Integrated Biological Control and Ecosystem Management (IBEM) Group

This group is comprised of multifaceted nature of work. Focused on understanding and mitigating the impacts of invasive species, this group conducts research on the ecological effects of invasive alien plants, the use of biological control agents, and the discovery of novel bioremediation fungi. Furthermore, we assess the socio-economic implications of invasive species and their management. Our work aims to develop sustainable solutions for managing invasive alien species and preserving ecosystem health. 


Study group members

Dr Nontembeko Dube (lab head)

5c3ac1a5-5dd9-4c9a-97fb-5d432ba5e2e2

Postgraduate students and research titles

Thabo Moabi, Honors
“The biological control agents Carvalhotingis visenda and Hedwigiella jureceki as vectors of the adventive pathogen Cercosporella unguis-cati in South Africa”

Chuene Khomotso Mothibi, Honors
“Investigation of the pathogens associated with Cissoanthonomus tuberculipennis (Curculionidae), a biological control agent of Cardiospermum grandiflorum (Sapindaceae) in South Africa”

Keletso Makaota, MSc
Ecological impacts of Cylindropuntia pallida (Cactaceae), herbicidal management, and efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a biopesticide in South Africa

Ntsoaki Sabisa, MSc
“Investigation of the repellent and insecticidal activities of three invasive alien plants against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in South Africa”

Thandeka Mahlobo, PhD
“Response of ecosystem species (arthropods and nematodes) to the invasive Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Fabaceae), comparative phytochemistry, and implications for biological control of the tree in South Africa”

Nozipho Kheswa, PhD
“Evaluating the impacts of local dumping site pollution on arthropods and a quest for novel soil fungal species with potential plastic bioremediation capabilities in the Eastern region of Free State, South Africa”



  

Postgraduate Students on Field trips and Lab work

 

IMG-20240528-WA0128
PHOTO-2024-05-28-21-56-39



f9f00841-2e21-4c8f-a457-b27e501c8407 (002)
IMG-20240528-WA0090



e5684b1f-75b5-4748-8c7a-306d9c1c8044



BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Elfrieda van den Berg (Marketing Manager)
T: +27 51 401 2531
E:vdberge@ufs.ac.za

QWAQWA CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Dilahlwane Mohono (Faculty Officer)
T: +27 58 718 5284
E:naturalscienceqq@ufs.ac.za

Home new

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful, to better understand how they are used and to tailor advertising. You can read more and make your cookie choices here. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept