Blog Masonry – Page 2 – Faculty of AgriSciences

September29

PhD Student Paul Allin Secures Top Prize at the Southern African Wildlife Management Association (SAWMA) Conference

Paul’s PhD project is entitled Improving the Accuracy and Precision of Aerial Census in the Savanna Biome Using Remote-Sensed Imagery and Machine Learning.

The aim of his research is to develop an automated aerial game census technique for the savanna biome that matches or surpasses human counting in both precision and accuracy when detecting and enumerating medium and large herbivores. Remote-sensed imagery further enables highly accurate mapping of animal locations in relation to their environment. Understanding how organisms interact with each other, as well as the spatial organisation and functioning of ecosystems, is essential for comprehending ecosystem dynamics as a whole. Enhancing our ability to measure these interactions lays the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem processes.

Given the critical role herbivores play in shaping savanna ecosystems, improved methods to monitor their populations across space and time add significant value. Effective management of herbivory depends on reliable data about ungulate population trends and distributions, which are vital for multiple objectives—ranging from environmental monitoring and species reintroduction, to assessing population health, informing conservation action, and advancing ecological knowledge.

This research aims to improve the methods used to estimate animal numbers and monitor populations through automation. Not only is the process expected to eliminate the human error inherent in current methods such as aerial surveys, but it will also provide a more cost-effective alternative. Moreover, the higher spatial precision offered by remote-sensed imagery will expand our understanding of the drivers of animal movement across landscapes.

Paul Allin with the projects drone

Edited by Precious Canham

September29

Nuus

Agronomie 454, 742 & 444 Toer 2025

Tydens die September reses het die Agronomie studente die voorreg gehad om die jaarlikse Agronomiestudentetoer by te woon – en watter wonderlike ervaring was dit nie! Gedurende die toer het ons verskeie bewaringslandbou-(BL) plase in die pragtige Suid-Kaap besoek. Hierdie boere het hul hekke vir ons oopgemaak en hul stories met ons gedeel, wat ons ’n eerstehandse blik gegee het op die innoverende praktyke wat moderne graan- en oliesaadproduksie vorm.

Foto 1: Kanolagewas en uitsig vanaf Richard Krige se plaas

Die doel van die toer was om studente insig te gee in die landboubedryf en hul perspektief te verbreed oor die interdissiplinêre aspekte van landbou. Dit het studente in staat gestel om konsepte oor gewaswetenskap, onkruidkunde, veekunde en landbou-ekonomie met mekaar te verbind. Dit het ook opgewondenheid oor die toekoms aangewakker en ons, as studente, aangemoedig om te dink oor waar ons onsself binne die waardeketting van landbou wil posisioneer.

Van hoe boere grondgesondheid beskerm tot hoe hulle produktiwiteit en volhoubaarheid balanseer, het die studente eerstehands gesien wat dit verg om slimmer vir die toekoms te boer, en hoe ervaring soms ’n groter rol speel as teorie. Op elke plaas het studente die groei en ontwikkeling van sleutelgewasse in verskillende stadiums waargeneem en vergelyk hoe bestuurspraktyke hul prestasie beïnvloed. Boere het gedeel hoe hulle bewaringslandbou-beginsels op hul plase geïmplementeer het op grond van praktiese oorwegings. Dit was interessant om die verskille in opbrengste en toestande van dieselfde gewastipes te sien, en hoe dit verband hou met hul boerderypraktyke, tegnieke sowel as hul plaag- en onkruidbestuursstrategieë. Gesprekke oor insetkoste, opbrengste en markbehoeftes het die ekonomiese belangrikheid van hierdie gewasse binne Suid-Afrika se landboulandskap verder beklemtoon en studente se kennisveld verbreed.

Foto 2: ’n Paar van die dekgewasse en vee wat tydens die toer waargeneem is.

Om direk van boere te hoor en in die lande te staan, het die verband tussen klaskamer en praktyk duidelik gemaak. Waarneming van wisselbou, residubestuur en grondbewaringsmetodes in aksie het die konsepte van morfologie, produksie en volhoubaarheid tasbaar en onvergeetlik gemaak.

Foto 3: ’n Boer, mnr. Hume Schonfeldt, verduidelik aan studente sommige van die boerderypraktyke wat op hul plaas toegepas word.

’n Opregte dankie aan ons ruim borge – die Proteïennavorsingstigting (PNS), Suid-Afrikaanse Brouerye (SAB) en Barenbrug Saad – wie se ondersteuning hierdie toer moontlik gemaak het; die boere wat ons verwelkom en hul kennis met ons gedeel het; asook ons dosente wat die ervaring werklik onvergeetlik gemaak het vir almal betrokke.

