2023

2023 MPPI Lab photo

Back: Sapphire de Zoete (Hons), Dr. David Nsibo (Staff), Dr. Nicky Olivier (Staff), Nkosinathi Ndaba (PhD), Prof. Dave Berger, Marisca Hough (MSc), Jana Botes (Hons), Trystan Nadasen (PhD)

Front: Dr. Dawit Kidanemariam (Postdoc), Carla Buitendag (MSc - graduated), Rodé Visser (MSc), Gabby Clara (MSc).

Not present: Tanya Welgemoed (PhD), Iné Botha (MSc), Tumisang Mokgobu (MSc - graduated), Kevin Scheepers (MSc graduated).

2022

2022 MPPI Lab photo

MPPI Lab members (in no particular order; L-R each row): Prof. Dave Berger, Dr. Nicky Olivier, Tanya Welgemoed, Dr. Dawit Kidanemariam, Iné Botha, Marisca Hough, Nkosinathi Ndaba, Gabriel Chirundu, Tumisang Mokgobu, Carla Buitendag, Kevin Scheepers, Dr. David Nsibo (Lecturer), Jabilile Mahlangu, Marné van Butzelaar, Trystan Nadasen, Hamish Craze, Rodé Visser, Gabby Clara

2021

2021 MPPI Lab photo

2020

2020 MPPI Lab photo

2019

2019 MPPI Lab photo

Back row (L - R): Richard Kotze (PhD, Plant Science), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), Emil van der Westhuizen (BEng Computer Engineering), Nicky Creux (PI - Crop Floral Biology), Ingrid Marais (MSc, Biotech), Trystan Nadasen (Hons, Biotech), Eugene Kabwe (MSc, Bioinformatics), Kevin Scheepers (Hons, Biotech)

Front row (L - R): Tanya Welgemoed (PhD, Bioinformatics), Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Rob Jansen van Vuuren (MSc, Plant Science), Hamish Craze (Hons, Bioinformatics)

Inset: David Nsibo (PhD, Plant Science), Carol-Ann Segal (MSc, Biotech)

2018

2018

Back row (L - R): Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Lichelle Grobler (MSc, Biotech), Richard Kotze (PhD, Plant Science), Eugene Kabwe (MSc, Bioinformatics), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), David Nsibo (PhD, Plant Science)

Front row (L - R): Claudio de Nuzzo (MSc, Biotech), Carol-Ann Segal (MSc, Biotech), Katlego Masike (MSc, Plant Science), Moleboheng Lekota (PhD), Ingrid Marais (Hons, Biotech), Tanya Welgemoed (MSc, Bioinformatics), Julanie Stapelberg (MSc, Plant Science), Feroze Ferris (Technician)

Not present: Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG), Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Miekie Human (PhD, Biotech), Johan Liversage (PhD, Biotech), Brigitte Langenhoven (PhD, Biotech), Thapelo Maboko (MSc, Plant Science), Zimbili Mlunjwa (MSc, Biotech), Lerato Mmabatho (MSc, Biotech), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech).

2017

2017

Back row (L - R): Rotondwa Nemuhuyuni (BSc Agric, Soil Science), Tumisang Mokgobu (BSc Agric, Plant Pathology), Tanya Welgemoed (MSc, Bioinformatics), Julanie Stapelberg (MSc, Plant Science), Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Thandy Makgolane (Hons, Plant Science), Miekie Human (PhD, Biotech), Lichelle Grobler (MSc, Biotech), Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG).

Front row (L - R): Katlego Masike (MSc, Plant Science), David Nsibo (PhD, Plant Science), Molly Malefo (PhD, Biotech), Carol-Ann Segal (Hons, Biotech), Johan Liversage (PhD, Biotech), Richard Kotze (PhD, Plant Science), Brigitte Langenhoven (PhD, Biotech), Alandie Nieuwoudt (MSc, Biotech),  Zimbili Mlunjwa (MSc, Biotech).

Not present: Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Kirsty Botha (MSc, Biotech), Claudio de Nuzzo (MSc, Biotech). Feroze Ferris (Technician), Thapelo Maboko (MSc, Plant Science), Lerato Mmabatho (MSc, Biotech), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), Velushka Swart (PhD, Biotech), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech).

2016

 Back row (L - R): Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG), Johan Liversage (PhD, Biotech), Katrien de Ridder (MSc Agric, Plant Pathology), David Nsibo (PhD, Plant Science), Velushka Swart (PhD, Biotech), Miekie Human (PhD, Biotech), Richard Kotze (PhD, Plant Science), Dave Berger (PI – MPPI)

Front row (L - R): Molly Malefo (PhD, Biotech), Julanie Stapelberg (MSc, Plant Science), Tanya Welgemoed (Hons, Biotech), Brigitte Langenhoven (PhD, Biotech), Thabang Msimango (Hons, Biotech), Thapelo Maboko (MSc, Plant Science), Zimbili Mlunjwa (MSc, Biotech), Jacqueline Meyer (PhD, Biotech), Claudio de Nuzzo (Hons, Biotech).

Not present: Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Kirsty Botha (MSc, Biotech), Lichelle Grobler (Hons, Biotech), Ncobile Kunene (MSc, Biotech), Katlego Masike (MSc, Plant Science), Lerato Mmabatho (MSc, Biotech), Minah Molomo, Carol-Ann Segal (Mentorship students), Alandi Niewoudt (MSc, Biotech), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech).


