FABI News
28 May 2026
FABI mycologist lands major Oppenheimer Memorial Trust award to unlock South Africa's fungal secrets
Professor. Cobus Visagie has received one of South Africa's most prestigious research grants
27 May 2026
FABI researchers participate in the IUFRO Tree Wilt Disease Congress in Athens
A group of FABI researchers met in Athens to attend and participate in a joint meeting of two IUFRO Division 7 Working Parties
26 May 2026
FABI researchers study and compare Croatian and South African bark beetle fungi
Prof. Mike Wingfield recently visited Croatia to inspect various field sites and to plan further details of a research project
25 May 2026
TPCP field extension and diagnostic clinic trip visits the Eastern Cape
Teams from the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) field extension and diagnostic clinic embark on a joint field trip to the Eastern Cape.
20 May 2026
CPHB-FABI interns at Nampo Harvest Day 2026
On 12 May, interns in the Phytosanitation and Biosecurity Internship Program at FABI had the exciting opportunity to attend NAMPO Harvest Day 2026
FABI in a nutshell
Research Features
Tracing the past, building the future: FABI research unlocks the genetics and genomics of the Sirex woodwasp complex
FABI researcher co-authors global perspective on mycotoxins and food safety.
FABI researchers Prof. Cobus Visagie, Dr Neriman Yilmaz, and Nicole van Vuuren, together with international collaborators, have published a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the fungal order Eurotiales, which includes the economically important genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Talaromyces.
New publication explores the chemodiversity of Penicillium isolated from alpine and arctic environments, including ten new species.
Review emphasizes the importance of understanding the genetics of sex determination for effective genetic pest management in insects.
Eleven new Penicillium and Talaromyces species discovered in South African culture collections.
A new study reveals the presence of Mycotoxins in Eastern Cape maize in South Africa.
Eurotiales update: FABIans Prof. Cobus Visagie and Dr Neriman Yilmaz and their collaborators have published a review of recently described Eurotiales species, including the economically important Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Talaromyces.
Da Vinci's Yeast: FABIans Prof. Cobus Visagie, Dr Neriman Yilmaz, and their collaborators have recently described and named a newly discovered yeast species of the famous Italian painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect Leonardo da Vinci.
The potential economic impact of the PSHB invasion in South Africa has been calculated to be a massive R275 billion over the next ten years, if nothing is done to stop the spread of this invasive beetle. Researchers from FABI collaborated with Stellenbosch University ecologists and economists to model the unmitigated economic impact of this invasion.
A recently published paper in the journal Current Forestry Reports documents a collaboration between an international team of forest pathologists and invasion scientists. Led by Dr Trudy Paap, the authors present a framework for conceptualizing and managing invasive forest pathogens.
A recently published review article by Dr Andi Wilson in a special issue of the journal 'Microbiology & Molecular Biology Reviews' provides details of the genes that are essential to the sexual cycle in filamentous Ascomycete fungi and further describes their functions in a variety of model and non-model species.
Penicillium section Canescentia re-evaluated and five new species described from the fynbos biome in South Africa.
In November 2019, the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology hosted a workshop on ‘Frameworks used in Invasion Science’. The workshop led to a NeoBiota special issue on this theme, and includes a review by FABI researchers and international colleagues, exploring frameworks in the context of forest pathology.
A doctoral study in FABI confirms for the first time the presence of Xylosandrus crassiusculus, a polyphagous ambrosia beetle and its fungal symbiont, Ambroseilla roeperi, in three provinces in South Africa. The authors warn that this beetle species could be a threat to native and plantation trees.
A review on invasive gall-forming wasps that threaten non-native Eucalyptus plantations by researchers in the TPCP appears in Agricultural and Forest Entomology. They profile several species of likely Australian origin that have established on non-native Eucalyptus plantations globally and discuss various challenges to their management.
A study in the TPCP confirms the identity of seven novel fungal species associated with Dendroctonus valens, the red turpentine beetle. The study follows on surveys on the fungal associates of the beetle in China and North America. Results from this work appear in Persoonia.
A postdoctoral study in the TPCP describes two novel Huntiella species in the African clade, bringing the number of known species in the genus to 31. Though closely related, the two species display different mating systems. Outcomes from this study appear in the journal MycoKeys.
A review of the invasion history and global management strategies of Eucalyptus snout beetles in the Gonipterus scutellatus species complex by researchers in the TPCP appears in the Journal of Pest Science.
In a collaborative venture with Dr Jos Houbraken (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, the Netherlands), Prof. Cobus M Visagie, Dr Neriman Yilmaz (both from FABI) and others have recently completed and published a major study updating the taxonomy of the Eurotiales.
A study in the Forest Molecular Genetics (FMG) Programme at FABI interrogates the benefits of implementing genomic selection for growth and wood quality traits in an established Eucalyptus grandis breeding programme in South Africa. Outcomes from this study appear in an article.
The first study on alternative weed and cultivated hosts of Spongospora subterraneaf. sp. subterranea (Sss), in southern Africa identifies two species as ideal trap crops for rotation with potatoes. The study also introduces three new families to the known hosts of Sss in the region.
A consortium of microbiologists from around the globe, FABI included, is pushing for an overhaul in how scientific names are assigned to uncultivated bacteria and archaea. Despite their ecological, agricultural and medical importance, these organisms traditionally have not been recognized by the international body governing the nomenclature of prokaryotes.
Professor Cobus Visagie is a researcher in the Applied Mycology group at FABI. One of the group’s research goals is to discover fungal diversity in South Africa, and Cobus’ research is strongly focussed on the economically important genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces.
Postdoctoral research by Dr Norman Muzhinji in the Potato Pathology Programme at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) sheds light on the genetic structure and diversity of Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea in four potato-growing regions in South Africa, providing valuable insights on its management.
An MSc study by Kira Lynn in the RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme at the University of Pretoria has described a new Fusarium species, Fusarium rekanum sp. nov., associated with Euwallacea perbrevis, an ambrosia beetle species infesting Acacia crassicarpa plantations in Riau, Indonesia.
FABI postdoctoral Fellow Dr Andi Wilson has established a CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing protocol for use in Huntiella omanensis, a tree-inhabiting fungus belonging to the Ceratocystidaceae family.
Research undertaken as part of a PhD study by Molly Malefo at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute sheds more light on the role of protease inhibitors in plants under drought stress.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has funded a postdoctoral research project dedicated to monitoring plant health in botanical gardens and arboreta across South Africa. Two postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Pretoria’s Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute have held these fellowships.
The first comprehensive study mapping the distribution and genetic diversity of invasive Eucalyptus insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa confirms the presence of five major foliage-feeding species in 14 countries. The results of this study have implications on the quarantine, future research and management of these pests on the continent and beyond.
Dr Joey Hulbert broke new ground when he became the first candidate at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute to complete a PhD study incorporating citizen science. Citizen science is an approach that involves members of the public as active participants in scientific research.
FABI technology unravels the genetics behind fungal genome evolution The RIPper is a bioinformatics tool for the for quantifying genome-wide RIP mutations in fungal genomes. The strength of this software lies in the automation of laborious techniques to study the mutation process called Repeat-Induced Point mutations (RIP). The RIPper applies these technique
With the increased availability in genome data, inferences regarding evolutionary relationships among taxa can now be performed on a genome-wide scale. But it is widely accepted that not all parts of such massive datasets support the same evolutionary hypothesis. Because of this, a group of researchers at FABI recently investigated the effect of this.
