Prof Gerhard Pietersen
Academic Staff
Research Interests
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
1
Gerhard Pietersen
22/02/1959
Johannesburg
Married, Michelle (Physiotherapist)
Daughter; Inge, Born 30/11/90
Son; Gert, Born 12/2/93
Son; Ben, Born 12/1/98
Specialist Scientist; Agricultural Research Council-Plant Protection Research
Institute.
Extraordinary Professor; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of
Pretoria.
Member; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria.
Matriculated. Florida Park High School, Roodepoort, South Africa, 1976.
BSc.- Botany & Microbiology - University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1977-1980.
MSc-.Microbiology - University of Pretoria, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
1980-1984. Submit a thesis entitled: Properties and detection of Alfalfa mosaic virus.
PhD.- Microbiology - University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Microbiology - 1985-
1989. Submit a dissertation titled: Seed-transmitted viruses of Glycine max Merr. (soybeans) in
South Africa.
Extracurricular WisNat (Spes) Molecular and Cellular Biology 721. University of Pretoria. 1988.
Extracurricular WisNat (Spes). Mathematical statistics 110. University of Pretoria. 1989.
Diploma in Project Management, South African Institute of Management, Daimlin Business
School 1993.
Joined Virology Section of the Plant Protection Research
Positions held and management:
Institute, Pretoria in December, 1980, directly after undergraduate studies. All research up to
March, 2004 undertaken under the authority of the Plant Protection Research Institute at Pretoria,
with the exception of 15 months spent at Oregon State University in 1984/85. In 1983 appointed
administrative head of the Virology Unit, Pretoria branch. While performing own research
(obtain Msc., and PhD.), establish plant virology research infrastructure, also manage personnel
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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(at that stage one researcher, one technician and three technical assistants), budget and projects.
In 1990 appointed head of Plant Virology Unit, PPRI following the amalgamation of the Pretoria
and Stellenbosch units. Take over research and management responsibilities of retired co-worker.
While continuing with own research, obtain funding for all projects of the virology section and
manage three researchers, four technicians, and five technical assistants until March 2004.
External funding targets as prescribed by ARC reached up until 1999. After 1999 no longer
solely responsible for obtaining external income as this responsibility delegated also to project
leaders. Financial target reached by Virology group up to period of resignation. June, 2003
awarded Extra-ordinary Professorship with University of Pretoria. April, 2004 to June, 2011
Program manager, Graft-transmissible diseases, Citrus Research International (CRI), seconded to
the Microbiology Department, University of Pretoria. Resign, June, 2009, July, 2009 return as
Specialist Scientist, Agricultural Research Council-Plant Protection Research Institute, Pretoria
(ARC-PPRI). October, 2010 Join as member of Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute
(FABI) while retaining positions at ARC-PPRI and Dept. of Microbiology, UP.
Perform or direct research aimed at determining which viruses occur in South
Africa, to aid formulation of effective phytosanitary legislation to control plant viruses. This has
also allowed the establishment of research priorities with regards viruses to which other control
strategies have been applied. To do these studies, diseased plants have been collected on an
informal basis or extensive surveys conducted, and virus diseases diagnosed. Surveys have
focussed primarily on legumes (lucerne, soybeans, peanuts, beans, cowpeas, peas, and lupins) and
grapevines, but samples of numerous other crops have also been analysed on an ad hoc basis,
including bananas, granadilla, hops, apples, citrus, maize, wheat, sorghum and potatoes. Most of
the techniques employed in the diagnosis, identification, characterisation and detection of viruses
were not in use at the virology section on appointment and have been established or developed at
the section either personally or under direct supervision. Since 2001 do research on epidemiology
of viruses of grapevines, in order to control these viruses. On appointment with CRI, 2004, also
expand research focus on Viruses and graft-transmissible diseases (eg. “Candidatus” Liberibacter
africanus) also of Citrus. From 2009 Continue with research on graft transmissible disease of
Citrus and Viruses of grapevines at ARC-PPRI
Establish (in the majority of cases) and employ plant virology
techniques during this period including the following. Analysis of diseased plants for viruses by
electron microscope examination of negatively stained plant preparations, do bioassay by
mechanical inoculation onto indicator host plants and aphid transmission, perform double
stranded RNA extraction and electrophoresis, develop and apply enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISA), immuno-electron microscopy (IEM), analyses cytopathology of ultrathin
sections of fixed and embedded infected material, and do polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
analysis and electrophoresis. Establish culture collections, with all samples being archived by
freeze drying, desiccation, and cryo-preservation. Develop, maintain, and expand computer-based
databases for easy access of all collections.
Isolate new or interesting viruses by either single vector transmission, single local lesion
passages, or limiting dilution transfers, and characterise isolated viruses with regards number of
polypeptides in coat protein, molecular weight of polypeptide, serological relationships, nucleic
acid type, number and size of poly-nucleotides, and nucleotide sequences of portions of the
genome, host range and symptomatology, in vitro physical properties, cyto-pathology and particle
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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structure.