2015

MPPI and CFPRG Research Groups 2015

Back row (L - R): Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), Nardus Strydom (MSc, Biotech), Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG), Brigitte Langenhoven (PhD, Biotech), Johan Liversage (MSc, Biotech), David Livingstone Nsibo (PhD, Plant Science). 


Middle row (L - R): Alandi Niewoudt (Hons, Biotech), Naomi Park (Hons, Biotech), Maryke Carstens (Postdoc), Julanie Stapelberg, Lichelle Grobler, Tabang Msimango (Mentorship students), Sonia Phillips (Postdoc)

 

Front row (L - R): Katrien de Ridder (MSc Agric, Plant Pathology), Elzette Wentzel (Hons, Biotech), Megan MacCaghey (MSc International Development, RIFA Fellow, UC Davis), Kirsty Botha (MSc, Biotech), Ncobile Kunene (MSc, Biotech), Miekie Haasbroek (PhD, Biotech), Velushka Swart (PhD, Biotech), Katlego Masike (Hons, Plant Science)

 

Not present: Writing theses/papers (!): Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Jeanne Korsman (PhD, Biotech), Richard Kotze (MSc, Plant Science), Molly Malefo (MSc, Biotech), Claire Martin (MSc, Plant Science), Jacqueline Meyer (PhD, Biotech), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech)

 


2014

 MPPI and CFPRG Research Groups 2014

Back row (L - R): Shamus Morgan (undergrad assistant), Johan Liversage (MSc, Biotech), Dr Sonia Phillips (Postdoc), Jeanne Korsman (PhD, Biotech), Dr Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG), Prof. Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Dr. Maryke Carstens (Postdoc), Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics)


Middle row (L - R): Ncobile Kunene (MSc, Plant Science), Claire Martin (MSc, Plant Science), Kirsty Botha (MSc, Plant Science), Velushka Birkenbach (PhD, Biotech), Brigitte Lombard (MSc, Biotech), Sonia Naidoo (MSc, Plant Science)


Front row (L - R): Molly Malefo (MSc, Biotech), Leonora Haasbroek (Hons, Biotech), Nardus Strydom (Hons, Biotech), Richard Kotze (MSc, Plant Science), Kara Troglin (University of Arkansas, USA), Miekie Haasbroek (MSc, Biotech)


Not present: Nanette Coetzer (PhD, Bioinformatics), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech), Jacqueline Meyer (PhD, Biotech), Thomas Schmidt (MSc, Biotech), Monique Heystek (MSc, Biotech), Degracious Kgoale (MSc, Biotech), Mischa Muller (MSc, Biotech), Nare Ngoepe (MSc, Plant Science), Adri Veale (Technical Assistant), Gert Pietersen (undergrad assistant)

 


 2013

Back row (L - R): Nanette Coetzer (PhD, Bioinformatics), Dr Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG), Prof. Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Johan Liversage (MSc, Biotech), Amy Visser (Hons, Plant Science), Kirsty Botha (MSc, Plant Science), Ncobile Kunene (Hons, Plant Science)

Middle row (L-R): Dr Boney Kuriakose (Senior Research Assistant), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), Thomas Schmidt (MSc, Biotech), Claire Martin (MSc, Plant Science), Sonia Naidoo (MSc, Plant Science), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech), Jeanne Korsman (PhD, Biotech), Dr Sonia Phillips (Postdoc).

Front row (L - R): Molly Malefo (Hons, Biotech), Monique Heystek (MSc, Biotech), Degracious Kgoale (MSc, Biotech), Miekie Haasbroek (MSc, Biotech), Velushka Birkenbach (MSc, Biotech), Brigitte Lombard (MSc, Biotech), Mischa Muller (MSc, Biotech), Dr. Maryke Carstens (Postdoc).

Not present:
Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Jacqueline Meyer (PhD, Biotech), Jane Bredenkamp (MSc, Biotech), Nare Ngoepe (MSc, Plant Science), Adri Veale (Technical Assistant), Grieta Mahlangu (Technician), Irene Schoeman (Admin assistant), Nardus Strydom, Douglas Martin (undergraduate lab assistants).

 


2012

Back row (L - R): Nanette Coetzer (PhD, Bioinformatics), Erika Viljoen (PhD, Biotech), Dr Boney Kuriakose (Senior Research Assistant), Duncan Newman (PhD, Bioinformatics), Dr. Maryke Carstens (Postdoc), Prof. Dave Berger (PI – MPPI), Dr Bridget Crampton (PI – CFPRG), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer & PhD, Bioinformatics), Dr Sonia Phillips (Postdoc), Johan Liversage (Hons, Biotech), Amy Visser (undergraduate lab assistant).

Middle row (L-R): Christa Bonnema (Admin assistant), Jeanne Korsman (PhD, Biotech), Mischa Muller (MSc, Biotech), Sonia Naidoo (MSc, Plant Science), Adri Veale (Technical Assistant), Monique Heystek (MSc, Biotech).

Front row (L - R): Degracious Kgoale (MSc, Biotech), Molly Malefo (Hons, Biotech), Jane Bredenkamp (MSc, Biotech), Lerato Makoka (Hons, Plant Science), Brigitte Lombard (MSc, Biotech), Velushka Birkenbach (MSc, Biotech), Miekie Haasbroek (MSc, Biotech), Thomas Schmidt (MSc, Biotech), Fred van Staden (Hons, Bioinformatics).