The use of genome data to characterize species and elucidate relationships, particularly between problematic taxa, has become routine practice in bacteria. Recently, researchers from FABI joined in an international effort to describe two novel genera and characterize these within the larger context of the important bacterial group Burkholderia.
A PhD student in FABI, Runlei Chang, has discovered and described 19 new fungal species from China as part of the research for his thesis. These fungi are all associated with conifer-infesting bark beetles and their mites and belong to well-known genera such as Ophiostoma and Leptographium.
Two research papers from FABI were selected as cover stories in two consecutive issues of the international journal, Plant Pathology. The journal is published by Wiley for the British Society of Plant Pathology.
Plastids play an integral role in wood formation, and yet they are routinely ignored in the study of xylogenesis in forest trees. Desre Pinard and Dr Eshchar Mizrachi have published a review highlighting the unique biology of plastids in wood, suggesting that a new type of plastid, the xylopast, exists.
Approaches for characterizing metabolic potential from genomic sequences have previously been predicted to be useful in the description of bacterial taxa. Dr Marike Palmer, has recently employed these approaches for identifying biological processes contributing to the divergence of bacteria with a variety of lifestyles.
Comparative genomics is shaping our notion of what fungal species are. Based on current data, these unique evolutionary units are separated from one another by boundaries that are porous under certain conditions. This affects our expectations regarding their population biology and evolution, and our strategies for recognizing and controlling them.
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an ambrosia beetle native to Southeast Asia. In 2017 this pest was detected in South Africa. Its presence has since been confirmed in all provinces except Limpopo. The beetle has a symbiotic relationship with the fungus Fusarium euwallaceae, which causes branch die-back and death of susceptible trees.
Wondafrash M, Slippers B, Asfaw BA, Makowe IA, Jenya H, Bush S, Kayumba I, Nambazimana A, van der Lingen S, Hurley BP. Tracing the distribution of natural enemies of non-native Eucalyptus insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa. 22nd Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa. 28 June to 1 July 2021.
Wondafrash M. Pest surveillance. DUT Workshop. 24 May 2021.
Wondafrash M. Introduction to pests and pathogens. DUT Workshop. 24 May 2021.
Wondafrash M. Monitoring plant health in South African Botanical Gardens. DUT Workshop. 24 May 2021.
Paap T. Phytophthora biology, impact, and management. DUT Workshop. 24 May 2021.
Paap T. Urban tree health. DUT Workshop. 24 May 2021.
Paap T. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer. DUT Workshop. 24 May 2021.
Wondafrash M, Wingfield MJ, Slippers B, Hurley BP, Hulbert JM, Wilson JR, Paap T. The value of botanical gardens to biosecurity and plant health research in South Africa. National Symposium on Biological Invasions. 5-7 May 2021.
Wondafrash M. Plant health in botanical gardens. A webinar. 28th July 2020.
Paap T. An update on Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) in South Africa. SANBI Interpretation Officers Meeting, Lowveld National Botanical Garden, 21st of October 2019, Nelspruit.
Wondafrash M. Plant health project in botanic gardens and arboreta in South Africa. SANBI Interpretation Officers Meeting, Lowveld National Botanical Garden, 21st of October 2019, Nelspruit.
Wondafrash M, Paap T. Sentinel plant research and monitoring PSHB. Beetle Workshop, 1st November 2019, Pretoria.
Wondafrash M, Paap T. Best garden practices and plant health. Free State National Botanical Garden, 1st October 2019, Bloemfontein.
Wondafrash M, Paap T. Monitoring plant health in botanical gardens and arboreta across South Africa. Seasonal Plant Sale Day in Free State National Botanical Garden, 28th September 2019, Bloemfontein.
Paap T. Pest and disease management and biosecurity in botanic gardens. A Plenary Talk at Horticulturalists Enrichment Forum at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, September 2019, Johannesburg.
Wondafrash M, Slippers B, Hurley BP. Distribution and diversity of invasive pests of Eucalyptus in sub-Saharan Africa, 21st Congress of Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA), 8-11 July 2019, Umhlanga.
Paap T. An update on PSHB in South Africa and emerging plant diseases in Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden. Presentation at Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, June 2019, Cape Town.
Wondafrash M. Distribution and diversity of invasive Eucalyptus insect pests and their natural enemies in sub-Saharan Africa, FABI Post Doc Seminar, 8 April 2019, Pretoria.
Paap T. An update on Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) and its fungal symbiont in South Africa. PSHB meeting at eThekwini Municipality, 14th March 2019, Durban.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. European PhD Network “Insect Science” IX Annual Meeting, 14th November 2018, Florence, Italy.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. Presentation to Italian National Research Council (CNR) Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (ISPP), 13th November 2018, Florence, Italy.
Paap T, de Beer ZW, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Sentinel tree research in botanical gardens of South Africa. COST Action FP1401 Final Meeting: Sentinel plantings for detecting alien, potentially damaging tree pests, 19th Oct 2018, Sursee, Switzerland.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. Presentation to Forest Research, 4th October 2018, Farnham, United Kingdom.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. Institute of Environment and Recreation Management (IERM) Convention, 19th Sep 2018, Durban.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. Intensive Growers Association Biannual Symposium, 19th July 2018, Durban.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. Presentation to Ethekwini Municipality, 17th July 2018, Durban.
Paap T, de Beer ZW. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa. Presentation to Simbithi Eco Estate, 12th July 2018, Shaka’s Rock.
Paap T, de Beer ZW, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Sentinel tree research in botanical gardens of South Africa and detection of the invasive polyphagous shot hole borer, a major threat to tree health. 45th Annual Research Symposium on the Management of Biological Invasions in Southern Africa, 4th July 2018, Thohoyandou.
Paap T, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Sentinel trees to detect pest and pathogen invasions: a global project. 29th annual meeting of the Tree Protection Cooperative Programme (TPCP), 16th May 2017, Pretoria.
Paap T. An early warning system for new and emerging threats to global plant health. PSHB Public Information Session, 19th April 2018, Pretoria.
Paap T, de Beer ZW, Migliorini D, Nel WJ, Wingfield MJ. First report of the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) and its fungal symbiont in South Africa. 44th Conference of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB), 10th January 2018, Pretoria.
Paap T, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Urban trees: Bridgeheads and Sentinels. UNISA Department of Environmental Science Colloquium, People and Green Space, 19th Oct 2017, Roodepoort.
Paap T, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. FABI progress report. Curators Week, 5th Oct 2017, Free State National Botanical Gardens, Bloemfontein.
Paap T, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Urban trees: Bridgeheads and Sentinels. Institute of Environment and Recreation Management (IERM) Convention, 12th Sep 2017, Johannesburg.
Paap T. Sentinel Tree Research in South Africa. Murdoch University Plant Pathology Group Seminar, 16th Aug 2017, Perth, Western Australia.
Paap T, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Urban Forests: Sources of invasion for plantations. 28th annual meeting of the Tree Protection Cooperative Programme (TPCP), 17th May 2017, Pretoria.
Paap T, Hulbert J, Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. Botanical gardens: Sentinel plantings to detect new and emerging Phytophthora risks’ 8th Meeting IUFRO Working Party 7.02.09 Phytophthora in Forests and Natural Ecosystems, 23rd Mar 2017, Sapa, Vietnam.
Paap T. Pathologist on the move. FABI Post Doc Seminar, 20th Feb 2017, Pretoria.