Foto 4: Studente en dosente by PJ Neethling se plaas.

Outeur: Aneeqah Soeker namens die Agronomie 454/742 klas

September29

News

Agronomy 454, 742 & 444 Tour 2025

During the semester break, the Agronomy students had the privilege of attending the annual Agronomy Student Tour, and what an incredible experience it was! Over the course of the trip, we visited several conservation agriculture (CA) farms across the beautiful Southern Cape region. These farms opened their gates and shared their stories, providing us with a firsthand look at the innovative practices shaping modern grain and oilseed farming.

Photo 1: Canola crop and view as observed from Richard Krige’s farm

This tour aimed to give students insight into the agricultural industry and expand their perspective on the interdisciplinary aspects of agriculture. It enabled students to link concepts across crop science, weed science, animal science, and agricultural economics. It also sparked excitement about the future and encouraged us, as students, to reflect on where we want to position ourselves within the agricultural value chain.

From learning how farmers protect soil health to understanding how they balance productivity and sustainability, the students were able to witness firsthand what it takes to farm smarter for the future, and how experience sometimes plays a bigger role than theory.

At each farm, students observed the growth and development of key crops in different stages, comparing how management practices influenced their performance. Farmers shared insights on how they implemented conservation agriculture principles on their farms based on practicality. It was interesting to see the difference in yields and conditions of farms of the same crop types, and how it relates to their farming operations, techniques, as well as their pest and weed management strategies. Discussions around input costs, yields, and market demands highlighted the economic importance of these crops within South Africa’s agricultural landscape, further expanding students’ field of knowledge.

Photo 2: Some of the cover crops and livestock that were observed during the tour.

Hearing directly from farmers and standing in the field helped connect the classroom to real-life applications. Observing crop rotations, residue management, and soil conservation methods in action made the concepts of morphology, production, and sustainability tangible and memorable.

Photo 3: A farmer, Mr Hume Schonfeldt, explaining to students some of the farming practices used on their farm.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our generous sponsors; the Protein Research Foundation (PRF), South African Breweries (SAB), and Barenbrug, whose support made this tour possible, the farmers who welcomed us and shared their knowledge with us; as well as our lecturers who made the experience truly memorable for everyone involved.

Photo 4: Students and lecturers at PJ Neethling’s farm.

Author: Aneeqah Soeker on behalf of the Agronomy 454/742 class

September02

News

Planting trees to fight climate change? Think again

Indiscriminate tree planting in Africa can do more harm than good
To guide smarter use of indigenous species, researchers are now developing a bioinformatics-based digital toolkit
Goal: climate resilience, biodiversity protection and sustainable livelihoods
Photo and soundbite attached.

Stellenbosch, 1 September 2025 – Planting trees is often hailed as a simple solution to climate change. But when done indiscriminately, tree planting in Africa can cause more harm than good – displacing biodiverse and unique grasslands, reducing water availability, and undermining livelihoods.

Now, an ambitious research initiative, the Southern African Trees for Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAT-CARe) project, is working to change that. Anchored at Stellenbosch University, and developed in collaboration with researchers from other universities and institutions, SAT-CARe is building an open-access toolkit based on bioinformatics to guide smarter use of indigenous trees in Southern Africa – with plans to expand its reach across the continent.

The digital toolkit will draw on climate, soil and environmental data, along with detailed species traits, to help policymakers, farmers and urban planners identify which endemic African tree species are best suited for such applications as reforestation, urban greening, ecological restoration and livelihood support. This approach is considered crucial to move away from poorly informed decisions to plant non-indigenous species.

Afforestation a growing problem

“Tree planting is often presented as a cure-all for climate change,” says Prof Guy Midgley, Director of SU’s School for Climate Studies.

“But planting the wrong trees in the wrong places can actually reduce biodiversity, threaten water security and damage livelihoods. We need science-based, locally informed decisions.”

He warns of Africa’s “afforestation problem” – not only through the spread of woody plants into grasslands driven by rising CO₂ levels, but also when external actors impose ill-advised tree-planting schemes on the continent.

“We see these big greening trends across our subcontinent,” Midgley explains. “It chokes up grasslands with shrubs, destroys people’s livelihoods and potentially increases water use. This is not a standard northern hemisphere challenge – it is our challenge, and we need to develop our own models.”

African trees for African landscapes

SAT-CARe insists on African solutions. “Why are we planting alien tree species in our valuable catchments where they use too much water, change the soil composition, and even fuel intense wildfires? We need to leverage Africa’s indigenous resources,” Midgley told stakeholders attending a meeting at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study.