Not present: Teddy Amuge (PhD, Plant Science), Jacqueline Meyer (PhD, Biotech), Claire Martin (Hons, Plant Science), Grieta Mahlangu (Technician), Ncobile Kunene (undergraduate lab assistant).

 


2011

Front row (L - R): Degracious Kgoale (MSc, Biotech), Inge Gazendam (PhD, Biotech), Timmy Baloyi (Hons, Plant Science), Mischa Muller (Hons, Biotech), Jane Bredenkamp (MSc, Biotech), Monique Heystek (MSc, Biotech), Dr Boney Kuriakose (Senior Research Assistant), Dr Bridget Crampton (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow)

Back row (L - R): Amy Visser (undergraduate lab assistant), Jeanne Korsman (PhD, Biotech), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer), Erika Viljoen (MSc, Biotech), Nanette Coetzer (PhD, Bioinformatics), Prof Dave Berger (PI), Thomas Schmidt (Research Assistant), Duncan Newman (PhD, Bioinformatics), Frederick van Staden (undergraduate lab assistant)

Not present: Irene Van Nugteren (MSc, Biotech), Lerato Makoka (undergraduate lab assistant)

 


2010

Front row (L-R): Khensani Rakgalakane (Hons, Biotech), Inge Gazendam (PhD, Biotech), Monique Heystek (Hons, Biotech)

Second row (L-R): Dr Boney Kuriakose (Senior Research Assistant), Erika Viljoen (MSc, Biotech), Liesl Van der Linden (MSc, Biotech), Jane Bredenkamp (MSc, Biotech)

Third row (L-R): Dr Bridget Cramption (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow), Nanette Coetzer (PhD, Bioinformatics), Prof Dave Berger (PI), Jeanne Korsman (PhD, Biotech)

Back row (L-R): Duncan Newman (PhD, Bioinformatics), Thomas Schmidt (Hons, Biotech), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer)

Insert (L-R): Irene Van Nugteren (MSc, Biotech), Mischa Muller (undergraduate lab assistant)

 


2009

Front (L-R): Liesl Van der Linden (MSc, Biotech.), Irene Van Nugteren (MSc, Biotech), Dave Berger (PI), Barbara Meisel (Postdoc), Duncan Newman (Research Assist., Statistical Genetics), Thomas Schmidt (undergraduate lab assistant)

Middle (L-R): Monique Heystek (undergraduate lab assistant), *Ronishree Naidoo (MSc, Genetics), Antoinette Van Schalkwyk (Postdoc), Erika Van der Walt (MSc, Biotech), Levanya Reddy (Hons, Biotech), Inge Gazendam (PhD, Biotech.)

Back (L-R): Jeanne Korsman (Research Assist., Molecular Genetics), *Katrin Fitza (MSc, Genetics), *Febe Wilken (MSc, Genetics), Nanette Coetzer (MSc, Bioinformatics).

Insert (L-R): Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer), Philip Law (Research Assist., Bioinformatics),

*Members of Dr Sanushka Naidoo's research group

 


2008

Front (L-R): Liesl van der Linden (MSc, Biotech.), Sanushka Naidoo (Postdoc), Dave Berger (PI), Mmatshepo Phasha (undergraduate lab assistant), Febe Wilken (Hons, Biotech.)

Middle (L-R): Duncan Newman (Bioinformaticist), Nanette Coetzer (MSc, Bioinformatics), Barbara Ros (Postdoc), Erika van der Walt (Tech. Assist.),

Back (L-R): Jeanne Korsman (Research Assist.), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer), Inge Gazendam (PhD, Biotech.)

Not present: Loveness Dzikiti (PhD, Statistics), Philip Law (MSc, Bioinformatics), Irene van Nugteren (MSc, Biotech.), Antoinette van Schalkwyk (Postdoc)

 


2007

Front (L-R): Dave Berger (PI), Sanushka Naidoo (PhD, Biotech.), Liesl van der Linden (MSc, Biotech.)

Middle (L-R): Zinzi Mboweni (Hons, Biotech.), Jeanne Korsman (Research Assist.), Irene van Nugteren (MSc, Biotech.), Barbara Ros (Postdoc), Erika van der Walt (Tech. Assist.), Febe Wilken (undergraduate lab assistant)

Back (L-R): Nanette Coetzer (MSc, Bioinformatics), Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer), Antoinette van Schalkwyk (Postdoc)

Not present: Loveness Dzikiti (PhD, Statistics), Philip Law (MSc, Bioinformatics), Gordon Botha (Hons, Statistics)

 


2006

Front (L-R): Sanushka Naidoo (PhD), Antoinette Van Schalkwyk (Postdoc), Dave Berger, Nicky Olivier (Microarray Scientific Officer)

Back (L-R): Ewan Potgieter (undergraduate lab assistant), Erika Van der Walt (Hons), Irene van Nugteren (Hons), Christian Giesel (MSc), Bridget Crampton (PhD)

Absent: Yoseph Beyene (Postdoc), Natalie Feltman (MSc), Philip Law (MSc), Lufuno Ngomani (Hons), Carmen So (Hons), Nanette Coetzer (Hons)

 


2005

Front (L-R): Noelani Van den Berg (PhD), Dave Berger, Danie Theron (Microarray Scientific Officer)

Back (L-R): Liesl Vorster (Hons), Ana Slaughter (Postdoc), Sanushka Naidoo (PhD)

Absent: Bridget Crampton (PhD), Christian Giesel (MSc), Natalie Levendall (MSc), Lufuno Ngomani (Hons), Philip Law (Hons), Irene van Nugteren (undergraduate lab assistant).

