Southern African Society for Plant Pathology

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Microbial Community Structure of soil in an Apple Orchard

P. H. Titus^a,O. J. Caleb^a, E. Slabbert^a, K. Jacobs^a, K. R. du Plessis^b, A. Meyer^b

^aUniversity of Stellenbosch, Department of Microbiology, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa

^bARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa

Contact information: Phillip Titus ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Soil microorganisms exist in discrete microhabitats that constitute structured communities which display distinctive patterns. These microhabitats are highly heterogeneous, exhibiting distinct environmental characteristics such as available carbon and energy resources, water availability, temperature and pH. Soil microbial communities are essential contributors in the fundamental nutrient cycles and the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. Due to their importance in sustainable land use it is essential to understand microbial communities in soil and how these communities respond to agricultural management practices.

Call for applications for The John and Petakin Mildenhall Award

The award is made biennially to outstanding young researchers in the field of Plant Pathology. The research may be either of an applied or a basic nature. The aim of this award is to encourage and award South African PhD students who are making a considerable contribution to the field of Plant Pathology in South Africa. The award is made biennially to outstanding young researchers in the field of Plant Pathology. The research may be either of an applied or a basic nature. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and potential. The Award will consist of a cash prize (R5000) together with a certificate, which will be presented at the formal dinner during the biennial SASPP congress.

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SASPP 47th Congress First Circular