Research Focus

• Molecular plant physiology.
• Research management.

Regulation of sucrose accumulation, particularly the role played by sugar sensing and signalling mechanisms in mediating the relationship between source and sink activities.

• In conjunction with research collaborators and post-graduate students:
  Demonstrated that the sink strength (stalk sucrose content) is an important determinant of source activity (leaf photosynthesis), a relationship that may underpin certain agronomic phenomena (e.g. reduced spring growth).
• Identified commonalities in the signalling and transduction pathways for aluminium-induced and oxidative stress in sugarcane roots.
• Through gene expression profiling, found evidence that hypoxia may play a role in the regulation of stalk carbohydrate metabolism.
• NRF-rating.

Van Heerden PDR, Donaldson R, Watt DA & A Singels (2010). Biomass accumulation in sugarcane – unraveling the factors underpinning reduced growth phenomena. Journal of Experimental Botany 61: 2877-2887.

McCormick AJ, Watt DA & MD Cramer (2009). Supply and demand: sink regulation of sugar accumulation in sugarcane. Journal of Experimental Botany 60: 357-364.

McCormick AJ, Cramer MD & DA Watt (2008). Culm sucrose accumulation promotes physiological decline of mature leaves in ripening sugarcane. Field Crops Research 108: 250-258.

McCormick AJ, Cramer MD & DA Watt (2008). Differential expression of genes in the leaves of sugarcane in response to sugar accumulation. Tropical Plant Biology 1: 142-148.

McCormick AJ, Cramer MD & DA Watt (2008). Regulation of photosynthesis by sugars in sugarcane leaves. Journal of Plant Physiology 165: 1817-1829.

McCormick AJ, Cramer MD & DA Watt (2008). Changes in photosynthetic rates and gene expression of leaves during a source-sink perturbation in sugarcane. Annals of Botany 101: 89-102.

• Physiological and biochemical basis of stress tolerance in plants.
• Sugarcane quality management, with emphasis on the responsible use of chemical ripeners.
• Participatory on-farm research and knowledge exchange to promote adoption of best management practices by sugarcane farmers.

• The use of chemical ripeners for sugarcane quality management focusing on cultivar responses and climatic influences on chemical efficacy.
• Innovations facilitating on-farm sugarcane quality management decisions to enable the responsible and informed use of chemical ripeners.
• Participatory on-farm research and knowledge exchange with sugarcane farmers.

• Ensuring the responsible use of chemical ripeners in the South African sugar industry.
• Conversion of peer-reviewed research findings to best management practices for profitable and sustainable sugarcane production in South Africa.
•  

van Heerden PDR (2019). Response of selected South African coastal sugarcane varieties to chemical ripeners: Active ingredient effectiveness and associated impacts on grower and miller sustainability. International Sugar Journal 121: 902 – 904.

Van Antwerpen R, van Heerden PDR, Tweddle P, Cheong RN & Riviere V (2018). Advances in harvesting and transport of sugarcane. In: Achieving sustainable cultivation of sugarcane Volume 1: Cultivation techniques, quality and sustainability, Rott P (Ed.), pp. 203 – 234, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK, ISBN: 978-1-78676-144-6.

van Heerden PDR, Adendorff MW, Lagerwall G, Botha P, Cronjé CPR, van der Merwe J, Nel N, Smith P, Höll E, Hyslop G, Smith V, Harris A., Harris W, Mhlongo JB, Harris DM & Dheopursad J (2015). Grower – Extensionist – Researcher partnerships: On-farm demonstration trials to facilitate adoption of chemical ripening. International Sugar Journal 117: 500-506.

van Heerden PDR, Mbatha TP & Ngxaliwe S (2015). Chemical ripening of sugarcane with trinexapac-ethyl (Moddus®) – Mode of action and comparative efficacy. Field Crops Research 181: 69-75.

van Heerden PDR, Singels A, Paraskevopoulos A & Rossler R (2015). Negative effects of lodging on irrigated sugarcane productivity – an experimental and crop modelling assessment. Field Crops Research 180: 135-142.

van Heerden PDR (2014). Differential acclimation capacity to frost in sugarcane varieties grown under field conditions. Plant Growth Regulation 72: 181 – 187.

van Heerden PDR (2014). Evaluation of Trinexapac-ethyl (Moddus®) as a new chemical ripener for the South African sugarcane industry. Sugar Tech 16(3): 295-299.

van Heerden PDR, Eggleston G & Donaldson RA (2014). Ripening and Post-harvest deterioration. In: Sugarcane Physiology, Biochemistry, and Functional Biology, Botha FC and Moore PH (Eds.), pp. 55 – 84, Wiley-Blackwell, USA, ISBN: 978-0-8138-2121-4.

Lopes MS, Araus JL, van Heerden PDR & Foyer CH (2011). Enhancing drought tolerance in C4 crops. Journal of Experimental Botany 62: 3135-3153.

van Heerden PDR, Donaldson RA, Watt DA & Singels A (2010). Biomass accumulation in sugarcane – unravelling the factors underpinning reduced growth phenomena. Journal of Experimental Botany 61, 2877-2887.

Over seven years of international consultancy work and training (related to sugarcane quality management) for sugar industries in Chad, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Guatemala.

Plant Pathology, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Soil Science, Physiology & Biochemistry, Molecular Biology.

• Genomics of pest and disease resistance.
• Mechanisms of resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.
• Rapid prediction of pest and disease resistance ratings in sugarcane e.g. using Near Infrared.
• Primed epigenetic in-vitro mutation breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors.
• Plant physiological and priming effects of modern crop protection chemistries.
• Insect pest, host-plant and microbial interactions. Endophytic Beauveria  and Bacillus for pest control.
• Application of Chemical Ecology in Integrated Pest Management Systems.

• The development of NIR as a means of phenotyping pest and disease resistance in sugarcane.
• Herbicide tolerant sugarcane produced by mutagenesis.
• Fusarium resistant sugarcane produced by mutagenesis having improved resistance to Eldana saccharina.
• The production of an IPM book on eldana control.

Rutherford, R.S., Smith, G.S. and van Staden, J. (1994) Development of a meridic diet for the sugarcane borer, Eldana saccharinaWalker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Principles, problems and possible in vivo plant resistance mechanisms. Afr. Entomol. 2: 163-174.

Rutherford, R.S. and van Staden J. (1996) Towards a rapid near infra-red technique for the prediction of resistance to the sugarcane borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) using stalk surface wax. J. Chem. Ecol. 22: 681-693.

Rutherford, R.S. (1998) Prediction of resistance in sugarcane to the stalk borer Eldana saccharina Walker by near infrared spectroscopy on crude bud scale extracts. The involvement of chlorogenates and flavonoids. J. Chem. Ecol. 24: 1447-1463

Thokoane, L.N. and Rutherford, R.S. (2001) cDNA-AFLP differential display of sugarcane (Saccharum spp, hybrids) genes induced by challenge with the fungal pathogen Ustilago scitaminea (sugarcane smut). Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 75: 104-107.

Heinze, B.S., Thokoane, L.N., Williams, N.J., Barnes, J.M. and Rutherford, R.S. (2001) The smut-sugarcane interaction as a model system for the integration of marker discovery and gene isolation. Proc. S. Afr. Sug. Technol. Ass 75: 88-93.

Butterfield, M., Rutherford, R., Carson, D. and Huckett, B. (2004) Application of gene discovery to varietal improvement in sugarcane. SA J. Bot. 70: 167-172.

Rutherford R.S. (2007) Sugarcane Diseases, ecology, and control. In D. Pimentel (Ed.), Encyclopaedia of Pest Management Vol 2.pp 643-646. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis. ISBN 13: 978-1-4200-5361-6

Keeping, M.G., Rutherford, R.S. and Conlong, D.E. (2007) Bt maize as a potential trap crop for management of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lep., Pyralidae) in sugarcane. J. Appl. Entomol. 131: 241-250.

Conlong, D.E. and Rutherford, R.S. (2009) Conventional and New Biological and Habitat Interventions for Integrated Pest Management Systems: Review and Case Studies using Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). In R. Peshin & A.K. Dhawan (Eds.), Integrated Pest Management Vol. 1: Innovation-Development Process, Springer, ISBN 978-1-4020-8991-6.

McFarlane, S.A., Govender, P. and Rutherford, R.S. (2009) Interactions between Fusarium species from sugarcane and the stalk borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Ann. Appl. Biol. 155: 349-359

Ramgareeb , S., Snyman, S.J., van Antwerpen, T. and Rutherford, R.S. (2010) Elimination of virus and rapid propagation of disease-free sugarcane (Saccharum spp. cultivar NCo376) using apical meristem culture. Plant Cell, Tissue Organ Cult. 100: 175-181.

Way, M.J., Conlong, D.E. and Rutherford, R.S. (2012) Biosecurity against invasive alien insect pests: A case study of Chilo sacchariphagus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the southern African region. Int. Sugar J. 114: 359-363.

Koch, A.C., Ramgareeb, S., Rutherford, R.S., Snyman, S.J. & Watt, M.P. (2012) An in vitro mutagenesis protocol for the production of sugarcane tolerant to the herbicide imazapyr. In Vitro Cellular Devel.Biol. – Plant 48: 417-427.

Goble, T.A., Costet, L., Robene, I., Nibouche, S., Rutherford, R.S., Conlong, D. and Hill, M. (2012) Beauveria brongniartii epizootics on white grubs attacking sugarcane in South Africa. J. Invert. Pathol. 111: 225-236.

Mahlanza, T., Rutherford, R.S., Snyman, S.J. and Watt, M.P. (2013) In vitro generation of somaclonal variant plants of sugarcane for tolerance to Fusarium sacchari. Plant Cell Rep. 32: 249-262.

Munsamy, A., Rutherford, R.S., Snyman, S.J. and Watt, M.P. (2013). 5-Azacytidine as a tool to induce somaclonal variants with useful traits in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Plant Biotech. Rep. 7: 489-502.

