The primary research focus of the Potato Pathology Programme is the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of soil- and seed-borne diseases of potatoes. Diseases currently being investigated in this research programme include powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea), black scurf and stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani), and blackleg and soft rot (Pectobacterium and Dickeya
Potato Pathology Programme
New Publications
Theron E, van Niekerk JM, van der Waals JE. (2025) A review of the use of phosphonates in the management of Phytophthora nicotianae in citrus in South Africa. Phytoparasitica 53(11)
10.1007/s12600-024-01234-7 
Liakos C, Cowan D, Kvitko B, Dutta B, du Toit L, van der Waals JE, Derie ML, Lebre P, Ibanez V, Coutinho TA. (2024) The Bacterial and Viral Communities Associated with OnionBacterial Bulb Rot. Phytobiomes Journal
10.1094/PBIOMES-11-23-0121-R
Gush S, Lebre P, Coutinho TA, Cowan DA, van der Waals JE. (2024) Disentangling shifts in the soil microbiome of potatoes infected with Rhizoctonia solani Anastomosis Group 3-PT in search of potential biocontrol agents. Phytobiomes Journal
10.1094/PBIOMES-06-23-0046-R
Strydom RF, Wilson CR, Tegg RS, Balendres MA, van der Waals JE. (2024) Advancements in Spongospora subterranea: Current knnowledge, management strategies, and research gaps. Potato Research
10.1007/s11540-024-09701-8
Strydom RF, Wilson CR, Tegg RS, Balendres MA, van der Waals JE. (2024) Advancements in Spongospora subterranea: Current Knowledge, Management Strategies, and Research Gaps. Potato Research 67:1497-1537.
10.1007/s11540-024-09701-8
Gush SL, Lebre P, Coutinho TA, Cowan D, van der Waals JE. (2024) Disentangling Shifts in the Soil Microbiome of Potatoes Infected with Rhizoctonia solani Anastomosis Group 3-PT in Search of Potential Biocontrol Agents. Phytobiomes Journal 8:128-142.
10.1094/PBIOMES-06-23-0046-R
Coutinho TA, van der Waals JE. (2024) Historical perspective on 120 years of agriculture: Highlights from research published in the SAJS. South African Journal of Science 120:Article #18965.
10.17159/sajs.2024/18965
Theron E, Bophela K, Bisschoff J, Shin G, Coutinho TA, van der Waals JE. (2023) Survey of Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae Infecting Potatoes in South Africa. Potato Research 66:723-749.
10.1007/s11540-022-09598-1
Theron E, Bophela KN, Bisschoff J, Shin G, Coutinho TA, Van der Waals JE. (2022) Survey of Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae Infecting Potatoes in South Africa. Potato Research
10.1007/s11540-022-09598-1
Mushonga K, Steyn JM, Swart WJ, van der Waals JE. (2020) Plant-soil feedback responses of four dryland crop species under greenhouse conditions. Plant-Environment Interactions
10.1002/pei3.10035
van der Waals JE, Kruger K. (2020) Emerging potato pathogens affecting food security in southern Africa: Recent research. South African Journal of Science 116(11/12)
10.17159/
Moleboheng M, Modisane KJ, Apostolides Z, van der Waals JE. (2020) Metabolomic Fingerprinting of Potato Cultivars Differing in Susceptibility to Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea Root Infection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21:3788.
10.3390/ijms21113788
Simango K, Slabbert C, van der Waals JE. (2020) Alternative hosts of Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea in southern Africa. European Journal of Plant Pathology In Press
10.1007/s10658-020-01993-z
Mbedzi PP, Van den Hooven L, Vorster BJ , Van der Waals J. (2019) Screening for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance using detached leaf assays and simple sequence repeat markers in soybean cultivars. Crop Protection 215:104909.
10.1016/j.cropro.2019.104909
Shutt VM, Shin G, van der Waals JE, Goszczynska T, Coutinho T. (2018) Characterization of Ralstonia strains infecting tomato plants in South Africa. Crop Protection 112:56-62.
10.1016/j.cropro.2018.05.013