Develop detection methods in cases where such methods were not available in South Africa. This
has involved mainly the development of ELISA’s. Optimise specific virus culture conditions,
develop and apply virus purification methods. Prepare antisera through immunization schedules
on rabbits, mice, goats or sheep. Purify IgG or F(ab=)2 fragments and prepare enzyme conjugates
prepared. The seroreagents have been used to develop either IEM, indirect double antibody
sandwich (DAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), direct DAS ELISA, indirect
ELISA, F(ab')2, or protein A sandwich (PAS) ELISA or western blots. Monoclonal antibodies
have also been prepared. PCR detection techniques including immunocapture-reverse
transcriptase PCR (IC-RT-PCR) have also been adapted and applied. This technique has also
served as a basis for characterisation of new viruses and strains through ligation, transformation,
cloning and sequencing of PCR products.
In the case of economically important viruses (tomato curly stunt virus, grapevine leafroll virus)
perform research aimed at direct control of the viruses. In the case of tomato curly stunt virus
(ToCSV) identify resistance sources. In the case of grapevine leafroll, study spatial distribution
pattern, applying spatial statistics techniques, to identify means of spread of disease by
mealybugs. Important control methods identified and proposed through this study have already
been implemented within the Grapevine Certification Scheme.
: The research approach has yielded the following results (both personal research
and that managed): the presence of a large number of viruses (about 30) have been confirmed on
crops in South Africa, a number of viruses known to occur in South Africa have also identified
on new crops, ten viruses previously unreported in South Africa have been identified, and four
internationally, previously undiscovered viruses (rhabdovirus of soybeans, groundnut ringspot
tospovirus, bean yellow dwarf geminivirus, peanut chlorotic blotch potyvirus and tomato curly
stunt virus), have been found. Polyclonal antisera to in excess of 30 viruses have been
successfully produced, and ELISA systems developed to these, all of which are used in research
onto control of plant viruses. Of these ELISA systems, five have been in use routinely in the
South African industry in certification schemes or for export (cucumber mosaic virus, grapevine
leafroll type 3, tomato spotted wilt virus, bean common mosaic virus, hops mosaic virus). Have
prepared a monoclonal antibody to soybean mosaic virus. Have prepared ELISA systems based
on antisera from co-workers to numerous other viruses for use in virus diagnosis.
Have developed a universal potyvirus IC-PCR detection system based on a potyvirus common
epitope antiserum and a conserved coat protein and 3' untranslated region primer set. Have
ligated, transformed, cloned and sequenced six isolates of cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus and
demonstrated strain differences. Have designed primers and developed a PCR for the specific
detection of tomato curly stunt begomovirus.
Identified a control strategy to prevent severe loss of yield on tomatoes due to tomato curly stunt
virus. Identify a number of tolerant tomato breeding lines which are currently in breeding
programs (or in two instances, being commercially supplied). This action has allowed the
continued production of tomatoes in areas such as Strydom block and Northern KwaZulu Natal,
where tomato curly stunt virus has now established itself.
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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Through studies on the spatial distribution of grapevine leafroll disease, important control
strategies have been proposed, and have been accepted and implemented within the South
African Grapevine Improvement Scheme. Further studies are being continued on this aspect. A
model has been established at the Vergelegen Wine Estate
to demonstrate the success of controlling grapevine leafroll using the abovementioned control
strategies. This has achieved extra-ordinary results and is likely to result in large- scale
implementation of these strategies throughout the Wine industry. The program has been adopted
by the New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) in collaboration with G. Pietersen who has been
requested to collaborate on this project with twice yearly visits (since mid 2008) with cost
covered by NZW to ensure continuity and success of the program. Similarly Golan Heights
Winery, the largest winery in Israel have made a similar requests for collaboration with one visit
conducted in February, 2009 and a second planned for Novemebr 2009, once again with costs
borne by hosting institution.
PIETERSEN, G., ENGELBRECHT, D.J., & KOTZe, J.M., 1985. Characterisation of two isolates
of alfalfa mosaic virus in South Africa. Phytophylactica 17:61-65.
PIETERSEN, G., 1985. Potato spindle tuber viroid found absent in South African Nuclear Potato
sources. Phytophylactica 17:107.
MAURY, Y., BOSSENNEC, J-M., BOUDAZIN, G., HAMPTON, R.O., PIETERSEN, G. &
MCQUIRE, J., 1987. Factors influencing ELISA evaluation of transmission of pea seed-borne
mosaic virus in infected pea seed: seed-group size and seed decortication. Agronomie 7(4):
225-230.
VROON, C.W., PIETERSEN, G., & VAN TONDER, H.J., 1988. Seed transmission of soybean
mosaic virus in Lupinus albus L.. Phytophylactica 20: 169-175.
