“The news that I have been elected a fellow of the APS came as a most unexpected and pleasant surprise. The APS represents a powerhouse of support for plant pathologists worldwide and it has been one of the most important societies with which I have been involved,” says Prof Wingfield who joined the APS as a student member almost three decades ago. He also asserts the “co-incidental” connotations of him receiving his award in Minnesota – the exact location where he first became a member when he started his PhD studies at the University of Minnesota.   

“I find awards somewhat strange as they really represent the accomplishments of many people other than oneself, one’s employers (past and present), mentors, colleagues and students.  Hopefully these special people and organizations will see this as recognition also for their contributions. It would be uplifting to see this recognition that I have received rubbing off on the incredible group of colleagues and students that work with me at the University of Pretoria and elsewhere in the world,” continues the internationally acclaimed academic who is grateful for the strong mentors in his life.

Prof Wingfield is also Mondi Professor of Forest Protection, the founder Director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Director of the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) and the Director of the DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) at the University of Pretoria.   These programmes focus on the health of trees, both those grown for commercial purposes as well as trees in natural ecosystems.  Such trees are seriously threatened by diseases and insect pests that are either alien invasive, introduced into South Africa accidentally or natives that have undergone “host shifts” to be able to attack trees that were previously not affected by them.  There are huge challenges in this field that relate to for example accurate diagnosis,  understanding pathways of introduction, gaining knowledge of the biology and life cycles of the pest or disease agents and developing systems for reducing their impact.  

Like the University of Pretoria, the APS is celebrating its centennial this year. Founded in 1908, the APS is a global scientific organization committed to the study of plant diseases and their control. The society advances up to date concepts in plant health management in various contexts, including agricultural, urban and forest settings. Since 1908, the Society has grown from 130 charter members to nearly 5,000 plant pathologists and scientists worldwide.

“Plant pathology has provided me with a wonderful career. I will never regret choosing to study and work in this field. Recognition such as this fellowship by ones peers is a great honor. Yet most important to me is the pleasure that I have gained from being a plant pathologist and this award really recognizes a large group of incredible scientists and students that have worked with me over many years.  I hope that it will bring them as much pleasure and satisfaction as it brings me,” concludes Prof Wingfield.