2023
Student: Vasili Balios
Thesis title: Engineering early floral induction in Eucalyptus by manipulating the Flowering Locus T (FT) gene
Supervisor: Prof. AA Myburg
Co-supervisors: Dr SG Hussey
Student: Shivan Bezuidenhout
Thesis title: The fungal diversity and mycotoxins associated with South African soybeans
Supervisor: Prof. CM Visagie
Co-supervisors: Dr N Yilmaz
Student: Xavier Brits
Thesis title: Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) as pollinators of sunflowers in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province, South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. CW Weldon
Co-supervisors: Dr H Human
Co-supervisors: Dr JM Midgley (KwaZulu-Natal Museum)
Student: Carla Buitendag
Thesis title: Gene silencing mediated by dsRNA reduces grey leaf spot disease in maize
Supervisor: Prof. DK Berger
Co-supervisors: Prof. J Theron
Student: Vinolia Danki
Thesis title: Genome‐wide analysis of fitness data in Ceratocystis albifundus
Supervisor: Dr MA van der Nest
Co-supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Prof. BD Wingfield, Dr L de Vos, and Dr NP Mchunu (National Research Foundation)
Student: Eileen Engelbrecht
Thesis title: Pollination ecology of Lantana camara and its relationship with honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. CWW Pirk
Student: Casey Gill
Thesis title: Metabarcoding of the fungal mutualists associated with Xylosandrus crassiusculus found on avocado in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. N van den Berg
Co-supervisors: Dr J Engelbrecht, Dr G Fourie
Student: Lukanyo Makhabane
Thesis title: Genome defence mechanisms in Basidiomycota fungi, with special reference to Armillariaspecies
Supervisor: Prof. MPA Coetzee
Co-supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Prof. BD Wingfield, Dr S van Wyk (Stellenbosch University)
Student: Idea Makowe
Thesis title: Factors influencing the rearing and success of biological control agents of Gonipterus sp. n. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Supervisor: Prof. BP Hurley
Co-supervisors: Dr ML Schröder
Student: Mmapaseka Malebe
Thesis title: Bacterial community associated with Acacia crassicarpa seeds and cotyledons
Supervisors: Prof. TA Coutinho
Co-supervisor: Dr G Shin
Student: Nomaswazi Maseko
Thesis title: Transcriptional elements in the Ceratocystidace
Supervisor: Dr PM Wilken
Supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Prof. BD Wingfield
Student: Ongeziwe Mbhele
Thesis title: Phenotype-genotype distinctions among clones of the pine pitch canker pathogen, Fusarium circinatum
Supervisor: Prof. ET Steenkamp
Co-supervisors: Prof. A Hammerbacher, Dr FF Fru, Dr QC Santana, Dr MA van der Nest
Student: Valencia Mogashoa
Thesis title: Development of a Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) model for screening susceptible and resistant Eucalyptus clones against Chrysoporthe austroafricana
Supervisor: Prof. S Naidoo
Co-supervisor: Prof. P Bonello (The Ohio State University, United States of America)
Student: Tumisang Mokgobu
Thesis title: Aggressiveness of diverse African isolates of Cercospora zeina on maize
Supervisor: Prof. DK Berger
Co-supervisors: Dr DL Nsibo
Thesis title: Aggressiveness of diverse African isolates of Cercospora zeina on maize
Supervisor: Prof. DK Berger
Co-supervisors: Dr DL Nsibo
Student: Chizné Peremore
Thesis title: Biofilms and extracellular vesicles of Fusarium verticillioides and their implication for virulence
Supervisor: Dr TE Motaung
Co-supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Dr QC Santana
Student: Tshiamo Phakalatsane
Thesis title: Analysis of the mating-type loci of Chrysoporthe species
Supervisor: Prof. NA van der Merwe
Co-supervisors: Dr PM Wilken
Thesis title: Analysis of the mating-type loci of Chrysoporthe species
Supervisor: Prof. NA van der Merwe
Co-supervisors: Dr PM Wilken
Student: Jenna-Lee Price
Thesis title: The fungal diversity associated with maize from emerging farms in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. CM Visagie
Co-supervisor: Dr N Yilmaz
Student: Nombulelo Qikani
Thesis title: The fungal and oomycete diversity associated with commercial maize farm soils of South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. CM Visagie
Co-supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Dr N Yilmaz
Student: Innocent Rakubu
Thesis title: Efficacy, host-finding ability and application methods of entomopathogenic nematodes to control pupae of Gonipterus sp. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Supervisor: Prof. BP Hurley
Co-supervisors: Dr A Katumanyane
Thesis title: Efficacy, host-finding ability and application methods of entomopathogenic nematodes to control pupae of Gonipterus sp. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Supervisor: Prof. BP Hurley
Co-supervisors: Dr A Katumanyane
Student: Onkgopotse Seabi
Thesis title: Diversity of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) from the South African Highveld and Lowveld and a preliminary assessment of their infection with Wolbachia
Supervisor: Prof. CW Weldon
Co-supervisors: Prof. AD Bastos
Thesis title: Diversity of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) from the South African Highveld and Lowveld and a preliminary assessment of their infection with Wolbachia
Supervisor: Prof. CW Weldon
Co-supervisors: Prof. AD Bastos
Student: Kothibe Sedibane
Thesis title: The role of Pectobacterium brasiliense 1692 outer membrane vesicles on members of soft rot Enterobacteriaceae and Phytophthora parasitica
Supervisor: Prof. LN Moleleki
Co-supervisor: Dr TE Motaung
Student: Kevin Scheepers
Thesis title: Effect of elevated CO2 on maize susceptibility to grey leaf spot disease
Supervisor: Prof. DK Berger
Co-supervisors: Prof. JM Steyn, and Dr NJ Taylor
Thesis title: Effect of elevated CO2 on maize susceptibility to grey leaf spot disease
Supervisor: Prof. DK Berger
Co-supervisors: Prof. JM Steyn, and Dr NJ Taylor
Student: Cheyenne Theron
Thesis title: Characterization of Lecanosticta and Lophodermium species on non-native pines in the southern Hemisphere
Supervisor: Prof. I Barnes
Co-supervisor: Prof. MJ Wingfield
Student: Dee Twiddy
Thesis title: Characterisation of Macadamia nut diseases in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr G Fourie
Co-supervisors: Prof. OA Akinsanmi (The University of Queensland, Australia), Dr A Fourie (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)
Thesis title: Characterisation of Macadamia nut diseases in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr G Fourie
Co-supervisors: Prof. OA Akinsanmi (The University of Queensland, Australia), Dr A Fourie (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)
Student: Nicole van Vuuren
Thesis title: Fungal diversity in Namibian Stipagrostis ‘fairy circles” including the description of new Curvulariaspecies
Supervisor: Dr N Yilmaz
Co-supervisors: Prof. CM Visagie, Prof. MJ Wingfield
Student: Edwin Wanjofu
Thesis title: Taxonomy and symbiotic effectiveness of Mesorhizobium associated with chickpea
Supervisor: Dr EK Muema
Co-supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Prof. SN Venter, Dr CW Beukes
Thesis title: Taxonomy and symbiotic effectiveness of Mesorhizobium associated with chickpea
Supervisor: Dr EK Muema
Co-supervisors: Prof. ET Steenkamp, Prof. SN Venter, Dr CW Beukes
2022
Student: Shawn Fell
Thesis Title: The impact of the Polyphagous shot hole borer on Pecan trees in South Africa.
Thesis Title: The impact of the Polyphagous shot hole borer on Pecan trees in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. ZW de Beer
Co-supervisor: Prof. BP Hurley
Student: Alicia Fick
Thesis Title: Identification and expression analysis of putative NLR genes in avocado, Persea americana, during infection by the oomycete, Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Thesis Title: Identification and expression analysis of putative NLR genes in avocado, Persea americana, during infection by the oomycete, Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Supervisor: Prof. N van den Berg
Co-supervisor: Dr V Swart
Student: Granny Hlongwane
Thesis Title: Identification and population genetic studies on Ceratocystis spp. infecting Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations inSouth Africa and Indonesia.
Supervisor: Prof. I Barnes
Co-supervisor: Prof. MJ Wingfield, Prof .J Roux (SAPPI)
Student: Robert Jansen van Vuuren
Thesis Title: The role of the kauralexin biosynthetic pathway in maize defences against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae).
Supervisor: Prof DK Berger
Co-supervisor: Prof K Krüger, Dr NM Creux
Student: Rosa Knoppersen
Thesis Title: The bacterial diversity associated with the gut of Gonipterus sp.n.2 fed on two different Eucalyptus hosts.
Supervisor: Prof A Hammerbacher
Co-supervisor: Prof TA Coutinho
Student: Anneri Lotter
Thesis Title: Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of an F1 hybrid of Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis.
Thesis Title: Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of an F1 hybrid of Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis.
Supervisor: Prof. AA Myburg
Co-supervisor: Prof. E Mizrachi, Dr A Duong, Prof. JL Wegrzyn (University of Connecticut, United States of America)
Student: Sophie Makua
Thesis Title: The immune response of Sirex noctilio to pathogen infection.
Thesis Title: The immune response of Sirex noctilio to pathogen infection.
Supervisor: Prof B Slippers
Co-supervisor: Prof MPA Coetzee, Ms A Postma Smidt
Student: Modjadji Makwela
Thesis Title: The diversity of fungi associated with endemic and endangered orchids of Southern Africa.
Supervisor: Prof A Hammerbacher
Co-supervisor: Prof MPA Coetzee, Prof. BD Wingfield, Dr T Bose
Student: Nganea Nangammbi
Thesis Title: Functional testing of xylan-associated genes in Arabidopsis and application of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in hybrid poplar trees.
Supervisor: Dr VJ Maloney
Co-supervisor: Prof E Mizrachi, Prof AA Myburg
Student: Iviwe Notununu
Thesis Title: Plant growth-promoting bacteria and their effects on maize plants (Zea mays L.) under concurrent drought and heat stress.