THOMPSON, A.H., & PIETERSEN, G., 1988. Witches' broom of lucerne associated with a
mycoplasma-like organism in South Africa. Phytophylactica 20: 297-303.
PIETERSEN, G., & GARNETT, H.M., 1990. Survey for the viruses of soybeans (Glycine max)
in the Transvaal, South Africa. Phytophylactica 22:35-40.
PIETERSEN, G., & GARNETT, H.M., 1992. Some properties of a peanut mottle virus (PeMotV)
isolate from soybeans in South Africa. Phytophylactica 24:211-215.
PIETERSEN, G., & GARNETT, H.M., 1992. Properties and strain identity of soybean mosaic
virus isolates from the Transvaal, South Africa. Phytophylactica 24:279-283.
VON WECHMAR, M.B., JAFFER, M.A., & PIETERSEN, G., 1993. Epidemiology of a tomato
spotted wilt-like disease in papaya. Suppl. J. S. Afr. Soc. Hort. Sci. 3,29.
PIETERSEN, G. Resistance in soybeans to three potyviruses in South Africa. 1995. African Plant
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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1(1):9-11.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., KASDORF, G.G.F., & PIETERSEN, G., 1995. Production and use of
antisera specific to grapevine leafroll-associated viruses following electrophoretic separation of
their proteins and transfer to nitrocellulose. African Plant Protection 1(1):1-8.
PIETERSEN, G., STAPLES, M.S., SWART, G., & KORSTEN, L., 1996. Non-confirmation of
banana bunchy top virus in South Africa. African Plant Protection 2(1):1-8.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., KASDORF, G.G.F., and PIETERSEN, G., 1997. Chapter 5: Production
of antisera to grapevine leafroll-associated viruses using electrophoretically resolved antigens. Pp
49 - 58 In Monette, P.L. (Ed) Filamentous Viruses of Woody Plants. Research Signpost, India.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., KASDORF, G.G.F., PIETERSEN, G., and VAN TONDER, H., 1996.
Detection of two strains of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2. Vitis 35(3): 133-135.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., KASDORF, G.G.F., and PIETERSEN, G., 1996. Western blots reveal
that isolated grapevine virus B is serologically related to grapevine virus A. J. Phytopathology
144: 581-583.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., KASDORF, G.G.F., PIETERSEN, G., and VAN TONDER, H., 1996.
Grapevine leafroll-associated virus type IIb (GLRaV IIb) - mechanical transmission, purification,
production and properties of antisera, detection by ELISA . S. Afr. J.Enol. & Viticult. 17(1): 15-
26.
COOK, G., RYBICKI, E.P., and PIETERSEN, G., 1998. Characterisation of a new potyvirus
isolated from peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Plant Pathology 47:348-354.
LUI, L., VAN TONDER, T., PIETERSEN, G., DAVIES, J.W., AND STANLEY, J., 1997.
Molecular Characterisation of a Subgroup I Geminivirus From a Legume in South Africa Journal78:2113-2117.
of General Virology
PIETERSEN, G., STAPLES, M.S., KASDORF, G.G.F., and THOMAS, J.E., 1998. First report
of cucumber mosaic virus subgroup I in South Africa, from banana with infectious chlorosis.
82(10):1171.
PIETERSEN, G., STAPLES, M.S., KASDORF, G.G.F. and JOOSTE, A.E.C., 1998 Relative
abundance of viruses of soybeans in South Africa. African Plant Protection 4(2):65-70.
RYBICKI, E.P., and PIETERSEN, G., 1999 . Plant Virus Disease problems in the Developing
World. Advances in Virus Research 53:127-175
COOK, G., DE MIRANDA, J.R., ROOSSINCK, M.J., and PIETERSEN, G., 1999. Tobacco
streak ilarvirus detected on peanuts in South Africa. African Plant Protection 5(1):13-19.
COOK, G., KASDORF, G.G.F., and PIETERSEN, G., 1999. Synopsis of a virus survey on
peanuts in South Africa. African Plant Protection 5(1):1-3.
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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HIGGINS, C.M., COOK, G., PIETERSEN, G., and DIETZGEN, R.G., 1999. Molecular
characterisation of a strain of peanut stripe virus from peanut germplasm imported into South
Africa. African Plant Protection 5(1):5-12.
PIETERSEN, G., COOK, G., KASDORF, G.G.F., JOOSTE, A.E.C.,and VAN DER MERWE,
M., 1999. Occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus and bean yellow mosaic virus in commercial
Lupins (Lupinus spp.) In South Africa in 1998. African Plant Protection 6(2) 1-8.
PIETERSEN, G., IDRIS, A.M., KRUGER, K., AND BROWN, J.K., 2000. Tomato curly stunt
virus, a new begomovirus of tomato within the tomato yellow leaf curl-Is cluster in South Africa.
84(7):810.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., PIETERSEN, G. , KASDORF, G.G.F., AND GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., 2001.
