College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023: Department of Agriculture and Animal Health

Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
CHAIR OF DEPARTMENT
Animal Breeding Prof N. Mapholi Livestock Prof Mapholi, Ntanganedzeni is a 1. Animal breeding and genetics Masters: 6
and genetics maphon@unisa.ac.za Genomics, Chair of the Department of 2. Genomics applications PhD: 5
Genetic Diversity Agriculture and Animal Health. She including DNA profiling, GWAS
and DNA Profiling obtained her PhD at the University of analysis, DNA & RNA
Stellenbosch. Her research focus is sequencing analysis, Population
Genetics and Genomics. Genetics.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Monogastric Prof C.A Mbajiorgu Improving Prof Mbajiorgu is a full professor in 1. Feed restriction methods Masters: 6
nutrition mbajica@unisa.ac.za productivity of the Department of Agriculture and 2. Optimization model PhD: 3
indigenous and Animal Health. He obtained his PhD 3. Non-conventional feed
exotic chickens at the University of Limpopo. His resources
research focus is the use of non-
conventional indigenous feed
resources and Feed restriction
methods including both quantitative

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 1
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
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and qualitative methods and Skip a
day feeding system in chickens. To
this end, the aim was to develop,
test, apply and adapt optimization
models for the estimation/prediction
of nutrient requirements of
indigenous chickens under
commercial production system in
addition to investigating their
contributions to household income of
rural dwellers.
Poultry Production Dr B. L. Mogoje Poultry Dr Barileng Leonard Mogoje is a 1. Integrated poultry production Masters: 2
mogojbl@unisa.ac.za production senior lecturer in the Department of management PhD: 0
Agriculture and Animal Health. He 2. Poultry breeding
holds a PhD from University of South 3. Poultry nutrition
Africa. His research focus is on
poultry covering production
management, breeding, nutrition and
poultry business.
Animal Nutrition Prof Monnye Utilisation of Prof Monnye Mabelebele is an 1. Metabolite profiles of Masters: 2
Mabelebele novel ingredients Associate Professor in the possible feed and food PhD: 4
as food and feed Department of Agriculture and ingredients for potential
Animal Health. She obtained her PhD use in animal and
at the University of New England, human diets
Australia and a postdoc fellow at

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 2
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
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Newcastle University, in UK. Her 2. Health benefits
research focus is on probable use of associated with
alternative food sources and their medicinal plants in
impact in animal and human nutrition. livestock
3. Reproductive and
digestive physiology of
farm animals
4. Meat and egg quality
parameters
5. Cost–benefit analysis of
utilising novel feed
ingredients
Animal Nutrition Prof Amenda Sebola Animal Nutrition Dr Amenda Sebola is a Senior 1. Animal Nutrition Masters: 3
and reproductive sebolan@unisa.ac.za and reproductive Lecturer in the Department of 2. Reproductive physiology PhD: 3
physiology physiology Agriculture and Animal Health. She 3. Ethnomedicinal plants
obtained her PhD at North West 4. Food security
University. Her research interest is
on Animal nutrition and reproductive
physiology: focusing on finding
alternative feed resources and their
efficiency on fertility of livestock
especially ethnomedicinal plants.
Methodology expertise:
Quantitative and Qualitative studies

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 3
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
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Animal Dr TR Netshirovha Antioxidants and Dr Thivhilaheli Richard is a lecturer in 1. Semen collection in Masters: 4
Reproduction and E-mail: reproduction the Department of Agriculture and bulls, bucks, boars, PhD: 0
physiology netshtr@unisa.ac.za biology Animal Health. He holds a PhD cocks and rams and
degree from University of KwaZulu evaluation by Computer
Natal. His research focus is on Assisted Sperm
assisted reproduction technologies Analyzer (CASA)
such as, oestrous synchronisation, system
artificial insemination, in vitro embryo 2. Synchronization,
production and gametes artificial insemination
cryopreservation in animals to and pregnancy
improve the genetic progress and diagnosis in cattle,
conservation of valuable genetic goats, pigs, chicken and
material and understanding how sheep.
specific antioxidants (as semen 3. Research on in vivo & in
extender) and reproduction biology vitro embryo production
can improve livestock (cattle, goats, and
pigs, chicken and sheep) production cryopreservation/freezin
following the use of assisted g of gametes (semen
reproductive technologies. and embryos).

