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1 Jaarverslag / Annual Report 2004

University of Pretoria CONTENTS (click on headings for text)

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Annual Report 2004�


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The year 2004 was one of the most successful academic years

in the department over the past decade. Five new staff members were appointed. Dr E Steenkamp was appointed as senior lecturer and Me M Thantsha and W Markotter as junior lecturers. Me K van Dyk and M Truter was appointed as full-time technical staff.

There are currently 147 postgraduate students in the

department and 84 undergraduate students. This is in line with our vision to focus on research and pot-graduate teaching. This is also reflected in the high number of research publications and conference contributions.

The effect of the large increase in student numbers as a result of the incorporation of the Veterinary Biology Program in the School For Biological Sciences was experienced and posed a challenge to our dedicated staff. Every effort was made not to compromise on the standard of undergraduate teaching in view of a threefold increase in undergraduate student numbers. Strategies are currently being put into place to ensure the sustainability of the departments academic endeavours, in view of the high numbers of students at the undergraduate level (480 in the second year and 550 in the first year). We continued expanding our international liasson and networks. It is also a pleasure to report that our extraordinary professors have made a major impact in our department. Our strategic alliance with Citrus Research International has led to the full time secondment of Prof G Pietersen to our department. SAPPI completed their new research facility at the innovation hub and Dr Francois Wolfaardt has been fully integrated into our department. A tri-partite agreement was also signed with the CSIR and Arcus-Gibb, resulting in a new Chair in Water Resource Management in the department. Dr Tony Turton was appointed as the incumbart of this chair and is involved in the MSc Water Resources program. Overall with thanks to all the staff for a successful year and it is with gratitude that we can end of the year and look forward to a new year with all its challenges and opportunities.

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Doserende personeel / Lecturing staff

Prof Cloete TE: MSc(UOVS) Prof Korsten L: BSc(Hons)(Stell), Prof Nel LH: MSc(UOVS), DSc(Pret) Pri Sci Nat – MSc PhD(Pret) – Professor PhD(Pret) – Professor Professor and Head

Dr Pietersen G Prof P Ashton: Extrodanary Prof H Kassan

Dr F Wolfaardt Prof W O K Grabow

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Prof Aveling TAS: MSc PhD(Natal) Prof Coutinho TA: BSc, Prof Theron J: BSc BSc(Hons) - Associate Professor BSc Hons,MSc, PhD (Natal) – MSc PhD(Pret) – Associate Professor and Director: FABI Associate Professor Professor

Prof Labuschagne N: MSc(Agric) Dr Venter SN: MSc(Pret) PhD Dr Viljoen A: BSc, DSc(Agric)(Pret) Pri Sci Nat – (Pret) Snr – Lecturer BSc (Hons) PhD (UOVS) Snr Lecturer – Snr Lecturer Dr E Steenkamp: BSc, BSc(Hons) Miss W Markotter: BSc, Miss M Thantsha: BSc, MSc, PhD(Pret) – Snr Lecturer BSc(Hons), MSc – Jnr Lecturer BSc(Hons), MSc – Jnr Lecturer


Technical assistants

Ms Kerien van Dyk: MSc, UP Mr Maree Pretorius: BSc,

BSc(Hons), UP

Mrs Mariette Truter: BSc (Hons) UP

Support Staff Mrs Madelein Botha (Secretary) Mrs Bettie van Rooyen (Secretary) Mrs Lilian Motale Mr Albert Molefe Industry Funded Staff (Citrus and Subtropical) Ms A Redmond: Research Assistant Ms C Joubert: Technical Assistant Ms T Beart: Technical Assistant Mrs Amelita Lombard: Research Assistant Ms D Muller: Administrative assistant


Final Year Class of 2004 who decided to continue with their honours degrees in the department.

Agter (links na regs): L. Swart, A. Szmyd-Potapczuk, A. van der Nest, N. van Zyl, B. Hinze, J. Kehrhahn, A.C. Botha, N.K. Scheepers, J. Moulder, G Ross, L.J. Anderson, C.L. Johnson

Middle: A. van der Merwe, M. Veenendal, C.W. Beukes, B. van der Merwe, M.M. van der Berg, I.C. Lee, M.N.B. Phahladira, O. Makhari, I. du Plooy

Voor: H. Geyer, M. Makinta, F.J.J. van der Walt

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MSc-Students

Mr D H F du Plessis Mr J M Pretorius Ms A Swanepoel Ms P A Medronho Ms L Burger Ms P Storey Ms M Sorrill Ms H J Roos Mr S Omar Ms H Joubert Ms M Nieuwoudt Mr L T Lekoana Mr M L Coetzee Mr Tsivhandekano Mr P Mashau Almuth Hammerbacher Tessa Bandounas Barbara Nel

Mr S J Verwey Mr J Boshoff Mr R Bagnall Mr T J Tshifaro Ms M Wilmot Ms C Brady Ms L Burke Mr W le Roux Ms H Said Mr N van Blerk Ms M Naidoo Ms K Stewart Mrs J Mavhungu Ms B Porter Ms I Greyling Ms C Brady Ms L Stronkhorst Ms A Belgrove

Ms A Ramaite Mrs R Maluleke Ms I Molobela Ms P Randima Ms P Phasha Ms L Grobler Ms A Willis Ms W Keesenberg Me V Govender Me W Havenga Mr A Uaciquete Mr L Begashaw Ms A Bouwer Draginja Pavlic Mohammed Abdo Susan Groenewald Rene van Zyl Ms M Sorrill

Ms G Fourie Ms O Koch Ms N P Phalatsi Mr P Coetzee Ms K Stewart Ms L Botha Ms H Joubert Mr M L Coetzee Ms P Storey Mr L T Lekoana Ms A Swanepoel Ms M Nieuwoudt Mr DHF du Plessis Mr J M Pretorius Ms P A Medronho Ms L Burger Ms H J Roos Mr S Omar


PhD-Students

Ms B Steyn Mrs E M du Plessis Mr A Hassen Mr H Baimey Ms S Athman Ms S Capindu Mr A Fourie Mrs E Madoroba Me W du Plooy Me I Paul Me M van Eeden Me E de Jager Mr S B Mekbib Mr C van Ginkel Marinda Visser Noelani v/d Berg Johan de Graaf Sinnia Kappindu