Identification of three viruses from Pisum sativum (pea) in South Africa. African Plant Protection
7(2):59-63.
PIETERSEN, G., SMITH, M.F., 2002. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus resistant tomatoes show
resistance to tomato curly stunt virus (ToCSV). Plant Disease 86:528-534.
PIETERSEN, G. AND MORRIS, J., 2002. Natural occurrence of Groundnut ringspot virus on
soybean in South Africa. Plant Disease 86:1271.
BEE MEYER, J.; JOHN CHARLES ROBINSON; GERHARD PIETERSEN & LOUIS
HENDRIK NEL. 2006 Transmission Studies Of Activated-Episomal Banana Streak
Badnavirus From Fhia-21 (Aaab) By Four Mealybug Species. In: Reuniao Internacional
Acorbat, 17., Joinville, SC, Brasil. Bananicultura: um negocio sustentavel - anais. Joinville:
ACORBAT/ACAFRUTA, 2006. v. 2, p. 781-784. Trabalhos Completos.
MEYER, J.B., KASDORF, G.G.F., NEL, L.H. & PIETERSEN, G. , 2008 Transmission of
Activated-Episomal Banana Streak OL (badna)virus (BSOLV) to cv. Williams banana (Musa sp.)
by Three Mealybug Species. Plant Disease 2008 92 (8):1158-1163
SACCAGGI, D.L., KRUGER, K., AND PIETERSEN, G., 2008. A multiplex PCR assay for the
simultaneous identification of three mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Bulletin of
Entomological Research 98:27-33.
PIETERSEN, G., IDRIS, A.M., KRUGER, K., AND BROWN, J.K., 2008 Characterization of
: a new tomato-infecting begomovirus from South Africa. Plant. 57(5):809-818. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-3059.2008.01882.x
Pathology
LAMPRECHT, R.L., PIETERSEN, G. KASDORF, G.G.F., and NEL, L.H., 2008
Characterisation of a proposed Nucleorhabdovirus new to South Africa. European Journal of
123(1): 105-110. DOI 10.1007/s10658-008-9339-5
DODDAPANENI, H., LIAO, H., LIN, H., BAI, X., ZHAO, X., CIVEROLO, E.L., IREY, M.,
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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COLETTA-FILHO, H., AND PIETERSEN, G., 2008. Comparative phylogenomics and
multi-gene cluster analyses of the Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB)-associated bacterium
Candidatus Liberibacter” BMC Research Notes 1(75).
PIETERSEN, G, ARREBOLA, E., BREYTENBACH, J.H.J., KORSTEN, L., LE ROUX,
H.F., LA GRANGE, H., LOPES, S.A., MEYER, J.B.,
PRETORIUS, M.C.,
SCHWERDTFEGER, M., VAN VUUREN, S.P., AND YAMAMOTO, P., 2010. Survey for
Liberibacter” species in South Africa confirms the presence of only “Ca. L.
africanus” in commercial Citrus. Plant Disease 94(2):244-249.
LAMPRECHT R. L., KASDORF, G.G.F., STILLER, M., STAPLES S. M., NEL L. H. AND
PIETERSEN G., 2010. Soybean blotchy mosaic virus, a new Cytorhabdovirus found in South
Africa. Plant Disease 94(11):1348-1354.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., MAREE, H.J., GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., BELLSTEDT, D.U., PIETERSEN,
G. and BURGER, J.T., 2010. Three genetic grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 variants
identified from South African vineyards show high variability in their 5'UTR'. Archives of
Virology DOI 10.1007/s00705-010-0793-y
PIETERSEN, G., 1983. Partial characterisation of two South African strains of alfalfa mosaic
virus. Proceedings of the 21st Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology,
Wilderness, 24-27 January, 1983.
PIETERSEN, G., 1984. Detection of alfalfa mosaic virus by serology. Proceedings of the 22nd
Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology, Johannesburg. 24-26 January, 1984.
OLIVIER, J.H., and PIETERSEN, G., 1984. Characterization of a potyvirus from Macroptilium. Proceedings of the 3rd congress of the South African Society for Microbiology.
atropurpureum
Cape Town, 16-18 April, 1984.
PIETERSEN, G., THOMPSON, A.H., and DESCHODT, C.C., 1986. Detection of Witches
broom on lucerne in South Africa. Proceedings of the 24th Congress of the South African Society
for Plant Pathology, Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 20-23 January, 1986. Phytophylactica
18:41-50.
PIETERSEN, G., and GARNETT, H.M., 1986. Detection of seedborne viruses of soybean in
South Africa. Proceedings of the 24th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology,
Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 20-23 January, 1986. Phytophylactica 18:41-50.
PIETERSEN, G., 1987. Soybean mosaic virus in South Africa. Proceedings of the 25th Congress
of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. University of the Orange Free State,
Bloemfontein. 20-22 January, 1987. Phytophylactica 19:121-130.