Rutherford, R.S. (2014) Mechanisms of Resistance to Pests and Pathogens in Sugarcane and Related Species. In F.C. Botha & P.H. Moore (Eds.), Sugarcane Physiology, Biochemistry, and Functional Biology. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-0-8138-2121-4.

Rutherford, R.S., Snyman, S.J. and Watt, M.P. (2014) In vitro studies on somaclonal variation and induced mutagenesis: Progress and prospects in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) – a review. J.Hort. Sci. & Biotech. 89: 1-16.

Rhodes, R., Berry, S.D., Ramouthar, P.V. and Rutherford, R.S. (2014) Evaluation of Desmodium uncinatum, Fagopyrum esculentumand Brachiaria humidicola as potential green manure crops for nematode management in sugarcane. S Afr. J. Plant Soil. 31: 25–33.

Sabatier, D.R., Moon, C.M., Mhora, T.T., Rutherford, R.S. and Laing, M.D. (2014) Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy as a high-throughput screening tool for pest and disease resistance in a sugarcane breeding programme. Int. Sugar J. 116: 580-583.

Ghai, M., Singh, V., Martin, L.A., McFarlane, S.A., van Antwerpen, T. and Rutherford, R.S. (2014) A rapid and visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay to detect Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli targeting a transposase gene. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 59: 648-657.

Mahlanza, T., Rutherford, R.S., Snyman, S.J. and Watt, M.P. (2014) Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) resistance in sugarcane (Saccharum sp.): Effects of Fusarium spp., stalk rind, fibre and nitrogen content. Afr. Entomol. 22: 810-822.

Keeping, M.G., Rutherford, R.S., Sewpersad, C. and Miles, N. (2015) Provision of nitrogen as ammonium rather than nitrate increases silicon uptake in sugarcane. AoB PLANTS 7: plu080; doi:10.1093/aobpla/plu080

Way, M.J., Conlong, D.E., Martin, L.A., McFarlane, S.A., Stranack, R., Keeping, M.G. and Rutherford, R.S. (2015). First record of yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Homoptera: Aphididae), in the South African sugarcane industry. International Sugar Journal, 117: 654-656.

Mahlanza, T., Rutherford, R.S., Snyman, S.J. and Watt, M.P. (2015) Potential of Fusarium sacchari-tolerant mutants in controlling Eldana saccharina and borer-associated Fusarium stem rot in sugarcane. European Journal of Plant Pathology 141: online.

Keeping, M.G., Miles, N. and Rutherford, R.S. (2017). Liming an acid soil treated with diverse silicon sources: effects on silicon uptake by sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). Journal of Plant Nutrition. 40: 1417-1436.

Martin, L.A., Evans, D.L., Castlebury, L.A., Sifundza, J.T., Comstock, J.C., Rutherford, R.S. and McFarlane, S.A. (2017). Macruropyxis fulva sp. nov., an undescribed rust (Pucciniales) infecting sugarcane in southern Africa. Australasian Plant Pathology 46: 63-74 DOI 10.1007/s13313-016-0460-1

Martin, L.A., Rutherford, R.S. and McFarlane, S.A. (2017). Touchdown PCR assay for the rapid diagnosis of tawny rust caused by Macruropyxis fulva on sugarcane. Australasian Plant Pathology 46: 103-105 DOI 10.1007/s13313-016-0464-x

Rutherford, R.S., Maphalala, K.Z., Koch, A.C., Snyman, S.J. and Watt, M.P. (2017). Field and laboratory assessments of sugarcane mutants selected in vitro for resistance to the imidazolinone herbicide imazapyr. Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology, 17: 107-114.

• Crop physiological basis of stress tolerance in plants
• Remote sensing (UAV pilot)
• Sugarcane model application
• Statistical data analysis

• Understanding the physiological trait mechanisms driving sugarcane stress tolerance and crop performance
• Investigating the potential for using crop physiological knowledge, remote sensing and crop modelling to enhance plant breeding
• High-throughput phenotyping technologies
• Use of remote sensing (UAV) technologies to advance maturity-based cane quality management, and ultimately increase grower profitability and encourage more judicious use of agrochemicals for ripening

Hoffman, N., Singels, A., Patton, A., & Ramburan, S. (2018) Predicting genotypic differences in irrigated sugarcane yield using the Canegro model and independent trait parameter estimates. European Journal of Agronomy, 96, 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2018.01.005

Hoffman, N. (2016) Pot trial phenotyping to predict sugarcane genotype field performance with the Canegro model. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

Hoffman, N., & and Singels, A. (2019) Evaluating the use of aerially captured spectral data for characterising drought-tolerance traits in sugarcane. Proceedings of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Australia. 30 April – 3 May 2019.

Hoffman, N., Singels, A., & and Joshi, S. (2020) Remote sensing of physiological traits with drones to assist sugarcane breeding: Preliminary results. Combined Congress of the South African Society for Crop Production, Soil Science Society of South Africa, Southern African Society for Horticultural Sciences and Southern African Weed Science Society, Bloemfontein. 20-23 January 2020.

• B.Sc. Hons (Chemical, molecular & cellular sciences)- University of Cape Town
• M.Sc. Crop Science- University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Ph.D. Crop Science- University of KwaZulu-Natal (in progress)

Remote sensing, GIS, Statistical data analysis, Supervised learning, Digital image processing.

Precision agriculture; developing models using geospatial data and related technologies for optimising sugarcane farming, and modelling plant stress resulting from climate change and pest & disease.

To implement and support the sugarcane industry’s Agriculture 4.0 initiatives.

Hacking C, Poona N, & Poblete Echeverría C 2020. Vineyard yield estimation using 2-D proximal remote sensing: a multitemporal analysis. Oeno one 54(4), 793-812.

Loggenberg K & Poona N 2020. A feature selection approach for terrestrial hyperspectral image analysis. South African Journal of Geomatics 9(2), 302-320.

Poona NK & Ismail R 2019. Developing optimized spectral indices using machine learning to model Fusarium circinatum stress in Pinus radiata seedlings. Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 13(3): 034515. doi:10.1117/1.JRS.13.034515.

Hacking C, Poona N, Manzan N, & Poblete-Echeverría C 2019. Investigating 2-D and 3-D proximal remote sensing techniques for vineyard yield estimation. Sensors 19(3652). doi:10.3390/s19173652.

Loggenberg K, Strever A, Greyling B, & Poona N 2018. Modelling water stress in a shiraz vineyard using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning. Remote Sensing 10(202). doi:10.3390/rs10020202.

Poona N, Van Niekerk A, & Ismail R 2016. Investigating the utility of oblique tree-based ensembles for the classification of hyperspectral data. Sensors, 16(11): 1918.

Poona N, Van Niekerk A, Nadel R, & Ismail R 2016. Random Forest (RF) wrappers for waveband selection and classification of hyperspectral data. Applied Spectroscopy 70(2): 322-333.

Poona N & Ismail R 2014. Using Boruta-selected spectroscopic wavebands for the asymptomatic detection of Fusarium circinatum stress. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing 7(9): 3764-3772.

Poona N, Ismail R 2013. Discriminating the occurrence of pitch canker fungus in Pinus radiata trees using QuickBird imagery and artificial neural networks. Southern Forests 75(1): 29-40.

Poona N & Ismail R 2013. Reducing hyperspectral data dimensionality using random forest based wrappers. Proceedings of International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS2013), 21-26 July, Melbourne, Australia. IEEE ISBN 978-1-4799-1114-1/13: 1470-1473.

Poona N & Ismail R 2012. Discriminating the early stages of Fusarium circinatum infection in Pinus radiata seedlings using high spectral resolution data. Proceedings of International Conference of the African Association of Remote Sensing and the Environment (AARSE2012), 29 October-2 November, El Jadida, Morocco.

Poona N & Ismail R 2012. Discriminating the occurrence of pitch canker infection in Pinus radiata forests using high spatial resolution QuickBird data and artificial neural networks. In: Proceedings of International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS2012), 22-27 July, Munich, Germany. IEEE ISBN 978-1-4673-1159-5/12: 3371-3374.

• MSc (Environmental Science): University of KwaZulu-Natal
• PhD (Geoinformatics): Stellenbosch University

Biological Control, Entomology, Nematology, Organic Control, Technology Transfer, Project Management.

• The development and delivery of area wide IPM tools for pests, particularly Eldana
• Establishing proof-of-concept of the potential of the novel SASRI F1 sterile insect technology (SIT) to serve as an effective component of Eldana IPM
• Collaboration in research, technology development and knowledge exchange projects that require entomological expertise
• In conjunction with the SASRI Extension, Biosecurity and Knowledge Management functions, communicate on pest management issues with industry role-players and stakeholders at all levels.
• Contribute entomological expertise in support of SASRI operations and services, including:
• Production of arthropod materials for: (a) sugarcane screening trials for Eldana resistance; (b) approved research projects; and (c) the weed biocontrol agent production service; and
• Commercial studies commissioned and funded by external third parties on pest control compounds or agents deemed by SASRI to have potential value to sugarcane growers.

Malinga, L. 2005. Constraints of Cotton Pest Control in Small-scale Farming Systems. Cotton Workshop, ARC-IIC: Rustenburg, South Africa.

Malinga, L. 2005. Cotton Pests and their Lifecycle. Cotton Extension Workshop, ARC-IIC: Rustenburg, South Africa.

Malinga, L. and E. Eulitz. 2008. Organic insecticides and nematicides for small-scale cotton farmers. 23^rd International Congress of Entomology, Durban, South Africa

Malinga, L. 2007. Efficacy of natural substances for pest control in organic cotton by small-scale farmers. Proceedings: 16^th Congress of the Entomological Society of South Africa, Stellenbosch University: Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Malinga, L. 2010. Presentation Titles: South African Cotton Production and Research Report Integrated Pest Management in Cotton. Proceedings: 9^th & 10^th Meetings of the Southern and Eastern African Cotton Forum and the IPM Workshop, Lusaka, Zambia.