Supervisor: Prof. LN Moleleki
Co-supervisor: Prof. RA Adeleke (North-West University)
Student: Siphephelo Phungula
Thesis Title: Environmental determinants of the abundance of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Supervisor: Prof CW Weldon
Co-supervisor: Prof K Krüger
Student: Doreen Raseala
Thesis Title: Abandoned homestead gardens as a source of plant invasions in rural South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof M Greve
Co-supervisor: Prof PC le Roux
Student: Emeldah Rikhotso
Thesis Title:Leaf pathogens of Eucalyptus in South Africa with particular reference to Teratosphaeria destructans
Thesis Title:Leaf pathogens of Eucalyptus in South Africa with particular reference to Teratosphaeria destructans
Supervisor Prof J Roux
Co-supervisor: Prof A Hammerbacher, Dr SD Fraser, I Greyling
Student: Byron Sonnekus
Thesis Title: Diversity of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and associated egg parasitoids in macadamia orchards in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr G Fourie
Co-supervisor: Prof BP Hurley, Prof B Slippers, Dr E Joubert (Levubu Centre for Excellence)
Student: Shae Swanepoel
Thesis Title: The molecular dialogue between Eucalyptus grandis and the myrtle rust pathogen, Austropuccinia psidii.
Thesis Title: The molecular dialogue between Eucalyptus grandis and the myrtle rust pathogen, Austropuccinia psidii.
Supervisor: Prof S Naidoo, Dr LS Shuey (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australia)
Thesis Title: Genetic structure analysis and the assessment of susceptibility to Fusarium euwallaceae of popular avocado cultivars.
Supervisor: Prof. N van den Berg
Co-supervisor: Dr MM Mostert, Dr NS Abeysekara (Dominican University of California, United States of America)
Student: Desiree Biya
Thesis Title: Diversity of fumonisin-producing Aspergillus and Fusarium species in maize collected in South Africa.
Thesis Title: Diversity of fumonisin-producing Aspergillus and Fusarium species in maize collected in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N. Moleleki
Co-supervisor: Dr E. Ncube (Agricultural Research Council), Dr M. Truter (Agricultural Research Council)
Student: Hamish Craze
Thesis Title: The use of deep learning for identification of grey leaf spot in maize with mixed diseases under field conditions.
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Co-supervisor: Prof. F. Joubert, Prof. N. Pillay
Student: Stefan Ferreira
Thesis Title: The role of transketolase and transaldolase in carbon partitioning to lignin in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Supervisor: Prof. E. Mizrachi
Co-supervisor: Prof. A.A. Myburg, Dr V.J. Maloney
Student: Leandri Klynsmith
Thesis Title: Functional characterisation of Sirex noctilio chemosensation genes.
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-supervisor: Dr J.D. Allison, Dr T.A. Duong, Ms. A Postma Smidt
Student: Christopher Liakos
Thesis Title: Bacterial microbiome of healthy and diseased storage onion bulbs from Washington State, USA.
Supervisor: Prof. T.A. Coutinho
Co-supervisor: Prof. J.E. van der Waals, Dr P.H. Bixirao Neto Marinho Lebre
Student: Mabodiba Maake
Thesis Title: Diversity of Bradyrhizobium and Mesorhizobium strains associated with root nodules of indigenous South African legumes.
Supervisor: Prof. S.N. Venter
Co-supervisor: Prof E.T. Steenkamp
Student: Aaron Maringa
Thesis Title: Investigating the adhesion of encysted zoospores of the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi during the early infection of avocado.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisor: Dr V. Swart
Student: Celiwe Nxumalo
Thesis Title: Functional characterization of Phytophthora parasitica PpRxLR1 and PpRxLR6 effectors in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N. Moleleki
Student: Trystan Nadasen
Thesis Title: Transient expression of two Cercospora zeina fungal effectors in Nicotiana benthamiana
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Co-supervisor: Prof. I. Hein
Thesis Title: Diversity of Bradyrhizobium and Mesorhizobium strains associated with root nodules of indigenous South African legumes.
Supervisor: Prof. S.N. Venter
Co-supervisor: Prof E.T. Steenkamp
Student: Aaron Maringa
Thesis Title: Investigating the adhesion of encysted zoospores of the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi during the early infection of avocado.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisor: Dr V. Swart
Student: Celiwe Nxumalo
Thesis Title: Functional characterization of Phytophthora parasitica PpRxLR1 and PpRxLR6 effectors in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N. Moleleki
Student: Trystan Nadasen
Thesis Title: Transient expression of two Cercospora zeina fungal effectors in Nicotiana benthamiana
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Co-supervisor: Prof. I. Hein
Student: Cindy Ramokgano
Thesis Title: Diversity of endophytic fungi associated with branches of Berchemia discolor in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. M.P.A. Coetzee
Co-supervisor: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp
Student: Cassandra Schoeman
Thesis Title: The Encephalartos natalensis-cyanobacterial coralloid root partnership for nitrogen acquisition.
Supervisor: Prof E Mizrachi
Co-supervisor: Prof TP Makhalanyane, Dr D Roodt
Student: Medha Sood
Thesis Title: Structure-function relationship between plastid morphology and carbon partitioning during secondary cell wall synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Supervisor: Prof. E. Mizrachi
Co-supervisor: Prof. V. van Staden, Dr V.J. Maloney, Dr D.S. Pinard
Student: Zorada Swart
Thesis Title: Characterisation of Deladenus siricidicola genes potentially involved in parasitism and host immunomodulation.
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-supervisor: Prof. B.D. Wingfield, Dr T.A. Duong, Ms. A. Postma Smidt
Thesis Title: Diversity of endophytic fungi associated with branches of Berchemia discolor in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. M.P.A. Coetzee
Co-supervisor: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp
Student: Cassandra Schoeman
Thesis Title: The Encephalartos natalensis-cyanobacterial coralloid root partnership for nitrogen acquisition.
Supervisor: Prof E Mizrachi
Co-supervisor: Prof TP Makhalanyane, Dr D Roodt
Student: Medha Sood
Thesis Title: Structure-function relationship between plastid morphology and carbon partitioning during secondary cell wall synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Supervisor: Prof. E. Mizrachi
Co-supervisor: Prof. V. van Staden, Dr V.J. Maloney, Dr D.S. Pinard
Student: Zorada Swart
Thesis Title: Characterisation of Deladenus siricidicola genes potentially involved in parasitism and host immunomodulation.
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-supervisor: Prof. B.D. Wingfield, Dr T.A. Duong, Ms. A. Postma Smidt
Student: Lenteli van Zyl
Thesis Title: Production of defensive metabolites by Pinus patula x Pinus tecunumanii hybrids in response to Fusarium circinatum infection.
Supervisor: Prof. A. Hammerbacher
Co-supervisors: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp, Dr F.F. Fru
2021
Student: Juanita Hanneman
Thesis Title: Analyses of the in vitro effects of phosphite on Phytophthora cinnamomi isolates.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisors: Dr. S.A. Prabhu, Dr. J. Engelbrecht
Student: Stephan Henning
Thesis Title: Genome-wide diversity assessment for genetic resource management of Eucalyptus dunnii, E. grandis, E. nitens and E. urophylla.
Supervisor: Prof. A.A. Myburg
Co-supervisors: Dr. N.A. van der Merwe
Student: Lomile Khoete
Thesis Title: Population genetic tools for Gonipterus sp. 2 and its egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens.
Supervisor: Prof, M.P.A. Coetzee
Co-supervisors: Dr. I. Barnes, Dr. B.P. Hurley, Prof. B. Slippers, Dr. M.L. Schröder
Student: Pozisa Majaja
Thesis Title: Fusarium species diversity from maize and teff in the northern Free State.
Supervisor: Dr. N.A. van der Merwe
Co-supervisors: Dr. N. Yilmaz
Student: Nhlanhla Shabangu
Thesis Title: Effect of long-term inorganic fertilizer combinations on weed abundance and diversity in maize.
Supervisor: Dr. D. Marais
Co-supervisors: Dr. B.J. Vorster
Student: Ashleigh Smith
Thesis Title: Characterisation of Lepidoptera species associated with Macadamia in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. G. Fourie
Co-supervisors: Prof. B.P. Hurley, Prof. B. Slippers
Student: Garyn Townsend
Thesis Title: Initial assessment of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) in indigenous afrotemperate forests.
Supervisor: Prof. Z.W. de Beer
Co-supervisors: Dr. M.P. Hill (Rhodes University), Dr. F. Roets (Stellenbosch University)
Student: Shannon Wilson
Thesis Title: Systemic defence responses induced by Chrysoporthe austroafricana in Eucalyptus grandis.
Supervisor: Prof. S. Naidoo
Co-supervisors: Dr. L.S. Shuey (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australia)
2020
Student: Katrien Brown
Thesis Title: Identification and functional associations of DNase I hypersensitive sites in developing secondary xyllem of Eucalyptus grandis W.Hill.
Supervisor: Dr S.G. Hussey
Co-supervisors: Prof. A.A. Myburg, Prof. E. Mizrachi
Student: Julia Candotti
Thesis Title: Genetic dissection of growth and wood properties in a nested, half-sib Eucalyptus hybrid pedigree.
Supervisor: Prof. A.A. Myburg
Co-supervisors: Prof. E. Mizrachi
Student: Cameron Cullinan
Thesis Title: The response of Soybean Cysteine Protease CP3 to drought.
Supervisor: Prof. B.J. Vorster
Student: Claudette Dewing
Thesis Title: Comparative genomics reveal processes implicated in host-specificity in species within the American clade of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex.
Supervisor: Dr. L. de Vos
Co-supervisors: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp, Prof. B.D. Wingfield, Dr. M.A. van der Nest
Student: Michael Du Toit
Thesis Title: Assessing the threat of the polyphagous shot hole borer ambrosia beetle and its fungal symbiont, Fusarium euwallaceae, to Persea Americana in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisors: Prof Z.W. de Beer, Dr G. Fourie
Student: Stephanus Engelbrecht
Thesis Title: Allele-specific expression in xylogenic tissues of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla hybrids
Supervisor: Prof. A.A. Myburg
Co-supervisors: Prof. E. Mizrachi
Student: Shaina Facey
Thesis Title: Detection of grapevine leafroll associated virus 3 in South Africa rootstock clones.