Mrs S September Ms M Nambabi Mr R Kirkpatrick Ms M Said Ms K Surridge Ms M Thantsha Mr J Gumbu Mr S Phophi Me J v/d Waals Bongani Maseko Riana Jacobs Teresa Goszczynska Gizachew Weldem Ms B Steyn Mrs E M du Plessis Mr M Bogale Ms J Weyer Ms W Markotter


Dr G Pietersen: Establish a published PCR system to differentiate sever and mild forms of citrus tristeza virus. Dr Altus Viljoen: Best poster award in Plant Protection, 1st International Congress on Musa, Penang Malaysia (Belgrove et al.) Dr A Viljoen: Best poster award in Plant improvement: 1st International Congress on Musa, Penang Malaysia (Sutherland et al.) Prof T E Cloete: Finalist in two categories of the NSTF Science and Technology Awards for 2004. Category 1. Achievement over a lifetime. Category 2. Capacity building over the past 10 years. Prof L H Nel: Distinguished academic achievement award from the University of Pretoria 2004.

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Dr Emma Steenskamp

Emma Steenkamp enrolled as a student at the University of the Free State (Bloemfontein) in 1990 and obtained a B.Sc. degree, majoring in Microbiology and Chemistry, in 1992. She also completed her B.Sc.Hons (1993) and M.Sc. (1996) degrees in Microbiology at this university. In 1996, she registered as PhD student in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry (University of the Free State), but in 1998 she moved to Pretoria where she continued her research on the molecular taxonomy of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex. For this work she was awarded a PhD by the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology (University of Pretoria) in 2001. She then took up a three-year position as post-doctoral research fellow at the University of York in the United Kingdom, where she studied

the protistan origins of animals and fungi. Upon her return to South Africa in 2004, she accepted the position of Senior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology where she currently teaches molecular biology of prokaryotes at 3rd-year and Honours level, as well as part of the 3rd-year Food Microbiology course. Her major research interests focuses strongly on evolution and biodiversity, which is reflected in the ongoing projects in her laboratory. These range from studies on the evolution of intra- and interspecies relationships among fungi and among bacteria to deeper taxonomic levels where she addresses questions such as “Which protists represent the closest sister group of fungi?”, “How did complex fungal traits such as multi-cellularity evolve?” and “What was the nature of the first opisthokont?”.

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Ms W Markotter Wanda Markotter graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BSc (Molecular Biology) degree in 1995. She received her Honors degree in 1996 (Cum Laude) and her MSc degree in 2002in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, under the supervision of Prof. Louis Nel. She is currently busy with her PhD study on the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of rabies-related viruses of Africa. She was appointed as a technical assistant in the Department in 1998 and has since been appointed as a junior lecturer in 2004. Her teaching interest focuses on molecular biology and techniques in microbiology. She has been teaching various courses during the past five years both on undergraduate and postgraduate level including Molecular Virology, Molecular biology of Prokaryotes and Advance Techniques in Microbiology. She has also been responsible for various final year

undergraduate practicals in Molecular biology and Virology. Her research focuses on the Pathogenesis and Molecular biology and Epidemiology of viruses with specific interest in Lyssa and Flaviviruses. Ms M Thantsha

Ms M Thantsha matriculated at Nokanantshwana high school in Moletjie village, Limpopo province, and completed my BSc(Hons) at the University of the North, now known as University of Limpopo. In 2002 she enrolled for MSc (Microbiology) in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, for which she graduated (cum laude) in 2002. I am currently registered for PhD (Microbiology) in the same department. Her research focuses on improving the gastrointestinal tract survival and shelf life probiotics. I was recently appointed as a junior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, UP. My responsibilities include presenting lectures in Food Microbiology course and practicals in the course, Introduction to Microbiology.

1. Dr M Vancanneyt; Me I Cleenwerck - LMG; University of Gent, Belgium 2. Dr W Janisiewiecz: He was a guest speaker at the Biocontrol Workshop when the new

Building of FABI was inaugurated. 3. Jean-Vincent Escalant (INIBAP, France) 4. Michael Pillay (IITA, Uganda)

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5. Randy Ploetz (University of Florida, USA) 6. Mike Rutherford (CABI, UK) 7. Thomas DuBois, Cliff Gold (IITA, Uganda) 8. Gert Kema and Kees Waalwijk (PRI, The Netherlands) 9. Carlos Mandujano and Wensceslao Abilay (Dole, Indonesia)

• Prof WOK Grabow, Pretoria, South Africa

• Prof H Kasan, Randwater, Johannesburg, South Africa

• Prof P Ashton, CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa

• Prof P Jooste, Pretoria, South Africa

Dr S N Venter, Prof T Couthino, Cary Brady and Teresa Goszczynska: Visit to LMG, University of Gent, Belgium in November 2004 G. Pietersen.: • Attend XVIth Conference of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists. Monterrey,

Mexico, 7-13 Nov., 2004. • Invited on a study tour of Citrus Greening Disease in Brazil. Sao Paulo State, November,

2004. Prof Cloete: • IWA Executive Meeting, London, February 2004. • International Colloqium on Protecting Public Health in Small Water Systems, Museum of the

Rockies Montana State University Bozeman, Montana, USA, May 2004 • IWA Executive Board Meeting, Orlando, June 2004. • IWA Strategic Council and Board Meetings, Marakesh, September 2004. • International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society, Alternative and Conventional Anti-

Fouling Strategies, Aquatorium, Mulheim, Germany, September 2004. • International Conference Biofilms, Las Vegas, USA, October 2004.