Malinga, L. 2011. Quantitative assessment of insect pests and predatory arthropods on intercropped organic cotton in South Africa. Proceedings: 17^th Congress of the Entomological Society of South Africa, University of Free State: Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Malinga, L. 2014. The role of scientific research in making cotton a sustainable and profitable business in Africa. Proceedings: 2^nd Meeting of the Southern and Eastern African Cotton Forum: Maputo, Mozambique.

Malinga, L. 2015. Efficacy of biopesticides for pest control in cotton. Proceedings: 19^th Congress of the Entomological Society of South Africa, Rhodes University: Grahamstown, South Africa.

Malinga, L. 2016. Efficacy of Organic Nematicides on Meloidogyne javanica for Small-Scale Cotton Farmers in South Africa. Proceedings: WCRC–6 and 2016 Biennial Conference of the ICGI, Goiânia, Brazil.

Malinga, L. N. 2017. Evaluation of Plant Extracts for the Control of Helicoverpa Armigera, Diparopsis Castanea and Earias Insulana in Cotton for Small-scale Farmers. Cotton Research Journal, 8 (1): 12-19.

Kranthi, K. R., Malinga, L. and Mubvekeri, W. 2018. Perspectives on Cotton Research and Ideas for Africa- Proceedings & Recommendations of the XIV Meeting of the Southern & Eastern African Cotton Forum. The ICAC Recorder, 36 (3): 4-13.

Malinga, L., 2019. Southern and Eastern African Cotton Forum: Platform for the advancement of cotton production in Africa. South African Journal of Science, 115 (9-10), 6-8.

Malinga, L. N. and Laing, M. D., 2021. Efficacy of three biopesticides against cotton pests under field conditions in South Africa. Crop Protection, 105578.

• BSc in Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare
• BSc (Hons) in Entomology, University of Fort Hare
• MSc in Entomology, University of Fort Hare
• PhD in Entomology, University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Quantitative study of insect behaviour and communication.
• Integrated pest management of sugarcane pests.
• Mechanisms of host plant resistance and methodology of assessing plant resistance to insects.
• The role of silicon in plant defence against insects.
• Insect chemical ecology.
• Behavioural ecology of social insects.

• Identification, via sugarcane screening programme, of six sugarcane genotypes resistant to Eldana saccharina borer that have subsequently been released to the South African sugar industry.
• Numerous enhancements introduced to the germplasm screening methodology for borer resistance (technical and statistical).
• Demonstrated importance of silicon as a plant nutrient that enhances resistance of sugarcane to stalk borer in silicon-deficient soils, especially under conditions of water stress and in cultivars that are susceptible to the borer.
• Elucidated mechanisms of silicon-mediated resistance to stalk borer and their likely positive interaction with other IPM tactics.
• Demonstrated that silicon can reduce impact of higher nitrogen applications in promoting borer infestations.
• Demonstration of potential of ammoniacal fertilizers to improve silicon uptake of sugarcane from applied calcium silicate.
• Identification of most effective sources of silicon for use in sugarcane grown in acid soils out of a total of 17 sources tested.
• Identification of Bt-maize as a potential dead-end trap crop (pull plant) for Eldana saccharina in sugarcane.
• Demonstrated that young cane is especially susceptible to sugarcane thrips Fulmekiola serrata and that adjustments to planting and/or ratooning dates (temporal resistance) can assist in avoiding damaging infestations in young cane.
• Demonstration that increased plant nitrogen levels can increase sugarcane thrips infestations.
• Identification of commercial cultivars that are susceptible and relatively resistant to sugarcane thrips and to yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava).

van Antwerpen, R, van Heerden, P.D.R, Keeping, M.G., Titshall, L.W., Jumman, A., Tweddle, P.B., van Antwerpen, T., Ramouthar, P.V. & Campbell, P.L. 2022. A review of field management practices impacting root health in sugarcane. Advances in Agronomy 173: 79-162.

Camargo, M.S. & Keeping, M.G. 2021. Silicon in sugarcane: availability in soil, fertilization, and uptake. Silicon doi.org/10.1007/s12633-020-00935-y

Keeping, M.G., Miles, N. & Rutherford, R.S. (2017). Liming an acid soil treated with diverse silicon sources: effects on silicon uptake by sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). Journal of Plant Nutrition doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2016.1267751

Keeping, M.G. (2017). Uptake of silicon by sugarcane from applied sources may not deflect plant-available soil silicon and total silicon content of sources. Frontiers in Plant Science 8: 760, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00760

Keeping M.G., Miles, N. & Sewpersad, C. 2014. Silicon reduces impact of plant nitrogen in promoting stalk borer (Eldana saccharina) but not sugarcane thrips (Fulmekiola serrata) infestations in sugarcane. Frontiers in Plant Science 5: 289, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00289.

Keeping, M.G., Rutherford, R.S., Sewpersad, C. & Miles, N. 2014. Provision of nitrogen as ammonium rather than nitrate increases silicon uptake in sugarcane. AoB PLANTS 6, DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plu080.

Keeping, M.G., Meyer, J.H. & Sewpersad, C. 2013. Soil silicon amendments increase resistance of sugarcane to stalk borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under field conditions. Plant and Soil 363:297–318.

Rhodes, R., Miles, N. & Keeping, M.G. 2013. Crop nutrition and soil textural effects on eldana damage in sugarcane. Proceedings of the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association 86: 121-136.

Joshi, S.V., Zhou, M. & Keeping, M.G. 2012. Comparison of natural versus artificial inoculation methods for Eldana resistance screening in sugarcane. Proceedings of the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association 85: 246-255.

Keeping, M.G., Kvedaras, O.L. & Bruton, A.G. 2009. Epidermal silicon in sugarcane: cultivar differences and role in resistance to sugarcane borer Eldana saccharina. Environmental and Experimental Botany 66: 54-60.

Kvedaras, O.L., Byrne, M.J., Coombes N.E. & Keeping, M.G. 2009. Influence of plant silicon and sugarcane cultivar on mandibular wear in the stalk borer Eldana saccharina. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 11: 301-306.

Reynolds, O.L., Keeping, M.G. & Meyer, J.H. 2009. Silicon-augmented resistance of plants to insect herbivores: a review. Annals of Applied Biology 155: 171-186.

Keeping, M.G. & Reynolds, O.L. 2009. Silicon in agriculture: new insights, new significance and growing application. Annals of Applied Biology 155: 153-154.

Keeping, M.G. & Kvedaras, O.L. 2008. Silicon as a plant defence against insect herbivory: response to Massey, Ennos and Hartley. Journal of Animal Ecology 77: 631-633.

Keeping, M.G., Rutherford, R.S. & Conlong, D.E. 2007. Bt-maize as a potential trap crop for management of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in sugarcane. Journal of Applied Entomology 131: 241-250.

Kvedaras, O.L., Keeping, M.G., Goebel, F-R. & Byrne, M.J. 2007. Water stress augments silicon-mediated resistance of susceptible sugarcane cultivars to the stalk borer, Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research 97: 175-183.

Kvedaras, O.L., Keeping, M.G., Goebel, F-R. & Byrne, M.J. 2007. Larval performance of the pyralid borer Eldana saccharina Walker and stalk damage in sugarcane: influence of plant silicon, cultivar and feeding site. International Journal of Pest Management 53: 183-194.

Kvedaras, O.L. & Keeping, M.G. 2007. Silicon impedes stalk penetration by the borer Eldana saccharina in sugarcane. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 125: 103-110.

Butterfield, M.K., Keeping, M.G. & Sewpersad, C. 2007. Estimating genetic parameters and the efficacy of molecular breeding for resistance to the stalk borer Eldana saccharina. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists 26: 691-696.

Keeping, M.G. 2006. Screening of South African sugarcane cultivars for resistance to the stalk borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). African Entomology 14: 277-288.

Keeping, M.G. & Meyer, J.H. 2006. Silicon-mediated resistance of sugarcane to Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): effects of silicon source and cultivar. Journal of Applied Entomology 130: 410-420.

Keeping, M.G. & Meyer, J.H. 2002. Calcium silicate enhances resistance of sugarcane to the African stalk borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Agricultural and Forest Entomology 4: 265-274.

• Honorary Researcher (University of the Witwatersrand).
• BSc Hons, PhD (Witwatersrand).

Data analysis, agronomy, crop physiology.

• Varietal responses to different agronomic practices.
• Integrating plant breeding procedures and crop growth models to improve crop performance.
• Developing decision support tools for extension specialist and growers.

Mbatha TP & Modi AT (2010). Response of local mustard germplasm to water stress. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 27:4, 328-330.

Mbatha TP, Ramburan S & Smit MA (2011). Evaluating sugarcane cultivar responses to trashing: preliminary observations. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 84: 164 – 168

Mbatha TP & van Heerden PDR (2013). Chemical ripener responses in irrigated sugarcane varieties at Pongola (SOUTH AFRICA). Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 86: 156 – 159

van Heerden PDR, Mbatha TP & Ngxaliwe S (2015). Chemical ripening of sugarcane with trinexapac-ethyl (Moddus®) – Mode of action and comparative efficacy. Field Crops Research 181: 69-75.

Nxumalo T, Morris A & Germishuizen I (2017) Quantifying the impact of Uromycladium acaciae (wattle rust) on black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) growth and productivity. Technical Note 14/2017

Fraser S, McTaggart AR, Moreno Chan J, Nxumalo T, Shuey LS, Wingfield M & Roux J (2018). An artificial inoculation protocol for Uromycladium acaciae, cause of a serious disease of Acacia mearnsiiin southern Africa. Southern Forests: A Journal of Forests Science.  DOI: 10.2989/20702620.2018.1468985

• BSc (Biochemistry and Chemistry) – University of KwaZulu Natal
• MSc Agric (Crop Science) – University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Plant breeding
• Experimental trial design
• Applied statistical data analysis
• Family selection of sugarcane

• Optimising sugarcane breeding and selection for sugarcane quality traits
• Family evaluation
• Family by environment interaction
• Genetic and phenotypic interrelationships among sugarcane traits
• Genetic effects for sugarcane traits

• BSc Botany and Plant breeding, University of the Free State, South Africa
• BSc Agriculture (Honours), University of the Free State, South Africa
• MSc Agriculture, Plant breeding, University of the Free State, South Africa

Mishasha T, Zhou M and Van Der Merwe R (2018). Phenotypic correlations among cane quality traits measured from unselected sugarcane breeding family plots. Proceedings of South African Sugarcane Technologists Association 91: 173-176.

