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Research Articles (Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)): Recent submissions

  • Bradyrhizobium and the soybean rhizosphere : species level bacterial population dynamics in established soybean fields, rhizosphere and nodules 
    Sarao, Sukhvir K.; Boothe, Vincent; Das, Bikram K.; Gonzalez-Hernandez, Jose L.; Brözel, Volker Siegfried (Springer, 2024)
    BACKGROUND : Bradyrhizobium fixes nitrogen symbiotically with soybean and is an agriculturally significant bacterium. Much is known about the Bradyrhizobium species that nodulate soybeans. Conversely, prevalence of ...
  • In-field climatic factors driving Sclerotinia head rot progression across different sunflower planting dates 
    Mapfumo, Phrasia; Buthelezi, Sikelela; Archer, Emma Rosa Mary; Swanevelder, Dirk Z.H.; Wilken, Pieter Markus; Creux, Nicole Marie (Wiley, 2024-06)
    Sclerotinia head rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a major disease limiting sunflower production in tropical and subtropical agroecological zones. Sporadic outbreaks across South Africa have resulted in major ...
  • Double-stranded RNA uptake for the control of the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina 
    Marais, Ingrid; Buitendag, Carla; Duong, Tuan A.; Crampton, Bridget Genevieve; Theron, Jacques; Kidanemariam, Dawit B.; Berger, David Kenneth (Wiley, 2024-08)
    RNA interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against fungal pathogens is an emerging field of crop disease control. We aimed to evaluate RNAi against the fungus Cercospora zeina causing grey leaf spot (GLS) ...
  • Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot on peanut (groundnut) in South Africa 
    Bornman, Simoné; Thomas, Chanel; Ntladi, Solomon; Wilken, Pieter Markus (Springer, 2024-03)
    Sclerotinia stem rot on South African groundnut was previously attributed to Sclerotinia minor, but recent infections prompted a re-evaluation. Isolates underwent a species-specific PCR and phylogenetic analysis, confirming ...
  • Cryptic sexual reproduction in an emerging Eucalyptus shoot and foliar pathogen 
    Pham, Nam Q.; Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Duong, Tuan A.; Wingfield, Brenda D.; Barnes, Irene; Durán, Alvaro; Wingfield, Michael J. (Wiley, 2024-06)
    Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation is an emerging disease and a serious threat to the global plantation forestry industry. The disease appeared in North Sumatra (Indonesia) in the early 2010s and the causal agent was ...
  • Disentangling shifts in the soil microbiome of potatoes infected with Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 3-PT in search of potential biocontrol agents 
    Gush, Sasha-Lee; Lebre, Pedro H.; Coutinho, Teresa A.; Cowan, Don A.; Van der Waals, Jacqueline Elise (American Phytopathological Society, 2024-05)
    Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group (AG) 3-PT is a devastating pathogenic fungus that causes several diseases in potatoes both in South Africa and globally. The removal of various fungicides from the market and strict ...
  • Trait-dependent plasticity erodes rapidly with repeated intergenerational acclimation in an invasive agricultural pest 
    Mlambo, Shaw; Machekano, Honest; Mvumi, Brighton M.; Cuthbert, Ross N.; Nyamukondiwa, Casper (Wiley, 2024-09)
    Please read abstract in the article.
  • Testing hypotheses of invasion pathways of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis into and across South Africa 
    Collop, Amy; Terblanche, John S.; Clusella-Trullas, Susana; Garnas, Jeff R.; Bradicich, Pius; Karsten, Minette (Springer, 2024-06)
    Harmonia axyridis is an invasive beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), native to Asia, that has established on four continents beyond its native range and was first observed in South Africa in 2001. Using microsatellite data ...
  • Molecular events accompanying aggregation-induced energy quenching in fucoxanthin-chlorophyll proteins 
    Alexandre, Maxime T.A.; Kruger, T.P.J. (Tjaart); Pascal, Andrew A.; Veremeienko, Vasyl; Llansola-Portoles, Manuel J.; Gundermann, Kathi; Van Grondelle, Rienk; Büchel, Claudia; Robert, Bruno (Elsevier, 2024-11)
    In high light, the antenna system in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms switches to a photoprotective mode, dissipating excess energy in a process called non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Diatoms exhibit very efficient ...
  • Bridging boundaries : six years of community engagement with biological control implementation and monitoring of water hyacinth on Hartbeespoort dam, South Africa 
    Moffat, Rosali; Weaver, Kim; Ngxande-Koza, Samella; Sebola, Keneilwe; English, Kelby; Kinsler, David; Coetzee, Julie (Elsevier, 2024-07)
    Water hyacinth has been present on Hartbeespoort Dam since the 1960s. Historical weed management consisted of herbicide and mechanical/manual removal. However, due to funding constraints, biological control was implemented ...