 


2004

Front (L-R): Lerato Matsaunyane (MSc), Inge Maritz (MSc alumni), Joanne Weich (MSc), Sanushka Naidoo (PhD), Bernet vd Merwe (3rd Yr), Liesl Vorster (3rd Yr)

Back (L-R): Dave Berger, Bridget Crampton (PhD), Ana Slaughter (Postdoc), Christian Giesel (MSc)

 


2003

(L-R): Joanne Weich (MSc, Botany), Noelani Van den Berg (PhD, Plant Pathology), Bridget Campbell (PhD, Plant Biotechnology), Marcus Conradt (Scientific Consultant), Dave Berger, Ana Slaughter (Postdoc), Alain Gaume (Postdoc), Therese Lotter (MSc, Plant Biotechnology), Danie Theron (Microarray Technical Assistant), Sanushka Naidoo (PhD, Plant Biotechnology).

 


2002

Front (L-R): Sabine Lezar (PhD, Genetics), Noelani Van Den Berg (PhD, Plant Pathology), Dave Berger, Danie Theron (Microarray Technical Assistant).

Back (L-R): Alain Gaume (Postdoc), Percy Chimwamurombe (Postdoc), Therese Lotter (MSc, Plant Biotechnology), Joanne Weich (MSc, Botany), Sanushka Naidoo (PhD, Plant Biotechnology).

