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Associate Professor in Plant ScienceSection: Plant Pathology Office: Plant Sciences Complex 3-38 Email: [email protected] |
Biography
Prof Quenton Kritzinger is an associate professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. While his research activities integrate the fields of mycology, seed pathology and medicinal plant sciences, his main field of interest is the storage fungi, the mycotoxins they produce, and their association with orphan crops. He is particularly interested in the phytotoxic nature of various mycotoxins and investigates the mode of action of mycotoxins in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on the molecular, physiological and biochemical levels. Furthermore, he studies the antimicrobial potential of extracts and isolated compounds from indigenous South African plant species to act against plant pathogens, in particular mycotoxin-producing fungi. The aim is to use plant extracts to develop botanical fungicides that can be used as an alternative, environmentally friendlier approach to prevent and control fungal infestation and mycotoxin contamination of grain in storage systems. Most of his research projects are aimed at ultimately contributing to enhancing food security among smallholder farmers and rural communities in South Africa and on the African continent.
Prof Kritzinger currently holds a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Recent Publications (since 2018)
Current postgraduate students
Francois Viljoen, PhD Plant Pathology, Natural occurrence of mycoflora and mycotoxins on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) seed from rural areas in South Africa, and the effect of selected mycotoxins on seedling development
Murunwa Madzinga, PhD Medicinal Plant Science, The antifungal activity and mechanism of action of Searsia lancea against dermatophytes
Anna Mahlangu, PhD Plant Pathology, The impact of storage practices on the quality of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seed produced by smallholder farmers around Gauteng Province, South Africa
Jean Hakizimana, PhD Plant Science, Understanding the aspects of mandarin rind: characterization, phytochemistry and biological activity
Tefo Pule, MSc Medicinal Plant Science, Antifungal activity of selected South African indigenous plants against Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus to combat aspergillosis
Sherly Mabena, MScAgric Plant Pathology, Characterization and activity of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria associated with sweet potato production in South Africa
Peggy Chikwaza, MScAgric Agronomy, Evaluation of the agronomic practices and post-harvest seed quality of cowpea and Bambara groundnut produced by smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga province, South Africa
Mokgadi Molapo, MSc Plant Pathology, Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxins associated with groundnuts from rural communities in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Anri Orsmond, MScAgric Agronomy, The effect of different carbon dioxide, temperature and watering regimes on plant growth and seed quality of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Lisbeth Chauke, MScAgric Agronomy, Effect of carbon dioxide, temperature and water stress on growth, yield and seed quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Jessica Pracher, MSc Plant Pathology, Use of plant biologicals as growth stimulants and pest management of potatoes
Teaching
BOT 261 Plant Physiology and Biotechnology
PLG 351 General Plant Pathology
-- Updated March 2024 --
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