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen (Stellenbosch University)
Co-supervisors: Prof. J. Theron
Student: Caitlin Gevers
Thesis Title: The diversity, distribution and role of Hymenoptera associated with Leptocybe gails in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. B.P. Hurley
Co-supervisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Dr G. Dittrich-Schröder
Student: Alessandro Gricia
Thesis Title: The type VI secretion system in Pectobacterium spp: Role in virulence and regulation by Zur.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N Moleleki
Student: Mathew Harris
Thesis Title: Characterising patterns in fungal community ecology at local and global scales.
Supervisor: Dr. M. Greve
Co-supervisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Dr. M. Kemler (Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany)
Student: Jesse Hartley
Thesis Title: Surveillance and isolation of Rosellinia necatrix in South African avocado orchards.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Student: Rochelle Janse van Rensburg
Thesis Title: 'Candidatus Liberibacter africanus' in non-rutaceous alternate host species from South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen (Stellenbosch University)
Co-supervisors: Prof. T.A. Coutinho
Student: Christoff Joubert
Thesis Title: Constitutive chemical defence of Eucalyptus against herbivory by Gonipterus sp. n. 2.
Supervisor: Dr A. hammerbacher
Co-supervisors: Prof. B.P. Hurley, Dr M.L. Schröder
Student: Melissa Joubert
Thesis Title: Discovery of Phytophthora cinnamomi RxLR effector genes expressed in avocado during infection.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisors: Dr S.A. Prabhu
Student: Eugene Kabwe
Thesis Title: Discovery and genomic architecture of Cercospora zeina (Crous & U. Braun) effector genes.
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Co-supervisor: Dr T.A. Duong
Student: Tamanique Kampman
Thesis Title: The transcriptome of Pinus maximinoi under Fusarium circinatum challenge.
Supervisor: Prof. S. Naidoo
Co-supervisors: Dr D. Visser
Student: Frances Lane
Thesis Title: Development of a genetic transformation system in the family Ceratocystidaceae with specific reference to Ceratocystis albifundis.
Supervisor: Prof. B.D. Wingfield
Co-supervisors: Dr P.M. Wilken
Student: Nico le Roux
Thesis Title: Soil surface temperature effects on the establishment of three grass-legume seed mixtures used in surface mine rehabilitation.
Supervisor: Prof. W.F. Truter
Co-supervisors: Prof. T.A.S. Aveling
Student: Lizette Loubser
Thesis Title: Genetic architecture of gene expression during xylogenesis in Eucalyptus interspecific hybrids.
Supervisor: Prof. A.A. Myburg
Co-supervisors: Prof. E. Mizrachi, Dr N. Christie
Student: Kira Lynn
Thesis Title: Fusarium spp. associated with ambrosia beetles on Acacia crassicarpa in Indonesia.
Supervisor: Prof. I. Barnes
Co-supervisors: Prof. M.J. Wingfield, Prof. Z.W. de Beer, Dr. A.J. Durán Sandoval (Royal Golden Eagle International, Indonesia)
Student: Thapelo Maboko
Thesis Title: A genetic transformation system for Chrysoporthe austroafricana.
Supervisor: Prof. N.A. van der Merwe
Co-supervisors: Dr. B.G. Crampton, Prof. E. Kunjeku (University of Venda)
Student: Lungile Mabuza
Thesis Title: Characterization of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) gene family of Eucalyptus grandis and a bzip7 mutant homolog in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Supervisor: Dr. S.G. Hussey
Co-supervisors: Dr. A.A. Myburg
Student: Teresia Macharia
Thesis Title: Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to challenge by root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N. Moleleki
Co-supervisors: Dr. D. Bellieny-Rabelo
Student: Lazarus Mavima
Thesis Title: Taxonomic characterisation of Paraburkhoderia tuberum-like rhizobia from diverse legumes.
Supervisor: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp
Co-supervisors: Prof S.N. Venter, Dr C.W. Beukes
Student: Nikki Miguel
Thesis Title: Identification of antibacterial type VI secretion system effectors in Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. Brasiliense 1692.
Supervisor: Prof L.N. Moleleki
Student: Tsakani Miyambo
Thesis Title: Identification and characterization of polygalacturonases in Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisors: Dr. S.A. Prabhu
Student: Patience Modiba
Thesis Title: Identification of Oomycetes associated with plum orchards in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof T.A. Coutinho
Co-supervisors: Dr T. Bose
Student: Gontse Modisane
Thesis Title: Metabolic profiling for identification of potential biomarkers in potato tuber extracts associated with tolerance to Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranean infection.
Supervisor: Z Apostolides
Co-supervisor: Prof. JE van der Waals
Student: Seamus Morgan
Thesis Title: taxonomy and biology of Quambalaria spp. infecting eucaypts in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof Z.W. de Beer
Co-supervisors: Prof M.J. Wingfield
Student: Sanele Moyana
Thesis Title: Diversity of rhizobial Methylobacterium species associated with indigenous legumes in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof S.N. Venter
Co-supervisors: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp, Dr E.K. Muema
Student: Fezile Mthunzi
Thesis Title: Identification and characterisation of terpene synthase genes in the fungal genus Armillaria, with special reference to A. mellea.
Supervisor: Prof. M.P.A. Coetzee
Co-supervisors: Prof. B.D. Wingfield, Dr. A. Hammerbacher
Student: Lufuno Mudau
Thesis Title: Development of an effective phytosanitary regulatory system for onion (Allium cepa) export in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. T.A.S. Aveling
Co-supervisors: Dr. M.T. Mutengwe, Prof. M.A. Antwi (University of South Africa), Dr. J.C. Meitz-Hopkins (Stellenbosch University)
Student: Khumbudzo Ndhlovu
Thesis Title: Symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency of native rhizobia in selected South African legume crops.
Supervisor: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp
Co-supervisors: Dr A.I. Hassen (Agricultural Research Council)
Student: Alex Nepomuceno
Thesis Title: Inferred evolutionary relationships of the dung beetle tribe Scarabaeini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) using gland morphology and cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs).
Supervisor: Prof. C.L. Sole
Co-supervisors: Prof. C.W.W. Pirk
Student: Kayla Noeth
Thesis Title: Seasonal development and trapping of Coryphoderma tristis in Eucalyptus nitens.
Supervisor: Prof B. P. Hurley
Co-supervisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Dr G. Dittrich-Schröder
Student: Willem Pretorius
Thesis Title: In silica identification of a putative two component system in Pectobacterium brasiliense.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N. Moleleki
Co-supervisors: Dr. D. Bellieny-Rabelo (Umea University, Sweden)
Student: Miranda Procter
Thesis Title: Redefining generic boundaries in the Ophiostomatales (Ascomycota).
Supervisor: Prof Z.W. de Beer
Co-supervisors: Prof M.J. Wingfield, Dr A. Duong
Student: Carol-Ann Segal
Thesis Title: Cloning the Cercospora zeina Ecp2 effector gene for Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation.
Supervisor: Prof D.K. Berger
Student: Sydney Sithole
Thesis Title: Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases from the genomes of selected Chrysoporthe species.
Supervisor: Prof N.A. van der Merwe
Co-supervisors: Prof S. Naidoo, Prof E.T. Steenkamp
Student: Robyn Smith
Thesis Title: The partial characterisation of the terpene synthase genes implicated in the defence response by Pinus patula and Pinus tecunumanii to Fusarium circinatum.
Supervisor: Prof. S. Naidoo
Co-supervisors: Prof. M.P.A. Coetzee
Student: Nicole Soal
Thesis Title: Characterisation of the catechol dioxygenase genes in the Ceratocystidaceae.
Supervisor: Prof. B.D. Wingfield
Co-supervisors: Prof. M.P.A. Coetzee, Dr. A. Hammerbacher, Dr. M.A. van der Nest
Student: Julanie Stapelberg
Thesis Title: Recombinant protein production potential of South African microalgae.
Supervisor: Dr B.G. Crampton
Co-supervisors: Dr M.C. Crampton (Fujifilm Diosynth, United Kingdom), Dr R.L. Roth (Council for Scientific and Industral Research)
Student: Catherine Tatham
Thesis Title: Characterization of Teratosphaeria destructans genome.
Supervisor: Prof B.D. Wingfield
Co-supervisors: Prof M.J. Wingfeild, Dr P.M. Wilken, Dr M.A. van der Nest
Student: Nomakula Zim
Thesis Title: Comparative genomics and pathogenicity of Xanthomonas vasicola.
Supervisor: Prof T.A. Coutinho
Co-supervisors: Dr E.P.P. Wicker (CIRAD Agricultural Research for Development, France), Mrs S.A. McFarlane (South African Sugarcane Research Institute)
2019
Student: Claudio de Nuzzo
Thesis Title: Endogenous peptide defence in maize against the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Co-supervisors: Prof. K. Krüger
Student: Esna du Plessis
Thesis Title: Population biology and impact of Austropuccinia psidii in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-supervisors: Dr I. Barnes, Dr A.R. McTaggart
Student: Ludwig Eksteen
Thesis Title: Patterns and drivers of host use by the European woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, in South African pine plantations.
Supervisor: Dr J.R. Garnas
Co-supervisor: Prof. B.P. Hurley
Student: Lichelle Grobler
Thesis Title: Agrobacterium-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Supervisor: Dr. B.G. Crampton
Co-supervisors: Dr. M.M. O'Kennedy (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), Dr. P. Pillay (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research).
Student: Zanele Mahlangu
Thesis Title: Seed quality of farm-saved dry bean produced by smallholder farmers in the uThukela district of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. T.A.S. Aveling
Co-supervisors: Dr. Q. Kritzinger
Student: Dineo Mailula
Thesis Title: Production of fusel alcohols in the species of the family Ceratocystidaecea.