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PIETERSEN, G., 1988. A new virus disease of Glycine max L. Merr. (soybean) in South Africa.
Proceedings of the 26th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. Berg-en-Dal,
Kruger National Park. 19-21 January, 1988. Phytophylactica 20:95-108.
PIETERSEN, G., 1988. Use of microwave irradiation to reduce seed-transmission rates of
soybean mosaic virus in soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) seeds. Proceedings of the 26th
Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. Berg-en-Dal, Kruger National Park.
19-21 January, 1988. Phytophylactica 20:95-108.
PIETERSEN, G., 1989. Peanut mottle virus: The first description of this virus in South Africa.
Proceedings of the 27th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. University of
Cape Town, Cape Town. 16-18 January, 1989.
PIETERSEN, G., 1990. Seed-transmitted viruses of Glycine max Merr. (soybeans) in Transvaal.
Proceedings of the 6th biennial congress of the South African Society for Microbiology.
Stellenbosch, 26-28 March, 1990.
PIETERSEN, G., 1991. Ontwikkeling van >n ELISA sisteem vir die opsporing van
wingerdrolblaar-geassosieerde klosterovirus tipe III. Proceedings of the South African Society for
Enology and Viticulture, 7-8 November, 1991, Cape Town.
THERON, L.L., and PIETERSEN, G., 1992. Pilot studies on the viruses of peanuts in South
Africa. Proceedings of the 30th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology.
Cintsa, East London. 26-29 January, 1992.
PIETERSEN, G., KASDORF, G.G.F., and LORDAN, S.M., 1992. A new disease of dry-beans
in the lowveld, South Africa. Proceedings of the 30th Congress of the South African Society for
Plant Pathology. Cintsa, East London. 26-29 January, 1992.
VAN TONDER, T., KASDORF, G.G.F., VAN WYNGAARDT, S., and PIETERSEN, G., 1992.
Preliminary studies into development of a detection system for potyviruses. Proceedings of the
30th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. Cintsa, East London. 26-29
January, 1992.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., and PIETERSEN, G., 1993. Production and use of polyclonal antibodies
to tomato spotted wilt virus nucleocapsid protein for the detection, by ELISA, of some South
African isolates. Proceedings of the 31st Congress of the South African Society for Plant
Pathology. Langebaan. 17-20 January, 1993.
PIETERSEN, G., and KASDORF, G.G.F., 1993. Use of IEM for the detection of the viruses of
the grapevine leafroll complex in South Africa. Extended Abstracts of the 11th Meeting of the
International Council for the study of Viruses and Virus Diseases of grapevine. Montreux,
Switzerland. 6 - 9 September, 1993.
PIETERSEN, G., 1993. Importance of a rhabdovirus-associated disease of soybeans in South
Africa. Abstracts of the 6th International Congress of Plant Pathology. Montreal, Canada. July 28
to August 6, 1993.
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THERON, L.L., DU PLESSIS, M.J., and PIETERSEN, G., 1994. Preliminary studies on viruses
of Groundnuts in South Africa. In (eds. D.V.R. Reddy; D. Mc Donald and J.P. Moss) Working
Together on Groundnut virus diseases. Summary and recommendations of a meeting of
international working groups on groundnut virus diseases. Dundee, UK. 15-19 August 1993.
ICRISAT, Andhra Pradesh, India.
PIETERSEN, G., and KASDORF, G.G.F., 1994. Use of IEM for the detection of the viruses of
the grapevine leafroll complex in South Africa. Proceedings of the 32nd Congress of the South
African Society for Plant Pathology. Christiana. 23-26 January, 1994.
VAN TONDER, T. and PIETERSEN, G., 1995. Initial identification of two potyviruses of
. Proceedings of the 33nd Congress of the South African Society for Plant
Pathology. Thaba Nchu, Bloemfontein. 15-18 January, 1995.
VAN TONDER, T. and PIETERSEN, G., 1995. Identification of two potyviruses of Phaseolus. Proceedings of the Vth International Congress on the impact of viral diseases in the
vulgaris
developing world. Johannesburg, South Africa 9-14 July, 1995.
STAPLES, M.S., KASDORF, G.G.F., and PIETERSEN, G., 1995. Studies on a rhabdovirus
associated disease of soybeans in South Africa. Proceedings of the Vth International Congress on
the impact of viral diseases in the developing world. Johannesburg, South Africa 9-14 July, 1995.
VAN TONDER, T. and PIETERSEN, G., 1995. The viruses of Phaseolus vulgaris in South
Africa. Proceedings of the SADC Regional Bean Research Workshop. Potchefstroom, South
Africa 1-4 October, 1995.
PIETERSEN, G., STAPLES, M.S., SWART, G., & KORSTEN, L., 1996. Banana bunchy top
virus not found in South Africa. Proceedings of the 34nd Congress of the South African Society
for Plant Pathology. Stellenbosch. 14-17 January, 1996.
