Southern African Society for Plant Pathology

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Sabbatical visit of Prof. W.E. Fry at the Department of Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University

Prof. William (Bill) E. is currently (October 2007 to May 2008) on sabbatical visit at the Department of Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University. Bill Fry has contributed a great deal to plant pathology and science, and was one of 2000 highly cited investigators worldwide in 2005. His successful research career is reflected in his author/co-authorship of four books, more than 137 research papers in refereed journals, 28 book chapters and more than 87 abstract of papers presented at meetings.

Using DNA sequence data to characterise fungal pathogens of trees

Gavin Hunter

CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre
Uppsalalaan 8
3584 CT, Utrecht
The Netherlands

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Just as humans, trees are susceptible to infection by many disease causing micro-organisms. A large and perhaps the majority of microbial pathogens from trees are fungi. These fascinating organisms can infect the roots, stems and leaves of trees resulting in a wide array of disease symptoms. In severe cases, fungi can also cause the death of infected trees.

Stem rust of wheat – a forgotten threat returns…

Ida Paul
Plant Pathologist
Small Grain Institute
Stellenbosch
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Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn., is a highly damaging disease of wheat that primarily occurs in warm weather and can cause great damage to susceptible wheat crops. Symptoms include raised orange to red pustules that occur on leaves, leaf sheaths, stems and ears of susceptible cultivars. The masses of urediniospores appear similar to rust on a weathered iron surface. In time these pustules turn black.

A closer look at the fungi causing Petri disease and esca of grapevines

Lizel Mostert
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch

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Petri disease and esca are serious diseases of young and old vines in most countries where grapevines (Vitis spp.) are cultivated.

A dieback disease of Rooikrans

Alan R. Wood
ARC-PPRI
Private Bag X5017
Stellenbosch
7599
South Africa

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During the 1980’s a dieback disease of the invasive alien weed Rooikrans was noted in the Groot Brak (Mossel Bay) area in the southern Cape.

Fusarium head blight of wheat: A most challenging disease

Wilmarie Kriel

Lecturer
Department of Plant Sciences
University of the Free State

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Because of the nature and pathogenic ability of Fusarium, this fungal genus is intensively studied by plant pathologists. One of the most serious diseases caused by a Fusarium, is Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat. It is mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum (Teleomorph: Gibberella zeae), but F. crookwellense, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum and F. poae may also be involved.

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