Supervisor: Dr. A. Hammerbacher
Co-supervisors: Prof. B.D. Wingfield, Dr. M.A. van der Nest
Student: Zimbili Ethel Mlunjwa
Thesis Title: Expression analysis of selected maize primary metabolism genes in response to Cercospora zeina inoculation in the glasshouse.
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Student: Zanelle Mufamadi
Thesis Title: Identification of the causal agents and management of husk rot on macadamia in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Co-supervisors: Dr. G. Fourie
Student: Bianca Rodrigues-Jardim
Thesis Title: Characterisation of Sirex noctilio and Culicoides imicola sex determination pathways.
Supervisor: Dr W.C. Fick
Co-supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers, Dr. A. Postma
Student: Tanya Welgemoed
Thesis Title: De novo assembly of transcriptomes from near-isogenic maize lines for novel defence gene discovery.
Supervisor: Prof. D.K. Berger
Co-supervisor: Dr R.E. Pierneef (ARC)
2018
Student: Daniel Ali
Thesis Title: Cryphonectriaceae from native Myrtales in Indonesia, La 'Reunion and South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
Co-supervisor: Prof. J. Roux, Dr A.R. McTaggart
Student: Samantha Bush
Thesis Title: Host preference of the invasive Glycaspis brimblecombei and host specificity of its parasitoid, Psyllaephagus bliteus.
Supervisor: Prof. B.P. Hurley
Co-supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Student: Caitlin Botha
Thesis Title: The genetics of sexual reproduction in Amylostereum areolatum.
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-supervisor: Dr M.P.A. Coetzee, Dr M.A. van der Nest
Student: Edohan Clasen
Thesis Title: Horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes with a special focus on the nematode Deladenus siricidicola.
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-supervisor: Prof. O. Reva, Dr R.E. Pierneef, A. Postma
Student: Donovin Coles
Thesis Title: Functional characterisation of Arabidopsis thaliana Nitrate Transporter 2.5 in plant defence
Supervisor: Sanushka Naidoo
Co-supervisor: Ritesh Mewalal
Student: Yves du Toit
Thesis Title: The development and use of a comparative transcriptomics tool for Eucalyptus defence interactions
Supervisor: Sanushka Naidoo
Co-supervisor: Nanette Christie
Student: Ginna Granados
Thesis Title: Studies on Puccinia psidii and Cryphonectriaceae on Myrtales in Colombia.
Supervisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
Co-supervisor: Prof. J. Roux, Dr A.R. McTaggart
Student: Megan Harris
Thesis Title: Characterization of viruses associated with Grapevine Leafroll disease in Vitis rootstocks in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen
Student: Angel Maduke
Thesis Title: Botryosphaeriaceae on native and exotic Myrtaceae trees in southern and eastern Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-supervisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield, Dr Draginja Pavlic (ARC)
Student: Dorah Mwangola
Thesis Title: Population genetics of Chrysoporthe austroafricana in southern Africa.
Supervisor: Dr N.A. van der Merwe
Co-supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Student: Wilma Nel
Thesis Title: Taxonomy and mating in the root pathogen Thielaviopsis basicola
Supervisor: Prof. Z.W. de Beer
Co-advisor: Prof. B.D. Wingfield, Prof. M.J. Wingfield, Dr T.A. Duong
Student: Alandie Niewoudt
Thesis Title: Development of a CRISPR-Cas9 system for genome editing in Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) K.J. Leonard & Suggs (Pleosporaceae)
Supervisor: Dr B.G. Crampton
Student: Mashudu Nxumalo
Thesis Title: Characterization of Burkholderia isolates associated with root nodules of Vachellia karoo in South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. S.N. Venter
Co-supervisor: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp
Student: Nam Pham
Thesis Title: Calonectria species from Vietnam
Supervisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr I. Barnes, Dr S.F. Chen
Student: Stefan Priem
Thesis Title: Characterisation of the cellulose biosynthesis cluster and its role in Pectobacterium adherence to biotic and abiotic surfaces.
Supervisor: Prof. L.N. Moleleki
Co-supervisor: Prof. T.A. Coutinho
Student: Redzuan Rauf
Thesis Title: Diseases of forestry importance to Malaysia.
Supervisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
Student: Kavani Sanasi
Thesis Topic: Fungal associates of pine bark beetles in Guatemala
Supervisor: Prof. Z.W. de Beer
Co-advisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
Student: Riaan Swanepoel
Thesis Title: Optimizing Illumina de novo transcriptome assembly for non-model plants.
Supervisor: Dr E. Mizrachi
Co-supervisor: Prof. F. Joubert
Student: Martin Wierzbicki
Thesis Title: Syetems genetics of xylan modification in Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla hybrids.
Supervisor: Prof. A.A. Myburg
Co-advisor: Dr E. Mizrachi
2017
Student: Daniel Ali
Thesis Topic: Cryphonectriaceae from native myrtales in La Reunion and South Africa.
Supervisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
Co-advisor: Prof. J. Roux, Dr A. McTaggart
Student: Colan Balkwill
Thesis Title: Genetic architecture and robustness of the circadian clock in a Eucalyptus grandis x urophylla backcross.
Supervisor:Dr E. Mizrachi
Co-advisor:Prof. A.A. Myburg
Student: Ncobile Kunene
Thesis Title: Mating-type gene analysis of Cercospora zeina in commercial and small-holder maize farms in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof D. K. Berger
Co-advisor: Dr S. M. PhillipsStudent: Gustav Pretorius
Thesis Title: Towards an understanding of quorum sensing in Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense
Supervisor: Prof. L. N. Moleleki
Co-advisor: Prof. J. TheronStudent: Liezel Potgieter
Thesis Topic: In silico characterisation of endo-polygalacturonase genes and enzymes in members of Armillaria and allied fungal genera.
Supervisor: M.P.A. Coetzee
Co-advisors: Dr. M.A. van der Nest, Prof. B.D. Wingfield
Student: Benedicta Swalarsk-Parry
Thesis Topic: Characterization of a growth QTL in Fusarium circinatum.
Supervisor: Dr. L de Vos
Co-advisors: Prof. E.T. Steenkamp, Prof. B.D Wingfield
Student: Conrad Trollip
Thesis Topic: Pathogenesis of Ceratocystis eucolypticola
Supervisor:
Co-advisor: Prof. M.J. Wingfield
2016
Student: Juanita Avontuur
Thesis Title: The classification of novel Bradyrhizobium species associated with indigenous southern African legumes
Supervisor: Prof E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: Prof S. N. VenterStudent: Johan Bestbier
Thesis Title: HPLC and colourimetric quanitification of shikimic acid levels in crops after glyphosate treatment
Supervisor: Dr J. Vorster
Student: Khumbuzile Bophela
Thesis Title: Enterobacter and Xanthomonas species associated with blight and die-back of Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Prof T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisor: Prof S. N. VenterStudent: Vanessa Cronje
Thesis Title: Infection and colonization of onion seedlings by Pantoea ananatis and P. allii
Supervisor: Prof T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisor: Prof N. van den BergStudent: Herman de Bruin
Thesis Title: Characterising the diversity of Beauveria species infecting insects in South African plantations
Supervisor: Prof B. Slippers
Co-advisor: Dr Z. W. de BeerStudent: Angelique du Preez
Thesis Title: Flagellin glycosylation in Pantoea ananatis
Thesis Title: Flagellin glycosylation in Pantoea ananatis
Supervisor: Prof. T. Coutinho
Co-advisor: Prof S. N. VenterStudent: Simone Fouché
Thesis Title: Molecular characterisation of an accessory chromosome of Fusarium circinatum
Supervisor: Prof E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: Prof B. D. Wingfield, Dr M. P. A. CoetzeeStudent: Matt Laubscher
Thesis Title: Functional genomics analysis of Eucalyptus grandis secondary cell wall-related transcription factors EgrNAC26 and EgrNAC61 through heterologous induction in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts
Supervisor: Dr. S. Hussey
Co-advisor: Dr E. Mizrachi, Prof. A. A. Myburg.Student: Claire Melinda Martin
Thesis Title: Elicitation of medicinally active dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives from Helichrysum populifolium (Asteraceae)
Supervisor: Dr B. Crampton
Co-advisor: Dr I. Gazendam, Dr H.M. HeymanStudent: Rofhiwa Nesamari
Thesis Title: Identification of diseases and pests of cycads in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof J Roux
Co-advisor: Prof TA CoutinhoStudent: Gi Yoon Shin
Thesis Title: Investigation of the genetic diversity of Pantoea ananatis
Supervisor: Prof S. N. Venter
Co-advisor: Prof T. A. CoutinhoStudent: Kirsti Snyders
Thesis Title: Detection and isolation of homogeneous genotypes of Citrus tristeza virus for use in virus control through cross protection
Supervisor: Prof G. Pietersen
Student: Collins Tanui
Thesis Title: Characterising quorum sensing regulation of virulence in Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. Brasiliensis
Supervisor: Prof L. N. Moleleki
Student: Stephanie van Wyk
Thesis Title: Molecular characterisation of the growth rate determining quantitative trait locus in Fusarium circinatum
Supervisor: Prof E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: Prof B. D. Wingfield, Dr L. de Vos, Dr N. A. van der MerweStudent: Andi Wilson
Thesis Title: Sexual Reproduction in the Genus Huntiella
Supervisor: Prof B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisor: Dr M. A. van der Nest2015
Student: Jon Ambler
Thesis Title: Genome characterisation, with special reference to gene silencing mechanisms, of Armillaria fuscipes
Student: Elrea Appelgryn
Thesis Title: Characterization of Phytophthora cinnamomi from avocado
Student: Francois Boshoff
Thesis Title: Diversity and evolution of rhizobia associated with native and non-native Acacia species in South Africa
Thesis Title: Diversity and evolution of rhizobia associated with native and non-native Acacia species in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: Prof. S. N. Venter
Student: Renate Botha
Thesis Title: Evaluating Cavendish banana clones for tolerance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Student: Jean Hakizimana
Thesis Title: Understanding the role of endophytes in avocado root health and in enhancing its tolerance against Phytophthora cinnamomi
Supervisor: Prof. N. van den Berg
Student: Monique Heystek
Thesis Title: Promoter analysis of three defense gene family members from maize in response to Cercospora zeina
Thesis Title: Promoter analysis of three defense gene family members from maize in response to Cercospora zeina
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Student: Degracious Kgoale
Thesis Title: Gene expression study of candidate Arabidopsis defence genes in response to the bacterial wilt pathogen
Thesis Title: Gene expression study of candidate Arabidopsis defence genes in response to the bacterial wilt pathogen
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Student: Tondani Kone
Thesis Title: Characterization of sex-pheromone receptor genes of Fusarium species and other Sordariomycetes
Thesis Title: Characterization of sex-pheromone receptor genes of Fusarium species and other Sordariomycetes
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: Dr. G. Fourie, Dr. N. A. van der Merwe, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Brigitte Langenhoven