Dairy production Dr PM Moshidi Optimizing dairy Dr PM Moshidi is a senior lecturer in 1. Smallholder Livestock Masters: 4
moshipm@unisa.ac.za production the Department of Agriculture and development:
Animal Health. She is holding PhD • Capacity development
from University of Fort Hare. Her • Dairy infrastructure and
research focus is on modulating business development

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 4
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
ruminal microbes, and their effects on • Dry-land and irrigation
fermentation and productivity in dairy pasture establishment
cows. • Access to market
• Dairy products
2. Replacement of
antibiotics as feed
additives in dairy
production.
3. Modulating ruminal
microbes, and their
effects on fermentation
and productivity in dairy
cows.
Animal Breeding Dr Petunia Malatji Livestock Dr Petunia Malatji is a Senior 1. Animal-pathogen Masters: 1
and genetics malatdp@unisa.ac.za genomics, Lecturer in the Department of interaction PhD: 1
molecular biology Agriculture and Animal Health. She 2. Genetic control in
and parasitology obtained her PhD at the University of livestock
Pretoria. Her research focus is on 3. Molecular parasitology
genomics and molecular biology.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 5
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
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Animal nutrition/ Ms N Nemukondeni Animal nutrition/ Ms Ndivho Nemukondeni is a lecturer 1. Animal production, Masters: 1
genetics nemukn@unisa.ac.za genetics in the Department of Agriculture and nutrition and
Animal Health. She holds an MSc reproduction/genetics
Agriculture (Animal Science) from
Unisa. Her research focus is in
Animal nutrition and genetics
(molecular)
Production Dr Elsabe Janse van Production Dr E Janse van Rensburg (PhD, 1. Production physiology:
Physiology Rensburg physiology, M.Sc., B.Sc.) is a senior lecturer in meat science
dutoie@unisa.ac.za specifically meat the Department of Agriculture and
production for red Animal Health. She holds a PhD in
meat. Agricultural Animal Science from
University of Pretoria.

Methodology expertise:
Quantitative & Qualitative studies
Animal-plant Mr F Phiri Plant secondary Mr F Phiri focuses on the effects of 1. Browse silage for feeding Masters: 0
interaction phirif@unisa.ac.za metabolites, blood plants secondary metabolites on Nyala antelope in captivity. PhD: 0
serum animal intake and general health of 2. Seasonal effects of Rhus
composition and both livestock and wild herbivores. lancea and Celtis on intake,
growth preference, and
performance on physiological response in
herbivores South African indigenous
goats.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 6
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
Dietary inclusion of Rhus
lancea and Celtis africana on
palatability, nutrient
digestibility, blood
metabolites and rumen
microbiome in indigenous
Nguni-type goats.
Animal Breeding Dr RM Smith Conservation Dr Rae Smith is a Senior lecturer in 1. Conservation genetics Masters: 3
and Genetics Email: genetics, the Department of Agriculture and 2. Foward-in-time simulations PhD: 1
smithrm@unisa.ac.za Molecular biology Animal Health. He obtained his PhD 3. Animal breeding and
and at the University of the Free State. genetics
Bioinformatics His research focuses on the 4. Molecular identification and
Conservation of genetic diversity and characterisation
adaptability within livestock species
and through various approaches
including genomics, simulations, and
molecular biology approaches.
Animal Breeding Dr LT Nesengani Livestock Dr Lucky Nesengani is a Senior 1. Animal breeding and genetics Masters: 4
and Genetics nesenlt@unisa.ac.za Genomics, lecturer in the Department of 2. Livestock Genomics PhD: 1
Quantitative Agriculture and Animal Health. He 3. Metagenomics
Genetics and obtained his PhD at the Jilin
Bioinformatics Agricultural University, China. His
research focus is on genomics,
quantitative genetics, and applied
microbiology.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 7
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
Animal Breeding Ms RM Gaorekwe Molecular biology Ms RM Gaorekwe is a lecturer in the Molecular parasitology Masters: 1
and genetics gaorerm@unisa.ac.za and parasitology Department of Agriculture and
Animal Health. She holds an MSc in
Agriculture from Unisa. Her research
focus is in molecular biology and
parasitology
Currently studying PhD in Agriculture
at UNISA.