New Publications

Abkallo HM, Arbuthnot P, Auer TO, Berger DK, Burger J, Chakauya E, Concordet J-P, Diabate A, Di Donato V, Groenewald J-H, Guindo A, Koekemoer LL, Nazare F, Nolan T, Okumu F, Orefuwa E, Paemka L, Prieto-Godino L, Runo S, Sadler M, Tesfaye K, Tripathi L, Wondji C. (2024) Making genome editing a success story in Africa. Nature Biotechnology :1-4. https://rdcu.be/dBJUa
Omondi DO, Dida MM, Berger DK, Beyene Y, Nsibo DL, Juma C, Mahabaleswara SL, Gowda M. (2023) Combination of Linkage and Association Mapping with Genomic Prediction to Infer QTL Regions Associated with Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight Resistance in Tropical Maize. Frontiers in Genetics 14:1-16. 10.3389/fgene.2023.1282673
Welgemoed T, Duong TA, Barnes I, Stukenbrock EH, Berger DK. (2023) Population genomic analyses suggest recent dispersal events of the pathogen Cercospora zeina into East and Southern African maize cropping systems. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics 10.1093/g3journal/jkad214
Wingfield BD, Berger DK, Coetzee MPA, Duong TA, Martin A, Pham NQ, Van den Berg N, Wilken PM, Arun-Chinnappa KS, Barnes I, Buthelezi S, Dahanayaka BA, Durán A, Engelbrecht J, Feurtey A, Fourie A, Fourie G, Hartley J, Kabwe ENK, Maphosa M, Narh Mensah DL, Nsibo DL, Potgieter L, Poudel B, Stukenbrock EH, Thomas C, Vaghefi N, Welgemoed T, Wingfield MJ. (2022) IMA genome‑F17 Draft genome sequences of an Armillaria species from Zimbabwe, Ceratocystis colombiana, Elsinoë necatrix, Rosellinia necatrix, two genomes of Sclerotinia minor, short‑read genome assemblies and annotations of four Pyrenophora teres isolates from barley grass, and a long-read genome assembly of Cercospora zeina. 13:19. 10.1186/s43008-022-00104-3
Craze HA, Pillay N, Joubert F, Berger DK. (2022) Deep Learning Diagnostics of Gray Leaf Spot in Maize under Mixed Disease Field Conditions. Plants 11(1942):1-17. https://bit.ly/3vg484g
Luo G-F, Podolyan A, Kidanemariam D, Pilotti C, Houliston G, Sukal AC. (2022) A review of viruses infecting Yam (Dioscorea spp.). Viruses 14(662) 10.3390/v14040662
Nsibo DL, Barnes I, Omondi DO, Dida MM, Berger DK. (2021) Population genetic structure and migration patterns of the maize pathogenic fungus, Cercospora zeina in East and Southern Africa. Fungal Genetics and Biology 149(103527) 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103527
Pillay N, Gerber M, Holan K, Whitham SA, Berger DK. 2021. Quantifying the Severity of Common Rust in Maize Using Mask R-CNN. In: Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing. ICAISC 2021. Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, vol 12854. Rutkowski L, Scherer R, Korytkowski M, Pedrycz W, Tadeusiewicz R, Zurada J. (eds). Springer, Cham., pp 202-213.
Aveling TAS, De Ridder K, Olivier NA, Berger DK. (2020) Seasonal variation in mycoflora associated with asymptomatic maize grain from small-holder farms in two provinces of South Africa. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS) 121(2):265-275. 10.17170/kobra-202011262275 PDF
Berger DK, Mokgobu T, De Ridder K, Christie N, Aveling TAS. (2020) Benefits of maize resistance breeding and chemical control against northern leaf blight in smallholder farms in South Africa. South African Journal of Science 12(11) 10.17159/sajs.2020/8286
Welgemoed T, Pierneef R, Read DA, Schulze SE, Pietersen G, Berger DK. (2020) Next generation sequencing reveals past and current widespread occurrence of maize yellow mosaic virus in South Africa. European Journal of Plant Pathology 158(1):237-249. 10.1007/s10658-020-02070-1
Human MP, Berger DK, Crampton BG. (2020) Time-course RNAseq reveals Exserohilum turcicum effectors and pathogenicity determinants. Frontiers in Microbiology 11(360) 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00360
Welgemoed T, Pierneef R, Sterck L, Van de Peer Y, Swart V, Scheepers KD, Berger DK. (2020) De novo assembly of transcriptomes from a B73 maize line introgressed with a QTL for resistance to gray leaf spot disease reveals a candidate allele of a lectin receptor-like kinase. Frontiers in Plant Science http://bit.ly/2SmKPmT
Devnarain N, Crampton BG, Olivier N, van der Westhuizen C, Becker JVW, O'Kennedy MM. (2019) Transcriptomic analysis of a Sorghum bicolour landrace identifies a role for beta-alanine betaine biosynthesis in drought tolerance.. South African Journal of Botany 127 10.1016/j.sajb.2019.08.049
Zumaquero A, Martinez-Ferri E, Matas AJ, Reeksting B, Olivier NA, Pliego-Alfaro F, Barcelo A, van den Berg N, Pliego C. (2019) Rosellinia necatrix infection induces differential gene expression between tolerant and susceptible avocado rootstocks. PLoS ONE 14(2):e0212359. 10.1371/journal.pone.0212359
Nsibo DL, Barnes I, Kunene NT, Berger DK. (2019) Influence of farming practices on the population genetics of the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina in South Africa. Fungal Genetics and Biology 125:36-44. 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.01.005
Read DA, Featherstone J, Rees DJG, Thompson GD, Roberts R, Flett BC, Mashingaidze K, Berger DK, Welgemoed T, Pietersen G, Schulze SE, Kiula B, Kullaya A, Mbega E. (2019) First report of maize yellow mosaic virus (MaYMV) on maize (Zea mays) in Tanzania. Journal of Plant Pathology 101:203. 10.1007/s42161-018-0152-5
van den Berg N, Mohamed W, Olivier NA, Swart V, Crampton B. (2018) Transcriptome analysis of an incompatible Persea americana-Phytophthora cinnamomi interaction reveals the involvement of SA- and JA-pathways in a successful defense response. PLoS ONE 13(10):e0205705. 10.1371/journal.pone.0205705