Paap T. Pathogens and insect pests as invasives on trees in urban environments. Non-native species in urban environments workshop hosted by the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB), 8th November 2016, Stellenbosch.
Paap T. Monitoring tree health at sentinel sites: botanic gardens and arboreta, Curators Week, 3rd October 2016, East London.
Background to the project
Currently, there is a rapid surge in the number of alien arthropod plant pests and pathogens in many countries. Unfortunately, many of these pests and pathogens are unknown to science or at least unknown to cause serious damage before they arrive and establish in a novel environment. Improved pest and pathogen surveillance and monitoring methods and early warning systems are therefore required. To this effect, recently there is a move towards sentinel plant research to identify new and emerging pest and pathogen risks before they arrive in novel environments. In 2016, a South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) funded project was initiated under the framework of the International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN). The project aims to improve surveillance and identification of new and emerging pest and pathogen risks, by monitoring plant health in botanical gardens and arboreta in South Africa. South Africa is privileged to have several botanical gardens and arboreta located across the country. These gardens and arboreta provide a unique opportunity for biosecurity research as they house diverse collections of exotic and native plant species. The project also promotes an increased awareness of plant health issues, and aims to build capacity within the gardens to detect and manage pest and pathogen problems.
This website provides access to resources generated from this project and previous biosecurity related research conducted in botanical gardens and arboreta in South Africa.
The project is funded and supported by:
Important Links:
- Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
- International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN)
- Invasive Species Programme
- Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB)
Contact information:
Dr Felipe Balocchi
Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 0002
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: +27 (12) 4203939
Pests and pathogens identified from botanical gardens in South Africa
|
|
Species |
Order: Family |
Native range |
Collected/isolated from |
Botanic garden |
|
1 |
Ace of spades cycad stem borer, Phacecorynes variegatus |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
South Africa |
Encephalartos cycads |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
2 |
African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae |
Hemiptera: Triozidae |
Africa |
Cirus spp., Clausena anisata, Zanthoxylum davyi |
Durban Botanical Garden, KwaZulu-Natal NBG, Pretoria NBG |
|
3 |
Aloe red scale, Separaspis capensis |
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
Unknown |
Aloe spp. |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
4 |
Araucaria scale, Uhleria araucariae |
Hemiptera: Eriococcidae |
Unknown |
Araucaria heterophylla |
Arderne Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal NBG |
|
5 |
Armoured scale insect, Chrysompahlus pinnulifer |
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
Unknown |
Syzygium guineense |
Arderne Gardens |
|
6 |
Armoured scale insect, Duplachionaspis sp. |
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
Unknown |
Aloe marlothii, A. arborescens |
Pretoria NBG |
|
7 |
Asian woolly hackberry aphid, Shivaphis celti |
Hemiptera: Aphididae |
Asia |
Celtis africana |
Arderne Gardens |
|
8 |
Aspidiotus capensis
|
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
South Africa |
Encephalartos senticosus, E. altenstenii |
Pretoria NBG |
|
9 |
Banded Snout Beetle, Phlyctinus callosus |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
South Africa |
Different succulent hosts, including aloes |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
10 |
Bracket fungus, Ganoderma spp. (mainly G. destructans) |
Polyporales: Ganodermataceae |
Unknown |
Senegalia nigrescens, Vachellia xanthophloea, Combretum sp., Dracaena sp., Searsia chirindensis |
Pretoria NBG
|
|
Olinia ventosa |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
||||
|
Fagus sylvatica |
Arderne Gardens |
||||
|
Celtis Africana, Aracaria sp. |
KwaZulu-Natal NBG |
||||
|
C. Africana, Combretum erythrophyllum, Dombeya cymosa |
Walter Sisulu NBG |
||||
|
11 |
Cinara tujafilina* |
Hemiptera: Ahididae |
Asia |
Widdringtonia wallichii (formerly W. cederbergensis) |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
12 |
Cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yatsumatsui |
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
South East Asia |
Cycad revoluta and other exotic cycad species |
Durban Botanical Garden, Pretoria NBG |
|
13 |
Cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi* |
Hemiptera: Ahididae |
North America |
Widdringtonia nodiflora |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
14 |
Ectopsocus briggsi |
Hemiptera: Psyllidae |
Unknown |
Laurus nobilis |
Arderne Gardens |
|
15 |
Erythrina gall wasp, Quadrasticus erythrinae |
Hymenoptera: Eulophidae |
East Africa |
Erythrina caffra, E. lysistemon |
Durban Botanical Garden, KwaZulu-Nalal NBG |
|
16 |
Euplatypus sp.* |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
Unknown |
Ficus macrophylla |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
17 |
Flat mite, Cenopalpus pterinus |
Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae |
Unknown |
Fagus sylvatica var purpurea |
Arderne Gardens |
|
18 |
Fluted cushion scale, Icerya purchasi |
Hemiptera: Monophlebidae |
Australia |
Citrus spp. |
KwaZulu-Natal NBG |
|
19 |
Fusarium euwallaceae (Fungal symbiont of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB)* |
Hypocreales: Nectriaceae |
Asia |
Platanus x acerifolia |
Kwazulu-Natal NBG |
|
Senegalia galipinii, Acer negundo, Brachychiton discolour, Dombeya rotundifolia, Erythrina lysistemon, Quercus kellogii, Searsia lancea, Liquidambar styraciflua |
Pretoria National Zoological Garden |
||||
|
20 |
Gardenbane Weevil, Ellimenistes laesicollis |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
Southern Africa |
Many hosts |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
21 |
Greater aloe snout beetle Brachycerus tauriculus |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
Southern Africa |
Many Aloe spp. |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
22 |
Honey fungus, Armillaria mellea, A.gallica |
Agaricales: Physalacriaceae |
Northern hemisphere |
Fagus sylvatica, Lithocarpus sp., Rhododendron sp. |
Arderne Gardens |
|
Brabejum stellatifolium, Olea capensis subsp. Capensis, Senegalia burkei, Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii, Albizia adianthifolia, Apodytes dimidiata, Cassine peragua, Celtis African, Cinnamomum camphora, Ealaedendron croceum, Ficus lutea, Ilex mitis, Indigofera spp., Leucadendron argeteum, Olea capensis, O. woodiana, Protorhus longifolia, Salix mucronate, Schotia afra, Searsia chirindensis, Trema arientalis, Trichelia dregeana, Vepris lanceolate, Virgilia orobodes, Widdringtonia nodiflora |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
||||
|
23 |
Large cycad stem borer, Phacecorynes sommeri |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
South Africa |
Encephalartos cycad |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
24 |
Latania scale, Hemiberlesia lataniae |
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
Unknown |
Fagus sylvatica var purpurea |
Arderne Gardens |
|
25 |
Lecanodiaspis sp. |
Hemiptera: Lecanodiaspididae |
Unknown |
Hibiscus sp. |
Pretoria NBG |
|
26 |
Lesser aloe snout beetle, Rhadinomerus illictus |
Coloeptera: Curcullionidae |
Southern Africa |
Most Aloe species |