ANIMALHEALTH
Animal Nutrition/ Prof BG Mokolopi Animal Dr B Gloria is a Senior Lecturer in the 1. Mineral status on the PhD: 1
Animal Health E-mail: Nutrition/Minerals Department of Agriculture and communal cattle depending Masters: 3
kgobebg@unisa.ac.za Animal Health. She obtained her on natural grazing
PhD the North-West University. Her 2. Effect of supplements on
research focus is on Animal Nutrition mineral status of cattle
related to minerals and animal health 3. Haematological and blood
Methodology expertise: chemical indices on
Quantitative and Qualitative studies supplemented animals
Microbiology/Infecti Dr PN Kayoka Zoonoses and Dr Kayoka is a senior lecturer in 1. Antimycobacterial activity
ous kabonpnk@unisa.ac.za others Animal Health with a PhD in of plants derived and
diseases/Phytomedi Environmental Sciences focussing on chemical compounds/drug
cine Microbiology, epidemiology, and development
diagnosis of infectious diseases, 2. Antimicrobial resistance
zoonoses (Tuberculosis, brucellosis, patterns of different micro-
and others), phytomedicine, organisms

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 8
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
antimicrobial resistance and drug 3. Epidemiology and diagnosis
development. of infectious diseases
Animal Diseases - Dr J Oosthuizen Occurrence of Dr Johan Oosthuizen is a Senior 1. Prevalence and Risk factors Masters: 3
Brucellosis oostej@unisa.ac.za Brucellosis in Lecturer in Animal Health with a PhD associated with infectious PhD 1
South Africa in Brucella Canis and a Master’s diseases like Brucella
Degree in Environmental Sciences abortus and canis within
focussing on infectious Animal South Africa
Disease like Brucellosis 2. Prevalence and risk factors
for Avian tuberculosis
Veterinary Public Prof J.W Oguttu Prof James W. Oguttu a Veterinary 1. Epidemiology of Food borne 3 Masters
Health/applied joguttu@unisa.ac.za Epidemiologists and a Full Professor diseases 2 PhD
epidemiology in the Department of Agriculture and 2. Epidemiology of
Animal Health. He holds a PhD from Antimicrobial drug resistance
the University of Pretoria. His among human and animal
research focus is the epidemiology of isolates
food borne diseases and 3. Application of
antimicrobial drug resistance in epidemiological techniques
domestic animals and humans. He is and study designs to
also interested in application of address public health
epidemiological techniques to problems
address problems of public health
importance
Ethnoveterinary Dr BM Sakong Antimicrobial Dr Bellonah Sakong is a senior Invitro essays Isolation of MSc: 1
plants sakonbm@unisa.ac.za activity of lecturer in the Department of compounds Anthelmintic and
Anthelmintic drugs ethnoveterinary Agriculture and Animal Health. antimicrobial activities

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 9
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
Isolation of plants, Isolation of
compounds compounds,
helminth activity
and ant-
helminthic
efficacy drugs
Animal Dr CJ Smit Disease Dr CJ Smit is a Senior Lecturer in the Disease occurrence within a MSc-4
disease/health and smitcj@unisa.ac.za occurrence/preval Department of Agriculture and specific area with climatic and PhD-2
nutrition ence. Animal Health. He obtained his PhD seasonal variability.
Alternative at the University of South Africa. His Possible feed and food
feeding research focus is on Animal disease ingredients for potential use in
prevalence and alternative cattle feed animal feeds.
sources.
Veterinary Dr S Mbizeni Ticks and tick- Dr Sikhumbuzo Mbizeni is a Senior Ecology of vector ticks of MSc: 2
Parasitology mbizes@unisa.ac.za borne diseases Lecturer in the Department of veterinary importance
Veterinary Agriculture and Animal Health. He Surveillance of tick-borne
Parasitology holds a MSc, in Veterinary Science diseases in livestock and wildlife
from the University of Pretoria. Veterinary parasitology
Currently studying PhD in Biological
Sciences, with the University of
KwaZulu-Natal.