Viljoen E, Odeny DA, Coetzee MPA, Berger DK, Rees DJG. (2018) Application of Chloroplast Phylogenomics to Resolve Species Relationships Within the Plant Genus Amaranthus. Journal of Molecular Evolution 86(3-4):216-239. 10.1007/s00239-018-9837-9
Liversage J, Coetzee MPA, Bluhm BH, Berger DK, Crampton BG. (2018) LOVe across kingdoms: Blue light perception vital for growth and development in plant–fungal interactions. Fungal Biology Reviews 32(2):86-103. 10.1016/j.fbr.2017.11.003
Wingfield BD, Berger DK, Steenkamp ET, Lim H-J, Duong TA, Bluhm BH, De Beer ZW, De Vos L, Fourie G, Naidoo K, Olivier NA, Lin Y, Van der Peer Y, Joubert F, Crampton BG, Swart V, Soal N, Tatham C, Van der Nest MA, Van der Merwe NA, Van Wyk S, Wilken PM, Wingfield MJ. (2017) IMA Genome-F 8 Draft genome of Cercospora zeina, Fusarium pininemorale, Hawksworthiomyces lignivorus, Huntiella decipiens and Ophiostoma ips. IMA Fungus 8 (2):385‑396. 10.5598/imafungus.2017.08.02.10 PDF
Meyer J, Berger DK, Christensen SA, Murray SL. (2017) RNA-Seq analysis of resistant and susceptible sub-tropical maize lines reveals a role for kauralexins in resistance to grey leaf spot disease, caused by Cercospora zeina. BMC Plant Biology 17:197. 10.1186/s12870-017-1137-9
Amuge T, Berger DK, Katari MS, Myburg AA, Goldman SL, Ferguson ME. (2017) A time series transcriptome analysis of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties challenged with Ugandan cassava brown streak virus. Scientific Reports 7:9747. 10.1038/s41598-017-09617-z
Swart V, Crampton BG, Ridenour JB, Bluhm BH, Olivier NA, Meyer JJM, Berger DK. (2017) Complementation of CTB7 in the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina overcomes the lack of in vitro cercosporin production. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 30(9):710-724. 10.1094/MPMI-03-17-0054-R
Zwart L, Berger DK, Moleleki LN, Van der Merwe NA, Myburg AA, Naidoo S. (2017) Evidence for salicylic acid signalling and histological changes in the defence response of Eucalyptus grandis to Chrysoporthe austroafricana. Scientific Reports 7:45402. 10.1038/srep45402 PDF
Christie N, Myburg AA, Joubert F, Murray SL, Carstens M, Lin Y-C, Meyer J, Crampton BG, Christensen SA, Ntuli JF, Wighard SS, Van de Peer Y, Berger DK. (2017) Systems genetics reveals a transcriptional network associated with susceptibility in the maize-gray leaf spot pathosystem. The Plant Journal 89(4):746-763. 10.1111/tpj.13419
Reitmann A, Berger DK, van den Berg N. (2017) Putative pathogenicity genes of Phytophthora cinnamomi identified via RNA-Seq analysis of pre-infection structures. European Journal of Plant Pathology 147(1):211-228. 10.1007/s10658-016-0993-8
Human MP, Barnes I, Craven M, Crampton BG. (2016) Lack of population structure and mixed reproduction modes in Exserohilum turcicum from South Africa. Phytopathology 106(11):1386-1392. 10.1094/PHYTO-12-15-0311-R
Muller MF, Barnes I, Kunene NT, Crampton BG, Bluhm B, Phillips S, Olivier NA, Berger DK. (2016) Cercospora zeina from maize in South Africa exhibits high genetic diversity and lack of regional population differentiation. Phytopathology 106(10):1194-1205. 10.1094/PHYTO-02-16-0084-FI
Oelofse D, Gazendam I, Veale A, Djami-Tchatchou A, Berger D, Dubery I. (2016) Functional characterization of a defense-related class-III chitinase promoter from Lupinus albus, active in legume and monocot tissues. European Journal of Plant Pathology 146(4):923-936. 10.1007/s10658-016-0970-2
Daru B, Berger DK, Van Wyk AE. (2016) Opportunities for unlocking the potential of genomics for African trees. New Phytologist 210:772-778. 10.1111/nph.13826
Meyer FE, Shuey LS, Ramsuchit S, Mamni T, Berger DK, van den Berg N, Myburg AA, Naidoo S. (2016) Dual RNA-sequencing of Eucalyptus nitens during Phytophthora cinnamomi challenge reveals pathogen and host factors influencing compatibility. Frontiers in Plant Science 7:191. 10.3389/fpls.2016.00191 PDF
Meyer J, Murray SL, Berger DK. (2016) Signals that stop the rot: Regulation of secondary metabolite defences in cereals. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 94:156-166. 10.1016/j.pmpp.2015.05.011 PDF
Ronishree Magwanda, Lizahn Zwart, Nicolaas A. van der Merwe, Lucy Moleleki, Dave Kenneth Berger, Alexander A. Myburg, Sanushka Naidoo. (2016) Localization and Transcriptional Responses of Chrysoporthe austroafricana in Eucalyptus grandis Identify Putative Pathogenicity Factors. Front. Microbiol. 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01953
Carstens M, Berger DK. 2016. Biotechnology and Crop Disease Resistance in South Africa. In: Biotechnology for Plant Disease Control. Collinge DB. (eds). Wiley, New York and London, pp 16 (Chapter).
Reeksting B, Olivier N.A, van den Berg N. (2016) Transcriptome responses of an ungrafted Phytophthora root rot tolerant avocado (Persea americana) rootstock to flooding and Phytophthora cinnamomi. BMC Plant Biology 16(205) 10.1186/s12870-016-0893-2
Hussey SG, Mizrachi E, Groover A, Berger DK, Myburg AA. (2015) Genome-wide mapping of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation in Eucalyptus grandis developing xylem. BMC Plant Biology 15:117. 10.1186/s12870-015-0499-0 PDF
Mizrachi E, Maloney VJ, Silberbauer J, Hefer CA, Berger DK, Mansfield SD, Myburg AA. (2014) Investigating the molecular underpinnings underlying morphology and changes in carbon partitioning during tension wood formation in Eucalyptus. New Phytologist 204(6):1351-1363. 10.1111/nph.13152
