
1 minute read
of wheat diseases
by WCDOA pubs

by Annelene Swanepoel
Dr Gert van Coller, Plant Pathologist in the Programme Research and Technology Development, Directorate Plant Sciences, received his PhD (Agric) in Plant Pathology from Stellenbosch University during their March graduation ceremony.
The title of his dissertation was “The identification and management of toxigenic Fusarium species associated with wheat in South Africa”.
Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Fusarium Crown Rot (FCR) of wheat are among the most destructive diseases of wheat globally. Comprehensive surveys were conducted to identify Fusarium species and mycotoxins associated with the diseases in South Africa. Field resistance to pathogens associated with FHB and FCR was determined and fungicides were identified that reduce disease incidence and toxin levels in grain. This represents the first comprehensive study of FHB and FCR in South Africa, and provides a basis for future studies on the integrated disease management of FHB through host resistance and the optimal use of fungicides.
“This represents the first comprehensive study of FHB and FCR in South Africa, and provides a basis for future studies.”
Dr Van Coller formally started this research project in 2013 and received part of the funding from the Winter Cereal Trust, confirming the importance of this research to the small grain industry. His supervisor at the university was Prof Altus Viljoen and his co-supervisor was Dr Sandra Lamprecht, a Specialist Scientist in Plant Pathology at the Agricultural Research Council (Plant Protection Research Institute) in Stellenbosch. AP
For more information, contact Annelene Swanepoel: annelenes@elsenburg.com
Every year the Department of Agriculture gives an opportunity to 30 interns to be appointed on the Premier’s Advancement of Youth (PAY) project for one year. On completion of the internship, interns with an interest to further their studies in agricultural-related field studies are then awarded bursaries. The department has a success rate of 70% of interns going into further studies after completing their oneyear internship.
The eighth intake of the PAY interns was appointed on 1 April 2018 followed by a one-week work readiness training session conducted by the Department of the Premier. A total of 30 interns arrived at the department following the initial training and commenced with a one-week orientation programme. In preparation for their placement in the different programmes the orientation included a two-day jam-packed programme varying from team building sessions, communication skills, diversity management and relationships training to presentations by all the programmes.
This department’s take on the PAY project gives matriculants an opportunity to experience various work environments