Mishasha T, Zhou M and Van Der Merwe R (2019). Using quantitative genetic parameters to determine sample size for sucrose content in sugarcane breeding. Proceedings of South African Sugarcane Technologists Association 92: 43-46.

Mishasha T, Zhou M and Van Der Merwe R (2022). Evaluating additive and non-additive genetic effects for sugarcane Brix. Proceedings of South African Sugarcane Technologists Association 94: 56-60.

Data analysis, agronomy, plant breeding

• Varietal responses to different agronomic practices
• Developing decision support tools for extension specialists and sugarcane grower.
• Communicating new technology through research for small-scale sugarcane growers

• BSc Agriculture (Plant Science) – University of KwaZulu-Natal
• MSc Agriculture (Crop Science) – University of KwaZulu-Natal

Plant pathology, Molecular biology, Microbiology, Biological control and Chemical pathology.

• The safe, practical and sustainable application of agrochemical and biological compounds to reduce yield losses caused by pests, diseases, nematodes and weeds.
• New agrochemical and biological compounds or agents for application and registration in sugarcane agriculture.

Lamprecht, S.C, Spies, C.J., Phasoana, T and Gokul, A. 2020. Seedling diseases lead to poor establishment [Online]. Available: https://sagrainmag.co.za/2020/08/05/seedling-diseases-lead-to-poor-establishment/

Beukes, A. Gokul, L.J. Rose, A. Viljoen, B. Flett and G. van Collar. 2020. Investigating the identification and host-specificity of Fusarium graminearum species complex members in South Africa. Proceedings of: The 1^st African Symposium on Mycotoxicology. Livingstone, Zambia.

Gokul, A., Beukes, I., Viljoen, A. Rose, l. 2015. Abstract “Evaluating MALDI-TOF MS and PCR RFLP for the accurate identification of Fusarium graminearum species complex members in South Africa”. EFS13/13th European Fusarium Seminar. Martina Franca, Italy.

Gokul, A., Beukes, I., Viljoen, A. Rose, l. 2015. Abstract “Chemotype determination and mycotoxin production of Fusarium graminearum from wheat and maize in South Africa”. EFS13/13th European Fusarium Seminar. Martina Franca, Italy.

• MSc. Plant Pathology (Stellenbosch University).
• BSc. (Hons) Chemical Pathology (Stellenbosch University).
• BSc. Molecular biology and Biotechnology (Stellenbosch University).

Biological Control, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Entomology, Virology, Animal Health.

• Investigate and devise incursion and containment strategies for existing and potential new biosecurity threats facing the industry.
• Analysis and modelling of industry pest and disease prevalence data to understand population dynamics of the pests and factors that influence distribution and abundance within the industry.
• Maintain the Chilo sacchariphagus incursion prevention plan.
• Maintain the SASRI insect collection, adding new specimens of potential significance to the industry.

Kassim, A., Workneh, T.S., Laing, M.D., Basdew, I.H. (2016). The effects of different pre-packaging treatments on the quality of kumquat fruit. CTYA Journal of Food 14 (4): 639-648. DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2016.1190407.

Kassim, A., Workneh, T.S., Laing, M.D., Basdew, I.H. (2016). Development and evaluation of a small-scale in-field integrated postharvest citrus treatment unit – Part 1. International Journal of Food Engineering.

Basdew, I.H. and Laing, M.D. (2015). Biological and pathogenicity assays of South African bacteriophages specific for Staphylococcus aureus, associated with bovine mastitis. Biocontrol Science and Technology 25 (4), 429-443.

Basdew, I.H., Laing, M.D. (2014). Sensitivity assays of bacteriophages associated with Staphylococcus aureus, causal organism of bovine mastitis.  African Journal of Microbiology Research 8 (2), 200-210.

Basdew, I.H., Laing, M.D. (2011). Biological control of bovine mastitis using bacteriophage therapy. In Science against Microbial Pathogens: Communicating Current Research and Technological Advances, Méndez-Vilas, A. (ed.). Formatex: Spain, pp 386-393.

Basdew, I.H., Gubba, A., Laing M.D.  (2002). Abstract “The application of baculoviruses as biological control agents against black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon”.  15th Annual Symposium of the South African Society for Microbiology (KZN Branch).

Basdew, I.H., Laing, M.D., Gubba, A. (2003). The application of baculoviruses as biological control agents against insect pests.  Proceedings of Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, Volume 33, pp 50.

Popular article: I.H. Basdew, M.D. Laing, P.H. Mapham, J.H. Vorster. 2013. The biological control of bovine mastitis using bacteriophage therapy. Oorsig Review, Livestock Health and Production Review 17 (2), 6-11.

Academic Texts: Basdew, I.H., M.D. Laing (ed.) 2010. African Centre for Crop Improvement: Literature reviews and PRA’s, 2006 yearbook. African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal. ISBN 978-0-620-46808-4.

Academic Texts: Basdew, I.H., M.D. Laing (ed.) 2010. African Centre for Crop Improvement: Literature Reviews and PRA’s, 2007 Yearbook. African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal. ISBN 978-0-9869811-0-4.

Academic Texts: Basdew, I.H., M.D. Laing (ed.) 2010. African Centre for Crop Improvement: Literature Reviews and PRA’s, 2008 Yearbook. African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal. ISBN 978-0-98698811-1-1.

Academic Texts: Basdew, I.H., M.D. Laing (ed.) 2010. African Centre for Crop Improvement: Literature Reviews and PRA’s, 2009 Yearbook. African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal. ISBN 978-0-9869811-2-83.

• BSc (Hons), University of KwaZulu-Natal
• MSc (Plant Pathology and Microbiology), University of KwaZulu-Natal
• PhD (Plant Pathology), University of KwaZulu-Natal

Entomology.

Testing efficacy of new bio insecticides on Eldana saccharina Walker.

Understanding the effect that bio insecticides have on all different life stages of Eldana saccharina Walker.

• BSc. Entomology and Zoology UKZN (PMB)
• Environmemtal Management  (Hons) UNISA

• Laboratory research
• Field-related work
• Basic Nematology
• Biocontrol

• Practical, effective and safe methods of nematode control.
• Development of a wide variety of nematode control methods.
• Collaborative research across disciplines.

• Practical control methods for nematodes.
• Novel methods for control of nematodes.
• Assessing new chemicals for nematicidal efficacy.

Sithole, S. B., Keeping, M. G., Smit, M. A., Mkhize, N. D. and Sewpersad, C. 2011. Effect of water availability on silicon uptake by sugarcane and silicon- mediated resistance to Eldana saccharina. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass. 84:193-197.

Keeping, M. G., Miles, N., Sewpersad, C. and Sithole S. 2011. The silicon: nitrogen interaction in relation to infestations of the stalk borer, Eldana saccharina, in sugarcane. Proceedings of: The 5^th International Conference on Silicon in Agriculture, Beijing, China.

• Early generation and family selection of sugarcane.
• Genotype by environment interaction.
• Applied Quantitative Genetics.
• Experimental design.
• Applied Statistical analysis.

Optimising sugarcane breeding and selection process, quantifying optimum selection rates to maximise genetic gains, GxE interaction, trait interrelationships and their influence on breeding and selection, parent evaluation using breeding values, family selection, recurrent selection to improve commercial traits in gene pool.

• Optimised breeding and selection process.
• Quantified selection rates for important traits.
• Increased genetic gains across stages and over time.

Zhou, M.M. and Gwata E.C.T. (2016). Quantifying Sugarcane Cultivar Genetic Gains in the Midlands region of South Africa. Agronomy Journal 108: 1-7.

Zhou, M.M. and Gwata, E.C.T. (2015). Location effects and their implications on breeding for sugarcane yield and quality in the Midlands region of South Africa. Crop Science 55: 2628-2638.

Zhou, M.M. (2015). Selection for eldana borer resistance in early stages of sugarcane breeding in South Africa. American Journal of Plant Sciences 6: 2168 – 2176.

Zhou, M.M. and Mokwele, A. (2015). Family versus individual genotype selection for Eldana saccharina resistance in early stages of sugarcane breeding. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 2015: 1-8.

Zhou, M.M. (2015). Minimum detectable differences for cane yield, sucrose content and sugar yield among the Midlands and coastal short cycle breeding programmes in South Africa. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 32: 175-182.

Mendes de Paula, T.O., Marinho, C.D., Souza, V., Barbosa, M.H.P., Peternelli, L.A., Kimbeng, C.A. and Zhou, M.M. (2014). Relationships between methods of variety adaptability and stability in sugarcane. Genetics and Molecular Research 13(2): 4216–4225.

Zhou, M.M. (2014). Family evaluation for sugarcane yield using data estimated from stalk number, stalk height and stalk diameter. Journal of Crop Improvement 28(3): 406-417.

Joshi, S.V., Zhou, M.M., Leslie, G.W., Way, M.J. and Keeping, M.G. (2014). Comparison of methods for determining thrips (Fulmekiola serrata) damage and implications for resistance screening. International Sugar Journal. 116: 197-199.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Tew, T.L., Gravois, K.A., Pontif, M. and Bischoff, K.P. (2014). Logistic regression models to aid selection in early stages of sugarcane breeding. Sugar Tech: 16: 150-156.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Andru, S., Tew, T.L. and Gravois, K.A. (2013). Evaluating sugarcane families for yield potential and repeatability using random coefficient models. Crop Science 53: 2352-2362.

Zhang, J., Zhou, M.M., Walsh, J. Chen, Y. and Ming, R. (2013). Sugarcane Genetics and Genomics. Pp 623-643. In: Moore, PH and Botha, FC, eds. Sugarcane: Physiology, Biochemistry, and Functional Biology. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN-13: 978-0-8138-2121-4\2014.

Zhou, M.M. (2013). Conventional sugarcane breeding in South Africa: Progress and future prospects. American Journal of Plant Sciences 4: 189-197.