Berger DK, Carstens M, Korsman JN, Middleton F, Kloppers FJ, Tongoona P, Myburg AA. (2014) Mapping QTL conferring resistance in maize to gray leaf spot disease caused by Cercospora zeina. BMC Genetics 15:60. 10.1186/1471-2156-15-60
Haasbroek MP, Craven M, Barnes I, Crampton BG. (2014) Microsatellite and mating type primers for the maize and sorghum pathogen, Exserohilum turcicum. Australasian Plant Pathology 43(5):577-581. 10.1007/s13313-014-0289-4 PDF
Phillips S, Dubery I, Heerden H. (2013) Molecular characterisation of two homoeologous elicitor-responsive lipin genes in cotton. Molecular Genetics and Genomics 288:519-533. 10.1007/s00438-013-0770-8
Van der Linden L, Bredenkamp J, Naidoo S, Fouche-Weich J, Denby KJ, Genin S, Marco Y, Berger DK. (2013) Gene-for-Gene Tolerance to Bacterial Wilt in Arabidopsis. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 26:398-406. 10.1094/MPMI-07-12-0188-R
Phillips S, Dubery I, Heerden H. (2013) Identification and molecular characterisatin of a Lectin Receptor-like Kinase (GhLecRK-2) from cotton. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 31(1):9-20. 10.1007/s11105-012-0470-2
Naidoo R, Ferreira L, Berger DK, Myburg AA, Naidoo S. (2013) The identification and differential expression of Eucalyptus grandis pathogenesis-related genes in response to salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate. Frontiers in Plant Science 4:43. 10.3389/fpls.2013.00043
Phillips SM, Dubery IA, van Heerden H. (2012) Molecular characterization of an elicitor-responsive Armadillo repeat gene (GhARM) from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Molecular Biology Reports 39:8513-23. 10.1007/s11033-012-1706-9
Van Schalkwyk A, Wenzl P, Smit S, Lopez-Cobollo R, Kilian A, Bishop G, Hefer C, Berger D. (2012) Bin mapping of tomato diversity array (DArT) markers to genomic regions of Solanum lycopersicum X Solanum pennellii introgression lines. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 124:947-956. 10.1007/s00122-011-1759-5
Korsman J, Meisel B, Kloppers F, Crampton B, Berger D. (2012) Quantitative phenotyping of grey leaf spot disease in maize using real-time PCR. European Journal of Plant Pathology 133:461-471. 10.1007/s10658-011-9920-1
Hussey SG, Mizrachi E, Spokevicius AV, Bossinger G, Berger DK. (2011) SND2, a NAC transcription factor gene, regulates genes involved in secondary cell wall development in Arabidopsis fibres and increases fibre cell area in Eucalyptus. BMC Plant Biology 11:173. 10.1186/1471-2229-11-173
Coetzer N, Myburg AA, Berger DK. (2011) Maize microarray annotation database. Plant Methods 7(31) 10.1186/1746-4811-7-31
Hussey S, Mizrachi E, Berger D, Myburg AA. (2011) The role of SND2 in the regulation of Arabidopsis fibre secondary cell wall formation. BMC Proceedings 5(7):P114. 10.1186/1753-6561-5-S7-P114
Naidoo S, Fouche-Weich J, Law P, Denby KJ, Marco Y, Berger DK. (2011) A Eucalyptus bacterial wilt isolate from South Africa is pathogenic on Arabidopsis and manipulates host defences. Forest Pathology 41:101-113. 10.1111/j.1439-0329.2010.00642.x
Nola S, Daigaku R, Smolarczyk K, Carstens M, Martin-Martin B, Longmore G, Bailly M, Braga VMM. (2011) Ajuba is required for Rac activation and maintenance of E-cadherin adhesion. The Journal of Cell Biology 195(5):855-871. PDF
Coetzer N, Gazendam I, Oelofse D, Berger DK. (2010) SSHscreen and SSHdb, generic software for microarray based gene discovery: application to the stress response in cowpea. Plant Methods 6(10)
Solomon OL, Berger DK, Myburg AA. (2010) Diurnal and circadian regulation of carbon allocation in developing xylem of Eucalyptus trees. South African Journal of Botany 76:425-439. 10.1016/j.sajb.2010.02.087
Coetzer N, Gazendam I, Oelofse D, Berger DK. (2010) SSHscreen and SSHdb, generic software for microarray based gene discovery: application to the stress response in cowpea. Plant Methods 6:10. 10.1186/1746-4811-6-10
Legay G, Marouf E, Berger D, Neuhaus JM, Mauch-Mani B, Slaughter A. (2010) Identification of genes expressed during the compatible interaction of grapevine with Plasmopara viticola through suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). European Journal of Plant Pathology 129:281-301. 10.1007/s10658-010-9676-z
Solomon OL, Berger DK, Myburg AA. (2010) Diurnal and circadian patterns of gene expression in the developing xylem of Eucalyptus trees. South African Journal of Botany 76:425-439. 10.1016/j.sajb.2010.02.087
Crampton BG, Hein I, Berger DK. (2009) Salicylic acid confers resistance to a biotrophic rust pathogen, Puccinia substriata, in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Molecular Plant Pathology 10:291-304.
Meisel B, Korsman J, Kloppers F, Berger DK. (2009) Cercospora zeina is the causal agent of grey leaf spot disease of maize in southern Africa. European Journal of Plant Pathology 124:577-583. 10.1007/s10658-009-9443-1
van den Berg N, Berger DK, Hein I, Birch PRJ, Wingfield MJ, Viljoen A. (2009) Genes up-regulated in tolerant cavendish banana roots in response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense infection. Acta Horticulturae 828:273-282. PDF
Creux NM, Ranik M, Berger DK, Myburg AA. (2008) Comparative analysis of orthologous cellulose synthase promoters from Arabidopsis, Populus and Eucalyptus: evidence of conserved regulatory elements in angiosperms. New Phytologist 179:722-737. 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02517.x
Law P, Claudel-Renard C, Joubert F, Louw A, Berger D. (2008) MADIBA: A web server toolkit for biological interpretation of Plasmodium and plant gene clusters. BMC Genomics 9:105.
