of soybean resistance to P. pachyrhizi
Effect of planting date, weather conditions and onset interactions on disease development.
Testing the effect of induced resistance on soybean rust and sclerotinia disease development.
Botha, C., McLaren, N.W. & Swart, W.J. 2009. Evaluation of greenhouse inoculation techniques used to screen for Sclerotinia stem rot resistance in soybeans. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 26(1): 48-50. 10.1080/02571862.2009.10639932
Steyn, C., Mclaren, N.W. & Swart, W.J. 2011. The effect of temperature and period of high humidity on the development of Sclerotinia stem rot on soybeans in the greenhouse. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 28(3): 208-211.
Abdi, N., Van Biljon, A., Steyn, C. & Labuschagne, M.T. 2021. Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Responses to Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Inoculation under Drought Stress Conditions. Plants 10(9), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091756
Neila Abdi, Angeline Van Biljon, Chrisna Steyn, and Maryke Tine Labuschagne. 2022. Salicylic Acid Improves Growth and Physiological Attributes and Salt Tolerance Differentially in Two Bread Wheat Cultivars. Plants 11(14), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141853
Naila Abdi, Angeline Van Biljon, Chrisna Steyn, Maryke Labuschagne: 2023. Zn fertilizer and mycorrhizal inoculation effect on bread wheat cultivars grown under drought stress. Life 2023, 13(5), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13051078
Abdi, N., Van Biljon, A., Steyn, C., & Labuschagne, M. (2024). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi impact on yield attributes, protein quantity and quality in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under drought stress. Arid Land Research and Management, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/15324982.2024.2331125
Plant diseases and disease resistance breeding with specialisation on soilborne pathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium spp.
Research collaboration/ project contributor:
2016-2018: Assessment of Sclerotinia resistance in South African soybeans and sunflowers.
201-2021: Evaluation of sclerotinia resistance on South African soybeans and sunflowers.
2019-2022: Phenotypic and genotypic screening of South African soybean germplasm to identify potential sources of resistance to the destructive pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
| PLTB2613 – Theoretical principles of Plant Breeding PLTB 2623 – Applied Principles of Plant Breeding PLTB2613/PLTB 2623 is designed to introduce the student to various theoretical principles related to plant breeding. Furthermore, this module aims to equip the future plant breeder with relevant skills to promote crop development and improvement that will impact food security positively. Students will also learn and develop an entrepreneurial mindset, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. PLTB4806/PLTB6806 This module is a literature review and is compulsory for final year (4th year) BSc Agric and Honours students majoring in Plant Breeding. Students complete a literature study on a given topic under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor assesses and grades the literature review. PLTB4808/PLTB6808 This undergraduate module is a research project and is compulsory for final year (4th year) BSc Agric and Honours students majoring in Plant Breeding. Students complete a research project within his / her field of interest under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor teaches and trains students different techniques and methodologies applicable and related to what is expected from industry. Techniques and methodologies include experimental design/performance, data collection and analysis and interpretation of results. PLTB8900 Dissertation in Plant Breeding. This module focuses on a research project in a specialized field of Plant Breeding as discussed by supervisor(s), Academic Departmental head and student. |