  • Identification of Phytophthora cinnamomi CRN effectors and their roles in manipulating cell death during Persea americana infection 
    Midgley, Kayla Alexis; Van den Berg, Noelani; Backer, Robert; Swart, Velushka (BMC, 2024-05)
    The oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi is a devastating plant pathogen with a notably broad host range. It is the causal agent of Phytophthora root rot (PRR), arguably the most economically important yield-limiting disease ...
  • First report of Botrytis cinerea causing flower blight on macadamia in South Africa 
    Jami, Fahimeh; Duma, Sanelisiwe; Fourie, Gerda; Botha, Gerhard; Schoeman, Maritha (Wiley, 2024-05)
    Macadamia cultivation plays significant role in the economy of South Africa. Despite its importance, the industry grapples with disease-related challenges, notably flower blight, which threatens substantial economic losses ...
  • Long-term push–pull cropping system shifts soil and maize-root microbiome diversity paving way to resilient farming system 
    Jalloh, Abdul A.; Khamis, Fathiya; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Subramanian, Sevgan; Mutyambai, Daniel Munyao (BMC, 2024-03)
    BACKGROUND: The soil biota consists of a complex assembly of microbial communities and other organisms that vary significantly across farming systems, impacting soil health and plant productivity. Despite its importance, ...
  • Draft genome sequences for Pantoea ananatis ATCC 35400 and Pantoea stewartii subspecies indologenes ICMP 10132 
    Baltrus, David A.; Shin, Gi Yoon; Coutinho, Teresa A.; Kvitko, Brian H. (American Society for Microbiology, 2023-11)
    Here, we describe draft genome sequences for two bacterial isolates from the genus Pantoea. Pantoea ananatis ATCC 35400 was originally isolated from honeydew melon and was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. ...
  • Pantailocins : phage-derived bacteriocins from Pantoea ananatis and Pantoea stewartii subsp. indologenes 
    Stice, Shaun P.; Jan, Hsiao-Hsuan; Chen, Hsiao-Chun; Nwosu, Linda; Shin, Gi Yoon; Weaver, Savannah; Coutinho, Teresa A.; Kvitko, Brian H.; Baltrus, David A. (American Society for Microbiology, 2023-12)
    Phage-derived bacteriocins are highly specific and effective antimicrobial molecules, which have successfully been used as prophylactic treatments to prevent phytopathogen infections. Given the specificity of tailocins, a ...
  • Identification of signatures of positive selection that have shaped the genomic landscape of South African pig populations 
    Hlongwane, Nompilo; Dzomba, Edgar F.; Hadebe, Khanyisile; Van der Nest, Magrieta Aletta; Pierneef, Rian Ewald; Muchadeyi, Farai C. (MDPI, 2024-01-02)
    South Africa boasts a diverse range of pig populations, encompassing intensively raised commercial breeds, as well as indigenous and village pigs reared under low-input production systems. The aim of this study was to ...
  • IMA genome-F18 The re-identification of Penicillium genomes available in NCBI and draft genomes for Penicillium species from dry cured meat, Penicillium biforme, P. brevicompactum, P. solitum, and P. cvjetkovicii, Pewenomyces kutranfy, Pew. lalenivora, Pew. tapulicola, Pew. kalosus, Teratosphaeria carnegiei, and Trichoderma atroviride SC1 
    Visagie, Cobus M.; Magista, Donato; Ferrara, Massimo; Balocchi, Felipe; Duong, Tuan A.; Eichmeier, Ales; Gramaje, David; Aylward, Janneke; Baker, Scott E.; Barnes, Irene; Calhoun, Sara; De Angelis, Maria; Frisvad, Jens C.; Hayes, Richard D.; Houbraken, Jos; Grigoriev, Igor V.; LaButti, Kurt; Leal, Catarina; Lipzen, Anna; Ng, Vivian; Pangilinan, Jasmyn; Pecenka, Jakub; Perrone, Giancarlo; Piso, Anja; Savage, Emily; Spetik, Milan; Wingfield, Michael J.; Zhang, Yu; Wingfield, Brenda D. (BMC, 2023-10-06)
    Sequencing fungal genomes has now become very common and the list of genomes in this manuscript reflects this. Particularly relevant is that the first announcement is a re-identification of Penicillium genomes available ...