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Miss W Markotter en Miss M Thantsha: I was invited to participate as a representative of South Africa at the 1st World Academy of Young Scientists (WAYS) General Conference held 11 to 13th December 2004, in Marrakech, Morocco. The conference was a joint organization by WAYS and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural organization (ISESCO), the third World Academy of sciences (TWAS) and the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, executive Training and Scientific research, Morocco. The conference attended by young scientists from all over the world, representing 87 countries and national/international organizations provided opportunity for discussion of major science and technology issues, with special emphasis on the situation and role of young scientists around the world. Prof Lise Korsten and Leylani Grobler: The Netherlands and London as part of the Litchi export project during January Carinne Joubert and Willeke Keesenberg: • The Netherlands and Belgium as part of the Apple export project during February and March. • The Netherlands and London as part of the Litchi export project during December 2004. Dr A Viljoen: • France: INIBAP in Montpellier and INRA in Dijon, April. • Indonesia: Research collaboration visit with Dr. Nasril Nasir, 2-4 July • Malaysia: International Congress on Musa and PROMUSA working group meetings. 6-14 July • Uganda: Research visit for collaboration on banana weevil and bacterial wilt, and attendance of

the • Biotechnology Steering Committee meeting in Kampala. 8-14 December. Rene Sutherland (MSc students): Malaysia: International Congress on Musa and PROMUSA working group meetings. 6-14 July Johan de Graaf (PhD Students – Dept. Entomology): Malaysia: International Congress on Musa and PROMUSA working group meetings. 6-14 July Joanne Fouche (PhD Student): Uganda: Visit NARO and CABI research on bacterial wilt. 8-12 December Andrew Kiggundu and Josephine Mukibii (Dept. Botany) (PhD Students - Dept. Botany): Uganda: attendance of the Biotechnology Steering Committee meeting in Kampala. 13-14 December


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Innovative applied research in water resource management Unsafe drinking water places tremendous stress on the health and lives of millions of people living in isolated rural areas with no access to potable water. The resultant spread of water-borne diseases, including cholera, is especially severe in developing countries, causing some 60 percent of all infant mortality. There is an urgent need, globally, for practical, inexpensive and sustainable technologies that provide people in rural communities with access to potable water. Solar pasteurisation alleviates health risks The effective microbial purification of drinking water is an important consideration in preventing the transmission of waterborne diseases. Conventional water treatment processes commonly use chemical disinfectants, which are relatively expensive and require skilled labour in its application. While effective in developed areas, the challenge lies in providing a practical treatment solution for communities in rural areas. A team of researchers at the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of Pretoria has addressed this challenge head on with the design of a solar pasteurisation system that enables communities to cost-effectively purify contaminated water.

Water samples taken from a river were heated with solar energy at different temperatures and indicators of microbiological pollution used to monitor the disinfection process. The results indicated that solar pasteurisation at temperatures exceeding 65°C for a minimum of 60 seconds could successfully and cost-effectively decontaminate water.

The solar panels are made of black plastic piping. Operating the system is straightforward, requiring skills easily transferable to members of rural communities. Contaminated water is added to the system and exposed to sunlight until the desired temperature is reached. This brings the bacteriological standard of the water to a recognised level for potable water. Depending on the need, systems can be constructed to produce from a few litres to a few thousand litres of potable water per day.

The solar pasteurisation system can also be applied to help prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera, which is transmitted through infected drinking water and food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Sudden large outbreaks such as the one in KwaZulu Natal in August 2000, which developed in the most serious cholera epidemic yet experienced in South Africa with more that 30 000 cases reported in 2001, are usually caused by a contaminated source of drinking water. The greatest risk occurs in communities with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. Improvements in water supply and sanitation in rural areas to alleviate health risks are often the more difficult to achieve as it requires technological intervention. The management of the cholera epidemic in KwaZulu Natal has shown, however, that with the right intervention historically dreaded diseases can be controlled despite large numbers of infections.

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Detecting microbial waterborne pathogens Population growth and globilisation have increased the rapid movement of people across continents, escalating the spread of new strains of waterborne pathogens world-wide. This presents a significant challenge in water resource management, for which comprehensive reviews of the latest available information is fundamentally important.

Experts of international standing, led by Prof Eugene Cloete, Head of the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of Pretoria, recently published the book Microbial Waterborne Pathogens. The book is widely regarded as a complete reference book for academics, practitioners, advanced students and regulatory authorities on the microbiological quality and safety of potable water.

It reviews the latest information on all the existing and emerging pathogens including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, and their epidemiology. The book looks at pathogen detection methods and control strategies in water resources and supplies, and covers the link between climate and disease, indicating future approaches for dealing with this important aspect as we face of the effects of global climate change. This book makes a valuable contribution to a better understanding of traditional and new strains of waterborne pathogens in its presentation of the latest available information in this field. Helping manage industrial water systems The use of water is integral to most industrial production processes, such as in the mining and food and beverage industries. Given the imperative on these industries to conserve and optimally utilise water resources, two research projects have been undertaken by the Department to assist industry to reduce consumption and alleviate environmental impact.

A multi-disciplinary project for the mining industry has resulted in the patenting of an integrated and managed passive treatment process that uses naturally available energy sources to treat mine waste water. Managed by Pulles Howard and de Lange and incorporating input by researchers of the Universities of Pretoria, Rhodes and Witwatersrand, the process addresses the problem of acidification and salinisation at operating, defunct and closed mines in South Africa.

The final phase in the IMPI Process (Integrated Managed Passive treatment process) development programme, currently underway, is the design and implementation of full-scale low cost, low maintenance and self-sustaining treatment systems within the mining industry.

And to assist the food and beverage industry to meet ever-increasing food safety requirements, the now internationally patented Rotoscope Biofouling Monitor effectively monitors the formation of unwanted biofilm and releases biocide to disperse the build-up before the biofilm becomes a serious problem.

Initially reported on in 2003 when international patents were pending, the Rotoscope – which is significantly more affordable than other monitoring systems – is being manufactured and marketed to the food and beverage industry by BTC Products and Services.


Additional research highlights at the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology include:

• assisting government to develop policies to improve the water management systems in industry, which involves determining the industries that use water and the quantities used, as well as the amount and composition of the effluent produced

• looking at bacteria that are resistant to the biocides used to kill them to assist both industry and the manufacturers of the biocides

• developing biological control methods to combat the Eutrophication of dams, using the bacteria kill the toxin-producing algae that case the Eutrophication and are harmful to humans and animals and aesthetically problematic

• investigating, with the CSIR, a viable alternative to waterborne sanitation such as eco sanitation or dry sanitation, for which one thousand dry vault latrines have been installed in KwaZulu Natal.

• examining two eco-friendly disinfection techniques using chlorine dioxide or the electrochemical activation of water, both of which show decided promise for industrial application as well as in the provision of potable water.