Zhou, M.M. (2013). Using Logistic regression model for selection in non-replicated sugarcane breeding populations. Euphytica 191: 415-428.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Edme, S. and Hale, A.L. (2013). Characterization of Saccharum species germplasm for starch content. Canadian Journal of Plant Studies Vol 2(1) 54-71.

Zhou, M.M., Lichakane, M.L. and Joshi, S.V. (2013). Family evaluation for quality traits in South African Sugarcane breeding programmes. International Sugar Journal 115: 418-430.

Ramburan, S., Zhou, M.M., and Labuschagne, M. (2012). Integrating empirical and analytical approaches to investigate genotype x environment interactions in sugarcane. Crop Science 52(5): 2153–2165.

Zhou, M.M. and Lichakane, M.L. (2012). Family selection gains for quality among South African breeding populations. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 29: 143-149.

Zhou, M.M., Suman, A. and Kimbeng, C.A. (2012). Molecular markers associated with starch content and implications for sugarcane introgression breeding using Saccharum spontaneum. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology Vol 2(11): 1127-1137.

Zhou, M.M. and Shoko, M.D. (2012). Simultaneous selection for yield and ratooning ability in sugarcane genotypes using analysis of covariance. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 29(2): 93-100.

Zhou, M.M., Chihana, A. and Parfitt, R.C. (2012). Optimum replications and crop-years for sugarcane variety trials at Dwangwa sugar estate in Malawi. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 29(1): 31–38.

Zhou, M.M. and Joshi, S.V. (2012). Trends in broad sense heritability and implications for sugarcane breeding in South Africa. Sugar Tech 14(1): 40–46.

Ramburan, S., Zhou, M.M. and Labuschagne, M. (2012). Investigating test site similarity, trait relations and causes of genotype by environment interactions in the Midlands region of South Africa. Field Crops Research 129: 71–80.

Zhou, M.M. and Shoko, M.D. (2012). Simultaneous selection for yield and stability in sugarcane using parametric statistics. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology Volume 2 Number 4: 400-410.

Zhou, M.M., Joshi, S.V. and Maritz, T. (2012). Trends and implications of genotype by environment interaction in South African sugarcane breeding. Journal of Crop Improvement 26: 1–14.

Ramburan, S., Zhou, M.M. and Labuschagne, M. (2011). Interpretation of genotype x environment interactions of sugarcane: Identifying significant environmental factors. Field Crops Research 124: 392–399.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Tew, T.L., Gravois, K.A. and Pontiff, P. (2011). Artificial Neural Network Models as a Decision Support Tool for Selection in Sugarcane: A Case Study Using Two Seedling Populations. Crop Science 51: 1–11.

Zhou, M.M. and Shoko, M.D. (2011). Seasonal and Varietal Influence on Tiller Population Development of Sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrids). South African Journal of Plant and Soil 28(1): 11–16.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Tew, T.L. and Shoko, M.D. (2011). Trends in Starch and Sucrose Content among Sweet Sorghum Genotypes and Implications for Sucrose and Ethanol Production. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 5: 160–166.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Edme, S., Hale, A. and Eggleston, G. (2011). Sustainability of Low Starch Concentrations in Sugarcane Through Short Term Optimized Amylase and Long Term Breeding Strategies. In G Eggleston (editor). Sustainability of the Sugar and Sugar Ethanol Industries. American Chemical Society: 229-250.

Zhou, M.M., da Silva, J.A., Kimbeng, C.A. and White, W.H. (2010). Cross Resistance between the Mexican Rice Borer and the Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): A Case Study Using Sugarcane Breeding Populations. Crop Science 50: 1–9.

Zhou, M.M. and Kimbeng, C.A. (2010). Multivariate Repeated Measures: A Multivariate Statistical Approach for Analyzing Sugarcane Breeding Trials Data. Proceedings of SASTA 83: 92–105.

White, W.H., Kimbeng, C.A., Gravois, K.A. and Zhou, M.M. (2009). Breeding Resistant Sugarcane for Managing Stem borers: Progress and Prospects for Louisiana. Proceeding of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 27: 1–10.

Zhou, M.M. and Shoko, M.D. (2009). Modelling Leaf Area of Sugarcane Varieties Using Non-Destructive Leaf Measurements. Sugar Cane International: Volume 27(4): 158–165.

Kimbeng, C.A., Zhou, M.M. and da Silva, J.A. (2009). Genotype by environment interactions and resource allocation in sugarcane yield trials in the Rio Grande valley region of Texas. Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 29: 11–24.

Zhou, M.M., Kimbeng, C.A., Eggleston, G., Viator, R.P., Hale, A.L. and Gravois, K.A. (2008). Issues of Starch in sugarcane processing and prospects of breeding for low starch content in sugarcane. Sugarcane International 26: 3–17.

• Associate Professor of Plant Breeding: University of the Free State.
• PhD (Plant Breeding and Genetics), Louisiana State University, USA.
• Masters of Applied Statistics, Louisiana State University, USA.
• MSc Agriculture, University of Natal, South Africa.
• BSc Agriculture (Honours), University of Zimbabwe.

• Introgression breeding of yield improving traits and for disease resistance from wild relatives of crop plants.
• Marker Assisted Selection, experience in working with molecular markers.
• Designing and execution of crossing and selection programmes.

• Marker Assisted selection in sugarcane.
• Gene identification and discovery in sugarcane through functional and comparative genomics.

Planned crosses for resistance breeding based on parents molecular marker types. Molecular breeding for resistance to pest and diseases.

Joshi SV, Zhou M and Keeping MG (2012) Comparison of natural versus artificial inoculation methods for Eldana resistance screening in sugarcane. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 85: 246-255.

Marvellous Zhou and Shailesh Joshi (2012) Trends in Broad Sense heritability and implications for sugarcane breeding in South Africa. Sugar Tech 14 (1) : 40-46.

Marvellous Zhou, Shailesh Vinay Joshi and Tracy Maritz (2012) Trends and implications of genotype by environment interaction in South African sugarcane breeding. Journal of Crop Improvement 26:1–14.

Zhou M, Lichakane M and Joshi SV (2012) Family Evaluation for quality traits in South African sugarcane breeding programmes. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 85: 221-226.

Zhou M, Joshi S, Maritz T and Koberstein H (2011) Components of genotype by environment interaction among SASRI regional breeding and selection programmes and their implications. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 84:363-374.

• PhD (Genetics), Punjab Agricultural University, India.
• MSc (Genetics & Plant Breeding), P.D.K.V, India.
• BSc (Agriculture), P.D.K.V, India.

• Introgression breeding of yield improving traits and for disease resistance from wild relatives of crop plants.
• Marker Assisted Selection, experience in working with molecular markers.
• Designing and execution of crossing and selection programmes.

• Marker Assisted selection in sugarcane.
• Gene identification and discovery in sugarcane through functional and comparative genomics.

Planned crosses for resistance breeding based on parents molecular marker types. Molecular breeding for resistance to pest and diseases.

Joshi SV, Zhou M and Keeping MG (2012) Comparison of natural versus artificial inoculation methods for Eldana resistance screening in sugarcane. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 85: 246-255.

Marvellous Zhou and Shailesh Joshi (2012) Trends in Broad Sense heritability and implications for sugarcane breeding in South Africa. Sugar Tech 14 (1) : 40-46.

Marvellous Zhou, Shailesh Vinay Joshi and Tracy Maritz (2012) Trends and implications of genotype by environment interaction in South African sugarcane breeding. Journal of Crop Improvement 26:1–14.

Zhou M, Lichakane M and Joshi SV (2012) Family Evaluation for quality traits in South African sugarcane breeding programmes. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 85: 221-226.

Zhou M, Joshi S, Maritz T and Koberstein H (2011) Components of genotype by environment interaction among SASRI regional breeding and selection programmes and their implications. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 84:363-374.

• PhD (Genetics), Punjab Agricultural University, India.
• MSc (Genetics & Plant Breeding), P.D.K.V, India.
• BSc (Agriculture), P.D.K.V, India.

• Extension pathology.
• Communicating research findings and observations to growers, LPD&VCC’s and other interested parties.
• Molecular identification of Fusarium species in sugarcane.

• Diagnosis, epidemiology and management of diseases.
• Effect of Fusarium species isolated from sugarcane on the development and fecundity of the borer Eldana Saccharina.

• The development of mosaic and smut management strategies for the Mpumalanga region, Identification of fungicides for smut and brown rust management.
• Certain Fusarium species isolated from sugarcane are attractive, promote the development and improve the fecundity of Eldana saccharina while other species are avoided by larvae and have a detrimental effect on larval development in vitro.

McFarlane, SA, Meyer, JH, Cadet, P and Rutherford, RS (2008). Investigation into the effect of nutrition on brown rust development in sugarcane. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (in press).

van Antwerpen, T, McFarlane, SA, Buchanan, GF, Shepherd, DN, Martin, DP, Rybicki, ER and Varsani, A (2007). First report of maize streak virus infection of sugarcane in South Africa. Plant Disease (in press).

McFarlane, SA and Rutherford, RS (2005). Fusarium species isolated from sugarcane in KwaZulu-Natal and their effect on Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) development in vitro. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 79: 120-124.

• BSc Honours (Natal).
• MSc (Natal).

Molecular detection and characterisation of sugarcane pathogens by PCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR & sequencing. Management of the quarantine glasshouse, imports & exports, fungicide screenings and field trials, NIR, tissue culture, mutagenesis & AFLP analysis.

Molecular disease diagnostics; sugarcane viral diseases; detection and control of sugarcane rusts; NIR data collection and building of disease models; conducting field trials and observation plots; using AFLP techniques to detect polymorphisms linked to disease tolerance; meristem culture and in vitro methods for virus elimination.

Conducting research on improving diagnostic methods and introducing new diagnostic techniques and control methods for existing and new pathogens.