  • Greenhouse-grown tomatoes : microbial diseases and their control methods : a review 
    Ally, Nooreen M.; Neetoo, Hudaa; Ranghoo-Sanmukhiya, Vijayanti M.; Coutinho, Teresa A. (EScience Press, 2023-04)
    The cultivation of tomatoes in greenhouse structures is becoming increasingly common as a crop production system. However, the environmental conditions inside a greenhouse favour the development of microbial diseases. These ...
  • New and interesting fungi. 6 
    Crous, Pedro W.; Akulov, A.; Balashov, S.; Boers, J.; Braun, U.; Castillo, J.; Delgado, M.A.; Denman, S.; Erhard, A.; Gusella, G.; Jurjevic, Z.; Kruze, J.; Malloch, D.W.; Osieck, E.R.; Polizzi, G.; Schumacher, R.K.; Slootweg, E.; Starink-Willemse, M.; Van Iperen, A.L.; Verkley, G.J.M.; Groenewald, Johannes Zacharias (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2023-06-16)
    Three new genera, six new species, three combinations, six epitypes, and 25 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neoleptodontidium (based on Neoleptodontidium aquaticum), ...
  • Fungal Planet description sheets : 1614–1696 
    Crous, Pedro W.; Jurjević, Z.; Balashov, S.; De la Peña-Lastra, S.; Mateos, A.; Pinruan, U.; Rigueiro-Rodríguez, A.; Osieck, E.R.; Altés, A.; Czachura, P.; Esteve- Raventós, F.; Gunaseelan, S.; Kaliyaperumal, M.; Larsson, E.; Luangsa-ard, J.J.; Moreno, G.; Pancorbo, F.; Piątek, M.; Sommai, S.; Somrithipol, S.; Asif, M.; Delgado, G.; Flakus, A.; Illescas, T.; Kezo, K.; Khamsuntorn, P.; Kubátová, A.; Labuda, R.; Lavoise, C.; Lebel, , T.; Lueangjaroenkit, P.; Maciá-Vicente, J.G.; Paz, A.; Saba, M.; Shivas, R.G.; Tan, Y.P.; Wingfield, Michael J.; Aas, T.; Abramczyk, B.; Ainsworth, A.M.; Akulov, A.; Alvarado, P.; Armada, F.; Assyov, B.; Avchar, R.; Avesani, M.; Bezerra, J.L.; Bhat, J.D.; Bilański, P.; Bily, D.S.; Boccardo, F.; Bozok, F.; Campos, J.C.; Chaimongkol, S.; Chellappan, N.; Costa, M.M.; Dalecká, M.; Darmostuk, V.; Daskalopoulos, V.; Dearnaley, J.; Dentinger, B.T.M.; De Silva, N.I.; Dhotre, D.; Carlavilla, J.R.; Doungsa-ard, C.; Dovana, F.; Erhard, A.; Ferro, L.O.; Gallegos, S.C.; Giles, C.E.; Gore, G.; Gorfer, M.; Guard, F.E.; Hanson, S.-A.; Haridev, P.; Jankowiak, R.; Jeffers, S.N.; Kandemir, H.; Karich, A.; Kisło, K.; Kiss, L.; Krisai-Greilhuber, I.; Latha, K.P.D.; Lorenzini, M.; Lumyong, S.; Manimohan, P.; Manjón, J.L.; Maula, F.; Mazur, E.; Mesquita, N.L.S.; Młynek, K.; Mongkolsamrit, S.; Morán, P.; Murugadoss, R.; Nagarajan, M.; Nalumpang, S.; Noisripoom, W.; Nosalj, S.; Novaes, Q.S.; Nowak, M.; Pawłowska, J.; Peiger, M.; Pereira, O.L.; Pinto, A.; Plaza, M.; Polemis, E.; Polhorský, A.; Ramos, D.O.; Raza, M.; Rivas- Ferreiro, M.; Rodriguez-Flakus, P.; Ruszkiewicz-Michalska, M.; Sánchez, A.; Santos, A.; Schüller, A.; Scott, P.A.; Şen, İ.; Shelke, D.; Śliwa, L.; Solheim, H.; Sonawane, H.; Strašiftáková, D.; Stryjak-Bogacka, M.; Sudsanguan, M.; Suwannarach, N.; Suz, L.M.; Syme, K.; Taşkın, H.; Tennakoon, D.S.; Tomka, P.; Vaghefi, N.; Vasan, V.; Vauras, J.; Wiktorowicz, D.; Villarreal, M.; Vizzini, A.; Wrzosek, M.; Yang, X.; Yingkunchao, W.; Zapparoli, G.; Zervakis, G.I.; Groenewald, Johannes Zacharias (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 2024-06)
    Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Baobabopsis sabindy in leaves of Eragrostis spartinoides, Cortinarius magentiguttatus among deep leaf litter, L ...