Thesis Title: Characterisation of three putative effector genes from the maize foliar pathogen Cercospora zeina
Thesis Title: Characterisation of three putative effector genes from the maize foliar pathogen Cercospora zeina
Supervisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Co-advisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Johan Liversage
Thesis Title: Functional characterisation of the Cercospora zeina crp1 gene in pathogenesis
Thesis Title: Functional characterisation of the Cercospora zeina crp1 gene in pathogenesis
Supervisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Co-advisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Rynier Lourens
Thesis Title: Identification and characterisation of the Eucalyptus grandis non-expressor of pathogenesis related 1 (NPR1) genes
Thesis Title: Identification and characterisation of the Eucalyptus grandis non-expressor of pathogenesis related 1 (NPR1) genes
Student: Jackie Lubbe
Thesis Title: Molecular and biological characterization of three Citrus tristeza virus candidate cross-protection sources
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen
Student: Molly Malefo
Thesis Title: Characterisation of selected pathogenicity factors in Cercospora zeina
Thesis Title: Characterisation of selected pathogenicity factors in Cercospora zeina
Supervisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Co-advisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Edgar Mangwende
Thesis Title: Seed-borne fungi of herbs cultivated in South Africa and evaluation of non-chemical seed treatments to control Alternaria sp. on coriander
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisor: Dr. Q. Kritzinger
Student: Olga Mashandule
Thesis Title: Population biology of Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg et O'Donnell associated with South African Pinus radiata D.Don plantation trees
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. M. J. WingfieldStudent: Silvia Mausse Sitoe
Thesis Title: Diseases of Eucalypts in Mozambique with particular reference to the Cryphonectriaceae
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. WingfieldStudent: Mischa Muller
Thesis Title: Molecular diversity of the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina in South Africa
Thesis Title: Molecular diversity of the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. B. G. Crampton, Dr. I. Barnes
Student: Linda M. Ndove
Thesis Title: Botryosphaeriaceae associated with Podocarpaceae in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-advisor: E. CruywagenStudent: Sitha Ramsuchit
Thesis Title: Establishment of cross-pathogenicity of two different Phytophthora cinnamomi A2 isolates on hosts, Persea americana and Eucalyptus spp., and the host response to these isolates
Student: Danielle Roodt
Thesis Title: The mating genetics and core genome of Ceratocystis albifundus
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, M. Wilken
Student: Thomas Schmidt
Thesis Title: Transient biolistic transformation in maize leaves
Thesis Title: Transient biolistic transformation in maize leaves
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Student: Pooja Singh
Thesis Title: Transcriptome-wide analysis of predicted proteome variation segregating in a Eucalyptus hybrid family
Thesis Title: Transcriptome-wide analysis of predicted proteome variation segregating in a Eucalyptus hybrid family
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisor: Dr. E. Mizrachi
Student: Sarah Stanton
Thesis Title: The polyamines and endophytes of gousiekte-causing and non-pathogenic Vangueria and Pavetta species
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Student: Katie Termer
Thesis Title: Biotic and abiotic determinants of resource quality for the larvae of the European woodwasp, Sirex noctilio
Supervisor: Dr. J. R. GarnasStudent: Erik Visser
Thesis Title: Pinus patula transcriptome assembly
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp, Prof. A. A. Myburg
2014
Student: Jonathan Botha
Thesis Title: Qualitative reporter gene and targeted yeast one-hybrid analysis of the Eucalyptus grandis SND2 promoter region
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. C. Maritz-Olivier, Dr. E. Mizrachi
Student: Jane Bredenkamp
Thesis Title: Characterization of tolerance to bacterial wilt in the model plant Arabidopsis
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Student: Marike du Plessis
Thesis Title: Phylo- and comparative genomics of the Pantoea core genome
Supervisor: Prof. S. N. Venter
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. E. T. Steenkamp, Dr. M. P. A. Coetzee
Student: Arista Fourie
Thesis Title: Distinguishing between cryptic species in the Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu lato species complex
Supervisor: Dr. I. Barnes
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Tracy A. Godlonton
Thesis Title: Mating locus structure and a gene duplication in Ceratocystis species
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Maria P. Haasbroek
Thesis Title: Characterization of Exserohilum turcicum isolates within South African maize production areas
Supervisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Co-advisor: Dr. I. Barnes
Student: Darryl A. Herron
Thesis Title: Characterization of Fusarium species from Pinus and Eucalyptus nurseries in Colombia and South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Tondani Kone
Thesis Title: The characterization and evolution of pheromone receptors in the Sordariomycetes
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisor: G. Fourie, Dr. N. A. van der Merwe, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Thesis Title: Identification of unique genes in the genome of Fusarium circinatum and the development of a robust diagnostic technique using these sequences
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Student: Dora N. Ngoepe
Thesis Title: Genotyping-by-sequencing of sweet-stem and grain sorghum for genetic mapping
Supervisor: Dr. B. G. Crampton
Student: Caryn N. Oates
Thesis Title: Transcriptional responses of Eucalyptus clones to the gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisors: Prof. A. A. Myburg, Prof. B. Slippers
Student: Desre S. Pinard
Thesis Title: Genome-wide analysis of carbohydrate active enzyme diversity and expression in Eucalyptus grandis
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. F. Joubert, Dr. E. Mizrachi
Student: Anandi Reitmann
Thesis Title: ldentification of pathogenicity genes in Phytophthora cinnamomi
Supervisor: Dr. N. van den Berg
Co-advisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Ronel Roberts
Thesis Title: 'Candidatus Liberibacters' found in four indigenous Rutaceous species from South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen
Student: Nicole Rudolph
Thesis Title: Efficacy of selected rhizobacterial isolates for biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani and growth promotion of maize in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Student: Rynhard Smit
Thesis Title: Evaluation of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Simple Sequence Repeat markers in Moringa oleifera (Iam.) to establish population diversity
Supervisor: Dr. J. Vorster
Student: Ariska van der Nest
Thesis Title: Comparative study of Epicoccum sorghinum in southern Africa
Supervisor: Prof. G. J. Marais
Co-advisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Student: Ida C. van Jaarsveld
Thesis Title: Basal prometer landscape in Eucalyptus grandis: Annotation of distal transcription start sites and core promoter usage
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. F. Joubert, Dr. E. Mizrachi
Student: Febe E. Wilken
Thesis Title: Establishment of a compatible pathosystem between Eucalyptus nitens and Phytophthora cinnamomi to determine host transcriptional responses
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisors: Prof. A. A. Myburg, Dr. N. van den Berg
Student: Amy Lorraine Wooding
Thesis Title: Sex determination and symbiont transmission in the Sirex-Amylostereum mutualism
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Greeff, Dr. B. P. Hurley, Dr. J. R. Garnas, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
2013
Student: Magdeleen du Plessis
Thesis Title: Cysteine proteases activity and gene expression studies in soybean nodules during development and drought stress
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. B. J. Vorster
Student: Darryl Arthur Herron
Thesis Title: Characterization of Fusarium species from Pinus and Eucalyptus nurseries in Colombia and South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Zander Rainier Human
Thesis Title: The diversity and ecology of actinomycetes associated with environments dominated by ophiostomatoid fungi
Supervisor: Prof. S. N. Venter
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Prof. B. Slippers, Dr. Z. W. de Beer
Student: Gugulethu Kubheka
Thesis Title: Colonisation patterns of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis in potato plants
Supervisor: Dr. L. N. Moleleki
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Student: Alinke Labuschagne
Thesis Title: Efficacy and crop tolerance of Stamina (pyraclostrobin) and Flite (triticonazole) seed treatment formulations against Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia soilborne diseases of maize
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Mphariseni Mashavha
Thesis Title: Characterisation of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis isolates causing blackleg and soft rot diseases of potato in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. L. N. Moleleki
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Student: Aobakwe Mongae
Thesis Title: The interaction between root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and soft rot Enterobacteriaceae (Pectobacterium spp.) and their host Solanum tuberosum
Supervisor: Dr. L. N. Moleleki
Student: Jan Hendrik Nagel
Thesis Title: Species of Phytophthora associated with a native ecosystem in Gauteng
Supervisor: Dr. M. Gryzenhout
Co-advisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Nokukhanya N. Nxumalo
Thesis Title: Occurrence, identification and a potential management strategy for Fusarium species causing wilt of potatoes in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. J. E. van der Waals
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Student: Edward M. Onkendi
Thesis Title: Characterization of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) parasitizing potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) from South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. L. N. Moleleki
Student: Adele Prinsloo
Thesis Title: Molecular approaches to determine the bacterial diversity of selected water samples
Supervisor: Prof. S. N. Venter
Co-advisors: Dr. M. du Preez
Student: Siphathele Sibanda
Thesis Title: Role of quorum sensing in the virulence of Pantoea ananatis
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Theron
Student: Sophia van Coller
Thesis Title: Characterizing mutagenesis in Fusarium circinatum
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Mrs. G. Fourie, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Lindsay van Niekerk
Thesis Title: Establishment of tissue culture plants for the evaluation of defence-related genes in Persea americana Mill.