Naidoo S, Murray SL, Denby KJ, Berger DK. (2007) Microarray analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana cir1 (constitutively induced resistance 1) mutant reveals candidate defence response genes against Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000. South African Journal of Botany 73:412-421.
van den Berg N, Berger DK, Hein I, Birch PRJ, Wingfield MJ, Viljoen A. (2007) Tolerance in banana to Fusarium wilt is associated with early up-regulation of cell wall-strengthening genes in the roots. Molecular Plant Pathology 8(3):333-341. 10.1111/j.1364-3703.2007.00389.x PDF
Fouche-Weich J, Berger D, Poussier S, Trigalet-Demery D, Coutinho T. (2006) Molecular identification of some African strains of Ralstonia solanacearum from eucalypt and potato. Journal of General Plant Pathology 72:369-373.
Ingle RA, Carstens M, Denby KJ. (2006) PAMP recognition and the plant–pathogen arms race. BioEssays 28(9):880-889. PDF
Oelofse D, Dubery IA, Meyer R, Arendse MS, Gazendam I, Berger DK. (2006) Apple polygalacturonase inhibiting protein1 expressed in transgenic tobacco inhibits polygalacturonases from fungal pathogens of apple and the anthracnose pathogen of lupins. Phytochemistry 67:255-263.
Lotter HC, Berger DK. (2005) Anthracnose of lupins in South Africa in caused by Colletotrichum lupini var. setosum. Australasian Plant Pathology 34:385-392.
Naidoo S, Denby KJ, Berger DK. (2005) Microarray experiments: considerations for experimental design. South African Journal of Science 101:347-354.
Gazendam I, Oelofse D, Berger DK. (2004) High-level expression of apple PGIP1 is not sufficient to protect transgenic potato against Verticillium dahliae. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 65:145-155.
Lezar S, Myburg AA, Berger DK, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. (2004) Development and assessment of microarray-based DNA fingerprinting in Eucalyptus grandis. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 109(7):1329-1336. 10.1007/s00122-004-1759-9 PDF
Crampton BG, van den Berg N, Hein I, Birch PRJ, Berger DK. (2004) High-throughput screening of suppression subtractive hybridization cDNA libraries using DNA microarray analysis. BioTechniques 37(5):818-824.
Bhoora R, Berger DK, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. (2003) PCR cloning by genome walking of a complete polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein gene from Eucalyptus grandis. South African Journal of Science 99(9-10):410-412. PDF
Carstens M, Vivier MA, Pretorius IS. (2003) The Saccharomyces cerevisiae chitinase, encoded by the CTS1-2 gene, confers antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea to transgenic tobacco. Transgenic Research 12(4):497-508. PDF
Carstens M, Vivier MA, Van Rensburg P, Pretorius IS. (2003) Overexpression, secretion and antifungal activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae chitinase. Annals of Microbiology 53:15-28.
Murray SL, Denby KJ, Berger DK, Loake GJ. (2002) Disease resistance signalling in Arabidopsis: Applications in the study of plant pathology in South Africa. South African Journal of Science 98
Botha WJ, Serfontein S, Greyling MM, Berger DK. (2001) Detection of Xylophilus ampelinus in grapevine cuttings using a nested polymerase chain reaction. Plant Pathology 50:515-526.
O'Kennedy MM, Burger JT, Berger DK. (2001) Transformation of elite white maize using the particle inflow gun and detailed analysis of a low-copy integration event. Plant Cell Reports 20:721-730.
Berger DK, Oelofse D, Arendse MS, du Plessis E, Dubery IA. (2000) Bean polygalacturonase inhibitor protein-1 (PGIP-1) inhibits polygalacturonases from Stenocarpella maydis. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 57:5-14.
De Villiers SM, Kamo K, Thomson JA, Bornman CH, Berger DK. (2000) Biolistic transformation of Chincherinchee (Ornithogalum) and regeneration of transgenic plants. Physiologia Plantarum 109:450-455.
Murray SL, Van Vuuren RJ, Berger DK. (1998) Tomato transformation is dependent upon Agrobacterium cell density and acetosyringone levels. Journal of the Southern African Society for Horticultural Sciences 8:60-64.
Murray SL, Burger JT, Oelofse D, Cress WA, Van Staden J, Berger DK. (1998) Transformation of potato (cv. Late Harvest) with the potato leafroll virus coat protein gene, and molecular analysis of transgenic lines. South African Journal of Science 94:263-268.
Berger DK, Narberhaus F, Lee HS, Kustu S. (1995) In vitro studies of the domains of the nitrogen fixation regulatory protein NifA. The Journal of Bacteriology 177:191-199.
Berger DK, Narberhaus F, Kustu S. (1994) The isolated catalytic domain of NifA, a bacterial enhancer-binding protein, activates transcription in vitro: activation is inhibited by NifL. PNAS 91:103-107.
Kilkenny CA, Berger DK, Rawlings DE. (1994) Isolation of the Thiobacillus ferrooxidans ntrBC genes using a T. ferrooxidans nifH-lacZ fusion. Microbiology 140:2543-2553.
Lee HS, Berger DK, Kustu S. (1993) Activity of purified NIFA, a transcriptional activator of nitrogen fixation genes. PNAS 90:2266-2270.
Santero E, Hoover TR, North AK, Berger DK, Porter SC, Kustu S. (1992) Role of integration host factor in stimulating transcription from the sigma 54-dependent nifH promoter. Journal of Molecular Biology 227:602-620.
Berger DK, Woods DR, Rawlings DE. (1990) Complementation of Escherichia coli sigma 54 (NtrA)-dependent formate hydrogenlyase activity by a cloned Thiobacillus ferrooxidans ntrA gene. Journal of Bacteriology 172:4399-4406.