The project’s practical ambition is to identify which indigenous tree species will thrive in which landscapes – today and as the climate continues to change in future. This means looking at iconic African trees such as baobab, marula, mopane, sausage tree, miombo and yellowwood.

By linking environmental data to species traits, the software will for instance help farmers select the best tree species for drought tolerance, fruit and oil, or livestock fodder. And urban planners will be able to use the toolkit to choose species that improve shade and air quality without depleting scarce water supplies.

Besides South Africa, SAT-CARe brings together researchers and data from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with additional input from Kenya. The models are being piloted across diverse ecosystems – from savannas to montane forests – with the aim of producing guidance that can be scaled across Africa.

Data challenge

For the project to deliver useful answers, it must integrate climate, soil, CO₂ and wildfire data with tree traits and socio-economic indicators.

“This is not just a data exercise for scientists,” says Prof Kanshu Rajaratnam, Director of SU’s School for Data Science and Computational Thinking.

“We are building models that can be used by policymakers and communities. Our goal is a digital toolkit that is as open and usable as possible.”

Dr Jan Greyling of SU’s Faculty of AgriSciences, explains how it would work: “The idea is that users would simply type in a species name, select a climate scenario, and generate a map showing where a target tree species is likely to thrive.”

African resilience

For Midgley, the project is a statement about Africa’s role in shaping global climate debates.

“Africa gets less than 3% of international funding for climate change science, and of that, about half goes to non-African scientists. So, this continent is extremely vulnerable because we are not funded to do the fundamental science that we need,” says Midgley.

However, SAT-CARe is part of the Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, convened by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities. The cluster positions nature-based solutions as a promising way to reduce climate risks while protecting biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods.

“SAT-CARe is not just about trees in Southern Africa. It’s about African researchers taking the lead in generating knowledge that is locally grounded but globally relevant,” says Midgley.

Disclaimer: This project is supported by Lacuna Fund and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The views expressed in this statement do not necessarily reflect those of the Fund, its Steering Committee, its funders, or the Meridian Institute,

Media contact:
Please direct queries and interview requests to the SAT-CARe coordinator
Ms Julia Harper: +27 72 535 0204, jrs@sun.ac.za

Prof Guy Midgley, Director of SU’s School for Climate Studies

A Camel Thorn tree on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. PICTURE: Heath Beckett

August26

News

Prof Kennedy Dzama appointed as new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences

Prof Kennedy Dzama, an academic pioneer in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture, has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU). He will start his term on 1 January 2026.

Currently serving as a Distinguished Professor and Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Dzama brings with him a wealth of experience and excellence in higher education leadership, research and innovation.

Dzama is internationally recognised for his groundbreaking research on African animal genetic resources, particularly in the areas of parasite resistance, climate-resilient livestock systems and sustainable animal production.

His work has had a profound impact on the understanding and conservation of African animal genetic resources.

Since joining SU in 2006, Dzama has served as the Head of the Department of Animal Sciences from 2013 to 2018, and thereafter, as the Faculty’s Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies. Dzama also leads SU’s AgriSciences Interdisciplinary platform which includes programmes in Food Systems and Sustainability which has gained recognition across South Africa and internationally and whose collaborations and partnerships include Wageningen University, Oxford University, among others.

He obtained a BSc Agriculture (Hons) in Animal Science from the University of Zimbabwe, followed by MSc and PhD degrees in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Texas A&M University in the United States. Before joining SU, he held senior academic positions at the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Fort Hare.

He has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students and has published widely in leading international journals. Dzama has contributed to the development of academic programmes across Southern Africa, including the widely adopted Animal Breeding curriculum and the Transdisciplinary Sustainable Agriculture programme.

Dzama has been invited to serve on numerous national and international advisory panels, including the African Union InterAfrican Bureau on Animal Genetic Resources and the UN World Food Programme, SADC and its R&D wing CCARDESA. He is currently Chair of the Board of Governors of the African Wildlife Economy Institute and Chair of the Southern Africa Food Lab, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary solutions for agricultural and food system challenges.

In recognition of his contributions to shaping agricultural research and policy across Southern Africa, Dzama received the South African Society of Animal Science’s Top Research Scientist Award in 2017.

Of his appointment, Dzama says: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to serve as the new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, and I am committed to leading our faculty with vision, innovation, and collaboration to achieve new heights of excellence in research, teaching, and community impact not only on the African continent but globally.”

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath says SU is proud to see Dzama step into the role as Dean, where his vision and leadership will help take the Faculty to even greater heights. “He has already left an indelible mark on SU through his outstanding scholarship and his dedicated service as Vice-Dean, Head of Department and programme leader. Dzama’s pioneering research in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture has not only advanced knowledge globally but also positioned SU as a leader in addressing critical challenges of food security and climate resilience. Just as importantly, his mentorship of students and his ability to build collaborative networks reflect his deep commitment to the next generation of scientists.”