Harold Porter NBG, Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
27 |
Mining scale, Howardia biclavis |
Hemiptera: Diaspididae |
New World tropics or Africa |
Fagus sylvatica var purpurea |
Arderne Gardens |
|
28 |
Palm aphid, Cerataphis sp. |
Hemiptera: Aphididae |
South East Asia |
Cococ nucifera |
Durban Botanical Garden |
|
29 |
Phaea sp. |
Coloeptera: Ceraymbecidae |
Unknown |
Erythrina lysistemon |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
30 |
Phytophthora amnicola* |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Soil mix and water source samples |
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden |
|
31 |
Phytophthora asparagi* |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Garden bed samples |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
32 |
Phytophthora capensis |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Garden bed samples |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
33 |
Phytophthora chlamydospora |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Soil mix samples |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
34 |
Phytophthora cinnamomi |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Garden bed samples, Quercus suber, Leucadendron argenteum |
Harold Porter NBG, Kirstenbosch NBG, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden |
|
35 |
Phytophthora lacustris |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Water source samples |
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden |
|
36 |
Phytophthora multivora |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Garden bed and soil mix samples, Cupressus sempervirens |
City of Cape Town Company’s Garden, Harold Porter NBG, Kirstenbosch NBG, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, |
|
37 |
Phytophthora nicotianae |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Roots and rhizosphere soil of dying Encephalartos spp. |
Pretoria NBG |
|
38 |
Phytophthora tropicalis* |
Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae |
Unknown |
Garden bed samples |
City of Cape Town Company’s Garden |
|
39 |
Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), Euwallacea fornicatus* |
Coleoptera: Curcullionidae |
Asia |
Platanus x acerifolia |
KwaZulu-Natal NBG |
|
Senegalia galipinii, Acer negundo, Brachychiton discolour, Dombeya rotundifolia, Erythrina lysistemon, Quercus kellogii, Searsia lancea, Liquidambar styraciflua |
Pretoria National Zoological Garden |
||||
|
Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii, Cordia caffra, Erythrina lysistemon, E. abysinnica |
Walter Sisulu NBG |
||||
|
40 |
Pulvinaria delottoi |
Hemiptera: Coccidae |
South Africa |
Mesembranthymum sp. |
Durban Botanical Garden |
|
41 |
Pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis |
Hemiptera: Coccidae |
Unknown |
Syzygium guineense |
Arderne Gardens |
|
42 |
Sciobius tottus
|
Coleoptera: Curculionidae |
Southern Africa |
Cilvia spp., Melianthus spp. |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
43 |
Seychelles scale, Icerya seychellarum |
Hemiptera: Monophlebidae |
Seychelles or South Africa |
Camellia japonica, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana |
Arderne Gardens |
|
44 |
Sophronica carbonaria
|
Coleoptera: Cerambycidae |
Unknown |
Aloe succotrina |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
45 |
The garden Acraea, Acraea horta |
Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae |
Southern Africa |
Kiggelaria africana |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
46 |
The golden mealybug, Nipaecoccus aurilanatus |
Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae |
Australia |
Araucaria sp. |
Arderne Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal NBG |
|
47 |
The leopard magpie moth, Zerenopsis leopardina |
Lepidoptera: Geometridae |
Southern Africa |
A range of native cycads |
KwaZulu-Natal NBG |
|
48 |
Trichopsocus clarus* |
Psocoptera: Trichopsocidae |
Unknown |
Camellia japonica, Viburnum sp., Zanthoxylum davyi, |
Arderne Gardens |
|
49 |
Trioza bullatae
|
Hemiptera: Psyllidae |
South Africa |
Ocotea bullata |
Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
50 |
Trioza sp.
|
Hemiptera: Triozidae |
Unknown |
Hellaria lucida |
Harold Porter NBG, Kirstenbosch NBG |
|
Curtisia dentate |
Harold Porter NBG |
||||
|
Ficus sur |
KwaZulu-Natal NBG, Pretoria NBG |
||||
|
51 |
Wax scales, Ceroplastes sp. |
Hemiptera: Coccidae |
Unknown |
Podocarpus henkelii |
Pretoria NBG |
|
52 |
White powdery scale, Pseudocribrolecanium andersoni |
Hemiptera: Coccidae |
Africa |
Strelitiz nicolai |
Durban Botanical Garden |
|
53 |
Woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus |
Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae |
Neotropics |
Citrus spp. |
Pretoria NBG |
* - First confirmed records for South Africa
NBG – National Botanical Garden
Page 2 of 2
New Publications
Townsend G, Hill M, Hurley BP, Roets F. (2026) Native Scolytinae and Platypodinae beetle assemblages in indigenous South African forests and their co-occurrence with the invasive PSHB beetle. Journal of Insect Conservation 30
10.1007/s10841-026-00779-8
Botha I, Maduna SN, Hagen SB, Lall N, Berger DK. (2026) 3RAD-guided SNP discovery for species identification and conservation of the medicinal southern African tree Genus Greyia Hook. & Harv.. Ecology and Evolution 16(5):e73412, 1-29.
10.1002/ece3.73412
Balocchi F, Duncan G, Yilmaz N, Wingfield MJ, Paap T. (2026) The critically endangered geophyte Gladiolus aureus threatened by a wilt disease associated with Fusarium libertatis. Journal of Plant Pathology
10.1007/s42161-026-02227-7 
Bose T, Wingfield MJ. (2026) Plantations are invasive pathogen bridgeheads—response to Li et al.. Trends in Ecology & Evolution
10.1016/j.tree.2026.05.006
Jamieson B-A, Paap T, Pegg GS, Carnegie AJ, Wingfield MJ, Roux J, Hardy GEStJ, Drenth A, Hammerbacher A, Bose T. (2026) Quambalaria spp.: Emerging Tree Pathogens of Concern. Current Forestry Reports 12:13.
10.1007/s40725-026-00274-y
Masuku SK, De Vos L, Thabiso TE, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD. (2026) Baseline sensitivity of South African Fusarium circinatum to tebuconazole. Journal of Plant Pathology
10.1007/s42161-026-02197-w
Fitawek W, Anjulo A, Healey M, Lawson SA, Hurley BP. (2026) The Moringa value chain in Ethiopia and the socio-economic impact of pests and diseases. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience
10.1079/ab.2026.00041
Lynn KMT, Wingfield MJ, Oliveira LSS, Alfenas AC, Ferreira Alfenas RF, Marincowitz S, Barnes I. (2026) Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses reveal patterns of divergence amongst isolates of Ceratocystis manginecans. Ecology and Evolution 16
10.1002/ece3.73652
Dlamini CM, Matongera TN, Lawson SA, Healey M, Tanga A, Regasa K, Kassie W, Hurley BP, Germishuizen I. (2026) Modelling spatiotemporal dynamics of wattle plantations in northwestern Ethiopia using harmonised PlanetScope and RapidEye imagery. Trees, Forests and People 25:101293.
10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101293
Ndou M, Potts WM, Duong TA, Teske PR, Childs AR, Henriques R. (2026) Conspecific scaffold-level genome assembly outperforms heterospecific chromosome-level assemblies for assessing genetic indicators in a threatened marine fish. Evolutionary Applications 19:e70247.
10.1111/eva.70247
Marx B, van Dijk A, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. (2026) Breaking the mould: Cellulose in the cell walls of the Ophiostomatales. Fungal Biology Reviews 57
10.1016/j.fbr.2026.100489
Wingfield BD, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BJ, Groenewald M, Pohl C, Wingfield MJ. (2026) The genetic blueprint of Cyclohexamide resistance: Analysis of 816 yeast species. Research Square
10.21203/rs.3.rs-9313202/v1
Paap T, White D, Bose T, Burgess TI. (2026) Diversity and phylogeny of Phytophthora Clade 9, including descriptions of three novel species. Mycological Progress 25:29.
