Biography

Dr Ramakuwela's previous research focused on development of biocontrol agents based on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) for management of agricultural pests and pathogens. This research encompasses various aspects of nematology, plant pathology, entomology and invertebrate pathology. Much of the EPN research in SA focuses on testing EPNs for control of insect pests. Very few studies have been conducted for testing the effectiveness of symbiotic bacterial metabolites for plant pathogens.

Future research will focus on:

• Development of EPN bacterial complex as biocontrol agent of pest and diseases.
• Investigating the use of symbiotic bacterial metabolites for safe and environmentally friendly management of plant pathogens including plant parasitic nematodes.
• Integration of these metabolites into pathogen management programmes. Entomopathogenic nematodes are compatible with other management strategies.

This will address issues of development of resistance against chemicals, safety against human & the environment and maximum residue levels.

Recent Publications (since 2015)

1. Kgosiemang, J., Ramakuwela, T., Figlan, S. and Cochrane, N. (2024, accepted). Antifungal effect of metabolites from bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes against Fusarium Head Blight of wheat. Journal of Fungi. doi: 10.3390/jof10020148.
2. Oso, A.A., Ramakuwela, T. and Ashafa, A.O. (2021). Compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes with plant extracts and post-exposure virulence test under laboratory condition. Turkish Journal of Zoology (Special Issue: Biological Control of Insect Pests), (2021) 45: 384-394.
3. Khathwayo, Z., Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J.L., Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. and Cochrane, N. (2021). Quantification of pH tolerance levels among entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from South Africa. Journal of Nematology 53: e2021–62. Doi: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-062.
4. Oso, A.A., Ramakuwela, T. and Ashafa, A.O. (2021). An Evaluation of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Alepidea amatymbica for bio-active constituents and insecticidal activity against Tenebrio molitor. European Journal of Biology and Biotechnology.
5. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Bock, C., Vega, F.E., Wells, L., Mbata, G.N. and Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. (2020). Establishment of Beauveria bassiana as a fungal endophyte in pecan (Carya illinoinensis) seedlings and its virulence against pecan insect pests. Biological Control 140 (2020): 104102. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2019.104102.
6. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Laing, M.D., Hazir, S. and Thiebaut, N. (2018). Biological characterization of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema innovationi: A South African isolate. Journal of Nematology 50 (4): DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2018-049.
7. Cimen, H., Půža, V., Nermuť, J., Hatting, J., Ramakuwela, T. and Hazir, S. (2016). Steinernema biddulphi n. sp., a new entomopathogenic nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from South Africa. Journal of Nematology 48(3): 148–158.
8. Cimen, H., Půža, V., Nermuť, J., Hatting, J., Ramakuwela, T., Lucie Faktorová, L. and Hazir, S. (2016). Steinernema beitlechemi n. sp., a new entomopathogenic nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from South Africa. Nematology 18: 439-445.
9. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Laing, M.D., Hazir, S. and Thiebaut, N. (2016). In vitro solid state production of Steinernema innovationi with cost analysis. Biocontrol Science and Technology 26(6): 792–808.
10. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Laing, M.D., Hazir, S. and Thiebaut, N. (2015). Effect of storage temperature and duration on survival and infectivity of Steinernema innovationi (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae). Journal of Nematology 47(4):332–336.

Teaching

PLG 351 General Plant Pathology

PLG 363 Plant Disease Control

PLG 462 Research Project in Plant Pathology

PLG 490 Molecular Plant Pathology and Biosecurity

-- Updated March 2024 --