Prof Dzama will succeed Prof Danie Brink who has served as Dean since 2017.

Author: Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Anel Lewis]

July01

News

Workshop on AI in Agrotechnology

The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) recently hosted a workshop on AI in Agrotechnology, inviting representatives from friendly nations to share new breakthroughs in agricultural innovations. The workshop not only showcased Taiwan’s Smart Agriculture technology development but also encouraged collaboration on future projects with participating countries. Manja Strever, an MSc Viticulture student affiliated with the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI), participated in the workshop held in Taiwan.

Driving forces for Taiwan’s agricultural R&D:

An increase in the average age of the agricultural labour force and growing labour shortages
The impact of climate change, which intensifies adverse weather conditions such as typhoons
Limited agricultural land available for production

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture in Taiwan has implemented its Smart Agriculture Program, which focuses on two main areas: smart production and digital services. The goals of this vision are to improve the efficiency and performance of agricultural operations, increase food safety and quality, and strengthen risk management. A key success factor is the close collaboration between government, higher education institutions, and agri-tech companies. This integrated approach allows for faster adoption of technological innovations, as aligned goals and collaboration lead to increased productivity.

Interesting topics discussed:

Greenhouse technology: Due to Taiwan’s vulnerability to severe weather conditions such as typhoons, there is strong interest in smart greenhouses and vertical farming. Various greenhouse models were presented, including typhoon-resistant structures and smart greenhouses that can be remotely operated.
Drone technology for precision agriculture: Taiwan has developed and manufactured several drone models for diverse terrains and use cases. The country holds five patents for drone designs, one of which includes a unique airflow rotor system that enables the drone to direct spray applications while in flight. This is particularly useful for treating tall trees and enhances precision in spray applications overall.
Livestock monitoring systems: Taiwan has introduced digital technologies in livestock farming, including a pilot project for swine farms. These technologies support production management, environmental and health monitoring, and disease diagnosis. By automating tasks such as pig counting and observation, farmers can focus on more critical responsibilities.

Key take-away messages from the workshop:

Use AI to handle non-essential tasks and reduce workload for producers, while recognising that domain knowledge remains crucial for interpreting and applying AI-generated outputs.
High-cost equipment is not always necessary to implement precision agriculture.
Accurate data about farm operations is essential for applying AI and precision management tools—record-keeping is therefore extremely important.
Aim to balance the preservation of indigenous and traditional farming practices with the integration of new methods to enhance productivity and reduce labour inputs.

Article supplied by Manja Strever
Edited by Precious Canham

July01

Nuus

Universiteit Stellenbosch se Plantsiekte – en Plaagdiagnostiese dienste bereik nuwe hoogtes

In ’n innoverende stap vir plant- en insekdiagnose het die Plant Disease Clinic Stellenbosch (PDC) en Bluebug Insek Diagnostiese Dienste amptelik in April 2025 saamgesmelt! Die nuut verenigde diens sal onder die naam PDC Stellenbosch voortgaan, wat die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se sleutelrol in gevorderde plantsiekte- en plaagdiagnose versterk.

Hoekom dit belangrik is

Akkurate diagnose is van kritiese belang om duur foute in plaag- en siektebestuur te voorkom, volhoubare landbou te verseker, en plaaslike gewasgesondheid te beskerm. Met hierdie samesmelting versterk PDC Stellenbosch sy vermoë om vinnige, betroubare en omvattende diagnose te bied vir swam-, oömiseet- en bakteriese plantsiektes, myte, insekte en aalwurms. Die diens speel ook ’n sleutelrol in die monitering van opkomende bedreigings, wat bydra tot biosekuriteit en langtermyn landbouvolhoubaarheid.

‘n Erfenis van Uitnemendheid en Groei

Gestig in Oktober 2000 deur prof. Gustav Holz, Sonja Coertze en Lizeth Swart, het PDC Stellenbosch gegroei van ‘n nederige begin—met slegs 36 diagnostiese monsters in sy eerste jaar—tot meer as 1 000 monsters per jaar sedert 2015. Vandag sluit die span hoogs gekwalifiseerde diagnostici en tegnici, met meer as 40 jaar se gesamentlike ervaring, in. Die PDC Stellenbosch-span bestaan uit twee voltydse MSc-gekwalifiseerde diagnostici, Doré de Villiers en Elaine Basson, asook bekwame tegnici Brenda de Wee en Marchel Britz. Sonja Coertze lei die kliniek se bedrywighede, terwyl prof. Adéle McLeod kundigheid in besigheidsontwikkeling en molekulêre opsporingstegnieke bied. Die PDC gebruik verskeie metodes, insluitend visuele inspeksies, laboratoriumondersoeke en molekulêre diagnose om swam-, oömiseet- en bakteriese plantsiektes akkuraat te identifiseer. Hul dienste het onlangs uitgebrei om ook swamdodersensitiwiteits- en viroïedtoetse in te sluit.