10.1007/s11557-026-02140-4
Kgatla MM, Barker C, Baxter JR, Bester-van der Merwe AE, Chaisi M, Chakona A, Cherry MI, Daniels SR, Du Preez LH, Haddad CR, Hawkes PG, Ho C, Hoareau TB, Jacobs A, Jacobs K, Janion-Scheepers C, Jansen van Vuuren B, Kabongo RM, Khoza TT, Khumalo NL, Mahlanza T, Makapela L, Makhubo BG, Maneveldt GW, Mashego K, Matcher G, Matthee CA, Mavhunga M, Midgley JM, Mlambo M, Monsanto DM, Mthombeni R, Murray SL, Mynhardt S, Nang-Mba B, Ndlovu M, Parbhu SP, Phetla V, Phukuntsi M, Pitcher TR, Samaai T, Sethusa MT, Simon CA, Sink K, Sole CL, Theron GL, van Asch B, van der Bank M, van Steenderen CJM, Villet MH, Visagie CM, Williams KA, Willows-Munro S, Da Silva JM, Mwale M. (2026) An overview of DNA barcoding of biodiversity in South Africa. PLOS ONE 21(4):e0345173.
10.1371/journal.pone.0345173
Li GQ, Slippers B, Wingfield MJ, Chen SF. (2026) Diversity, distribution and host range of Botryosphaeriaceae in China. Forest Pathology
10.1111/efp.70077
Joubert M, van den Berg N, Theron J, Swart V. (2026) Leaf bleaching is associated with extensive transcriptional reprogramming in avocado trees with sunblotch disease. Virology 620:110903.
10.1016/j.virol.2026.110903
Nzuza P, Schroder ML, Slippers B, Maes WH. (2026) Spectral responses to larval and artificial defoliation in Eucalyptus dunnii: Implications for UAV-based detection of Gonipterus damage. Drones 10(4)
10.3390/drones10040250
Six DL, Marincowitz S, Duong TA. (2026) Ophiostoma ipsi-confusi sp. nov. Six, Marinc. & Duong, a consistent symbiotic fungus of the pinyon ips bark beetle, Ips confusus LeConte. Symbiosis
10.1007/s13199-026-01135-9
Yan Z, Zhao Y, Meng X, Gao M, Si H, Zhao G, Bose T, Chang R. (2026) New manganese-oxidizing Acremonium-like fungi from halophytic rhizospheres in the Yellow River Delta, China. Mycologia :1-13.
10.1080/00275514.2026.2627133
Eshetu FB, Barnes I, Nahrung HF, Fitza KNE, Slippers B. (2026) A Century of invasion: How biosecurity influenced populations of Sirex noctilio and Its fungal symbiont in Australasia. Molecular Ecology 35(6):0962 - 1083.
10.1111/mec.70311
Viljoen A, Duong TA, Kanzi AM, Wingfield BD. (2026) Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes in the Ceratocystidaceae reveals highly conserved gene organization despite substantial genome size variation. BMC Genomics
10.1186/s12864-026-12755-2
Ribeiro MF, Cavallini G, Solce GN, Favoreto AL, De Souza Passos J-R, Barbosa LR, Hurley BP, Wilcken CF. (2026) Cold storage of Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) eggs for Anaphes nitens (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) rearing. PeerJ :1-14.
10.7717/peerj.20903
Pham NQ, Marincowitz S, Marpaung YMAN, Tarigan M, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2026) Two Cryphonectriaceae species from Eucalyptus leaves in North Sumatra and their stem inoculation outcomes. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 17:69–79.
10.15761/fuse.2026.17.05
Nickles GR, Stokes CK, Narh DL, Lynn KMT, Fuqua SR, Bryan C, Allen BM, Bivins CP, Bok JW, Brewer JS, Buthelezi ST, Clark JPRM, Coon KL, Corby LR, Coetzee MPA, Dewing C, Duong TA, Harris MA, Keller NP, Kopotsa K, Lane FA, Nichols HL, Nieuwoudt A, Nuñez MA, Medina Munoz ME, Park SC, Pham NQ, Ryan KT, Solís M, Vilgalys R, Wallace JM, Wang YW, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Worley TK, Zallek TA, Zamanian M, Hoeksma JD, Drott M, Pringle A. (2026) Equipped for success: Genomes and metabolites of the European Amanita muscaria are conserved in its novel South African range. New Phytologist
10.1111/nph.71064
Pham NQ, Wingfield MJ, Duong TA, Wingfield BD. (2026) Draft genome sequence of Elsinoe masingae: the causal agent of Eucalyptus scab in South Africa. Australasian Plant Pathology 55:37.
10.1007/s13313-026-01082-5
Pham NQ, Marincowitz S, Wingfield BD, Crous PW, Santos SA, Durán A, Tarigan M, Wingfield MJ . (2026) Pseudoteratosphaeria supramediana sp. nov. (Teratosphaeriaceae, Mycosphaerellales), a new foliar pathogen on Eucalyptus in Indonesia. Australasian Plant Pathology 55:28.
10.1007/s13313-026-01092-3
Nel WJ, Jali S, Barnes I, Wondafrash M, Hurley BP. (2026) Outbreaks of a native jewel beetle, Agrilus grandis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), on commercial black wattle, Acacia mearnsii, plantations in South Africa. African Entomology 34(1):1-5.
10.17159/2254-8854/2026/a24625
Postma A, Klynsmith L, Duong TA, Allison JD, Smidt W, Waterhouse RM, Lesny P, Oeyen JP, Petersen M, Martin S, Liu S, Zhou X, Ziesmann T, Donath A, Mayer C, Misof B, Niehuis O, Peters RS, Podsiadlowski L, Coetzee MPA, Joubert F, Slippers B. (2026) Genome and transcriptome-based identification and expression profiling of chemosensory gene families across developmental stages and tissues in Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). Insect Molecular Biology :1-14.
10.1111/imb.70029
Aylward J, Visagie CM, Roets F, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2026) Genome analyses reveal two novel species of Seiridium from Acacia mearnsii. Mycological Progress 25:8.
10.1007/s11557-026-02121-7
Liu QL, Wingfield MJ, Duong TA, Wingfield BD, Crous PW. (2026) Taxonomy, distribution and dispersal of Calonectria species: Important pathogens of forestry, agricultural and horticultural crops. Current Forestry Reports 12(4)
10.1007/s40725-025-00262-8
Nethononda PD, Hurley BP, Slippers B, Makhura MN. (2026) Smallholder farmers’ knowledge, perception and management of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Zea mays at irrigation schemes in Limpopo province, South Africa. Crop Protection :107457.
10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107457
Swanepoel S, Naidoo S. (2026) A weighted gene co-expression network analysis characterises the common defence responses of Eucalyptus to diverse biotic challenges. Scientific Reports 16:5387.
10.1038/s41598-025-32699-z
Addikah C, Abubeker H, Mukiibi A, Bairu M, Amelework A, Van der Laan M, Mangani R. (2026) Current and future potential of cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Southern Africa: a scoping review. 4:120.
10.1007/s44279-026-00598-0
Botha I, De Canha MN, Oberlander K, Botes J, Lall N, Berger DK. (2025) DNA barcoding and anti-tyrosinase activities of three species-representative populations of the genus Greyia Hook & Harv. South African Journal of Botany 189:55-67.
