Dr Daleen Van Dyk

Post-doctoral Research Fellow

Research Interests

My interest in genomics started in 2003 with my relocation to Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape. I started work as a research assistant in the laboratory of Prof. D. J. G. Rees and soon after decided to pursue a PhD entitled �Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling the Requirement for Chilling in Vegetative Budbreak in Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.)�. At present my research is focused on applying different molecular marker techniques for construction of an integrated apple genetic linkage map, the purpose of which is the fine mapping of dormancy QTL�s as well as to generate a saturated genetic map that will facilitate sequence assembly of the apple genome, the sequencing of which is currently being undertaken by an international consortium. Prof. A. A. Myburg is the host of this research project in collaboration with Prof. D.J.G. Rees at the University of the Western Cape. I am also involved in the management of the DNA Fingerprinting service provided by the Forest Molecular Genetics (FMG) group to industry partners (Sappi and Mondi).