Bacterial pathogens in water The research focus entails the development of detection and identification methods, as well as a study of the fate (survival) of water-borne pathogens. Detection, typing and identification methods for Vibrio cholerae in surface and drinking water sources are developed. The prevalence of bacterial pathogens in biofilms associated with drinking water is investigated, as is the survival of pathogens in fresh water sediments. Environmental biotechnology The use of micro-organisms to inhibit pollution is researched. Emphasis is placed on water pollution with special reference to waste water, industrial waste water, industrial effluent cooling water and water supply. Epidemiology and control of spread of grapevine leafroll disease. Winetech 2002-2006. Grapevine leafroll disease is a serious disease of grapevines. A number of viruses are associated with it. Planting material from which viruses have been eliminated remains susceptible to viruses and when planted in vineyards often become infected again. During a one-year pilot study of spread of grapevine leafroll disease in foundation- and mother-blocks, it was shown that, in addition to grapevine leafroll associated virus type 3 (GLRaV-3) and grapevine virus A (GVA), some other viruses are spreading naturally within the South African industry. These additional viruses may play an important role in the aetiology and epidemiology of leafroll as they occur in a significant number of collected plants. They need to be identified and their role in the disease spread established before control strategies can be effectively applied. Furthermore, preliminary analyses during the pilot study gave important indications of sources and nature of spread of the disease. This one-year study however, could not unequivocally ascribe the means of spread in a number of instances, or show trends, and was also unlikely to be representative of production blocks of grapevine. In this project we intend clarifying the epidemiology of the disease in the South African industry by determining the most


important means of spread of the disease by; 1) obtaining dynamic spread data within mother blocks over a number of years, 2) expanding the spatial spread studies to a number of newly established mother-blocks, to gain insight into the initial phases of spread in vineyards, and 3) expanding the evaluation of spatial distributions of the leafroll disease to production blocks. This will allow us to target the most important sources of infection and means of spread for development and evaluation on methods of control in the later phases of the project. To achieve the third objective we need to develop a technique (remote sensing) to assess the spread of the disease on a scale larger than that used in the pilot study. Remote sensing as a means of monitoring spread will be evaluated prior to studying production blocks. Control strategies to prevent spread of leafroll will be assessed in later phases of the project or new projects formulated to address these. This project continues work initiated at the ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, and is in its first year at the University of Pretoria. Monitoring has been done for three years and a number of dispersal mechanisms identified. A remote sensing technique has been established which can differentiate between leafroll infected and healthy vines within a single vineyard, but is unable to be projected to further vineyards. Prevention of grapevine leafroll disease spread between successive vineyards at the same site. Winetech 2004-2011. Infection of certified planting material, free of viruses, by grapevine leafroll disease is a major problem for the South African Wine Industry. A number of sources and means of spread have been identified in South Africa through spatio-temporal analyses of spread of grapevine leafroll disease in foundation- and mother-blocks. At one of these sites circumstantial evidence was obtained that leafroll infection of the newly established block occurred due to the presence of grapevine leafroll disease infection with attendant viruliferous mealybugs in the preceding vineyard on that site. This means of perpetuating leafroll disease at a site may be common as producers are forced to utilise old vineyards immediately for new plantings for economic reasons. The aim of this project is to confirm the spread of leafroll between two successive vineyard blocks and perform a field experiment designed to assess control methods such as the use of fallow periods, systemic insecticide use with or without herbicide, and possibly also soil fumigation to prevent the perpetuation of grapevine leafroll infection from a preceding vineyard. During the past season vineyards were evaluated for their suitability to serve as trail sites, by monitoring individual vines for mealybugs, recording virus symptoms, and testing a sample of vines distributed throughout the vineyard for grapevine leafroll viruses type 1,2 and 3. One vineyard was selected due to its highly level of mealybug infestation and total virus infection, and trial plans prepared.

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Litchi The South African litchi growers experience a high percentage of losses at the export end of the fruit chain, which prevent them from attaining premium prices on the export markets. Understanding the factors that contribute to postharvest decay and managing it more effectively to ensure quality remains a critical aspect for the industry if future growth is to be ensured. In addition, recent international requirements to ensure product safety have forced the industry to become Good Agricultural Practices compliant and


adopt food safety systems such as HACCP and/or BRC. Although producers remain responsible for the product until it is sold at the retail end, they do not control the product once it leaves the farm gate. Reliance on exporters, importers, distributors etc. therefore becomes critical. If handlers of the fruit further down the chain do not similarly comply with basic hygiene standards and careful handling practices, product quality can be severely compromised. A recent study by Prof Korsten’s team on citrus indicate that this might play a far more important role than previously anticipated and that the blame for poor quality should not necessary only be placed on the shoulders of the producer. Litchi, which is a far more fragile fruit, might even be more affected than citrus. Food safety and quality is a shared responsibility and require a holistic approach to achieve the ultimate goal of best quality consistently. Further, a critical need exists to find a replacement for SO2 fumigation for litchis since the EU and the USA will not accept fruit treated with sulphur. This places pressure on the local industry to urgently find an effective alternative which is part of this project’s main objectives. Mushroom In the commercial cultivation of mushrooms, compost colonized with mushroom mycelium is covered with a casing layer, to initiate development of mushrooms. In this layer the switch from vegetative (mycelium) to reproductive (mushroom) growth takes place. Physical, chemical and microbiological factors determine the suitability of a casing material. Peat neutralized with calcitic lime is the most widely used casing material for mushroom cultivation throughout the world. Its water holding capacity and structural properties are widely accepted as ideal for the purpose of casing. However, problems associated with its use, especially regarding its availability which is directly linked to the depletion of our natural reserves and the alteration of ecosystems, have led to the search for alternative materials. Standard physical, chemical and biological methods need to be defined and used as parameters in the evaluation of different agricultural waste products (i.e. citrus, sugarcane and grape byproducts) as potential casing materials. Physical parameters are essential in defining substrates for casing materials, because the main role of such substrates is to provide the proper physical conditions for mushroom development. The most important parameters are: pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, porosity and water holding capacity. If so, then it should be possible by means of tests to predict whether a particular substrate has the potential to be a good casing material. Furthermore, this information might allow us to alter a particular casing material to improve on its cropping potential. In order to have performance characteristics at least equal to peat, competitive cost, stable quality, continuity of supply, free from pests and diseases and easy to handle are some of the characteristics that can be used to screen byproducts. Citrus The South African citrus industry is the 12th largest citrus producer in the world, and the third biggest exporter of the fresh fruit. Currently 60% of all citrus produced in South Africa is exported fresh to mainly European countries. Currently, the industry is negotiating market access into the USA and China which will cause significant growth in this sector. However, with increased free trade comes new restrictions in the form of phytosanitary barriers to trade. Citrus Black Spot caused by Guignardia citricarpa Kiely is one of the most important fruit diseases on citrus in South Africa and other mainly