10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.035
Thomas C, Wilken PM, Coetzee MPA, Visagie CM. (2025) Advancing the taxonomy of Sclerotinia (Helotiales, Sclerotiniaceae): a review and recommendations for an important plant-pathogenic genus. IMA Fungus 17:e175737.
10.3897/imafungus.17.175737
Roux J, del M Angel L, Barnes I. (2025) First report of the eucalypt stem canker pathogen Teratosphaeria gauchensis in South Africa. New Disease Reports 52(2):e70091.
10.1002/ndr2.70091
Nel WJ, Barnes I, Jali S, Impson F, Oberprieler RG, Hurley BP. (2025) First report of Melanterius inconspicuus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cleogonini) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with observations of its development in black wattle. Southern Forests
10.2989/20702620.2025.2537823
Regasa K, Beze W, Anjulo A, Wondafrash M, Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Healey M, Germishuizen I. (2025) Evaluating fungicides for the management of rust (Uromycladium acaciae) on black wattle nursery seedlings in Awi zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research
10.1155/ijfr/5547814
Ramantswana TM, Malatji DP, Pierneef RE, Soma P, Van Der Nest MA, Muchadeyi FC. (2025) Differential gene expression analysis of Dohne Merino sheep naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Scientific Reports 15:41843.
10.1038/s41598-025-25782-y
Nadasen T, Buitendag C, Visser R, Welgemoed T, Hein I, Berger DK. (2025) A latent invader: transcriptomics reveals Cercospora zeina’s stealth infection strategy of maize and immune-activating effectors. Frontiers in Plant Science 16:1-23.
10.3389/fpls.2025.1703682
Wilson AM, Wingfield MJ, Duong TA, Wingfield BD. (2025) Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families. BMC Genomics 26:1041.
10.1186/s12864-025-11902-5
Fuchs T, Vismer HF, Visagie CM, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Low genotypic diversity and first reports of clinical Sporothrix from retrospective samples in South Africa. Medical Mycology
10.1093/mmy/myaf102
Yilmaz N, Verheecke-Vaessen C. (2025) Mycotoxins: An ongoing challenge to food safety and security. PLOS Pathogens 21(11)
10.1371/journal.ppat.1013672
Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Kachalkin AV, Kolařík M, Turchetti B, Sampaio JP, Wingfield MJ, Fisher MC, Yurkov AM, Heitman J. (2025) Genomic and phenotypic insights into the expanding phylogenetic landscape of the Cryptococcus genus. PLOS Genetics 21(11)
10.1371/journal.pgen.1011945
Ramatsitsi NM, Manyevere A, Motloba T. (2025) Myco-ecological warfare with Meloidogyne species. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 71(1):1-15.
10.1080/03650340.2025.2579892
Lane FA, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Wilken PM. (2025) Mating-type locus structure affects gene expression in unidirectional mating-type switching fungi. bioRxiv
10.1101/2025.10.10.681704
Shaw PL, Slippers B, Wingfield BD, Laurent B, Penaud B, Wingfield MJ, Crous PW, Bihon W, Duong TA. (2025) Chromosome-level genome assemblies for the latent pine pathogen, Diplodia sapinea, reveal two accessory chromosomes with distinct genomic features and evolutionary dynamics. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics :jkaf239.
10.1093/g3journal/jkaf239
Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Marincowitz S, Aylward J, Pham NQ, Yurkov AM, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Sheng S, Heitman J. (2025) The complex evolution and genomic dynamics of mating-type loci in Cryptococcus and Kwoniella. PLoS Biology 23:e3003417.
10.1371/journal.pbio.3003417
Visagie CM, Houbraken J, Overy DP, Sklenář F, Bensch K, Frisvad JC, Mack J, Perrone G, Samson RA, van Vuuren NI, Yilmaz N, Hubka V. (2025) From chaos to tranquillity: a modern approach to the identification, nomenclature and phylogeny of Aspergillus, Penicillium and other Eurotiales, including an updated accepted species list. Studies in Mycology 112:117–260.
10.3114/sim.2025.112.04
Vincent C, Singh A, Michalczyk GZ, Lane SL, Kaur R, Gill AR, Dziedzic N, De Silva K, Cho A, Cardoso AA, Alade DO, Tejera-Nieves M, Sharkey TD, Schmiege SC, Pelech E, Locke AM, Leisner CP, Teshome DT. (2025) Importance of measuring and reporting environmental conditions across plant science subdisciplines. Plant Physiology 199(2)
10.1093/plphys/kiaf405
Maake MM, Beukes CW, van der Nest MA, Avontuur JR, Muema EK, Stepkowski T, Venter SN, Steenkamp ET. (2025) Argyrolobium legumes from an African centre of endemism associate with novel Bradyrhizobium species harbouring unique sets of symbiosis genes. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 214:108471.
10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108471
Joubert M, van den Berg N, Theron J, Swart V. (2025) Small RNAs derived from avocado sunblotch viroid and their association with bleaching symptoms: implications for pathogenesis in avocado sunblotch disease. Archives of Virology 170(10):205.
10.1007/s00705-025-06360-z
Mavima L, Steenkamp ET, Beukes CW, Palmer M, De Meyer SE, James EK, Venter SN, Coetzee MPA. (2025) Estimated timeline for the evolution of symbiotic nitrogen fixing Paraburkholderia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 213:108447.
10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108447
Prabhu AS, Naicker P, Duong TA, Govender IS, Engelbrecht J, Backer R, Stoychev SH, van den Berg N. (2025) Phosphite inhibits Phytophthora cinnamomi by downregulating oxidoreductases and disrupting energy metabolism. Frontiers in Microbiology 16:1632726.
10.3389/fmicb.2025.1632726
Pham NQ, Liu FF, Duong TA, Wingfield BD, Chen SF, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Genetic diversity of Calonectria reteaudii isolates from infected Eucalyptus leaves and associated soils indicates a phyllosphere origin of the pathogen. Forest Pathology 55:e70037.
10.1111/efp.70037
Schröder ML, Hurley BP, Wingfield MJ, Slippers B, Garnas JR. (2025) Thermal limitations to the biological control of Gonipterus sp. n. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South African Eucalyptus plantations. Agricultural and Forest Entomology
10.1111/afe.70002
Lynn KMT, Wingfield MJ, Tarigan M, Durán A, Santos SA, Nel WJ, Barnes I. (2025) Investigating bark, ambrosia and nitidulid beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytinae and Nitidulidae) communities and their potential role in the movement of Ceratocystis manginecans in commercial forestry plantations in Riau, Indonesia. Agricultural and Forest Entomology
10.1111/afe.12698
Solís M, Hammerbacher A, Wingfield MJ, Naidoo S. (2025) Transcriptional responses of Eucalyptus to infection by an aggressive leaf blight pathogen reveal the role of host secondary metabolites during pathogen germination. Plant Molecular Biology 115
10.1007/s11103-025-01625-2
Coertze S, Coetzee B, Basson E, de Villiers D, Makhura T, Moster D, Slippers B, Rose LJ, Visagie CM, Read D. (2025) First Report of Clavibacter nebraskensis Causing Goss’s Bacterial Leaf Blight on Maize (Zea mays) in South Africa. Plant Disease 109:1580.
10.1094/PDIS-01-25-0164-PDN
Overy DP, Frisvad JC, Witte TE, Hicks CL, Hermans A, Sproule A, Louis-Seize G, Seifert KA, Yilmaz N, Price J, van Vuuren NI, Visagie CM. (2025) Chemodiversity of Penicillium isolated from alpine and arctic environments, including ten new species. Studies in Mycology 112:75–116.