COOK, G., KASDORF, G.G.F., & PIETERSEN, G., 1996. Some properties of a potyvirus
isolated from peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Proceedings of the Xth International Congress of
Virology, Jerusalem, Israel, 11-16 August, 1996, pp130.
VAN TONDER, T., STANLEY, J., & PIETERSEN, G., 1997. A new geminivirus infecting
Proceedings of the 35th Congress of the South African Society for Plant
Pathology. Badplaas 19-22 January, 1997.
COOK, G., THERON, L.L., & PIETERSEN, G., 1997. Tobacco streak ilarvirus detected on
peanuts in South Africa. Proceedings of the 35th Congress of the South African Society for Plant
Pathology. Badplaas 19-22 January, 1997.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., & PIETERSEN, G., 1997. Three first reports of viruses on Pisum sativum from
South Africa. Proceedings of the 35th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology.
Badplaas 19-22 January, 1997.
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STAPLES, S.M., & PIETERSEN, G., 1997. Studies on a rhabdovirus of soybeans in South
Africa. Proceedings of the 35th Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology.
Badplaas 19-22 January, 1997.
GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., KASDORF, G.G.F., & PIETERSEN, G., 1997. ELISA for the detection
of grapevine leafroll-associated closteroviruses 1,2,3 and grapevine virus B based on polyclonal
antisera. Extended Abstracts of the 12th Meeting of the International Council for the study of
Viruses and Virus Diseases of grapevine. Lisbon, Portugal. September, 1997.
PIETERSEN, G., and STAPLES, S.M., 1998. Identification of tospoviruses of soybeans in South
Africa. Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Tospoviruses and thrips in floral
and Vegetable Crops. Wageningen, The Netherlands, May, 1998.
PIETERSEN, G., and STAPLES, S.M., 1999. Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic potyvirus strains in
South Africa. Xith International Congress of Virology Abstracts VP64.02, pg. 412. 9-13 August,
1999. Sydney, Australia.
KRUGER, K., and PIETERSEN, G., 1999. Whiteflies and a new begomogeminivirus
disease of tomatoes in South Africa. 12th Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern
Africa. Potchefstroom, South Africa, July 1999. p. 70.
PIETERSEN, G., KRUGER, K., IDRIS, A.M., and BROWN, J.K., 2000. A new
begomogeminivirus of tomato within the TYLCV-Is cluster causing widespread disease in the
Onderberg, South Africa. Proceedings of the 38th Congress of the South African Society for Plant
Pathology. Grahamstown 23-28 January, 2000, Pg. 507-508.
PILLAY, R., and PIETERSEN, G., 2000. Partial characterization of the coat protein gene of five
strains of soybean mosaic potyvirus (SMV). Proceedings of the 38th Congress of the South
African Society for Plant Pathology. Grahamstown 23-28 January, 2000.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., PIETERSEN, G., and KASDORF, G.G.F., 2000. Identification of three viruses
on Pisum sativum (pea) in South Africa. Proceedings of the 38th Congress of the South African
Society for Plant Pathology. Grahamstown 23-28 January, 2000. Pg. 548.
VAN DER MERWE, M., KASDORF, G.G.F., and PIETERSEN, G., 2000 (Poster). The use
of PCR for the detection of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3. XIIIth meeting of the
International Council for the Study of Viruses and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine
(ICVG) in Adelaide, Australia, 12-17 March, 2000. Presented by Miss. M van der Merwe.
PIETERSEN, G., KRUGER, K., and BROWN, J.K., 2001. Tomato curly stunt virus (ToCSVSA),
a new begomovirus of tomato within the TYLCV-Is cluster, in South Africa. Program and
Abstracts of the European Whitefly Symposium, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy, 27 February to 3 March,
2001, Pg. 48.
PIETERSEN, G., and THOMAS, J.E., 2001. Overview of Musa virus diseases. Abstracts of
the 1st Conference on Plant Virology in Sub-Saharan Africa (PVSSA) . Ibadan, Nigeria. 4-8
June, 2001. Pg. 13.
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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PIETERSEN, G., IDRIS, A., KRUGER, K., and BROWN, J.K., 2001. Characterisation of
Tomato curly stunt virus from South Africa. Abstracts of the 3rd International Geminivirus
Symposium. John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK, 24-28 July 2001, Pg. 79.
PIETERSEN, G. and KASDORF, G.G.F., 2001. Analysis of spread of grapevine leafroll
disease in South African Vineyards. Abstracts of the 25th Congress of the South African
Society for Enology and Viticulture, Somerset West, 15-16 November, 2001.
PIETERSEN, G., KELLERMAN, U., OOSTHUISEN, W.T. and SPREETH, N., 2003. Effect of
rouging on natural spread of grapevine leafroll disease in two vineyards in South Africa. 8th
International Congress of Plant Pathology. 2-7 February, 2003. Christchurch, New Zealand.
