A record number of five Plant Pathology PhD students under the supervision of Prof Lise Korsten graduated at the recent Spring graduation ceremony. This was the highest number of PhD students graduating under one researcher's supervision in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, at a graduation ceremony.

Joseph Charles Arthur, a pioneer American plant pathologist and mycologist once said: 'Plant pathology has become a utilitarian science of vast possibilities'. This achievement emphasises his view.

The five graduates, with the title of each one's PhD thesis in brackets, are:

Mr Bill Malick (The role of postharvest thyme oil-based alternatives on simulated induction of defense mechanisms in avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) for the control of anthracnose (PhD Crop Protection))

Mr Mbulaheni Mutengwe (Pesticide Residue levels and estrogenic activity of fresh produce in South Africa ( PhDCrop Protection))

Mr Mosimanegape Jongman (Quality and safety of rainwater in food production systems (PhD Plant Pathology))

Ms Annancietar Gomba (Food safety and microbial biomes of the citrus carpoplane (PhD Crop Protection))

Ms Willeke de Bruin (Effect of nonylphenol, an industrial endocrine disruptor chemical, on the germination and development of Cos Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) PhD Plant Pathology))

Prof Korsten was also the co-promoter of Ms MP Makgolane, a MSc Agric Plant Pathology student. The title of her dissertation is Combined use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and pesticides for the control of Fusarium crown rot of wheat.