In September 2023 het die PDC na ’n moderne fasiliteit in die Paul van der Bijl-gebou op die Welgevallen Proefplaas geskuif, moontlik gemaak deur die Universiteit Stellenbosch (Strategiese fonds) en sleutelbedryfsvennote. Die kliniek se borge sluit in:

Goue Borge: Hortgro, South Africa Wine en SATI

Silwer Borge: VillaCrop

Brons Borge: Korkom, Berries ZA, ICA en Nexus

’n Advieskomitee, gestig in 2022, lei PDC Stellenbosch se aktiwiteite en finansiële volhoubaarheid, en verseker voortdurende innovasie en bedryfsrelevansie. Komiteelede sluit in Bekker Wessels (ProCrop), Hugh Campbell (Hortgro), Anel Andrag (South Africa Wine), Albert Strever (US Departement van Wingerd- en Wynkunde), Dereck du Toit (privaat konsultant), Rudolph Geldenhuys (privaat konsultant en vorige HUB van InteliChem), Kobus Serfontein (ICA), MJ Freeborough (Fakulteitsbestuurder: AgriWetenskappe) en Cheryl Lennox (US Departement van Plantpatologie).

Die Opkoms van Bluebug Insekdiagnostiek

Met die erkenning van die behoefte aan ’n gespesialiseerde insekdiagnostiese diens, het prof. Pia Addison van US se Departement van Bewaringsekologie en Entomologie in 2014 die stigting van so ’n diens gelei. Danksy bedryfsbefondsing van South Africa Wine, Hortgro en SATI, het Bluebug sy kundigheid uitgebrei en dr. Caro Kapp in 2018 aangestel. Dit het hul kapasiteit vir insekte-, myt- en nematooddiagnose verhoog, insluitend knopmytanalisering vir kernvrugte en ander gewasse. Bluebug het in 2021 sy dienste uitgebrei om beide in-persoon en aanlyn werkswinkels aan te bied.

Die Toekoms van die PDC Stellenbosch

Met hierdie strategiese samesmelting is PDC Stellenbosch gereed om ’n eenstopdiens vir plantsiekte- en plaagdiagnose te word, met ongeëwenaarde kundigheid in plantpatologie en entomologie. Hierdie samewerking verseker die voortgesette beskerming van Suid-Afrika se landbousektor en rus boere, navorsers en bedryfskenners toe met die beste hulpmiddels om plae en siektes te bestry.

Bly ingeskakel vir meer opdaterings soos PDC Stellenbosch die pad baan na ’n gesonder, meer volhoubare toekoms in landbou!

PDC Stellenbosch-span: Van links na regs: (voorste ry) Doré de Villiers, Sonja Coertze en Adéle McLeod. (agterste ry) Marchel Britz, Brenda de Wee, Elaine Basson, Caro Kapp en Pia Addison.

July01

News

Stellenbosch University’s Plant Disease and Pest Diagnostics services reaches new heights

In an innovative move for plant and insect diagnostics, The Plant Disease Clinic Stellenbosch (PDC) and Bluebug Insect Diagnostic Services have officially merged as of April 2025! The newly unified service will continue to operate under the name PDC Stellenbosch, reinforcing Stellenbosch University’s (SU) pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge plant disease and pest diagnostics.

Why This Matters

Accurate diagnostics are critical for preventing costly errors in pest and disease management, ensuring sustainable agriculture, and protecting local crop health. With this merger, PDC Stellenbosch strengthens its ability to provide fast, reliable, and comprehensive diagnostics for fungal, oomycete and bacterial plant pathogens, mites, insects, and nematodes. The service also plays a key role in tracking emerging threats, contributing to biosecurity and long-term agricultural sustainability.

A Legacy of Excellence & Growth

Founded in October 2000 by Prof. Gustav Holz, Sonja Coertze and Lizeth Swart, the PDC Stellenbosch has grown from humble beginnings—handling just 36 diagnostic samples in its first year—to processing over 1,000 samples annually since 2015. Today, its team includes highly qualified diagnosticians and technicians with over 40 years of combined expertise. The PDC Stellenbosch team features a strong lineup of experts, including two full-time MSc-qualified diagnosticians, Doré de Villiers and Elaine Basson, along with skilled technicians Brenda de Wee and Marchel Britz. Leading the clinic’s operations is Sonja Coertze, while Prof. Adéle McLeod provides expertise in business development and molecular detection techniques. The PDC employs diverse methods, including visual inspections, laboratory examinations, and molecular diagnostics to pinpoint fungal, oomycete and bacterial plant pathogens thus ensuring precision in disease identification. Their services recently expanded to include fungicide sensitivity- and viroid testing.