Snyman SJ, Meyer GM, Koch AC, Banasiak M and Watt MP (2011) Applications of in vitro culture systems for commercial sugarcane production and improvement. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Plant 47:234-249

Koch AC, Ramgareeb S, Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ, Watt MP (2012). An in vitro mutagenesis protocol for the production of sugarcane tolerant to the herbicide imazapyr. In vitro cellular and Developmental Biology-Plant 48: 417-427.

Rutherford RS, Maphalala KZ, Koch AC, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2017). Field and laboratory assessments of sugarcane mutants selected in vitro for resistance to the imidazolinone herbicide imazapyr. Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology 17: 107-114.

McFarlane SA, Ismael Ameer RB, Kistan CJ and Koch AC (2021). Efficacy of mechanical harvester decontamination procedures to reduce the risk of ratoon stunt (RSD) spread. Proceedings of the South African Sugar Technologists Association (2021) 93: 129 - 139

Koch, AC, Ramgareeb, S, Rutherford, RS, Snyman, SJ, Watt, MP (2012) An in vitro mutagenesis protocol for the production of sugarcane tolerant to the herbicide imazapyr. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 48: 417-427.

Rutherford, RS, Maphalala, KZ, Koch, AC, Snyman, SJ, Watt, MP (2017) Field and laboratory assessments of sugarcane mutants selected in vitro for resistance to imazapyr herbicide. Crop Breeding & Applied Biotechnology 17: 107-114.

Snyman, SJ, Meyer, GM, Koch, AC, Banasiak, M, Watt, MP (2011) Applications of in vitro culture systems for commercial sugarcane production and improvement. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 47: 234-249.

BSc Biological Sciences (UKZN); BSc Hons Biological Sciences (UKZN); MSc Biological Sciences (UKZN).

• Microbiology
• Molecular biology
• In vitro plant propagation

Integrated plant resistance, chemical and microbial alleviation of abiotic and biotic plant stress.

• BSc Microbiology and Genetics (UFS)
• BSc Hons in Microbiology (UNISA)

• Leading and coordinating field and glasshouse trials.
• Maintaining the SASRI fungal and bacterial culture collection.
• Identification of diseases through molecular and microbiological procedures.

Koch, AC, Ramgareeb, S, Rutherford, RS, Snyman, SJ, Watt, MP (2012) An in vitro mutagenesis protocol for the production of sugarcane tolerant to the herbicide imazapyr. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 48: 417-427.

Rutherford, RS, Maphalala, KZ, Koch, AC, Snyman, SJ, Watt, MP (2017) Field and laboratory assessments of sugarcane mutants selected in vitro for resistance to imazapyr herbicide. Crop Breeding & Applied Biotechnology 17: 107-114.

Snyman, SJ, Meyer, GM, Koch, AC, Banasiak, M, Watt, MP (2011) Applications of in vitro culture systems for commercial sugarcane production and improvement. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 47: 234-249.

BSc Microbiology, Biochemistry (UKZN), Btech Biotechnology (DUT)

• Water storage capacity of soils, soil salinity/ sodicity, soil compaction, tillage practices, root distribution, sugarcane residue management, organic ameliorants, soil health.

• Impact of clay type and quantity and organic matter on soil water relationships, root distribution, buffer capacity of the soil against degradation and soil health indicators.
• Modelling root growth and distribution and crop water use.
• The purpose and outcomes of long-term trials.
• Measurements to quantify the condition of soils.
• Promoting crop rotation, organic matter use and by-product re-cycling within the sugar industry.

• Carbon distribution between shoots and roots.
• Water balance model for stressed sugarcane.
• Tillage techniques to improve yields on marginal soils.
• Nutritional and yield benefits of sugarcane residue and other organic products.
• Soil health indicators for the SA sugar industry.

Dominy, CS, Haynes, RJ and Van Antwerpen, R (2002). Loss of soil organic matter and related soil properties under long-term sugarcane production on two contrasting soils. Biol Fertil Soils 36: 350-356.

Donaldson, RA, Redshaw, KA, Rhodes, R and van Antwerpen, R (2008). Season effects on productivity of some commercial South African sugarcane cultivars: II. Trash production. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 81: 528-538.

Galdos MV, Cerri CC, Cerri CEP, Paustian K & Van Antwerpen R (2009). Simulation of Soil Carbon Dynamics under Sugarcane with the CENTURY Model. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 73: 802-811.

Galdos MV, Cerri CC, Cerri CEP, Paustian K & Van Antwerpen R (2010). Simulation of sugarcane residue decomposition and aboveground growth. Plant and Soil 326 (1): 243-259 (DOI 10.1007/s11104-009-0004-3).

Graham, MH, Haynes, RJ and Van Antwerpen, R (2002). Size and activity of the soil microbial biomass in the row and inter-row of a sugarcane field under burning and green cane harvesting. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 76: 186-195.

Kingston, G, Donzelli, J.L., Meyer, J.H., Richard, E.P, Seeruttun, S., Torres J., and Van Antwerpen, R. (2005). Impact of the green cane harvest and production system on the agronomy of sugarcane. Proc Int Soc Sugar Cane Technol 25:521-531.

Marx, BJ, Bezuidenhout, CN, Lyne, PWL, Van Antwerpen, R (2006). Soil compaction decision support. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 80: 140-107.

Meyer, JH and Van Antwerpen, R (2010). Advances in sugarcane soil fertility research in South Africa. SA J Plant Soil 27(1): 19-31.

Meyer, JH, Van Vuuren JA and Van Antwerpen, R (2005). The potential role of near infra red reflectance (NIR) monitoring in precision agriculture (PAG). Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 79: 202-309.

Miles, N, Meyer, JH and Van Antwerpen, R (2008). Soil organic matter data: What do they mean? Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 81: 324-332.

Purchase BS, Wynne AT, Meyer E and Van Antwerpen R (2008). Is there profit in cane trash ? – Another dimension to the assessment of trashing versus burning. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 81: 86-99.

Singels, A, Van den Berg, M and Van Antwerpen, R (2005). Climate change and yield decline: An analysis of actual and simulated yield data from the BT1 field experiment. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 79: 491-494.

Singels A, van den Berg M, Smit MA, Jones MR, van Antwerpen R (2010). Modelling water uptake, growth and sucrose accumulation of sugarcane subjected to water stress. Field Crops Research 117: 59–69.

Van Antwerpen, R (2005). Indicators of soil health and their importance – a review. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 79: 179-191.

Van Antwerpen, R, Berry, SD, Van Antwerpen, T, Sewpersad, C and Cadet, P (2009). Indicators of soil health for use in the South African sugar industry: A work in progress. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 82: 551-563.

Van Antwerpen, R, Conlong, D and Miles, N (2011). Nutrient management options for reducing Eldana Saccharina (lepidoptera: pyralidae) infestation of trashed sugarcane fields: Results from a preliminary study. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 84: 298 – 300. (Short Comm)

Van Antwerpen, R, Haynes, RJ, Meyer, JH, and Hlanze, D (2003). Assessing organic amendments used by sugarcane growers for improving soil chemical and biological properties. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 77: 293-304.

Van Antwerpen, R, Lyne, PWL, Meyer, E and Brouwers, M (2007). Changes in bulk density of a virgin soil due to compaction by commercial haulage vehicles. Proc Int Soc Sug Cane Technol 26: 470-475.

Van Antwerpen, R, Lyne, PWL, Meyer, E and Brouwers, M (2008). Effect of surface applied pressure by vehicles fitted with pneumatic tyres on properties of a virgin soil. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 81: 408-417.

Van Antwerpen, R, Meyer, JH and Thompson, GD (2006). The impact of trashing on yield response in the South African sugar industry: A summary of results from several BT trials. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 80: 130-133.

Van Antwerpen, R, Rhodes, R and Wynne, A (2008). Economics of trashing: Improvement and sensitivity analysis of this decision support program. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 81: 486-488.

Van Antwerpen, T, Van Antwerpen, R, Meyer, JH, Naidoo, P, Berry, S, Spaull, V, Govender, K, Cadet, P, Rutherford, S and Laing, M (2007). Biotic and abiotic factors associated with a healthy soil in sugarcane production in KwaZulu-Natal. Proc Int Soc Sug Cane Technol 26: 273-281.

BSc Agric; MSc Agric; PhD (Free State).

Soil chemistry and fertility, plant nutrition, soil and foliar diagnostics and analytics, soil organic matter, soil health, site sustainability monitoring, soil physics.

• Soil fertility and plant nutrition.
• Soil health and quality.
• Rapid screening and diagnostic tools for soil and plant nutrition, and health monitoring.
• Site sustainability monitoring.
• Understanding the impacts of management practices on soil quality and function.
• Conversion of science outcomes to practical best practice and operational guidelines.
• Value-chain integration of research outcomes and operational practices.

• Best operational practices for crop nutritional and soil health based on scientific outcomes.
• Responsible use of soil amendments used in crop production.
• Efficient tools and techniques for improved soil assessment and monitoring.
• Adoption of sustainable practices that ensure long-term productivity and profitability of agroecosystems.

Taylor T, Hughes J, Titshall LW. 2016. Mineralogy of volcanically-derived, alluvial soils at Moshi, Tanzania. Soil Research 54(8): 926-936.Mthimkhulu S, Podwojewski P, Hughes J, Titshall LW, Van Antwerpen R. 2016. The effect of 72 years of sugarcane residues and fertilizer management on soil physico-chemical properties. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 225: 54–61

Podwojewski P, Grellier S, Mthimkhulu S, Titshall LW. 2014. How tree encroachment and soil properties affect soil aggregate stability in an eroded grassland in South Africa. Soil Science Society of America Journal 78: 1753-1764

Bame IB, Hughes JC, Titshall LW and Buckley, CA. 2014. The effect of irrigation with anaerobic baffled reactor effluent on nutrient availability, soil properties and maize growth. Agricultural Water Management. 134: 50–59

Titshall LW, Rietz DN and Dovey SB. 2013. Management impacts on the long-term soil productivity of southern African commercial forestry plantations. Southern Forests, 75(4): 169-183

Bame IB, Hughes JC, Titshall LW and Buckley, CA. 2013. Leachate characteristics as influenced by anaerobic baffled reactor effluent application on three soils: a soil column study. Chemosphere, 93: 2171-2179.