Supervisor: Dr. N. van den Berg
Student: Olivier Zablocki
Thesis Title: Unbiased, next-generation sequencing to the characterization of Citrus tristeza virus populations
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Theron
2012
Student: Chrizelle Winsie Beukes
Thesis Title: Characterisation of bacteria associated with the root nodules of Hypocalyptus and related genera
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. S. N. Venter, Dr. I. J. Law
Student: Gabrielle D. Carstensen
Student: Wai Yin Chan
Student: John Barry Christie
Student: Katrin Natalie Elsbeth Fitza
Student: Felix Fon Fru
Student: Waheed Mahomed
Thesis Title: Bacterial endophytes in the leaves of Pavetta spp. with a specific focus on those causing leaf nodules
Supervisor: Dr. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. S. N. Venter
Thesis Title: Genome assembly and metabolic pathway reconstruction of Pantoea ananatis LMG20103
Supervisor: Prof. S. N. Venter
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Thesis Title: Determining the phenotypic resistance mechanisms in avocado against Phytophthora cinnamomi
Supervisor: Dr. N. van den Berg
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling, Dr. K. G. Pegg
Student: Juanita Engelbrecht
Thesis Title: Studying the interaction between Phytophthora cinnamomi and Persea americana using gene expression profiling and pathogen quantification
Supervisor: Dr. N. van den Berg
Thesis Title: Investigation of induced resistance against Fusarium circinatum in Pinus patula
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisors: Prof. A. A. Myburg, Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Thesis Title: Ceratocystis species on timber harvested for export in Ghana
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Dr. G. K. Nkuekam
Thesis Title: Sequencing ESTs of the avocado transcriptome to study the tolerant response to Phytophthora cinnamomi
Supervisor: Dr. N. van den Berg
Student: Angelica Marsberg
Thesis Title: Diversity and distribution of fungal endophytes associated with native Syzygium cordatum in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. M. Gryzenhout
Co-advisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Mulalo E. Menutanzhela
Thesis Title: Establishment of an efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol for Hoodia gordonii
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisors: Dr. R. Chikwamba, Dr. B. Crampton
Student: Lunghile Mthombeni
Thesis Title: Characterization of Burkholderia species associated with the root nodules of legumes indigenous to South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. S. N. Venter
Student: Ronishree Naidoo
Thesis Title: Expression profiling marker genes of the salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate signalling pathways in Eucalyptus grandis
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisors: Prof. D. K. Berger, Prof. A. A. Myburg
Student: Dina Paciura
Student: Mmatshepho Malekgale Phasha
Student: Kerry-Anne Pillay
Student: Jamie-Lee Sauer
Thesis Title: Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with bark beetles in China
Supervisor: Mr. Z. W. de Beer
Co-advisors: Dr. X. D. Zhou, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Thesis Title: Intron architecture in Fusarium
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Dr. M. P. A. Coetzee
Thesis Title: Diversity and spatial distribution of fungal endophytes in a Eucalyptus grandis tree
Supervisor: Dr. M. Gryzenhout
Co-advisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Priyen Pillay
Thesis Title: Expression of the VP1 antigen from foot-and-mouth disease virus in a bacterial and plant-based expression system
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. R. Chikwamba
Thesis Title: The subcellular localization of Eucalyptus grandis sucrose synthase 1 (EgSUSY1) fusion proteins expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Dr. S. Naidoo, Prof. D. Berger
Student: Melissa Claire Simpson
Thesis Title: Microsatellite analysis of Ceratocystis fimbriata
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Dr. M. P. A. Coetzee, Mr. M. P. Wilken
Student: Ancel C. Stewart
Thesis Title: Bacterial endophytes associated with Eucalyptus nitens clones
Supervisor: Prof. S. N. Venter
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Student: Johannes Alwyn van der Linde
Thesis Title: Factors associated with the decline of Euphorbia ingens in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Prof. D. Six
Student: Marcele Vermeulen
Thesis Title: Diversity and host range of the Cryphonectriaceae in southern Africa
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Dr. M. Gryzenhout
2011
Student: Marc Clement Bouwer
Thesis Title: Identification of volatile organic compounds from Eucalyptus detected by Gonipterus scutellatus (Gyllenhal) females
Supervisor: Prof. E. Rohwer
Co-advisors: Prof. B. Slippers, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Therese Corine de Castro
Thesis Title: Analysis of Arabidopsis plants transformed with AtPRX34 for defence against bacterial wilt
Supervisor: Dr. S. Naidoo
Co-advisors: Prof. A. A. Myburg, Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Lisa-Danélle de Wet
Thesis Title: Monitoring of Fusarium circinatum spore loads in South African forest seedling nurseries
Supervisor: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Dr. N. B. Jones
Student: Carlo Stefan Jackson
Thesis Title: Significance of photosynthesis and the photosynthesis related genes TMP14, FBPase and P700 in Russian wheat aphid resistant wheat
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: Simon Henry Martin
Thesis Title: Mating type and pheromone genes in the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex: an evolutionary perspective
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. E. T. Steenkamp, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Abigail Lufuno Mashamba
Thesis Title: Detection of protease and protease inhibitors during development of soybean crown nodules
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. U. Schlüter
Student: Maria Thuto Matsioloko
Thesis Title: Using cDNA-AFLP and microarray analysis for rapid identification of Diuraphis noxia induced genes from near-isogenic Triticum aestivum lines
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: Xolile Osmond Mnyamelezi Mlonyeni
Thesis Title: High throughput development of population genetic markers for the Sirex noctilio woodwasp and its nematode parasite, Deladenus siricidicola
Supervisor: Prof. B. Slippers
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Mmoledi M. Mphahlele
Thesis Title: Site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis of Eucalyptus sucrose synthase 1 (EgSuSy1) in Arabidopsis thaliana
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Dr. S. Naidoo
Student: Bernice Porter
Student: Aisha Bibi Mahomed Ali
Student: James W. M. Mehl
Student: Philip John Law
Thesis Title: Pathogenicity and competition studies on Fusarium circinatum, a pathogen of pine trees
Supervisor: Prof. T. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: David A. Read
Thesis Title: Citrus tristeza virus populations in Grapefruit trees, pre-immunized with two different cross-protecting sources
Supervisor: Prof. G. Pietersen
Student: Cornelis Arnold Schriek
Thesis Title: Analysis and standardization of marker genotype data for DNA fingerprinting applications
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. F. Joubert
Student: Irene Schoeman
Thesis Title: Evaluation of two viral vectors for virus-induced gene silencing in pearl millet
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. I. Hein
Student: Janine F. Silberbauer
Thesis Title: Deep digital gene expression profiling during early and late tension wood formation in Eucalyptus trees
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. F. Joubert, Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Lorinda Swart
Thesis Title: Pantoea and Xanthomonas species associated with blight and die-back of Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. S. N. Venter
Student: Liesl E. van der Linden
Thesis Title: The genetic basis of resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Kil-O against Ralstonia solanacearum isolate DSCF400 from Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. S. Naidoo
Student: Stefan George van Wyk
Thesis Title: Improving the inhibitory potency of papaya cystatin, using site-directed mutagenesis
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. B. J. Vorster
Student: Erika Viljoen
Thesis Title: Morphology and genetic relationships in members of the Solanum nigrum L. complex used for jam production in the Highveld of South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Prof. A. E. van Wyk, Dr. A. van Schalkwyk
Student: Tania Weller
Thesis Title: Identification and characterisation of pili and fimbriae mediating attachment of Pantoea ananatis to Eucalyptus leaf surfaces
Supervisor: Prof. J. Theron
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Dr. I. Toth
2010
Student: Donald Chungu
Thesis Title: Pathogens associated with plantation tree diseases in Zambia
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Dr. A. Muimba-Kankolongo, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Nanette Coetzer
Thesis Title: SSHscreen and SSHdb: software for microarray-based screening and sequence management of cDNA libraries
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Pranitha Dawlal
Thesis Title: Resistance of maize cultivars against the infestation of mycotoxigenic fungi
Supervisor: Prof. G. J. Marais
Co-advisors: Dr. E. Barros
Student: Marija Kvas
Thesis Title: Characterisation of Fusarium species associated with floral malformation of Syzygium cordatum
Supervisor: Dr. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Prof. W. F. O. Marasas, Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Thesis Title: Production of pyrazine flavours by mycelial fungi
Supervisor: Prof. G. J. Marais
Co-advisors: Prof. E. R. Rohwer, Prof. P. J. van Zyl
Student: Grant Robert McNair
Thesis Title: Whole-tree and tension wood-associated expression profiles of microRNAs in Eucalyptus trees
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Theron
Thesis Title: Fungi associated with the die-back of Pterocarpus angolensis (kiaat) in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Roux, Prof. C. J. Geldenhuys
Student: Tinyiko E. Mokoena
Student: Marja Mirjam O'Neill
Student: Thia Schultz
Thesis Title: Establishment of a transformation procedure to study the role of trypsin inhibitors in soybean
Supervisor: Dr. R. Chikwamba
Thesis Title: Functional genetic analysis of the Eucalyptus grandis cellulose synthase 1 (EgCesA1) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Dr. S. Naidoo
Thesis Title: Profiling of wounding and Diuraphis noxia induced transcripts in hexaploid wheat using cDNA-AFLP analysis
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
2009
Student: Johanna Wilhelmina Grobbelaar
Thesis Title: Taxonomy, phylogeny and species diversity in the Ophiostoma quercus complex
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. P. Bloomer, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Thesis Title: Development and application of analysis modules in MADIBA, a web-based toolkit for the interpretation of microarray data
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Joubert
Student: Mamodise Happy-Girl Maleme
Thesis Title: Characterization of latent Botryosphaeriaceae on diverse Eucalyptus species
Supervisor: Dr. B. Slippers
Co-advisors: Ms. D. Pavlic, Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Vuledzani Gloria Muthelo
Thesis Title: Molecular characterisation of Ganoderma species
Supervisor: Dr. M. P. A. Coetzee
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Dr. M. Bogale
Student: Francois Johannes Jacobus van der Walt
Thesis Title: Botryosphaeriaceae associated with native Acacia species in southern Africa with special reference to A. mellifera
Supervisor: Dr. G. J. Marais
Co-advisors: Dr. B. Slippers, Prof. J. Roux, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student:Johanna Jacoba van der Merwe
Thesis Title: Etiology of soft rot and blackleg on potatoes in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. J. E. van der Waals
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. L. Korsten
Student: Natalie Rachel van Zuydam
Thesis Title: Identification of Leptographium species by oligonucleotide mismatch discrimination on a DNA microarray
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Dr. K. Jacobs
Student: Pieter Marthinus Wilken
Thesis Title: Identification and application of mating type gene sequences in Ophiostoma
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Mr. Z. W. de Beer