In September 2023, the PDC relocated to a state-of-the-art facility at the Paul van der Bijl building on the Welgevallen Experimental Farm, made possible through Stellenbosch University (strategic fund grant) and key industry partners. The clinic’s industry sponsors include:

Gold Sponsors: Hortgro, South Africa Wine and SATI

Silver Sponsor: VillaCrop

Bronze Sponsors: Korkom, Berries ZA, ICA and Nexus

An advisory committee, established in 2022, has guided PDC Stellenbosch’s activities and financial sustainability, ensuring continuous innovation and industry relevance. Committee members include Bekker Wessels (ProCrop), Hugh Campbell (Hortgro), Anel Andrag (South Africa Wine), Albert Strever (SU Viticulture and Oenology Department), Dereck du Toit (private consultant), Rudolph Geldenhuys (private consultant and previous CEO of InteliChem), Kobus Serfontein (ICA), MJ Freeborough (AgriSciences Faculty Manager) and Cheryl Lennox (SU Department of Plant Pathology).

The Rise of Bluebug Insect Diagnostics

Recognizing the need for a specialized insect identification service, Prof. Pia Addison of SU’s Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology spearheaded the establishment of an identification service during 2014. Thanks to industry funding from South Africa Wine, Hortgro, and SATI, Bluebug expanded its expertise, appointing Dr. Caro Kapp during 2018. This increased their capacity for insect, mite and nematode diagnostics, including bud mite analysis for pome and other fruit crops. Bluebug Insect Diagnostic Service expanded its services in 2021 to offer both in person and online workshops.

The Future of PDC Stellenbosch

With this strategic merger, PDC Stellenbosch is set to become a one-stop plant disease and pest diagnostic hub, providing unparalleled expertise in plant pathology and entomology. This collaboration ensures the continued protection of South Africa’s agricultural sector, equipping farmers, researchers, and industry professionals with the best tools to combat pests and diseases.

Stay tuned for more updates as PDC Stellenbosch paves the way for a healthier, more resilient agricultural future!

Plant Disease Clinic Stellenbosch team: From left to right: (front row) Doré de Villiers, Sonja Coertze and Adéle McLeod. (back row) Marchel Britz, Brenda de Wee, Elaine Basson, Caro Kapp and Pia Addison.

July01

News

Rooted in Legacy, Growing Towards the Future – Agricultural Economists Illuminate the Path Ahead

As part of its centenary celebrations, the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University launched a series of special events in collaboration with alumni chapters across the Western Cape. The first two events in this commemorative series were hosted in partnership with the Breede River and Overberg Maties Alumni Chapters, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and alumni to engage in timely discussions on the future of agriculture in South Africa.

The centenary celebrations commenced with a dynamic panel discussion on the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping the future of high-value agricultural sectors in South Africa. Held at the picturesque Waverley Hills Organic Wines estate and co-hosted with the Breede River Maties Alumni Chapter, this event highlighted the importance of sustainability, responsible governance, and ethical investment in the evolving agricultural landscape.

The panel was moderated by Dr Melissa van der Merwe, Agricultural Economist in the Agricultural Economics Department. Panellists Frans van Wyk (Agrifusion), Anel Blignaut (Blue North), and Andries Dreyer (Absa) covered a broad range of topics, from regenerative agriculture and sustainable finance to ethical supply chains and ESG compliance requirements. The discussion focused on:

The increasing global emphasis on transparency, traceability, and accountability in agri-food value chains.

The transition toward climate-smart production models and the role of regenerative practices in ensuring long-term farm viability.

The growing influence of finance-linked sustainability instruments, with ESG metrics shaping access to capital and market competitiveness.

The critical need for cross-sector collaboration to embed ESG principles across policy, research, and practice.

Seated: The Breede River Alumni Chapter with Dr Melissa van der Merwe, Anel Blignaut, Andries Dreyer, and Frans van Wyk

The Department extends sincere appreciation to Ferdi van Dyk (SU), Karen Bruns (SU), Jéan Fouché (Breede River Alumni Chapter), and Carli Broodryk (Breede River Alumni Chapter) for their exceptional coordination and hospitality. Our thanks also go to Waverley Hills for providing an inspiring venue aligned with the principles of sustainability discussed throughout the morning.