southern hemisphere countries. The disease does not occur in European citrus producing countries and has therefore become a major barrier to trade despite the more than 80 years of unrestricted exports from South Africa to the EU. In order to remain competitive on the European markets and to access new markets, a risk assessment study had to be done to ensure continued access into the EU. Comments and concerns from the EU on the RA document from South Africa have been addressed during the initial phase of the citrus research program. With this new application the industry requires that we develop an effective long term strategy to manage the disease by means of more effective monitoring of inoculum levels, using biological control systems and improving the disease forecasting model to incorporate actual direct monitoring of the pathogen into the model. In addition, ensuring that the South African citrus industry remains competitive on the international markets, it will have to consider new sweeping changes to maximum residue levels required for most pesticides and the continuing loss of postharvest fungicides. In order to ensure top quality produce that can sustain the export distance, new environmentally friendlier control products will have to be developed, registered and commercialized. The second main objective of this research program was therefore to develop alternative disease control products for the South African citrus industry.

Pantoea ananatis Bacterial blight and die-back is a relatively newly discovered disease of Eucalyptus in South Africa. During the course of the last three years the disease has increased in occurrence, importance and distribution. Isolates of the causal agent have been identified and characterized and have been shown to be Pantoea ananatis, which is a known pathogen of other crop plants but has never previously been found on Eucalyptus. The appearance of P. ananatis on different Eucalyptus species, hybrids and clones in a range of environmental habitats is of concern. In order to understand the genotypic relatedness between strains from different species, clones and hybrids of Eucalyptus and from different environments, a genetic diversity study is being conducted. This study involves the use of a number of techniques such as sequencing of the 16S gene and interspacer region as well as Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs). The study does not focus only on isolates from Eucalyptus but P. ananatis isolates from different hosts (pineapple, onions, cantaloupe fruit, sudan grass, rice, sugarcane and honeydew melons) are included in order to determine their relatedness. This study will provide information on the possible origin and the current distribution of the bacterium will be determined.

Pantoea ananatis is seedborne in onion. There is evidence to suggest that the introduction of the disease into new environments has been via the use of contaminated seed. We are currently investigating methods of rapidly identifying this pathogen using a differential media and molecular-based techniques. A related species, P. agglomerans, also occurs on seed and its exact role, if any, in causing a disease in onion is also being investigated.

Preliminary results have shown that P. ananatis together with an undescribed Pantoea sp. are associated with Coniothryium zuluense, a fungal canker pathogen of Eucalyptus. There appears to be a synergistic relationship between the Pantoea spp. and this fungus. Investigations are currently under way to determine the identity of the second Pantoea sp. as well as their role in disease expression of what is known as Coniothyrium canker.

Bacterial wilt of enset is an economically important disease in Ethiopia and Uganda. In


both countries, large scale losses are being experienced. There is only one published paper on the disease, which described the causal agent as Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. Studies are currently under way to verify this identification and characterize isolates from both Ethiopia and Uganda.

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Molecular biology and virology: Gene manipulation technology is used in the study of aspects of gene expression and protein function in a variety of micro-organisms, including a number of important viruses. Molecular genetic analysis is also implemented in the diagnostics and taxonomy of various important groups of viruses, bacteria and fungi.

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1. Maila, P.M., Randima, P., Dronen, K., Surridge, K. and Cloete, T.E. (2004). Evaluation of Microbial diversity of different soil layers at a contaminated diesel site. International Biodegradation and Biodeterioration, Volume 55, pp39-44

2. Maila, P.M. and Cloete, T.E. 2004. The use of Biological activities to monitor the removal of fuel contaminants: perspective for monitoring hydrocarbon contamination. International Biodegradation and Biodeterioration . Volume 55, pp 1-8

3. Diergaardt, S.M., Venter, S.N., Spreeth, A., Theron, J. and Brözel, V.S. (2004). The occurrence of Campylobacters in water sources in South Africa. Water Research 38, 2589-2595.

4. Markotter, W., Theron, J. and Nel, L.H. (2004). Segment-specific inverted repeat sequences in bluetongue virus mRNA are required for interaction with the virus non-structural protein NS2. Virus Research 105: 1-9.

5. Hofmeyr, M., Hofmeyr, D., Nel, L. H., and Bingham, J., 2004. A second outbreak of rabies in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, demonstrating the efficacy of vaccination against natural rabies challenge. Animal Conservation, 7, 193-198.

6. Gull C, Labuschagne N, & Botha W J. (2004). Pythium species associated with wilt and root rot of hydroponically grown crops in South Africa. African Plant ProtectionVol10 no2 :109-116.

7. Kwerepe B C , & Labuschagne N. (2004). Biofumigation and Solarization as Integrated Pest Management Components for the Control of Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita ) on Bambara Groundnut ( Vigna subterranea ) UNISWA J. of Agric. vol 11:56-63.

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8. Kwerepe, B.C. & Labuschagne, N. (2004). Screening of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) landraces for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita race 2. African Plant Protection 10:35-41

9. Van Dyk K 2004. Fungi associated with root and crown rot of wheat and barley in Tanzania. African Plant Protection 10(2): 117–124.

10. Le Roux, W.J., Masoabi, D., de Wet, C.M.E. and Venter, S.N. (2004). Evaluation of a rapid polymerase chain reation based identification technique for Vibrio cholerae isolates. Water, Science and Technology, 50 (1), 229 – 232.

11. September, S.M., Brözel, V.S. and Venter, S.N. (2004). Diversity of nontuberculoid Mycobacterium species in biofilms of urban and semiurban drinking water distribution systems. Applied and Environmental Microbiolgy, 70, 7571 – 7573.

