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06 December 2018 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Barend Nagel
Marcelle Vermeulen
Marcele Vermeulen, a graduate from the Department of Plant Sciences, explores possible threats to crop production; contributing to food security in South Africa.

Global food security is currently threatened both by climate change and the low diversity of crops relied on by humankind to feed a growing world population. Marcele Vermeulen, a graduate in the Department of Plant Sciences who will receive her PhD at the December graduation ceremonies at the University of the Free State (UFS), is part of a team that is working hard to add to the diversity of staple foods in South Africa.

In the drive to focus on alternative crops, Marcele is researching the crop, Amaranthus cruentus, (grain amaranth). It is more tolerant to environmental stress for large-scale production, thereby also diversifying staple crops.

Relatively new development

“Amaranthus cruentus is an excellent candidate due to its high nutritional value and tolerance to drought and high temperatures. It can be mixed with conventional maize meal, to increase the protein intake of its consumers,” said Marcele.

The production of A. cruentus as a grain crop in South Africa is a relatively new development.

In her research, exploring the possible threats to crop production and paying particular attention to dominant plant pathogens in the Amaranthus cruentus, Marcele found a correlation between fungal pathogens and insect pests. 

Insect pests can influence plant diseases

Although reports on fungal pathogens and pests specific to A. cruentus are limited to and information for South Africa is limited to this study, there is a possibility that by controlling insect pests such as weevils, one might also be able to control fungal pathogens of Amaranthus cruentus.

Marcele believes that control of weevil pests should thus be the focus of future pest and pathogen management strategies and breeding programmes in A. cruentus.  

“Knowledge gained in my thesis will hopefully aid in the development of future cultivation practices, integrated pest/pathogen management programmes, as well as for the registration of crop protection products for A. cruentus,” Marcele added.

Research Contributes to Food Security from University of the Free State on Vimeo.

News Archive

Researchers celebrated for outstanding achievements
2017-05-05

Description: Researchers celebrated for outstanding achievements  Tags: Researchers celebrated for outstanding achievements

From left, NRF P-rated researcher,
Dr Daniel Spence; Directorate Research
Development, Eleanor van der Westhuizen;
Vice-Chancellor and Rector Prof Francis Petersen;
Dean of Faculty of Theology Prof Fanie Snyman;
and Vice-Rector: Research, Prof Corli Witthuhn.
Photo: Johan Roux


The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Vice-Rector: Research, Prof Corli Witthuhn, hosted a Research Celebration, at which the new National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings, presentation of the UFS Book Prize and the research support award were announced. The UFS Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, and Chairperson of the UFS Council, Mr Willem Louw, were in attendance among academics and staff members. 

An astounding preface
Presenting the opening remarks, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen, congratulated all researchers and prize recipients on behalf of the rectorate. He applauded all researchers who had put their best foot forward and were acknowledged by the NRF. Furthermore, Prof Petersen said that the success of UFS researchers informed that the university received international recognition. “Research has the ability to play an active role in transformative action that leads to change. We are striving to be a leader in research output,” said Prof Petersen.

Humble and gracious recipient
Prof Fanie Snyman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, walked away with the most sought-after award of the day, the UFS Book Prize for Distinguished Scholarship, for his book, Malachi, on the last book of the Old Testament. The book was published in Germany and can be used by theology scholars and academics.

“I have no words, I am sincerely grateful for this award, but I must also thank the university. I am grateful for the support that has enabled me to complete the book and achieve this award,” said Prof Snyman. He is the third academic to be awarded this prize.

University reaches new heights
The university’s new NRF-ratings were celebrated. The UFS has 27 new rated researchers and seven researcher’s ratings were renewed. Prof Jonathan Jansen received a NRF A-rating and Dr Daniel Spence a P-rating.

The Directorate of Research Development’s Eleanor van der Westhuizen was awarded the Research Support Award, which is to acknowledge those who accelerate and propel research and/or researchers.

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