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND FOOD SECURITY

Agricultural Prof MA Antwi Analyses of Prof MA Antwi is an Agricultural 1. Achieving continuous 2022
Economics, antwima@unisa.ac.za production, Economist (PhD Agric Economics, improvement and innovation MSc: 4

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 10
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
Climate change, agribusiness, land M.Sc. Agric Economics, master’s in (ci & i) in freshwater PhD: 4
Land reform & Food reform, marketing, business administration MBA, B.Sc. aquaculture sector of South
security food security, (honours) Agric Economics). Africa
international
trade, rural Methodology expertise: 2. Interventions towards the
finance, climate Quantitative and Qualitative studies transformation of small-
change, holder farming to commercial
agricultural farming.
policy, socio-
economic 3. Vulnerability and Productivity
research & Assessment of Climate
cooperatives Smart Agricultural Practices
research (CSAs) Adopted by Farmers
in South African Maize and
potato Based Cropping and
livestock Systems.
4. Competitiveness of the
South African agricultural
products/industry.

5. Commercialisation of
renewable energy using co-
generation system among
sugarcane growers in South
Africa.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 11
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
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6. Agricultural infrastructure
and productivity of
smallholder farmers in the
South Africa.

7. Access to markets and

commercialisation among
Land Reform/farmers in
South Africa.

8. Impact of land reform sub-

programme / projects.

9. Precision agriculture:
assessment of its adoption
amongst smallholder farmers
in Gauteng province, South
Africa.
Food Security Dr M Masekoameng Food security. Mosima Masekoameng is a senior The impact of climate change on Masters: 1
masekmr@unisa.ac.za Household food lecturer in the Department of food security of small -holder
and nutrition Agriculture and Animal Health with a and emerging farmers in South
security Masters in Agricultural Extension and Africa.
a PhD in Rural Development from the 1. The contribution of urban
University of Venda. agriculture to food security.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 12
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
Food security Dr TP Mbombo-Dweba Dr TP Mbombo-Dweba is a lecturer 1. Indigenous/ traditional Masters 3
in the Department of Agriculture and vegetables and fruit. PhD: 1
Animal Health. She holds a PhD from 2. Ethnic foods
Unisa. Her research focus is on 2. Food safety challenges at
Household Food Security through informal markets
food-based strategies.
Agricultural Ms D Mthombeni Agricultural Ms D Mthombeni is a lecturer in the 3. Agricultural Marketing MSc: 2
Economics and mthomdl@unisa.ac.za Marketing and Department of Agriculture and (including informal PhD: 1
value adding Agribusiness Animal Health. She holds an MSc in marketing) and agro-
Management agriculture from UNISA. Currently processing.
studying PhD in Agriculture at
UNISA.

Methodology expertise:
Quantitative & Qualitative studies.
Agricultural Prof SS Tekana Socio-economic, Prof SS Tekana (PhD, M.Sc., B.Sc. Market participation of MSc: 5
Economics tekanss@unisa.ac.za climate change (honours)) is a senior lecturer in the smallholder farmers in the PhD: 7
and food security Department of Agriculture and agricultural value chain.
research Animal Health.
Sustainable land management
Methodology expertise: practices for food security
Quantitative & Qualitative studies
Women empowerment in the
agricultural sector to improve

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 13
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
household food security and
nutrition.