12. Truter, M. & Wehner, F.C. (2004). Anastomosis grouping of Rhizoctonia solani associated with black scurf and stem canker of potato in South Africa. Plant Disease 88(1): 83.

13. Truter, M. & Wehner, F.C. (2004). Crown and root infection of listhianthus caused by Fusarium solani in South Africa. Plant Disease 88(5): 573.

14. Truter, M., Kotzé, J.M., Janse van Rensberg, J.N. & Korsten, L. (2004). A sampler to determine available Guignardia citricarpa inoculum on citrus leaf litter. Biosystems Engineering 89(4): 515-519.

15. Korsten, L. (2004). Biological control in South Africa: Can it provide a sustainable solution for control of fruit diseases? South African Journal of Botany 70(1): 128-139

16. Van der Waals, J.E., Korsten, L. and Slippers, B. (2004). Genetic diversity among Alternaria solani isolates from potatoes in South Africa. Plant Disease 88(9):959-964.

17. Truter, M., Kotzé, J.M., Janse van Rensberg, J.N. & Korsten, L. (2004). A sampler to determine available Guignardia citricarpa inoculum on citrus leaf litter. Biosystems Engineering, 89(4): 515-519

18. Mitchell R.G., J. Zwolinski, N. Jones & Coutinho T.A. (2004) The effect of applying prophylactic measures on the post-planting survival of Pinus patula in South Africa. Southern African Forestry Journal 200, 51-58.

19. Slippers B., P.W. Crous, S. Denman, T.A. Coutinho, B.D. Wingfield & Wingfield M.J. (2004) Combined multiple gene genealogies and phenotypic characters differentiate several species previously identified as Botryosphaeria dothidea. Mycologia 96, 83-101.

20. Slippers B., Fourie G., Crous P.W., Coutinho T.A., Wingfield B.D. & Wingfield M.J. (2004) Multiple gene sequences delimit Botryosphaeria australis sp. nov. from B. lutea. Mycologia 96, 1030-1041.

21. Slippers B, Fourie G, Crous P.W., Coutinho T.A., Wingfield BD, Carnegie AJ, Wingfield MJ (2004) Speciation and distribution of Botryosphaeria spp. on native and introduced Eucalyptus trees in Australia and South Africa. Studies in Mycology 50:343-358.


22. Pavlic D., Slippers B, Coutinho T.A., Gryzenhout M & MJ Wingfield (2004) Lasiodiploida gonubiensis sp. nov., a new Botryosphaeria anamorph from native Syzygium cordata in South Africa. Studies in Mycology 50: 313-322.

23. Visser, M., Gordon, T.R., Wingfield, B.D, Wingfield, M.J. and Viljoen, A. (2004). Transformation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense, causal agent of Fusarium wilt of banana, with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. Australasian Plant Pathology 33: 69-75.

24. Viljoen, A., Kunert, K., Kiggundu, A. and Escalant, J.V. (2004). Biotechnology for sustainable banana and plantain production in Africa: the South African contribution. South African Journal of Botany 70: 67-74.

25. Van den Berg, N., Crampton, B., Birch, P., Hein, I. and Berger D.K. (2004). High-throughput screening of SSH cDNA libraries using DNA microarray analysis, Biotechniques, 37 (5) 818-824.

26. Diergaardt, S.M., Venter, S.N., Spreeth, A., Theron, J. and Brözel, V.S. (2004). The occurrence of Campylobacters in water sources in South Africa. Water Research 38, 2589-2595.

27. Markotter, W., Theron, J. and Nel, L.H. (2004). Segment-specific inverted repeat sequences in bluetongue virus mRNA are required for interaction with the virus non-structural protein NS2. Virus Research 105: 1-9.

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� 1. Roos, H.J., Huismans, H., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. 2004: Inhibition of African horse sickness virus NS1 expression in mammalian cells using short

interfering RNA (siRNA). Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 34, 40.

2. Burger, L., Huismans, H., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. 2004: Construction and structural evaluation of a chimeric VP7 protein of African horse sickness

virus. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 34, 43. 3. van Schalkwyk, A., Brözel, V.S., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. 2004:

Inactivation of a novel htp gene cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alters cell morphology. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 34, 42.

4. Roos, H.J., Huismans, H., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. 2004: Inhibition of African horse sickness virus NS1 expression in mammalian cells using short interfering RNA (siRNA). Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 34, 40.

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5. Burger, L., Huismans, H., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. 2004: Construction and structural evaluation of a chimeric VP7 protein of African horse sickness virus. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 34, 43.

6. van Schalkwyk, A., Brözel, V.S., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. 2004: Inactivation of a novel htp gene cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alters cell morphology. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 34, 42.

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1. THERON, J. and CLOETE, T.E. 2004. Emerging Microbiological Detection Techniques.

In: Microbial Waterborne Pathogens. T.E. Cloete, J. Rose, L.H. Nel and T. Ford (Eds). IWA Publishing, London, UK, Chapter 7, pp. 155-186. ISBN: 1843390558

2. DA GRAÇA, J.V. and KOSRTEN, L. 2004. Citrus huanglongbing: review, present status

and future strategies pp 229-245. In: Diseases of fruits and vegetables: diagnosis and management. S.A.M.H. Naqvi (Ed). Kluwer Academic Publishers.

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1. Prof J Theron: Editor: Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, Volume 34: Zoology and Medicine Divisions

2. Prof T E Cloete: Editor: Health related water microbiology, IWA publishing (2004). 3. NEL, L.H., Crowther, J & VILJOEN, G.J., (Authors). “PCR Methodology and Diagnostic

Application for Animal Diseases (Ten Chapters) 2004. In Press, FAO Press, Vienna, Austria.

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Invited Paper 1. Korsten, L. (2004). Developing Countries Seminar. The role of accreditation in deepening

and strengthening trade capacity building and enhancing trade flows. ILAC/IAF Conference, Cape Town, 13 October 2004.

Papers 1. Maluleke, M.R and Cloete, T.E. The Antimicrobial Effect of Aged Anolyte and its ability

to control biofilms. Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 43rd Annual Conference, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 30th November – 3rd December 2004.