2008
Student: Gerda Britz
Thesis Title: Water quality of citrus dip tanks and the impact of Salmonella species in the citrus export chain
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. S. N. Venter
Student: Rosita Endah
Thesis Title: Isolation and characterization of two NPR1 genes in banana
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. R. Chikwamba, Dr. N. van den Berg
Student: Gerda Fourie
Thesis Title: Evolutionary biology of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
Supervisor: Prof. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Prof. T. R. Gordon, Dr. E. T. Steenkamp
Student: Tanja Meyer
Thesis Title: Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense for pathogenicity gene analysis
Supervisor: Prof. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Dr. A. C. L. Churchill
Student: Izette Greyling
Thesis Title: Pantoea spp. associated with leaf and stem diseases of Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. S. N. Venter, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Kabengele Muzela Kalonji
Thesis Title: Evaluation of three fungicides for control of soilborne diseases of lettuce seedlings
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. J. E. van der Waals, Prof. N. Labuschagne
Student: Sadiki Delphin Kandolo
Thesis Title: Effect of fungicide seed treatments on germination and vigour of maize seed
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. Q. Kritzinger
Student: Claire Louise Munro
Thesis Title: Identification of defence-related genes in banana against the Fusarium wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
Supervisor: Prof. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Dr. N. van den Berg, Prof. A. A. Myburg
Student: Francina Lebogang Phalane
Thesis Title: The diversity of root nodule bacteria associated with Lebeckia species in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. E. T. Steenkamp
Co-advisors: Dr. I. J. Law
Student: Owen Luke Solomon
Thesis Title: Diurnal and circadian regulation of wood formation in Eucalyptus trees
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Marthin Tarigan
Thesis Title: Ceratocystis and Botryosphaeriaceae on plantation Acacia species in Central Sumatra, Indonesia
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. J. Roux, M. van Wyk, Dr. B. Tjahjono
Student: Dewald Zaayman
Thesis Title: Elucidation of Diuraphis noxia biotype-specific responses in Triticum aestivum (98M370 Dn7)
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
2007
Student: Roger Cuan Bagnall
Thesis Title: Control of Pythium wilt and root rot of hydroponically grown lettuce by means of chemical treatment of the nutrient solution
Supervisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Theo Frederik Bekker
Thesis Title: Efficacy of water soluble silicon for control of Phytophthora cinnamomi root rot of avocado
Supervisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Co-advisors: Dr. J. H. van der Waals, Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Aneen Belgrove
Thesis Title: Biological control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense using non pathogenic F. oxysporum endophytes
Supervisor: Prof. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Dr. C. Steinberg
Student: Nicole Marie Creux
Thesis Title: Isolation and characterization of the cellulose synthase promoters of Eucalyptus trees
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Minique Hilda de Castro
Thesis Title: Allelic diversity in the CAD2 and LIM1 lignin biosynthetic genes of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and E. smithii R. T. Baker
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Student: Elsie Magrietha de Meyer
Thesis Title: Fungi from utility poles in South Africa: Taxonomy, phylogeny and effect on wood
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Mr. Z. W. de Beer
Student: Christiaan Giesel
Thesis Title: Transformation of tobacco with a lupin chitinase gene under control of a stress inducible promoter
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. B. Crampton
Student: Charline Kausana Kamburona
Thesis Title: Evaluating the genetic diversity and performance of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) lines
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Dr. A. Cilliers
Student: Gilbert Kamgan Nkuekam
Thesis Title: Ceratocystis and Ophiostoma species infecting wounds on hardwood trees, with particular reference to South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Dr. K. Jacobs, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: John Peter Kemp
Thesis Title: Allele diversity in cellulose synthase genes of the tropical pine species Pinus patula Schiede ex Schlect. & Cham.
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. E. Jansen van Rensburg
Student: Daniel Mkhathazi Khumalo
Thesis Title: Evaluation of fungicide seed treatments to control seedling diseases of cowpea
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. Q. Kritzinger
Student: Ndivhuho Agnes Makhado
Thesis Title: Epiphytic and endophytic members of the Enterobacteriaceae associated with heathy Eucalyptus trees
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. S. N. Venter
Student: Frank Mathabatha Maleka
Thesis Title: Allelic diversity in cellulose and lignin biosynthetic genes of Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. P. Bloomer
Student: Celia Marilia Martins
Thesis Title: The expression of Bt Cry1Ac in transformed cotton under abiotic stress
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. K. Kruger
Student: Mariette Truter
Thesis Title: Etiology and alternative control of potato rhizoctoniasis in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. F. C. Wehner
Student: Leon van Eck
Thesis Title: Aphid-induced transcriptional regulation in near-isogenic wheat
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Prof. N. L. V. Lapitan
Student: Rosetta Andrews van Zyl
Thesis Title: Elucidation of possible virulence factors present in Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) biotypes' saliva
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: Michelle Victor
Thesis Title: MicroRNAs in the differentiating tissues of Populus and Eucalyptus trees
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. H. Huismans
Student: Michelle Wilmot
Thesis Title: Inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi on selected vegetable crops by catechins, caffeine, theanine and extracts of Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze
Supervisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Co-advisors: Dr. Z. Apostolides
2006
Student: Jane Boshoff
Thesis Title: Biological control of Pythium wilt and root rot in hydroponically grown lettuce
Supervisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Student: Natalie Ruth Feltman
Thesis Title: Development of the polygalacturonase inhibiting protein (PGIP) for delivery of foreign proteins to the surfaces of plant cells
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. M. Cloete
Student: Susan Groenewald
Thesis Title: Biology, pathogenicity and diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
Supervisor: Dr. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Prof. W. F. O. Marasas, Mrs. N. van den Berg
Student: Almuth Hammerbacher
Thesis Title: The ecology and epidemiology of Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pitch canker of pine
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Brett Hurley
Thesis Title: Fungus gnats in forest nurseries and their possible role as vectors of Fusarium circinatum
Supervisor: Dr. P. Govender
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Willeke Keesenberg
Thesis Title: Food safety and quality throughout the apple export chain
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Student: Zelda Pieterse
Thesis Title: Mycogone perniciosa, a pathogen of Agaricus bisporus
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. P. N. Labuschagne
Student: Tshekgene Moses Ramusi
Thesis Title: Biological and chemical control of fungal seedling diseases of cowpea
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. J. van der Waals, Prof. N. Labuschagne
Student: Liesl Stonkhorst
Thesis Title: The effect of soil chemical properties and plant nutrition on the growth of banana (Musa acuminata L.A. Colla) plants infected with Fusarium wilt
Supervisor: Dr. J. van der Waals
Co-advisors: Dr. A. Viljoen, Prof. A. Claasens
Student: Rene Sutherland
Thesis Title: Genetic modification of Cavendish Bananas (Musa spp.) in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Dr. J.-V. Escalant, Dr. R. Chikwamba, Prof. K. J. Kunert
Student: Honghai Zhou
Thesis Title: Isolation and functional genetic analysis of Eucalyptus wood formation genes
Supervisor: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Co-advisors: Prof. D. K. Berger
2005
Student: Colleen Michelle Aldous
Thesis Title: University level genetics students' competencies in selected science process skills
Supervisor: Prof. J. M. Rogan
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Carrie Louise Brady
Thesis Title: Taxonomy of Pantoea associated with bacterial blight of Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Dr. S. N. Venter
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Student: Besrat Tesfagiorgis Demoz
Thesis Title: Alternative application methods of antagonists to avocado flowers to control stem-end rot pathogens
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. G. M. Swart
Student: Franco Bauer du Preez
Thesis Title: Tracking nucleotide-binding-site-leucine-rich-repeat resistance gene analogues in the wheat genome complex
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Prof. A. A. Myburg
Student: Maria M. Geldenhuis
Thesis Title: Studies on fungi associated with dying Schizolobium parahybum in Ecuador
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. J. Roux, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Veloshinie Govender
Thesis Title: Evaluation of biological control systems for control of mango postharvest diseases
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. T. J. C. Regnier
Student: Wilma Havenga
Thesis Title: Mode of action of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 55466 as biocontrol agent of postharvest diseases of avocado
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Student: Lancelot Maphosa
Thesis Title: Molecular and biochemical characterization of Armillaria
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof M. J. Wingfield, Dr. M. P. A. Coetzee, Dr. E. Mwenje
Student: Fhumulani Mathilda Mashau
Thesis Title: Risk assessment of fire blight on pome fruits in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Student: Lerato Matsaunyane
Thesis Title: Isolation and characterization of the apple polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein 2 gene
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. D. Oelofse
Student: Draginja Pavlic
Thesis Title: Botryosphaeria species on native South African Syzygium cordatum and their potential threat to Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Dr. B. Slippers
Student: Martin Ranik
Thesis Title: Expression profiling and characterization of wood formation genes in Eucalyptus
Supervisor: Dr. A. A. Myburg
Student: Johanna Petronel Weich
Thesis Title: Studies on the interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and African isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
2004
Student: Theresa Bandounas-van den Bout
Thesis Title: White rust (Albugo tragopogonis) of sunflower in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. A. Viljoen
Student: Leulseged Begashaw
Thesis Title: Utilisation of rhizosphere microflora in the biocontrol of root rot and growth enhancement of lettuce under hydroponic systems
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. N. Labuschagne, Prof. F. C. Wehner
Student: Mapula Julia Domola
Thesis Title: Survey and characterization of sweet potato viruses in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. G. J. Thompson
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Andries Fourie
Thesis Title: Biochemical mechanisms for tolerance of citrus rootstocks against Phytophthora nicotianae
Supervisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Co-advisors: Dr. Z. Apostolides
Student: Ronald Natale Heath
Thesis Title: Studies to consider the possible origins of three canker pathogens of Eucalyptus in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. J. Roux, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Elizabeth Mothibi Kola
Thesis Title: Mycoflora and polyphenolics of variously coloured seeds of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.)