Impact of land reform sub

programmes/project

Interventions of grain producers’

organizations on the productivity
of smallholder agricultural
producers

Adoption of agroforestry
practices and climate change
mitigation strategies amongst
smallholder farmers

Agricultural Dr A Tagwi International Dr A Tagwi (PhD, M.Sc., B.Sc.) is a 1. Interventions towards the MSc: 3
Economics tagwia@unisa.ac.za trade, senior lecturer in the Department of transformation of small-holder PhD: 3
cooperatives, Agriculture and Animal Health. She farming to commercial farming.
value chain holds a PhD in Agricultural
analyses, land Economics from University of Venda. 2. Commercialisation of
reform, climate renewable energy using co-
change, rural Methodology expertise: generation system among
finance and Quantitative & Qualitative studies sugarcane growers in South
agribusiness. Africa.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 14
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
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3. Impact of land reform

programme / projects

4. Risk analyses of sheep

farming
5. Informal traders'
knowledge and compliance
level in fruit and vegetables
sanitary and phytosanitary
measures
Agricultural Ms F.P. Tshilowa Agricultural Ms F.P. Tshilowa 1. Agricultural Marketing and MSc: 2
Economics, and tshilpf@unisa.ac.za Marketing, socio- is a lecturer in the Department of agro-processing. PhD: 1
Agribusiness economics and Agriculture and Animal Health. She
management Agribusiness holds an MSc in agriculture from
Management UNISA. Currently studying PhD in
aspects Agriculture at UNISA.

Methodology expertise:
Quantitative & Qualitative studies.
PLANT SCIENCE
Indigenous crops Prof G Prinsloo Propagation and Prof Gerhard Prinsloo is a professor 2. Propagation of indigenous Masters: 10
research E-mail: cultivation of in the Department of Agriculture and crops with commercial potential PhD: 10
prinsg@unisa.ac.za indigenous crops Animal Health. He holds a PhD from 3. Determine the effects of
Dr N Nogemane and the effects on the University of Pretoria. His cultivation on the yield and

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 15
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
E-mail: their chemical research focus is on quality chemical profile and biological
nogemn@unisa.ac.za profile and assessment of indigenous plants and activity
biological activity identification of important secondary 4. Identify the important
Dr L Nemadodzi metabolites. secondary metabolites as
nemadle@unisa.ac.za affected by these methodologies
Dr Nemadodzi is a Senior Lecturer in 5. Identification of compounds
Dr K Mohale the Department of Agriculture and with beneficial or adverse effects
mohalkc@unisa.ac.za Animal Health. She holds a PhD from 6. Determine the effect of soil
UNISA. Her research focus is and soil organisms on plant
propagation and cultivation of survival and establishment
medicinal plants and assessment of
soil and soil organisms on the
chemical profiles and biological
activity of the plants.

Dr Nemadodzi is a lecturer in the

Department of Agriculture and
Animal Health. She holds a PhD from
UNISA. Her research focus is
propagation and cultivation of
medicinal plants and assessment of
soil and soil organisms on the
chemical profiles and biological
activity of the plants.

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 16
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher Research project themes Capacity per
focus area researchers in the researcher
focus area for 2023
Prof G Prinsloo Plant Prof Gerhard Prinsloo is a professor 1. Identify changes in the Masters: 5
E-mail: metabolomics in the Department of Agriculture and chemical profile and PhD: 5
prinsg@unisa.ac.za
Animal Health. He holds a PhD from biological activity of plants
Dr Noluyolo Nogemane
nogemn@unisa.ac.za the University of Pretoria. His due to environmental or
Dr L Nemadodzi research focus is on quality other external factors
nemadle@unisa.ac.za
assessment of cultivated plants and 2. Identification of compounds
Dr N Nkobole
nkobon@unisa.ac.za identification of important secondary affected by environmental or
metabolites. other external factors
Mr Mhlonipheni Msomi
3. Identification of compounds
msomimn@unisa.ac.za
Dr Noluyolo Nogemane is a senior with beneficial or adverse
lecturer in the Department of effects
Agriculture and Animal Health. She
holds a PhD from UNISA. Her
research focus is propagation and
cultivation of medicinal plants and
assessment of these effects on the
chemical profiles of the plants.

