I am currently pursuing an MSc in Plant Pathology under the supervision of Prof. Teresa Coutinho. I am based at the Agricultural Research Council – Grain Crops (ARC-GC) in Potchefstroom, where I form part of the Plant Pathology Research Group led by Dr Henry Akum Njom.

I hold a BSc degree in Microbiology and Botany from the University of Venda, where I also completed a BSc Honours in Microbiology. My current research focuses on an important bacterial pathogen affecting maize in South Africa: Clavibacter nebraskensis, the causal agent of Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight. I am investigating the distribution and genetic diversity of this pathogen across commercial maize-growing regions in South Africa, aiming to determine its genetic variation and assess its economic impact on different maize cultivars. The research will further identify and report on the various strains of the pathogen present in the country, evaluate their associated disease severity, and recommend suitable maize cultivars for production.