PIETERSEN, G., 2003. Epidemiology of grapevine leafroll disease in South African Vineyards.
27th Congress of the South African Society for Enology and Viticulture. 5-7 November, 2003.
Somerset-West, South Africa.
MEYER, J.B., VAN DER MERWE, M, PIETERSEN, G., and KASDORF, G.G.F., 2005.
Reliable detection of banana mild mosaic virus with a nested PCR designed for members of the
Foveaviridae. Proceedings of the 43rd Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology.
Hartenbos 23-26 January, 2005, Pg. 104. South African Journal of Science 101, 2005.
MEYER, J.B., PIETERSEN, G., NEL, L.H., and KASDORF, G.G.F., 2005. Characterisation of
BSV isolates and the development of a TAS ELISA detection method. Proceedings of the 43rd
Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. Hartenbos 23-26 January, 2005, Pg.
103. South African Journal of Science 101, 2005.
D.L. SACCAGGI, K. KRUGER, G. PIETERSEN & C. MACDONALD, 2005. A PCR-based
method for identification of three mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). 15th CongressGrahamstown, South Africa, July 2005. p. 51.
of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa.
PIETERSEN, G. 2005. Spatial and temporal analysis of spread of grapevine leafroll disease in
South Africa. IX International Plant Virus Epidemiology Symposium. Lima, Peru 4-7 April,
2005.
PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Tackling the grapevine leafroll disease problem in South Africa. The Dr
JE VanderPlanck Memorial Address. Proceedings of the 44rd Congress of the South African
Society for Plant Pathology. Magalies Park Country Club 22-25 January, 2006
MEYER, J.B., PIETERSEN, G., NEL, L.H., and KASDORF, G.G.F., 2006. Evaluation of the
efficiency of four mealybug species to transmit activated-episomal Banana streak badnavirus.
Proceedings of the 44rd Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. Magalies
Park Country Club 22-25 January, 2006.
STEWART, K., and PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Dynamics and molecular characterisation of citrus
tristeza virus (CTV) strains within South African GFMS12 cross-protecting population.
Proceedings of the 44rd Congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology. Magalies
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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Park Country Club 22-25 January, 2006.
PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Use of remote sensing to monitor the spread of grapevine leafroll disease
in South Africa. Pg. 122-123. Extended abstracts of the 15th Meeting of the International Council
for the Study of Virus and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG) 3-7 April, Stellenbosch,
South Africa.
SACCAGI, D.L., KRUGER,K., and PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Rapid indentification of three
mealybug species by multiplex PCR. Pg. 124-125. Extended abstracts of the 15th Meeting of the
International Council for the Study of Virus and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG) 3-7
April, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Spatio-temporal distribution dynamics of grapevine leafroll disease in
Western Cape vineyards. Pg. 126-127. Extended abstracts of the 15th Meeting of the International
Council for the Study of Virus and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG) 3-7 April,
Stellenbosch, South Africa.
SPREETH, N.A., OOSTHUIZEN, W.T., VAN RENSBURG, A., TOOTH, D., ROSSOUW, N.,
and PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Vergelegen, South Africa; a case study of an integrated control
strategy to prevent the spread of grapevine leafroll disease. Pg. 142-143. Extended abstracts of the
15th Meeting of the International Council for the Study of Virus and Virus-like diseases of the
Grapevine (ICVG) 3-7 April, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Progress towards establishment of a comprehensive diagnostic capacity
at CRI against citrus graft-transmissible pathogens. 4th Citrus Research Symposium, Port
Elizabeth, 20-23 August, 2006.
STEWART, K. and PIETERSEN, G., 2006. Development and implementation of PCR and
microarray-based methods to differentiate citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strains. 4th Citrus Research
Symposium, Port Elizabeth, 20-23 August, 2006.
MEYER, J.B., ROBINSON, J.C., PIETERSEN, G AND NEL, L.H. 2006. Transmission studies
of activated-episomal banana streak badnavirus from FHIA-21 (AAAB) by four mealybug
species. XVII Acorbat International Meeting, 15-20 October, Joinville, Brazil.
PIETERSEN, G., SPREETH, N., OOSTHUIZEN, T.W.,VAN RENSBURG, A, TOOTH, D.,
ROSSOUW, N., 2006. An integrated control strategy to prevent the spread of grapevine leafroll
disease on Vergelegen wine estate- a model for the South African wine industry. 3rd International
Enology and Viticulture Conference, 14-17 November, 2006, Somerset West.
SCHWERDTFEGER, M., AND PIETERSEN, G., 2007. Survey for “Candidatus liberibacter”
species on citrus in South Africa. XVIIth Conference of the International Organization of Citrus
Virologists. 22-26 October, 2007. Adana, Turkey.
FERREIRA, M., PIETERSEN, G., BARROS, E. AND KRUGER, K., 2008 Determining
dispersal patterns of Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) among South
African vineyards using RAPD markers. XXIII International Congress of
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
13
Entomology, Durban, South Africa, July 2008.
