We learn about the research of UP mycologist Prof Martin Coetzee, whose work contributes to both academic knowledge and practical applications in the agricultural and forestry sectors.

As a professor at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Professor Martin Coetzee has dedicated his career to exploring the biosystematics and population genetics of tree pathogens, particularly those caused by fungi. His research contributes to both academic knowledge and practical applications in the agricultural and forestry sectors.

“Since completing my undergraduate studies, I’ve been interested in pursuing a research career, whether in academia or industry,” says Prof Coetzee, who also teaches in UP’s Department of Genetics. “However, I was drawn to the academic environment because of its freedom to conduct cutting-edge research in biological fields that truly interest me – specifically fungal systematics, evolution, genetics and biology – while producing research results that are relevant to industry. Additionally, I felt I could contribute to society by training students and, in doing so, improving their futures.”

Prof Coetzee’s teaching includes the second-year module Genetic Diversity and Evolution, which requires students to gain a broad understanding of the latest research and its application in the real world.

“This module requires students to connect theoretical knowledge with current research, which enhances their learning experience,” he explains.

His research focuses primarily on biosystematics and population genetics of tree pathogens, with particular interest in fungi from the genera Armillaria, Ganoderma and Fusarium, as well as species from the families Ceratocystidaceae and Botryosphaeriaceae. Prof Coetzee’s work has significantly advanced our understanding of how these pathogens spread and have an impact on ecosystems, providing valuable insight into pathogen management and biodiversity preservation.

“Additionally, I was involved in taxonomic and genomic research on the bacterial genera Pantoea and Bradyrhizobium – I’m involved in diverse research projects, all motivated by ‘the pleasure of finding things out’,” he says, referencing the book of the same name by theoretical physicist Richard P Feynman.

One of his most significant findings was the discovery of a non-native tree pathogen, Armillaria mellea, introduced into South Africa by early Dutch settlers in the 1600s. Initially identified in the Company’s Garden in Cape Town, the pathogen spread to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and is now threatening native trees at the foot of Table Mountain. This discovery highlights the long-term impact of human-mediated movement of plant material and the risk of introducing invasive species.

Prof Coetzee’s research on fungal secondary metabolites has also been groundbreaking.

“Fungal secondary metabolites are key pathogenicity factors produced by fungal gene clusters,” he explains. “In my recent studies, we examined the genetic clusters responsible for producing siderophores – compounds critical for iron uptake by the fungus – and their role in pathogen virulence.”

Looking ahead, Prof Coetzee’s future research goals include addressing critical knowledge gaps in fungal systematics and molecular evolution. He aims to explore the mechanisms that balance genome divergence and integrity in plant-pathogenic fungi, and to identify secondary metabolites and enzymes with potential industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

“To enhance these research objectives, I am working towards integrating artificial intelligence methodologies and applying machine-learning and deep-learning techniques to analyse complex genomic data.”

Prof Coetzee’s research is taking the field of mycology to new heights, bridging academic enquiry with practical applications, thereby contributing to more effective pathogen management strategies in agriculture and forestry.