10.3114/sim.2025.112.03
Mailula DM, Wingfiled BD, Van Der Nest MA, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Production of fusel alcohols and fusel acetates by pathogenic fungi in the Ceratocystidaceae. Fungal Ecology 76:101427.
10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101427
Seale T, Brözel VS, Potgieter SC, Rupp O, Blom J, Steenkamp ET, Venter SN. (2025) Diversity of Environmental Escherichia coli in Subtropical Freshwater Systems of South Africa. Current Microbiology 82:414.
10.1007/s00284-025-04402-y
Harris MA, Kemler M, Slippers B, Hassel N, Tsamba J, Arthan W, Kellogg EA, AuBuchon-Elder T, Vorontsova MS, Archibald S, Hempson GP, Lehmann CER, Besnard G, Bergerow D, Brachmann A, Solofondranohatra CL, Greve M. (2025) Productivity drives leaf mycobiome diversity patterns at global and continetal scales. Global Ecology and Biogeography 34:e70094.
10.1111/geb.70094
Gao M, Yan Z, Liu Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Miao X, Dai M, Bose T, Chang R. (2025) A novel Arthrobotrys species: Taxonomic characterization, nematicidal activity, and multi-omics insights into nematode predation. Biological Control 208:105853.
10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105853
Esterhuizen HJ, Slippers B, Bosman AS, Roux J, Jones W, Bose T, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Early detection of Phytophthora root rot in Eucalyptus using hyperspectral reflectance and machine learning. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 237:110761.
10.1016/j.compag.2025.110761
Pham NQ, Wingfield BD, Marincowitz S, Brawner JT, Hulcr J, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Cryphonectria canker on Eucalyptus in Florida reconsidered. Forest Pathology 55:e70031.
10.1111/efp.70031
Crous PW, Catcheside DEA, Catcheside PS, Alfenas AC, Alfenas RF, Barreto RW, Lebel T, Balashov S, Broadbridge J, Jurjević , De la Peña-Lastra S, Hoffmann R, Mateos A, Riebesehl J, Shivas RG, Soliz Santander FF, Tan YP, Altés A, Bandini D, Carriconde F, Cazabonne J, Czachura P, Gryta H, Eyssartier G, Larsson E, Pereira OL, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Wingfield MJ, Ahmad W, Bibi S, Denman S, Esteve-Raventós F, Hussain S, Illescas T, Luangsa-ard JJ, Möller L, Mombert A, Noisripoom W, Olariaga I, Pancorbo F, Paz A, Piątek M, Polman-Short C, Suárez E, Afshan NS, Ali H, Arzanlou M, Ayer F, Barratt J, Bellanger J, Bidaud A, Bishop-Hurley SL, Bohm M, Bose T, Campo E, Chau NB, Çolak F, Cordeiro TRL, Cruz MO, Custódio FA, Couceiro A, Darmostuk V, Dearnaley JDW, De Azevedo Santiago ALCM, De Freitas LWS, Yáñez-Morales MDJ, Domnauer C, Dentinger B, Dhileepan K, De Souza JT, Dovana F, Eberhardt U, Eisvand P, Erhard A, Fachada V, García-Martín A, Groenewald M, Hammerbacher A, Harms K, Haroon S, Haqnawaz M, Henriques S, Hernández AJ, Jacobus LM, Jaen-Contreras D, Jangsantear P, Kaygusuz O, Knoppersen R, Kumar TKA, Lynch MJ, Mahiques R, Maraia GL, Marbach PAS, Mehrabi-Koushki M, Miller PR, Mongkolsamrit S, Moreau P, Oberlies NH, Oliveira JA, Orlovich D, Pérez-Méndez AS, Pinto A, Raja HA, Ramírez GH, Raphael B, Rodrigues A, Rodrigues H, Ramos DO, Safi A, Sarwar S, Saar I, Sánchez RM, Santana JS, Scrace J, Sales LS, Silva LNP, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Tacconi A, Thanh VN, Thomas A, Thuy NT, Toome M, Valdez-Carrazco JM, Van Vuuren NI, Vasey J, Vauras J, Vila-Viçosa C, Villarreal M, Visagie CM, Vizzini A, Whiteside EJ, Groenewald JZ. (2025) Fungal Planet description sheets: 1781–1866. Persoonia 54:327–587.
10.3114/persoonia.2025.54.10
Nzuza P, Schröder ML, Heim RJ, Daniels L, Slippers B, Hurley BP, Germishuizen I, Sivparsad B, Roux J, Maes WH. (2025) Assessing Gonipterus defoliation levels using multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data in Eucalyptus plantations. Ecological Informatics 90:103301.
10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103301
Kunene S, Mmushi TJ, Steenkamp E, Motaung T. (2025) Pinus-derived membrane vesicles disrupt pathogenic metabolism in fungi. plant biology
10.1111/plb.70069
Theron CA, Wingfield MJ, Ahumada R, Carnegie AJ, Fraser S, Rodas C, Barnes I. (2025) Diversity and distribution of Lophodermium species on non-native Pinus species in the southern hemisphere. Mycological Progress 24(44)
10.1007/s11557-025-02056-5
Msweli D, Geerts S, Nndanduleni M, Paap T. (2025) Evaluation of phosphite to protect a South African Proteaceae from Phytophthora root rot. Journal of Plant Pathology
10.1007/s42161-025-01945-8
Dewing C, Yilmaz N, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD, Visagie CM. (2025) Capturing the fungal diversity hidden in Eastern Cape dairy pastures. Mycological Progress 24(1):38.
10.1007/s11557-025-02059-2
Nel WJ, Duong TA, Fell S, Herron DA, Paap T, Wingfield MJ, de Beer ZW, Hulcr J, Johnson AJ. (2025) A checklist of South African bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae). Zootaxa 5648(1):1-101.
10.11646/zootaxa.5648.1.1
Dewing C, Yilmaz N, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD, Visagie CM. (2025) Capturing the fungal diversity hidden in Eastern Cape dairy pastures. Mycological Progress 24:38.
10.1007/s11557-025-02059-2
Chang R, Yan Z, Jiang J, Wang Y, Si H, Bose T, Miao C. (2025) Four novel endolichenic fungi from Usnea spp. (Lecanorales, Parmeliaceae) in Yunnan and Guizhou, China: Taxonomic description and preliminary assessment of bioactive potentials. MycoKeys 118:55–80.
10.3897/mycokeys.118.155248
Lötter A, Bruna T, Duong TA, Barry K, Lipzen A, Daum C, Yoshinaga Y, Grimwood J, Jenkins JW, Talag J, Borevitz J, Lovell JT, Schmutz J, Wegrzyn JL, Myburg AA. (2025) A haplotype-resolved reference genome for Eucalyptus grandis. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics
10.1093/g3journal/jkaf112
Wingfield MJ, Pham NQ, Marincowitz S, Wingfield BD. (2025) Cryphonectriaceae: Biodiverse and threatening tree pathogens in the tropics and southern hemisphere. Annual Review of Phytopathology 63
10.1146/annurev-phyto-121823-030316
Queffelec J, Allison JD, Slippers B, Greeff JM. (2025) Determinants of mating success in a lek-mating species. Agricultural and Forest Entomology :1-10.