The second event in the centenary series took place in partnership with the Overberg Maties Alumni Chapter and focused on a timely and complex topic: The Future of Agricultural Trade. Hosted at Paul Clüver Wines in the Elgin Valley, the panel discussion brought together leading voices to examine the shifting trade landscape and its implications for South African agriculture.

Moderated by journalist Anlie Hattingh, the panel featured Tshepo Morokong (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), Anton Kruger (Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum), and Hilton Zunckel (International Trade Consultant). Their discussion reflected on how global, regional, and domestic factors are shaping agricultural trade and competitiveness.

Key themes that emerged included:

The rise of protectionism and unpredictable policies, particularly following the Trump-era trade agenda, has renewed the importance of rules-based multilateral trade systems.

The uncertain future of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) highlights the need for South Africa to diversify its trade relationships and support fellow SACU members who depend on preferential access.

The impact of domestic infrastructure constraints and the lack of trade agreements with key Asian markets limits export potential.

Persistent non-tariff barriers, such as the EU’s restrictions on Citrus Black Spot, and how collaborative industry responses have mitigated these challenges.

Regional fragmentation within SACU, characterised by unilateral border closures that undermine trade integration, underscores the necessity for stronger leadership from South Africa.

The opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlight the significance of establishing institutions and securing finance for exporters to fully leverage intra-African trade.

From Left to Right: Anton Kruger, Tshepo Morokong, Hilton Zunckel, and Anlie Hattingh

The Department extends its gratitude to Dr Andre Jooste, Agricultural Economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, and Ferdi van Dyk (SU) for organising the event, along with Paul Clüver Wines for their generous hospitality.

These two events marked the beginning of a year-long celebration honouring the Department’s 100-year legacy. They demonstrated the power of academic and industry collaboration, as well as the strength of the Stellenbosch University alumni network, in fostering dialogue that informs policy, drives innovation, and shapes the future of South African agriculture.

For more information on these and future events, please contact Dr Melissa van der Merwe at vdmm@sun.ac.za

July01

News

Research and Development Spotlight: A Glimpse into the Genetics Department’s Global Footprint

The Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University is home to a vibrant and diverse academic community of 23 staff members whose research spans the full spectrum of genetics – from plant and animal genetics to human health. Closely integrated into this ecosystem is the Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Breeding (IPBB), a leading centre for innovation in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and applied breeding. Together, these groups contribute to a rich, interdisciplinary research environment with a significant global reach.

To showcase the breadth of research being conducted, the department recently curated highlights from the work of several academics, reflecting both the depth of their individual research programmes and their international impact and collaborations.

Prof Anna-Maria Botha-Oberholster: Plant Genomics and International Collaboration

Prof Anna-Maria Botha-Oberholster, a full professor in the Department of Genetics, is a highly accomplished researcher whose work in plant genomics bridges fundamental science and practical agricultural applications. A B-rated scientist by the NRF, she is one of the department’s most cited academics, with over 5,800 citations, an h-index of 39, and more than 150 peer-reviewed publications—excluding patents, reports, and book chapters.

In 2025, she co-authored the article “Evaluating long-read assemblers to assemble several Aphididae genomes”, published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, contributing valuable genomic tools for agriculturally important aphid species. She also co-authored two high-impact review papers: “Russian wheat aphid: A model for genomic plasticity and a challenge to breeders” and “Unlocking Wheat Drought Tolerance: The Synergy of Omics Data and Computational Intelligence.”

Prof Botha-Oberholster is the South African partner in the EU-funded NATUREBIOPROMO project under the Biodiversa+ and Water4All initiatives. This collaboration includes researchers from Portugal, Brazil, Italy, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, and seeks nature-based biotechnological solutions to reduce pesticide use and improve crop resilience through beneficial microbiomes and bioactives.

She leads a dynamic research team including Dr Hendrik Swiegers (postdoctoral fellow), Dr F Burger (bioinformatician/technical officer), and a cohort of postgraduate students. Her group focuses on host-pathogen genomics, functional biology, and systems-level approaches to plant defence.

Prof James Lloyd: Engineering Future-Ready Crops

Prof James Lloyd, a C-rated scientist and associate professor at IPBB, is a leading figure in plant metabolic engineering, particularly starch metabolism. With more than 3,900 citations, an h-index of 28, and over 43 publications, his work significantly shapes both theoretical and applied plant biotechnology.

His most recent article, accepted in Biotechnology Journal, is titled “Simultaneous Repression of GLUCAN WATER DIKINASE 1 and STARCH BRANCHING ENZYME 1 in Potato Tubers Leads to Starch with Increased Amylose and Novel Industrial Properties.” The study presents a gene-silencing approach that improves starch quality for industrial use.