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Lorenzo Lombard
Thesis Title: Fungal diseases in Eucalyptus and Acacia nurseries in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Dr. B. J. H. Janse, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Hester Catarina Lotter
Thesis Title: Characterization and expression of an endopolygalacturonase gene from the lupin anthracnose fungus identified as Colletotrichum lupini var. setosum
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Student: Mogalatjane Patrick Mphahlele
Thesis Title: Honey bee dissemination of Bacillus subtilis to citrus flowers for control of Alternaria
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Prof. R. Crewe
Student: Barbara Nel
Thesis Title: Management of Fusarium wilt of banana by means of biological and chemical control and induced resistance
Supervisor: Dr. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Dr. C. Steinberg, Prof. N. Labuschagne
Student: Marie Catherine Onanena
Thesis Title: Isolation and characterization of genome differences in the indigenous grass Monocymbium ceresiiforme
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Dr. C. van der Vyver
Student: Koreen Ramessar
Thesis Title: Genetic modification of maize by introduction of antifungal genes to confer resistance to Fusarium verticillioides
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Dr. M. O'Kennedy
Student: Mashudu Silimela
Thesis Title: Evaluation of biocontrol and sunprotectors to control mango fruit diseases and disorders
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Student: Americo Uaciquete
Thesis Title: Epidemiology and control of powdery mildew (Oidium anacardii Noack) on cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Mozambique
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Marelize van Wyk
Thesis Title: Taxonomy and population biology of selected Ceratocystis spp. with hat-shaped ascospores
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Dr. J. Roux, Mrs. I. Barnes
2003
Student: Rodrigo Ahumada
Thesis Title: Diseases in commercial Eucalyptus plantations in Chile, with special reference to Mycosphaerella and Botryosphaeria species
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Mr. G. C. Hunter, Prof. P. W. Crous
Student: Raksha Bhoora
Thesis Title: Molecular characterization of Eucalyptus grandis PGIP
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. D. K. Berger, Dr. P. M. Chimwamurombe, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Anton Jordaan
Thesis Title: Transformation of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun with melanin and indigo genes
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: Inge Maritz
Thesis Title: Evaluation of polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP)-mediated resistance against Verticillium dahliae, a fungal pathogen of potato
Supervisor: Prof. D. K. Berger
Co-advisors: Mr. D. Oelofse
Student: Grace Nakabonge
Thesis Title: Diseases associated with plantation forestry in Uganda
Supervisor: Dr. J. Roux
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Anneke Prins
Thesis Title: The protective role of Oryzacystatin-I under abiotic stress
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: Carlos A. Rodas P.
Thesis Title: Diseases of Eucalyptus in Colombia
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Dr. J. Roux, B. Slippers
Student: Angela Karen Joanna Surridge
Thesis Title: Fungi associated with banana leaf diseases in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. A. Viljoen
Co-advisors: Prof. P. W. Crous, Prof. F. C. Wehner
Student: Zacharias Hendrik Swanevelder
Thesis Title: Diversity and population structure of Clivia miniata Lindl. (Amaryllidaceae): Evidence from molecular genetics and ecology
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Prof. A. E. van Wyk, Dr. M. M. van der Merwe
Student: Barend Juan Vorster
Thesis Title: The application of representational difference analysis and plant differentiation
Supervisor: Prof. K. J. Kunert
Co-advisors: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
2002
Student: Lieschen Bahlmann
Thesis Title: Factors affecting the resistance mechanisms of the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) on wheat
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Dr. P. Govender
Student: Irene Barnes
Thesis Title: Taxonomy, phylogeny and population biology of Ceratocystis species with particular reference to Ceratocystis fimbriata
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Dr. J. Roux
Student: Zacharias Wilhelmus de Beer
Thesis Title: Ophiostoma species from hardwood sources in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Cornelia Gull
Thesis Title: Study of Pythium root diseases of hydroponically grown crops, with emphasis on lettuce
Supervisor: Prof. N. Labuschagne
Co-advisors: Prof. F. C. Wehner
Student: Gavin Craig Hunter
Thesis Title: Mycosphaerella species causing leaf blotch on Eucalyptus species in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. J. Roux, Prof. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. P. W. Crous
Student: René Jacobs
Thesis Title: Characterization of Botryosphaeria species from mango in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Mr. B. Slippers, Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Shilo Loots
Thesis Title: Isolation and characterization of Diuraphis noxia induced sequences from wheat line PI 294994
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Mr. E. Venter
Student: Catharina Aletta Magdalena Louw
Thesis Title: Antimicrobial activity of indigenous bulbous plant extracts to control selected pathogens
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. T. Regnier
Student: Margareth Vuyiswa Schoeman
Thesis Title: Comparative studies of Dothiorella on avocado
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. G. M. Swart
Student: Hendrik Sithole
Thesis Title: Integrated pest management of the banana weevil, Cosmpolites sordidus, in South Africa: A critical review of the literature
Supervisor: Dr. P. Govender
Co-advisors: Dr. A. Viljoen
Student: Wilma van Broekhuizen
Thesis Title: Detection, characterization and suppression of Ralstonia solanacearum
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Prof. P. S. Hammes
2001
Student: Appolinaire Adandonon
Thesis Title: Damping-off of cowpea in Benin and South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. N. Labuschagne
Student: Erika Elizabeth Auret
Thesis Title: Control strategies for citrus postharvest diseases
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Prof. F. C. Wehner
Student: Elsabe Botes
Thesis Title: Molecular characterization of toxin-producing and non-toxin producing strains of Microcystis aeruginosa
Supervisor: Prof. J. J. Grobbelaar
Co-advisors: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: M. Christi Burger
Thesis Title: Tolerance of citrus rootstocks to root pathogens
Supervisor: Dr. N. Labuschagne
Co-advisors: Prof. F. C. Wehner
Student: Jacqueline Heidi Doyle
Thesis Title: Determining gene flow, linkage and parental contribution in Pinus elliottii x Pinus caribaea pine hybrids
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Nomphelo Gantsho
Thesis Title: Comparison of Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaindicae from mango production areas in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. G. M. Swart
Student: Barend Johannes Henning
Thesis Title: Agricultural recycling of sewage sludge for maize and oats cultivation
Supervisor: Dr H. G. Snyman
Co-advisors: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Student: Adriaana Jacobs
Thesis Title: The genus Phialocephala: a taxonomic study
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield, Dr. K. Jacobs
Student: Quenton Kritzinger
Thesis Title: Storage fungi and mycotoxins associated with cowpea
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Prof. W. F. O. Marasas
Student: Jo-Mari Lottering
Thesis Title: Identification and characterization of molecular markers linked to leaf rust resistance gene Lr41
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Dr. F. J. Kloppers
Student: Alpheus Kgabo Matlala
Thesis Title: Detection of Erwinia spp. on potatoes
Supervisor: Prof. L. Korsten
Co-advisors: Dr. G. Swart
Student: Elisabeth Irmgard Maria Stander
Thesis Title: Cultural practices for the control of bacterial wilt of potato
Supervisor: Prof. P. S. Hammes
Co-advisors: Prof. L. Korsten
Student: Christiaan Troskie
Thesis Title: Identification and characterization of markers linked to the leaf rust resistance gene LR37
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Co-advisors: Dr. F. J. Kloppers
Student: Noëlani van den Berg
Thesis Title: A new disease of cowpea caused by Alternaria cassiae
Supervisor: Prof. T. A. S. Aveling
Co-advisors: Dr. S. Venter
2000
Student: Juanita de Wet
Thesis Title: Studies on the biology and diversity of the pine pathogen Sphaeropsis sapinea
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Nicolaas Albertus van der Merwe
Thesis Title: Molecular phylogeny and population biology studies on the Eucalyptus canker pathogen Cryphonectria cubensis
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Prof. M. G. Milgroom
Student: Marieka Venter
Thesis Title: Taxonomy and pathology of a new species of Cryphonectria from Eucalyptus in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
1999
Student: Christa Coetsee (née Visser)
Thesis Title: Molecular characterization of selected Ophiostomatoid fungi
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Student: Lynelle Lacock (MSc)
Thesis Title: Genotype variation in regeneration and transformation efficiencies of South African wheat cultivars
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
Student: Bongani Bruce O'Clive Zwelibanzi Maseko
Thesis Title: Oomycetes associated with citrus and Eucalyptus root rot in South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. T. A. Coutinho
Co-advisors: Prof. M. J. Wingfield, Mr. F. Wolfaardt
Student: Schalk Willem van Heerden
Thesis Title: Pathogenicity and variation amongst South African isolates of Cryphonectria cubensis
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Student: Eduard Venter
Thesis Title: Characterization of wheat sequences linked to Russian wheat aphid resistance
Supervisor: Prof. A.-M. Botha-Oberholster
1998
Student: Martin Petrus Albertus Coetzee
Thesis Title: Characterization of Armillaria in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. B. D. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. T. A. Coutinho, Prof M. J. Wingfield
Student: Bernard Slippers
Thesis Title: The fungal symbiont of Sirex noctilio in South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. M. J. Wingfield
Co-advisors: Dr. T. A. Coutinho, Prof. B. D. Wingfield