Norris M and Titshall LW. 2012. The distribution of inherent phosphorus in fifteen water treatment residues from South Africa. Water SA, 38:716-720.

Taylor TS, Titshall LW, Hughes JC and Thibaud GR. 2012. Effect of tillage systems and nitrogen application rates on selected physical and biological properties of a clay loam soil in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 29: 47-52.

Dlamini, P, Orchard, C, Jewitt, G, Lorentz, S, Titshall, LW, Chaplot, V. 2011. Controlling factors of sheet erosion under degraded grasslands in the sloping lands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Agricultural Water Management, 98:1711-1718.

Titshall LW. 2015. Residual effects of long-term fertiliser application on soil chemical properties. ICFR Technical Note 06/2015. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW. 2014. Sixth rotation growth results from Acacia mearnsii fertiliser trial provide insight into the residual effects of fertiliser application. ICFR Technical Note 03/2014. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW. 2014. Growth responses to late-rotation fertilisation of pine sawtimber stands: 2.5 year results. ICFR Bulletin Series 07/2014. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW. 2013. Mid-rotation fertilisation of eucalypt pulpwood plantations: Final results. ICFR Bulletin Series 09/2013. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW. 2013. Post-thinning fertilisation of three Eucalyptus grandis sawtimber stands; Tzaneen: 43 month growth responses and an economic feasibility analysis. ICFR Bulletin Series 06/2013. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW. 2012. The development of a soil and plant reference and archive collection at the ICFR. ICFR Bulletin Series 05/2012. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW. 2012. Evidence of residual phosphorus after mid-rotation fertilisation in three eucalyptus pulpwood stands. ICFR Technical note 03/2012. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

Titshall LW, Rietz DN and Dovey, SB. 2012. A general review of site and management factors affecting long-term site productivity of commercial forestry plantations. ICFR Bulletin Series 07/2012. Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PMB, SA.

• BSc: Grassland Science and Zoology (Univ. of Natal, 1998)
• BSc Honours: Grassland science (Univ. of Natal, 1999)
• MSc: Environmental Science (Univ. of Natal, 2003)
• PhD: Soil Science (Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008)

Soil fertility, Soil chemistry, Soil moisture, Greenhouse gas emissions, Soil physics, Soil health.

• Soil fertility
• Soil moisture
• Soil health
• Plant nutrition
• Irrigation

Mdlambuzi T. and Muchaonyerwa P. 2014. Heavy metal concentrations in indigenous vegetables grown on sewage sludge disposal land. South African Combined Congress, Rhodes University, RSA.

Mphethe Tongwane, Thandile Mdlambuzi, Mokhele Moeletsi, Mitsuru Tsubo, Vuyo Mliswa, Lunga Grootboom. 2016. Greenhouse gas emissions from different crop production and management practices in South Africa. Environmental development.

Mdlambuzi T. and Grootboom L. 2017. Utilizing organic waste to improve soil nutrient content and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Harvest SA.

Mdlambuzi T., Muchaonyerwa P., Tsubo M. and Moshia E.M. 2020. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer value of biogas slurry and cattle manure for soybean (Glycine max), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays L.). Heylion Journal.

Mdlambuzi Thandile, Muchaonyerwa Pardon, Tsubo Mitsuru. 2020. Short-term effects of selected organic fertiliser sources on carbon dioxide fluxes and soil quality. Journal of Environmental Quality, DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20174.

• BSc-Agric (Soil Science) – University of Forte Hare
• BSc-Hns (Soil Science); MSc (Soil Science); PhD (Soil Science) – University of KwaZulu Natal

Consulting with researchers about their research projects, gaining subject area knowledge and helping to formulate research questions, advising on the best statistical designs to use, by reference to past experiences and best practices, analysing data, ensuring that the analyses are designed to meet the objectives of the experiment, and assisting with the interpretation of the results.

An effectively managed flow of SASRI data (capturing, processing and storing) and statistical validity in all SASRI trials.

MSc (Stellenbosch)

• Arc GIS server and Portal (WebGIS).
• GeoDatabase Administration and GIS modelling.
• Hyperspectral remote sensing.
• Land Use Planning.

• Developing a Web GIS system that is accessible to relevant disciplines within the industry.
• Providing remotely sensed information for proactive decision-making.

• Accurate mapping of sugarcane growing areas.
• Incorporation of static data into GIS to create models that assist in problem solving and decision making.
• Efficiency in monitoring operations in research farms and in Extension areas.
• Accessibility of spatial data to all stakeholders.

Van den Berg M, McElligot DM, Rhodes R, McFarlane SA and Mthembu IB. 2009. SASRI’s monitor farm:Putting theory into practice.  Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 82: 636 – 638

Mthembu IB, Collings KA and Maher GW. 2014. Review of the SASRI geographic information system service. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass 87: 126

• BSc Plant Molecular Biology (Natal)
• (HDE) Higher Diploma in Education (Natal)
• BSoc Sci (Hons) Geographical Science (Natal)
• MSc Environment and Development (UKZN)
• Certificate: Advanced Remote Sensing, Image Processing and GIS in Natural Resource Management (ITC Enschede)
• Certificate: Management Development Programme (DUT BSU)

• Simulation modelling.
• Software development in C#, VB, PHP and Java.

• Crop simulation modelling.
• Software support programs.
• Irrigation scheduling, soil-water-balance.
• Operations Research.
• Computer Science.
• Mathematics.
• Web programming.
• Algorithms.

• Weather data acquisition and processing
• Crop modelling

• Soil-crop-climate interactions.
• Web-based decision support tools (technology development).
• Crop Modelling.

MSc. Agricultural Meteorology (University of Zimbabwe)

• Assessment of irrigation systems design & management alternatives with respect to costs and crop yield response.
• Irrigation system monitoring and evaluation.
• Irrigation scheduling and soil water monitoring.

• Sugarcane agriculture and optimal utilisation of water resources.
• Water use strategies in the context of climate change and climate variability.
• Energy use for sugarcane production.
• Sustainable farming practices.

Armitage, R, Lecler, NL, Jumman, A and Dowe, K. 2008. Implementation of the Irriecon V2 decision support tool to assess net returns to irrigation systems. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (2008)45.

Jumman, A and Lecler, NL. 2008. A continuous water potential measurement system for irrigation scheduling assessment. SANCID 2008 symposium. Langebaan. Western Cape. RSA.

Jumman, A and Lecler, NL. 2009. A tool for the analysis of irrigation design alternatives. SABI Congress. Vanderbijlpark. Gauteng. RSA.

Lecler, NL and Jumman A. Irrigated sugarcane crop production functions. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (2009)604.

Jumman, A and Lecler, NL. 2009. Short comm.: A continuous water potential measurement system for irrigation scheduling assessment. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (2008)608.

Jumman A and Lecler N.L. 2010. Deficit Irrigation: A potential strategy to counteract the escalating electricity tariffs and water shortages. Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (2010)160.

Jumman A and Lecler N.L. 2010. Poster. Electricity tariff increases: The impact on irrigators? Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (2010)152.

MSc Eng (Agriculture), PhD (UKZN)

Farm infrastructure, irrigation and mechanisation systems engineering.

Mechanisation and transport initiatives:

• System analyses, costings and optimisation.
• Equipment performance and efficiencies.
• Sugarcane logistics and vehicle optimisation.
• RTMS and PBS vehicles.
• Soil compaction and stool damage.
• Farming systems.
• New technology.

BSc Eng (University of Natal), PhD (UKZN)

• In vitro tissue culture of sugarcane for the purposes of micropropagation, transgenesis, virus elimination, mutagenic breeding and germplasm conservation.
• Molecular characterisation of transgenic plants and agronomic assessment of transgenic sugarcane in the field.
• Regulatory framework for GM crops within SA.
• Conducting risk assessments of GM crops for field release.

• Deployment of NovaCane® and N12 Zapyr plants to the South African sugarcane industry.
• Progressing commercial release of eldana resistant Bt GM sugarcane that is also herbicide tolerant.
• Conducting biosafety research for regulatory approval of GM sugarcane.
• Germplasm conservation via slow growth and cryopreservation.
• Virus elimination via osmo- and cryo-therapy.
• The use of chemical mutagenesis to improve selected characteristics of South African sugarcane germplasm.

• Production of transgenic sugarcane that is eldana resistant and herbicide tolerant.
• Applied use of tissue culture for rapid bulking of sugarcane cultivars. The process has been registered as a trademark, NovaCane®.
• Deployment of N12 Zapyr, produced by mutagenic breeding, that is tolerant to imazapyr herbicide.
• Osmo- and cryo-therapy of shoot tips for virus elimination.

Gonzales-Arnao MT, Banasiak M, Snyman SJ, Sershen (2020). The potential of cryotherapy to remove Sugarcane Mosaic Virus from sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) shoot tips. CryoLetters 41(5):267-271.

Snyman SJ, Naidoo M, MP Watt and Rutherford RS (2019). An in vitro screening system to assess aluminium toxicity in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant 55:403-408. DOI: 10.1007/s11627-019-09994-2

Mahlanza T, Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2019). Methylglyoxal-induced enhancement of somatic embryogenesis and associated metabolic changes in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 136(2):279-287. DOI 10.1007/s11240-018-1513-7

Snyman SJ, Komape DM, Khanyi H, van den Berg J, Cilliers D, Lloyd Evans D, Barnard S and Siebert SJ (2018). Assessing the likelihood of gene flow from sugarcane (Saccharum hybrids) to wild relatives in South Africa. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 6:72. DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00072

Koetle MJ, Lloyd Evans D, Singh V, Snyman SJ, Rutherford RS and Watt MP (2018). Agronomic evaluation and molecular characterisation of the acetolactate synthase gene in imazapyr tolerant sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) genotypes. Plant Cell Reports 37(8):1201-1213. DOI: 10.1007/s00299-018-2306-5

Snyman SJ, Banasiak M, Mhlanga P, Mupanehari E and Watt MP (2018). Strategies for maintaining and increasing throughput of in vitro cultures of sugarcane. Acta Horticulturae 1205:763-768. DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1205.95

Snyman SJ, Shezi SN and Ramburan S (2018). Field assessment of in vitro micropropagated NovaCane® sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrids). Sugar Tech 20(5):609-612. DOI 10.1007/s12355-017-0574-y

Banasiak M and Snyman SJ (2017). Exploring in vitro germplasm conservation options for sugarcane in South Africa. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant 53:402-409. DOI 10.1007/s11627-017-9853-2

Rutherford RS, Maphalala KZ, Koch AC, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2017). Field and laboratory assessments of sugarcane mutants selected in vitro for resistance to imazapyr herbicide. Crop Breeding and Applied Biotechnology 17:107-114. DOI 10.1590/1984-70332017v17n2a17.