10.1111/afe.12692
Magagula P, Swart V, Fourie A, Vermeulen A, Nelson JH, van Rooyen Z, van den Berg N. (2025) Avocado rhizosphere community profiling: white root rot and its impact on microbial composition. Frontiers in Microbiology 16
10.3389/fmicb.2025.1583797
Marincowitz S, Pham NQ, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Microfungi associated with dying quiver trees (Aloidendron dichotomum) in South Africa. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 16:71–80.
10.3114/fuse.2025.16.5
Pham NQ, Marincowitz S, Crous PW, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Diversity of soil-borne Gliocladiopsis from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 16:81–92.
10.3114/fuse.2025.16.6
Tanney JB, Kemler M, Vivas M, Wingfield MJ, Slippers B. (2025) Silent invaders: The hidden threat of asymptomatic phytobiomes to forest biosecurity. New Phytologist
10.1111/nph.70209
Fick A, Swart V, Van den Berg N. (2025) In silico prediction method for plant Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat- and pathogen effector interactions. The Plant Journal 122:e70169.
10.1111/tpj.70169
Ramakuwela T, Motloba T. (2025) Beneficial nematodes: A natural solution for pest control and soil health. Farmer's Weekly 25014
10.10520/ejc-farmweek_week_v2025_n25014_a12
Bose T, Wingfield MJ, Brachmann A, Witfeld F, Begerow D, Kemler M, Dovey S, Roux J, Slippers B, Vivas M, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Removal of organic biomass in Eucalyptus plantations has a greater impact on fungal than on bacterial networks. Forest Ecology and Management 586:122734.
10.1016/j.foreco.2025.122734
Woodward S, Amin H, Mártin-Gárcia J, Solla A, Diaz-Vazquez R, Romeralo C, Alves A, Pinto G, Herron D, Fraser S, Zas R, Doğmuş-Lehtijärvi HT, Bonello P, Wingfield MJ, Witzell J, Diez JJ. (2025) Host-pathogen interactions in the Pine-Fusarium circinatum pathosystem and the potential for resistance deployment in the field. Forest Pathology 55(2):e70020.
10.1111/efp.70020
Maduke N, Slippers B, Van der Linde E, Wingfield M, Fourie G. (2025) Botryosphaeriaceae associated with racemes, fruits and leaves of macadamia in South Africa. Plant Pathology 0:1–15:1–15.
10.1111/ppa.14107
Hulcr J, Barnes I, Barnes M, Gazis R, Hammerbacher A, Johnson AJ, Lynch S, Lynn K, Marais GC, Mayers CG, Nel W, Villari C, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) From forest to fungus: A roadmap to bark beetle mycobiome research. Phytoparasitica 53(45)
10.1007/s12600-025-01246-x
Knoppersen RS, Bose T, Coutinho TA, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Inside the Belly of the Beast: Exploring the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Gonipterus sp. n. 2. Microbial Ecology 88:27.
10.1007/s00248-025-02524-1
Bose T, Roux J, Titshall L, Dovey SB, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Mulching of post-harvest residues and delayed planting improves fungal biodiversity in South African Eucalyptus plantations and enhances plantation productivity. Applied Soil Ecology 210:106091.
10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106091
Wychkuys KA, Giron E, Hyman G, Barona E, Castro-Llanos FA, Sheil D, Yu L, Du Z, Hurley BP, Slippers B, Germishuizen I, Bojacá CR, Rubiano M, Sathyapala S, Verchot L, Zhang W. (2025) Biological control protects carbon sequestration capacity of plantation forests. Entomologia Generalis
10.1127/entomologia/2025/3015
Balocchi F. (2025) Risk Analysis for Alien Taxa (RAAT) for Phytophthora cinnamomi in South Africa.
10.5281/zenodo.14858265
Paap T, Balocchi F, Wingfield MJ. (2025) The root rot pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi: a long-overlooked threat to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Biological Invasions 27(4)
10.1007/s10530-025-03570-z
Harikrishnan K, Rajeshkumar KC, Patil PM, Jeewon R, Visagie CM. (2025) Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and A. patriciawiltshireae spp. nov., two new species in Aspergillus sect. Nigri ser. Japonici (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) from India. Phytotaxa 695:57–79.
10.11646/phytotaxa.695.1.2
Wilson A, van Dijk A, Marx B, du Plessis D, Terblanche G, Bornman S, Wilken PM, Duong TA, De Fine Licht HH, Wingfield BD. (2025) Extracting Protoplasts from Filamentous Fungi Using Extralyse, An Enzyme Used in the Wine Industry. Current Protocols 5(e70122):1-29.
10.1002/cpz1.70122
Dewing C, Visagie CM, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD, Yilmaz N. (2025) Three new species of Fusarium (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales) isolated from Eastern Cape dairy pastures in South Africa. MycoKeys 115:241–271.
10.3897/mycokeys.115.148914
van der Merwe E, Slippers B, Dittrich-Schröder G. (2025) Exploring artificial diets for the laboratory rearing of Sirex noctilio late-instar larvae: a qualitative study. Zenodo
10.5281/zenodo.15049303
Mapfumo P, Archer E, Swanevelder ZH, Wilken M, Creux N, Read DA. (2025) Plant Pathology. Genomic Characterisation of Bidens mottle virus in South Africa and an Assessment of the Impact on Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) in an Open Field Setting
10.1111/ppa.14089
Brasier CM, Grünwald NJ, Bourret TB, Govers F, Scanu B, Cooke DEL, Bose T, Hawksworth DL, Abad ZG, Albarracin MV, Alsultan W, Altamirano-Junqueria AE, Arifin AR, Arnet MJ, Aumentado HDR, Bakonyi J, Belisle WH, Benigno A, Bienapfl JC, Bilodeau GJ, Blair JE, Botella L, Brandano A, Cacciola SO, Carbone I, Castroagudin VL, Chaendaekattu N, Consford JD, Corcobado T, Covey PA, Daniels HA, Deidda A, Dorrance AE, Dort EN, Drenth A, Drizou F, Evangelisti E, Fajardo SN, Fang Y, Ference CM, Frankel SJ, Goss EM, Guest DI, Hardy GESJ, Harris ARH, Hawku MD, Heungens K, Hong C, Horner IJ, Horta Jung M, Iyanda OJ, Jamieson B, Jeffers SN, Judelson HS, Junaid M, Kalogeropoulou E, Kamoun S, Kang S, Kasuga T, Kudláček T, LeBoldus J, Lee CA, Li D, Llanos AK, Lopez-Nicora HD, Machado H, Di San Lio GM, Maia C, Mandal K, Manosalva P, Martin FN, Matson MEH, McDougal RL, McDowell JM, Michelmore RW, Milenković I, Moricca S, Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa R, Nagy Z, Nikolaeva EV, Ortega-López P, Paap T, Parada-Rojas CH, Peduto Hand F, Perez-Sierra A, Pettersson M, Prasad P, Puig AS, Raco M, Rajput NA, Ristaino JB, Rooney-Latham S, Seidl MF, Shamoun SF, Solla A, Spies CFJ, Sudermann MA, Swiecki TJ, Tian M, Tripathy S, Uematsu S, Van Poucke K, Vichou AE, Walter M, Webber JF, Williams NM, Wingfield MJ, Yadav D, Yang X, Jung T. (2025) Preserving the Biologically Coherent Generic Concept of Phytophthora, ‘Plant Destroyer’. Phytopathology
10.1094/PHYTO-11-24-0372-LE