Expertise
Applied ecological research with regard to nematodes in agro-ecosystems
Education
BSc (1989) and MSc (1998) – North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom, South Africa
PhD (2005) – the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium in Nematology, involving work on the in vivo evaluation of resistance to Meloidogyne incognita race 2 and identification of genetic markers for this trait in soybean.
Experience Summary
Principle research responsibilities include development of nematode management strategies on crops such as potato, maize, soybean and vegetables. This research has an interdisciplinary approach whereby disciplines such as plant and animal biodiversity, botany and zoology are integrated in research projects. Research functions include basic studies addressing the ecology and pathogenicity of economically important nematode species, particularly root-knot nematodes, and research on control mechanisms such as host plant resistance and integrated management strategies.
- NRF (National Research Foundation of SA) rated scientist
- 49 scientific articles published
- 10 chapters in books published
- Made in excess of 100 oral- and poster-presentation contributions at local and international congresses/symposia
- Supervised 12 MSc students and co-supervised of 3; supervised 6 PhD students that successfully completed their studies
- Currently supervisor of 1 Hons, 7 MSc, 5 PhD students and two Post Doctoral Fellows