2. Gumbo, J.R. and Cloete, T.E. The Algicidal Effect of Predatory Bacteria on Microcystis aeruginosa. Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 43rd Annual Conference, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 30th November – 3rd December 2004.

3. Thantsha, M.S. and Cloete, T.E. Immobilization technique for the preservation of probiotics. Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 43rd Annual Conference, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 30th November – 3rd December 2004.

4. Truter, M., Labuschagne, P.M. & Korsten, L. (2004). Inoculation of citrus leaves at different leaf ages, with Guignardia citricarpa. 3rd Citrus Symposium, Nylstroom (Paper)

5. Truter, M., Greyvenstein, B., Labuscagne, P.M. & Korsten, L. (2004). In vitro germination conditions of Guignardia citricarpa. 3rd Citrus Symposium, Nylstroom (Paper)

6. Cloete, T.E: Challenges Facing the Developing World, The 2nd International Implentation Conference of Safe Water for Improving Health, Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4-7 November 2004

7. Naidoo D. & Coutinho T.A. (2004) Building bridges: the link forged between information technology and forestry. Proceedings of the 42nd Congress of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology, Cathedral Peak Hotel, 18-21 January 2004.

Posters

1. Pretorius, J.M., Brözel, V.S. and Theron, J. (2004). Identification of genes involved in Bacillus cereus biofilm formation. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

2. Els, F.A., Brözel, V.S. and Theron, J. (2004). Proteome analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytoplasmic proteins regulated by RpoS. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

3. Medronho, P.A. and Theron, J. (2004). A broad-host-range antisense vector capable of


specifically inhibiting prokaryotic gene expression. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

4. Swanepoel, A., van Schalkwyk, A., Brözel, V.S. and Theron, J. (2004). Characterization of a novel pilus biogenesis system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

5. Burger, L., Huismans, H. and Theron, J. (2004). Using dsRNA to inhibit expression of African horse sickness virus VP7 in cell culture. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

6. Roos, H.J., Huismans, H. and Theron, J. (2004). African horse sickness virus gene silencing by small interfering RNAs. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

7. Storey, P., van Rensburg, H.G. and Theron, J. (2004). Investigating a second RGD triplet in a SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease virus. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

8. Lekoana, L.T., Maree, F.F., Theron, J. and van Rensburg, H.G. (2004). Phylogenetic relationships in the capsid-coding regions of SAT type foot-and-mouth disease viruses. Joint Congress of the South African Microbiology Society and South African Genetics Society, 4-7 April 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

9. Roos, H.J., Huismans, H., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. (2004). Inhibition of African horse sickness virus NS1 expression in mammalian cels using short interfering RNA (siRNA). 43rd Annual Conference of the Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 30 November-3 December 2004, Pretoria, South Africa.

10. Burger, L., Huismans, H., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. (2004). Construction and structural evaluation of a chimeric VP7 protein of African horse sickness virus. 43rd Annual Conference of the Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 30 November-3 December 2004, Pretoria, South Africa.

11. van Schalkwyk, A., Brözel, V.S., Hall, A.N. and Theron, J. (2004). Inactivation of a novel htp gene cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alters cell morphology. 43rd Annual Conference of the Microscopy Society of Southern Africa, 30 November-3 December 2004, Pretoria, South Africa.

12. Bagnall, R.C., Labuschagne, N. (2004). Control of Pythium in hydroponic fertigation water by means of chemical sanitisers. 42nd Congr. S.A. Soc. Plant Pathology, Winterton, Kwazulu- Natal.

13. Boshoff, J. Labuschagne, N. (2004). Isolation an screening of potencial biocontrol agents for growth promotion of lettuce and activity against Pythium in hydroponic systems .42nd Congr. S.A. Soc Plant Pathology, Winterton , Kwazulu- Natal.


14. Wilmot M., Apostolides Z, Labuschagne N. (2004). In vitro inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi by black-, green- and rooibos tea extracts. 42nd Congr. S.A.Soc. Plant Pathology, Winterton, Kwazulu- Natal.

15. September, S.M., Els, F.A., Brözel, V.S. and Venter, S.N. (2004). Non-TB Mycobacterium in biofilms of drinking water distribution systems. Poster presentation at South African Microbiology Society congress, Stellenbosch, 4 – 7 April 2004.

16. Said, M.D., Cloete T.E. and Venter, S.N. (2004). Epidemic cholera in KwaZulu-Natal: Population demographics, water and sanitation. Poster presentation at South African Microbiology Society congress, Stellenbosch, 4 – 7 April 2004.

17. Truter, M. & Korsten, L. (2004). Reducing citrus black spot inoculum. SASPP Congress, Winterton.

18. Lennox C.L., Hoffmann J.H. & Coutinho T.A. (2004) Studies on the relationship between pines, cone weevils and the pitch canker fungus. Proceedings of the 42nd Congress of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology, Cathedral Peak Hotel, 18-21 January 2004.

19. Thantsha, M.S., and Cloete, T.E. Electrochemically activated water for the control of biofilms. SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.

20. Phasha, M.S., and Cloete, T.E. The use of ash, lime and pasteurization for the treatment of pathogens in dehydrated faeces. SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.

21. Ramaite, A., Mavhungu, J. and Cloete, T.E. Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from “ting”. SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.

22. Said, M. and Cloete, T.E. Epidemic cholera in KwaZulu Natal, Natal: Population Demographics, water and sanitation. SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.

23. Surridge, A.K.J., Drønen, A.K. and Cloete, T.E. Analyses of microbial populations from contaminated soils in South Africa based on Denaturing Gradient Gel electrophoresis profiles. SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.

24. Molobela, I. and Cloete, T.E. Microbial diversity in the rhizosphere of selected plants growing in hydrocarbon contaminated and uncontaminated soil. SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.

25. Gumbo, J., Emslie,L. and Cloete, T.E. Bacterial predation on harmful cyanobacterial blooms: An alternative biological control option? SAMS/SAGS Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 2004.


