Bachelor of Science (BSc): Genetics and Biochemistry
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Bachelor of Science (BSc) honours: Genetics
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Magister in Science (MSc): Genetics
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Dissertation title: Genomic relationships in Lachenalia orchioides group
Keywords: cytogenetics, DNA sequencing, phylogeny
Philosophiae Doctor (PhD): Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Thesis title: Population dynamics of Fusarium Head Blight causing species in South Africa
Keywords: Morphological characterization, AFLP, Fusarium species, mycotoxin analysis
This research contributed towards the resistance breeding against Fusarium head blight in South Africa. The knowledge gained assist with the development of effective control strategies against FHB in South Africa.
Current research focus on the breeding for resistance against fungal diseases across multiple crops with specialisation on resistance breeding against:
- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum diseases in both sunflower and soybean
- Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) and associated phytotoxins
- Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium head blight (FHB) causal pathogens
The South African economically important crops (soybeans, sunflowers and wheat) involved in the research are evaluated for resistance to the different diseases (sclerotinia diseases; soybean sudden death syndrome and associated phytotoxins; FHB and associated mycotoxins) to promote the improvement of disease control strategies. The research also include the maintenance of a Sclerotinia sclerotiorum culture collection, derived from a population genetics study on >1000 isolates collected from eight of the nine South African provinces across multiple crops. Pre-breeding programmes for resistance against these diseases were initiated using marker-assisted breeding approaches.
Research outputs include the graduation of various MSc and PhD students; published articles in international peer-reviewed journals and several contributions at national and international conferences.