Plant Pathology

Overview

Key facts

Research projects of the Plant Pathology programme at the Stellenbosch University can be selected from one of the following themes:

• fungal taxonomy (description and reclassification of known and new fungi by the application of various methods, such as molecular technology);
• applied molecular plant pathology, including the use of molecular-based techniques for the detection, diagnosis and characterisation of plant pathogenic populations of vines, deciduous fruit, citrus and agronomic crops;
• pre- and postharvest pathology in deciduous fruit, vines and citrus (status and behaviour of inocula on fruit surfaces, infection processes and plant resistance reactions);
• stem diseases in vines (etiology, diagnosis, epidemiology and integrated management);
• use of fungicides (spray technology) and fungal resistance (sensitivity in wild populations and disruption after fungicide exposure, management of fungicide resistance in fruit orchards, vineyards and agronomic crops); or
• integrated management (chemical, biological and alternative compounds) of diseases in deciduous fruit, vines, citrus and agronomic crops.

Our Department studies diseases that occur in farmer fields before crops are harvested, as well those that cause damage to crops after their harvest, such as decay of export fruits and contamination of grain crops with mycotoxins. We focus our research on the accurate identification and detection of fungal pathogens, and on the use of environmentally sound and sustainable ways to control them. These methods include targeted fungicide application, management of microbial and plant habitats, and the exploitation of plant defence responses for improved disease resistance.

Use is made of the latest technologies available in molecular biology, genetics and genomics, microscopic and computer analysis, and epidemiological modelling. By reducing plant diseases, the Department aims to increase the production of healthy and safe food to feed the South African population and to provide agricultural products for trade at local and international markets.