Mrs Bertha Lucia Castro

PhD Student

Research Interests

Hello, I m am Agronomist Engineer, and  Plant Pathologist, and  I work  at  the “Colombian National Center of Coffee Research (CENICAFE)”, in Chinchiná, Colombia.

 My research topics are diseases caused by soil borne fungi  in coffee,  such as :  “Canker disease”, “llaga macana”, caused by  Ceratocystis complex and  “root rot” caused by Rosellinia bunodes and Rosellinia pepo. Both diseases are important in Colombian coffee  as well as  rust caused by Hemileia vastatrix in which  also I have some experience.

I am in FABI since January 2010 and I will be until end of August this year because I am doing my PhD. In Plant Pathology, which I hope to complete next year.

The subject of my thesis is “Diseases of coffee with particular reference to those affecting stems  and roots in Colombia”

Results and information obtained from this project will help us to explore the possibilities of genetic resistance in coffee plants for both pathogens.

My supervisors are:  Prof.  Jolanda Roux, Pro. Michael J. Wingfield and Dr. Alvaro Gaitán. 

I am enjoying and learning a lot from my stay in South Africa and particulary in, FABI where I have found  good friends.

My  e-mail are: Berthalucia.castro@fabi.up.ac.za

                          Berthal.castro@cafedecolombia.com