Featured Research: Plants & Soil

Gallery

How orange-fleshed sweet potato flour is milled

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes can be used to address micronutrient deficiencies, but are only available for two to three weeks a year. Researchers at the University of Pretoria are trying to prolong availability of the nutrient benefits by milling it into flour using various drying techniques to see which method preserves the nutrients best.

Story

Flour power: UP researchers boost nutritive benefits of sweet potato with novel drying technology

Researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) have found a way to make orange-fleshed sweet potato last longer in an effort to benefit from this smart crop and address micronutrient deficiencies among young children and pregnant women.

Stories

RE.SEARCH Issue 3: Renew

Welcome to the third issue of, RE.SEARCH. The first two issues looked at ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Innovation’. Issue 3 looks at how we can ‘Renew’ our ways of thinking and grow possibilities. This edition features research that should excite everyone from the Beyhive to forensic pathology enthusiasts to understanding new ways of work. It is now available online.

Story

Fewer than 70 Albertina Sisulu orchids are left; researchers say fungi key to saving the species

The Albertina Sisulu orchid was described as a new species in 1955, the same year the struggle stalwart launched the Freedom Charter with her compatriots in the ANC Women’s League. Researchers at the University of Pretoria want to help save this endangered plant by understanding the unique fungi it depends on for survival.

Web Series

What lives in desert sand?

Understanding the ecology of desert soil microbiomes is therefore particularly important for understanding the role of desert ecosystems in a larger global context. In this episode, Prof Don Cowan examines the uniqueness of the Namib desert and explains what lives in the desert soil.

Story

UP microbiologists find Namib Desert soils teeming with life

Investigations by a University of Pretoria (UP) research team into the changes that occur in the microbiome of Namib Desert soils after rain have found that they are abundant with tiny life forms.