1. The involvement of Potassium in Empty pod diseases of groundnutEmpty pods (pops) and black plumule (black undeveloped first leaves of embryo) are major yield limiting diseases in groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L) cultivation world over. The research seeks to systematically assess the involvement of K in  pops and black plumule diseases, and the physiological roles of Ca and Zn in pod filling with the express aim  of elucidating the etiological processes involved in the production of pops and occurrence of black plumule as well as the genetic modulation of these conditions, and thus provide biotechnological options for minimizing the diseases.

2. Phylogeography and morphological studies of the soya bean moth from Australia and the groundnut leaf miner from South Africa and India

The research is done in collaboration with Dr Buthelezi at Mangosuthu University of Technology

 Recent studies show that the Groundnut Leaf Miner (GLM), Aproaerema modicella (Deventer) occurring in South Africa is genetically similar to the population occurring in India and to soybean moth  Aproaerema simplexella (Walker) occurring in Australia. The aim of the research project is to determine the relationships among the populations of the soya bean moth from Australia and the GLM from South Africa and India by performing phylogeographical analyses of their genomic sequences and morphological studies of their genitalia. The objectives embedded within this overall aim are:

• To determine phylogeography of the soya bean moth from Australia and the GLM from South Africa and India.
• To determine phylogenetic relationships of the soya bean moth from Australia and the GLM from South Africa and India.
• To study the morphology of the soya bean moth from Australia and the GLM from South Africa and India.
• To determine whether the soya bean moth from Australia and the GLM from South Africa and India is the same species by analysing both genome sequences and the genitalia.

3. Commercialization and Domestication of Indigenous plants in Northern Coastal KwaZulu Natal

The overarching aim of the research is to commercially exploit indigenous wild plants in rural areas for food, essential oil and medicines in a way that integrates indigenous knowledge systems, modern science, poverty alleviation and conservation with sustainable development and equitable use of the plants.   There are three foci for the research.  The first is to develop indigenous fruit and essential oil plants in KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa for horticultural production. The second is to promote the production of underutilized grain crops that are resilient to drought, e.g. finger millet and fonio.  The third is to screen indigenous plants of medicinal importance in traditional health care systems for pharmacological activity; develop local production capacity and protect the associated intellectual property rights and indigenous knowledge.  The main objectives of the projects are to (i) stimulate agricultural production of target plants by developing marketable products from them, (ii) develop new value-added products for the horticultural industry, (iii) generate both rural and urban employment, and  (iv) to diversify the rural economy and livelihoods. The project will pursue a holistic approach involving the entire chain from farming, harvesting, storage, primary and secondary processing, distribution, marketing and sales.