Invited paper 1. Korsten, L. 2004. Biological control in organic production. First World Congress on

Organic Food, meeting the challenges of safety and quality for fruits, vegetables and grains. Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. 29-31 March 2004. Invited speaker

Papers 1. Cloete, T.E. and Maluleke, R. (2004). Biofilm monitoring using the Rotoscope, Biofilms

2004, Las Vegas, 25-29 October 2004

2. Cloete, T.E. (2004) Protecting Public Health in Small Water Systems, An International Colloquium, Museum of the Rockies Montana State University Bozeman, Montana, USA, 9-12 May 2004

Posters 1. Burke, L.M., Brözel, V.S., MacDonald, R and Venter, S.N. 2004. Growth of Salmonella in

biofilms of a drinking water distribution system. Poster presentation at the 104th ASM General Meeting, New Orleans,USA, 23 – 27 May 2004.

2. Wolmarans, E., du Preez, H., de Wet, C.M.E. and Venter, S.N. 2004. Significance of bacteria

associated with invertebrates in drinking water distribution networks. Oral presentation at the 4th IWA World Water Congress, Marrakech, Marocco, 19 – 24 September 2004.

3. Steenkamp, E.T., Wright, J. and Baldauf, S.L. 2004. The Single-celled origins of animals and

fungi. Gordon Research Conference on Molecular Evolution, Ventura, California, United States.

4. Belgrove, A., Nel, B. and Viljoen, A. (2004). Characterization of fungal endophytes as possible biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. 1st International Congress on Musa. Penang, Malaysia, 6-9 July 2004. (Best poster award).

5. De Graaf, J. (2004). Efficacy of pseudostem and pheromone seasonal trapping of Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South Africa. 1st International Congress on Musa. Penang, Malaysia, 6-9 July 2004.

6. De Graaf, J. Viljoen, A., Govender, P. and Schoeman, A.S. (2004). Efficacy and ecological response to pseudostem and pheromone trapping of Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South Africa. International Entomology congress, Brisbane, Australia.

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7. Groenewald, S., Van den Berg, N., Marasas, W.F.O. and Viljoen, A. (2004). The application of amplified fragment length polymorphisms in genetic analysis of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. 1st International Congress on Musa. Penang, Malaysia, 6-9 July 2004.

8. Kiggundu, A., Kunert, K., Michaud, D., Viljoen, A., Pillay, M. and Gold, C. (2004). Potential of phytocystatins in the transgenic control of banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus). 1st International Congress on Musa. Penang, Malaysia, 6-9 July 2004.

9. Sutherland, R., Escalant, J.V., Kunert, K., Van den Berg, N., Kiggundu, A. and Viljoen, A., (2004). Establishment of a banana transformation facility in South Africa for engineering Fusarium wilt and banana weevil resistance. 1st International Congress on Musa. Penang, Malaysia, 6-9 July 2004. (Best poster award).

10. Viljoen, A. (2004). Report on the PROMUSA Fusarium wilt working group activities. 1st International Congress on Musa. Penang, Malaysia, 6-9 July 2004.

�

MSc – MICROBIOLOGY Mr C.J. Cooper (MSc): An altered physiological state of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the biofilm environment: Effect of the algD promoter and a new attachment-inducible regulatory element. Supervisor: Prof V.S. Brözel Co-supervisor: Prof J. Theron Mr J.J. Smit (MSc): Towards the development of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM1707 biofilm-specific expression system for producing alkaline protease. Supervisor: Prof J. Theron Co-supervisor: Prof V.S. Brözel Ms A. van Schalkwyk (MSc, cum laude): Characterization of a putative pilus assembly and secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM1707. Supervisor: Prof J. Theron Co-supervisor: Prof V.S. Brözel Mr S. Mnisi (MSc): Cloning, properties and expression of a novel esterase from Bacillus coagulans strain 81-11. Supervisor: Prof J. Theron Co-supervisor: Dr M. Louw Ms B. Böhmer (MSc, cum laude): Engineering of a chimeric SAT2 foot-and-mouth disease virus for vaccine production. Supervisor: Prof J. Theron Co-supervisor: Dr H.G. van Rensburg

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A. Fourie. 2004: Biochemical mechanisms for tolerance of citrus rootstocks against Phytophthora nicotianae. Advisors: Prof N Labuschagne & Dr Z Apostolides B Nel 2004: Management of Fusarium wilt of bananas by means of biological control and chemical control and induced resistance Advisors: Dr A Viljoen and Prof N Labuschagne Mr M P Mphahlele MInstAgrar Plant Protection. Honey bee dissemination of Bacillus subtilis to citrus flowers for control of Alternaria. Supervisor: Prof L Korsten Mr L Begashaw. MSc (Agric) Plant Pathology. Commercial exploitation of plant growth promoting microbes for biocontrol and growth enhancement of some vegetable crops. Supervisor: Prof L Korsten Mr M Silimela. MInstAgrar Plant Protection. Alternative methods to control pre- and postharvest diseases of mango and sunburn. Supervisor: Prof L Korsten Lorenzo Lombard (MSc) Supervisor: Prof T Couthino Ms J Weyer. (MSc) Recombinant Lumpy Skin Disease Virus and Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccines for rabies. Supervisor: Prof L H Nel Ms T H Mphahlele (MSc) Strain differentiation of South Africa clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by restriction and amplified length polymorphisms Supervisor: Prof L H Nel PHD – MICROBIOLOGY Mr J. Hawumba: Isolation, phylogeny and characterisation of proteases and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid hydroxylase from thermophilic Geobacillus strains from Buranga Hot Springs in Uganda. Supervisor: Prof V.S. Brözel; Co-supervisor: Prof J. Theron Me J. Rossouw (MEDUNSA): Molecular epidemiology and characterization of circulating adenovirus strains in Southern Africa. Supervisor: Prof D. Steele Co-supervisor: Prof J. Theron S E Coetser: PhD - The passive treatment of acid mine drainage. Supervisor: Prof T E Cloete Co-supervisor: Prof V S Brözel


P Maila: PhD – Microbial ecology and biomonitoring of total petroleum contaminated soil environment Supervisor: Prof T E Cloete

PhD – Plant Pathology Mr Joseph Obagwu: PhD - Developing biopesticides for control of citrus fruit pathogens of importance in global trade. Supervisor: Prof L Korsten Bernard Slippers (PhD) Supervisor: Prof T Couthino Ms J E van der Waals: PhD (Agric). Implementing a disease forecasting system for early blight for the South African potato industry. Supervisor: Prof L Korsten

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