Dr Nemadodzi is a lecturer in the 1. Identification of

Department of Agriculture and compounds in soil that
Animal Health. She holds a PhD from affects growth and soil
UNISA. Her research focus is organisms
propagation and cultivation of
medicinal plants and assessment of
soil and soil organisms on the

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 17
 Focus area Researchers in the Specialisation of Profile of the researcher
focus area researchers in the
focus area
chemical profiles and biological
activity of the plants.
Dr Nkobole is a senior lecturer in the
Department of Agriculture and
Animal Health. She holds PhD from
UNISA. Her research interests
include metabolomics and the anti-
diabetic properties of South African
indigenous vegetables.
Mr Msomi is a lecturer in the
Department of Agriculture and
Animal Health. He holds MSC from
the university of South Africa. His
research focus is assessment of
plant biostimulants to improve stress
tolerance on different crops.
Dr K Mohale Agronomy, Plant Dr Keletso Mohale is a senior
Legume crops metabolomics, lecturer in the Department of
E-mail:
Grain legume Agriculture and Animal Health. She
mohalkc@unisa.ac.za
crop Nitrogen holds a PhD from UNISA. Her
fixation
research focus is on sustainable
agronomic practices on different
grain legume crops.
University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Research focus areas for 2023
Research project themes Capacity per
researcher
for 2023
Metabolomics and in vitro
antidiabetic activity of various
indigenous vegetables.
Research project theme:
1. Metabolomics in different
crops.
2. Identify compounds affected
by the application of
biostimulants and storage.
1. Metabolomics and nitrogen Masters: 3
fixation on different grain
PhD: 3
legume crops
2. Inoculation (rhizobial and
plant growth promoting
rhizobacteria)
3. Biostumulant application
(organic)
4. Nanoparticle application as
sustainable agro-inputs
18
Agronomy and soil Dr M.E Malobane Soil productivity Dr M.E Malobane is a senior lecturer 1. Sustainable agronomic Masters: 2
science and sustainable in the Department of Agriculture and practices.
malobme@unisa.ac.za PhD: 1
production of field
Animal Health. He holds a PhD from 2. Implementation of climate
crops
University of South Africa. His smart agriculture techniques
research focus is on soil science and to enhance marginal soils
principles of agronomy, with the aim productivity and yields of
of establishing sustainable field crops.
production systems that preserve soil 3. Application of X-ray
as a natural resource, mitigate computed tomography in
climate change while enhancing crop soil physics
yields for both food security and 4. Soil fertility and carbon
biofuel production. sequestration
5. Soil quality
Plant-microbes Prof K Ntushelo Molecular Prof Khayalethu Ntushelo is an 1. Gene expression profiling of Masters: 0
interactions E-mail: profiling of plants associate professor in the crops under pathogen PhD: 1
ntushk@unisa.ac.za interacting with
Department of Agriculture and attack.
microbes
especially Animal Health. He holds a PhD from 2. Metabolite profiles of crops
microbial the University of Florida. His under pathogen attack
pathogens
research focus is on genetic and 3. Investigating the role of plant
metabolite profiling of plants hormones in lessening
interacting with microbes especially disease effects
pathogens.
Host plant Dr S Figlan Plant molecular Dr S Figlan is a senior lecturer in the 1. Plant breeding, genetics and Masters: 3
resistance/tolerance figlas@unisa.ac.za breeding of Department of Agriculture and biotechnology PhD: 3
& Indigenous and
Animal Health. She holds a PhD in Use of biomarker discovery
Plant-microbe Modern crops:
interaction Fruits, Vegetables Plant Breeding from the University of tools (genotyping,
and Field crops Kwa-Zulu Natal, and her research transcriptomics, proteomics,
focus is mainly in molecular plant metabolomics, etc.) to study

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 19
 breeding and genetic improvement of host plant
plants. resistance/tolerance to biotic
and abiotic stressors

University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Research focus areas for 2023 20