Hajari E, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2017). The effect of form and level of inorganic N on nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane grown in pots. J Plant Nutrition 40(2):248-257. DOI 10.1080/01904167.2016.1237648.

Snyman SJ, Mhlanga P and Watt MP (2016). Rapid screening of sugarcane plantlets for in vitro mannitol-induced stress. Sugar Tech 18:437-440. DOI 10.1007/s12355-015-0411-0.

Snyman SJ, Hajari E, Watt MP, Lu Y and Kridl JC (2015). Improved nitrogen use efficiency in transgenic sugarcane: phenotypic assessment in a pot trial under low nitrogen conditions. Plant Cell Reports 34:667-669. DOI 10.1007/s00299-015-1768-y.

Hajari E, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2015). Nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) varieties under in vitro conditions with varied N supply. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 122:21-29. DOI 10.1007/s11240-015-0746-y.

Mahlanza T, Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2015). Potential of Fusarium sacchari-tolerant mutants in controlling Eldana saccharina and borer-associated Fusarium stem rot in sugarcane. European Journal of Plant Pathology (accepted) DOI 10.1007/s10658-014-0582-7.

Mahlanza T, Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2014). Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) resistance in sugarcane (Saccharum sp.): Effects of Fusarium spp., stalk rind, fibre and nitrogen content. African Entomology 22(3): 810-822.

Hajari E, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2014). Inorganic nitrogen uptake kinetics of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) varieties under in vitro conditions and with varying N supply. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture: Journal of Plant Biotechnology 117:361-371..

Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2014). In vitro studies on somaclonal variation and induced mutagenesis: progress and prospects in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) – a review. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 89:1-16.

Munsamy A, Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2013). 5-Azacydiine as a tool to induce somaclonal variants with useful traits in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Plant Biotechnology Reports 7:489-502.

Mahlanza T, Snyman SJ, Rutherford RS and Watt MP (2013). In vitro generation of somaclonal variant plants of sugarcane for tolerance to Fusarium sacchari. Plant Cell Reports 32:249-262.

Meyer GM and Snyman SJ (2013). Progress in research on genetically modified sugarcane in South Africa and associated regulatory requirements. Acta Horticulturae 974:43-50.

Snyman SJ, van Antwerpen, Ramgareeb S and McFarlane SA (2012). Sugarcane pathogens: detection and elimination through in vitro culture. Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology 6: 12-18.

Koch AC, Ramagreeb S, Rutherford RS, Snyman SJ and Watt MP (2012). An in vitro mutagenesis protocol for the production of sugarcane tolerant to the herbicide imazapyr. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology-Plant 48:417-427.

Snyman SJ, Meyer GM, Koch AC, Banasiak M and Watt MP (2011) Applications of in vitro culture systems for commercial sugarcane production and improvement. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant 47:234-249. DOI 10.1007/s11627-011-9354-7I.

Snyman SJ, Nkwanyana PD and Watt MP (2011) Alleviation of hyperhydricity of sugarcane plantlets produced in RITA vessels and genotype and phenotypic characterisation of acclimated plants. South African Journal of Botany 77:685-692.

Ramgareeb S, Snyman SJ, van Antwerpen T and Rutherford RS (2010) Elimination of virus and rapid propagation of disease-free sugarcane (Saccharum spp. cultivar NCo376) using apical meristem culture. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 96:263-271. DOI 10.1007/s11240-009-9634-7.

Watt MP, Banasiak M, Reddy D, Albertse E and Snyman SJ (2009) In vitro minimal growth storage of Saccharum spp. hybrid (genotype 88H0019) at two stage of direct somatic embryogenic regeneration. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 96:263-271. DOI 10.1007/s11240-008-9483-9.

Brumbley SM, Snyman SJ, Gnanasambandam A, Joyce P, Hermann SR, da Silva JAG, McQualter RB, Wang M-L, Egan B, Patterson AH, Albert HH and Moore PH (2008) Sugarcane. In: A Compendium of Transgenic Crop Plants. Volume 7: Sugar, Tuber and Fiber Crops. Eds: C Kole and TC Hall. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, pp 1-58. ISBN: 978-1-405-16710-9.

Snyman SJ, Meyer GM, Richards JM, Haricharan N, Ramgareeb S and Huckett BI (2006) Refining the application of direct embryogenesis in sugarcane: effect of the developmental phase of leaf disc explants and the timing of DNA transfer on transformation efficiency. Plant Cell Reports 25:1016-1023.

Snyman SJ (2004) Transformation of sugarcane. In: Transgenic Crops of the World – Essential protocols. Ed: IS Curtis. Kluwer Academic Publishers. pp 103-114.

Leibbrandt NB and Snyman SJ (2003) Stability of gene expression and agronomic performance of a transgenic herbicide-resistant sugarcane line in South Africa. Crop Science 43:671-677.

• Specialist Molecular Techniques: PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, Gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing.
• Bioinformatics: analysis of NGS data, genome assembly and annotation, RNA-seq.

• Development of methodologies and pipelines for RNA-seq data analysis in sugarcane.
• Sugarcane genome assembly using the BAC-by-BAC approach.
• Identification of novel tissue specific promoters.

RM Jacob, BAM Potier and D Lloyd Evans (2016). Towards a reference sugarcane transcriptome: Increasing ESTs to full-length transcripts using available genomic resources. SA Genetics Society and SA Society for Bioinformatics Joint Congress, 20 – 23 September 2016, Durban, South Africa (Poster).

BAM Potier, Jacob RM and Lloyd Evans D (2015). Integrating transcriptomics and expression analysis: the SASRI approach. ISSCT Joint 11th Germplasm and Breeding and 8th Molecular Biology Workshop, 1-5 June 2015, Saint-Gilles, Reunion Island.

RM Jacob, DL Sweby and A Brass (2014). Analysis of subtracted cDNA libraries: the regulation of photosynthesis through sugar signalling in sugarcane. SA Genetics Society and SA Society for Bioinformatics Joint Congress, 23 -26 September 2014, Pretoria, South Africa (Poster).

Potier BAM, Makome SL and Jacob RM (2012). Leaf and Root-Specific Sorghum Promoters Whose Transcripts Are Also Tissue-Specific in Maize and Sugarcane. Plant and Animal Genome Conference XX, 14-18 January 2012, San Diego, USA.

• BSc Hons (UKZN) Genetics and Biochemistry.
• MSc (University of Manchester) Bioinformatics.

• Tissue culture of sugarcane.
• Precision breeding using microprojectile bombardment.
• DNA analysis: PCR, Southern blot analysis.
• Protein detection: Western blots.Tissue culture of sugarcane.
• Precision breeding using microprojectile bombardment.
• DNA analysis: PCR, Southern blot analysis.
• Protein detection: Western blots.

• Direct and indirect morphogenesis of sugarcane in vitro, in semi-solid media and temporary immersion RITA® bioreactors.
• Acclimatisation of tissue culture-derived plantlets.
• Production and analysis of transgenic sugarcane plants.

• Involvement in scaling up production of NovaCane® plants for use in regional seedcane schemes.
• Use of novel explant source, leaf roll discs containing floral initials, as recipient tissue for DNA delivery.

Snyman SJ, Meyer GM, Richards JM, Haricharan N, Ramgareeb S and Huckett BI (2006) Refining the application of direct embryogenesis in sugarcane: effect of the developmental phase of leaf disc explants and the timing of DNA transfer on transformation efficiency. Plant Cell Reports 25:1016-1023.

MSc (Natal).

• Tissue culture of sugarcane and eucalyptus.
• RITA® bioreactor system.

• Minimal growth of sugarcane in vitro.
• Direct and indirect morphogenesis of sugarcane in vitro, in semi-solid media and temporary immersion RITA® bioreactors.
• Rooting and acclimatisation of tissue culture-derived plantlets.

Involvement in scaling up production of NovaCane® plants for use in regional seedcane schemes.

Watt, M.P., Banasiak, M., Nicholson, T. and McAlister, B. (2006). Strategies for the selection of uncontaminated Eucalyptus explants for shoot multiplication in a temporary immersion system (RITA®) in a commercial laboratory. South African Forestry Journal 206:13-21.

MSc (University of Wroclaw, Poland).

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Transgene Analysis: Northern and Southern blotting, whole plant Radiolabelling.
• Cloning.
• Separation techniques: HPLC and TLC.
• Enzyme Assays and Enzyme Kinetics.

• Source-sink relationships in sugarcane.
• Carbon partitioning in the sugarcane culm.
• Carbohydrate metabolism during sucrose accumulation in the sugarcane stalk.
• DNA fingerprinting for identification purposes.
• AFLP Molecular markers.

Linkage disequilibrium mapping of commercial sugarcane germplasm for application in breeding programs.

Albertse, EH., Edwards, TJ., Butterfield, MK. Poster: Microsatellite fingerprinting as a quality control tool in sugarcane breeding and genetic marker research. SAAB, 18 – 22 January 2004.

Butterfield, MK., Richards, JM., Albertse EH. Progress and Prospects for Molecular Breeding in the South African Sugarcane Variety Improvement Programme. SASTA, 27 – 30 July 2004.

MSc (Free Sate).

MSc (Environmental Science).

Tissue culture / plant micropropagation, molecular biology and glasshouse maintenance.

Qualification: B.Tech (Biotechnology)