Prof Lloyd was awarded a three-year NRF Rated Researcher Grant for his project “Making potatoes resistant to virus attack and healthier to eat using genome editing.” This CRISPR-based research, a collaboration with Dr Manuela Campa, Prof Johan Burger (SU), and Dr Zanele Mdodane (NWU), targets both virus resistance and starch digestibility to reduce risks associated with type II diabetes.

Prof Aletta Bester-van der Merwe: Genetics for Ocean Conservation

Prof Aletta Bester-van der Merwe, associate professor, plays a key role in marine conservation genetics, particularly in elasmobranch (shark and ray) population studies. With an h-index of 22, i10-index of 40, and over 70 publications, her contributions have helped shape marine molecular ecology in the region.

She is a principal researcher in the international COEXISTENCE project (2025–2028), investigating socio-ecological conflicts between fisheries and marine megafauna in the South West Indian Ocean. Her work focuses on genetic connectivity in the Mozambique Channel and aims to inform conservation policy through genomics.

Prof Bester-van der Merwe leads a strong research group including Dr Juliana Klein and Dr Michaela van Staden, both postdoctoral fellows. Over her 13 years as principal investigator, she has supervised and co-supervised 10 PhD, 15 MSc, and 25 Honours students.

Dr Nathaniel McGregor: Global Psychiatry and Genomic Insight

Dr Nathaniel McGregor, a senior lecturer, is advancing global psychiatric genetics through international collaborations. With over 2,200 citations, an h-index of 17, and more than 21 publications, his work is gaining notable traction.

In 2025, he co-authored “New Genomics Discoveries Across the Bipolar Disorder Spectrum Implicate Neurobiological and Developmental Pathways” in Biological Psychiatry, which highlights emerging genomic signals across bipolar subtypes and explores previously uncharacterised neurodevelopmental pathways. He also contributed to a landmark Nature Genetics study titled “Genome-wide analyses identify 30 loci associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD),” a meta-analysis of over 53,000 OCD cases that identified significant risk loci and implicated key neuronal pathways.

Together, these studies expand the global understanding of complex psychiatric disorders and underscore Dr McGregor’s key role in international genomics consortia.

Dr Christell van der Vyver: Sugarcane Innovation for the Future

Dr Christell van der Vyver, lecturer and C2-rated scientist, is contributing to South Africa’s biotechnology industry, particularly in sugarcane improvement. With over 800 citations, an h-index of 16, and more than 30 publications, she is driving innovation in applied plant biotechnology.

Her recent projects include a two-year contract with ABF SUGAR (Pty) Ltd to develop genetically modified sugarcane lines resistant to the yellow sugarcane aphid, and a South African Sugar Association (SASA) funded project establishing gene editing technologies for sugarcane.

In 2025, she published “Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of AtBBX29 Transgenic and Wild Type Sugarcane Exposed to Drought Stress” in Physiologia Plantarum, and an invited review in In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant titled “Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) Biotechnology Research in South Africa”, highlighting South Africa’s biotechnology trajectory in sugarcane.

Dr Marlon-Schylor Le Roux: AI-Driven Agriculture for a Changing Climate

Dr Marlon-Schylor Le Roux, a lecturer and emerging researcher, is gaining recognition for his work combining molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agriculture. With over 100 citations and growing, he is part of a new generation of researchers leveraging technology to address food security.

He co-authored “Russian wheat aphid: A model for genomic plasticity and a challenge to breeders”, and led “Unlocking Wheat Drought Tolerance: The Synergy of Omics Data and Computational Intelligence”, both published in 2025. His research promotes AI-driven solutions to climate-related crop stress.

Dr Le Roux also holds three competitive research grants, including support from the DSI High-End Infrastructure Programme, an NRF Thuthuka grant, and postdoctoral funding enabling the appointment of Dr Nadia Fisher-Smith. His research programme is focused on CRISPR genome editing and AI-powered phenotyping for stress-resilient crops.

Dr M le Roux teaching a class on Genetics

Looking Ahead

The Department of Genetics, in collaboration with IPBB, continues to be a pillar of excellence in the Faculty of AgriSciences. Its strength lies not in uniformity, but in the diversity of its research areas—from advanced plant biotechnology and molecular ecology to psychiatric genetics and conservation biology.

As the department approaches its 100-year milestone, the legacy of excellence is clearly carried forward by a new generation of researchers building on the foundation laid by their predecessors. Whether through classroom teaching or cutting-edge research, the department’s academics are deeply committed to shaping the future of science—locally and globally.