PIETERSEN, G., SCHWERDTFEGER, M., AND KOTZE, A.C., 2008. Survey for
Candidatus liberibacter species on citrus in South Africa. 5th Citrus Research Symposium,
Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, 3-6 August, 2008.
PHAHLADIRA, M.N.B. AND PIETERSEN, G., 2008. Identification of alternative hosts to
Citrus of Candidatus Liberibacter africanus amongst indigenous rutaceous plants of South
Africa. 5th Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, 3-6 August,
2008.
SCOTT, K.A., AND PIETERSEN, G., 2008. Strain differentiation of CTV isolates by PCR
and DNA Microarray in South Africa. 5th Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports
Resort, Drakensberg, 3-6 August, 2008.
READ, D., SCOTT, K.A., AND PIETERSEN, G., 2008. Detection of Citrus tristeza virus
using real-time RT-PCR. 5th Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort,
Drakensberg, 3-6 August, 2008.
VAN DER WESTHUIZEN, L., SCOTT, K.A., AND PIETERSEN, G., 2008. Sequence
characterization of selected genes in four Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) mild sources potentially
useful in mild strain protection of soft citrus cultivars. 5th Citrus Research Symposium,
Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, 3-6 August, 2008.
PIETERSEN, G., KOTZE, A., PHAHLADIRA, M.N.B. and SCHWERDTFEGER, M. 2008.
Survey for “Candidatus” Liberibacter species in South Africa. HLB International Conference,
Orlando, Florida, USA 1-5 December, 2008.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., BURGER, J.T. and PIETERSEN, G., 2009
Identification of a third molecular variant of grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3)
associated with grapevine leafroll disease in vineyards of the Western Cape. 46th congress of the
South African Society for Plant Pathology, 25-28 January, 2009 Gordons Bay, South Africa.
LAMPRECHT, R.L., PIETERSEN, G. and NEL, L.H., 2009 Characterisation of two plant
rhaboviruses not previously reported in South Africa. 46th congress of the South African Society
for Plant Pathology, 25-28 January, 2009 Gordons Bay, South Africa.
PIETERSEN, G., SPREETH, N., OOSTHUIZEN, W.T., VAN RENSBURG, A., TOOTH, D. and
ROSSOUW, N., 2009. Control of grapevine leafroll disease on Vergelegen, 2002-2008. 46th
congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology, 25-28 January, 2009 Gordons Bay,
South Africa.
SCOTT, K.A. and PIETERSEN, G., 2009. Strain differentiation by PCR and DNA microarray of
Citrus Tristeza virus (CTV) isolates in South Africa. 46th congress of the South African Society
for Plant Pathology, 25-28 January, 2009 Gordons Bay, South Africa.
PRETORIUS, M.C., VAN VUUREN, S.P., PIETERSEN, G. and ZULU, M.T., 2009. The
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
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invasion of Huanglongbing of citrus (citrus greening) in the Western Cape and evaluation of new
control strategies. 46th congress of the South African Society for Plant Pathology, 25-28 January,
2009 Gordons Bay, South Africa.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., GOSZCZYNSKI, D.E., PIETERSEN G., and BURGER, J.T. 2009.
Identification of a third molecular variant of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3)
associated with Grapevine Leafroll Disease in vineyards of the Western Cape. 46th Congress
of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology, 25-28 January, 2009, Gordon’s Bay,
South Africa.
DA GRACA, J., PIETERSEN, G., and VAN VUUREN, S.P., 2009. Research on HLB in
South Africa. Phytopathology 99 (6 Supplement): S157. 2009 Annual APS meeting. August
1-5, 2009. Portland Oregon
PIETERSEN, G., 2009. A South African experience in combating/controlling grapevine leafroll
disease. Invited Plenary Session Paper for Romeo Bragato Conference, 20-24 August, 2009,
Napier, New Zealand.
PIETERSEN, G., 2009. Principles and problems related to rouging and replacement Strategies.
Invited forum presentation Romeo Bragato Conference, 20-24 August, 2009, Napier, New
Zealand.
PIETERSEN, G., 2009. Grapevine leafroll epidemiology and Control in South Africa. Invited
forum presentation Romeo Bragato Conference, 20-24 August, 2009, Napier, New Zealand.
JOOSTE, A.E.C., MAREE, H.J., PIETERSEN, G., GOSZCZYNSKI, BURGER, J.T., 2009.
Identification and distribution of three divergent molecular variants of GLRaV-3 in South African
Vineyards. 16th Meeting of the International Council for the Study of Viruses and Virus-like
diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG), 31 August-4 September, 2009, Dijon, France.
PIETERSEN, G., SPREETH, N., OOSTHUIZEN, W.T., VAN RENSBURG, A., LOTTERING,
D., TOOTH, D., and ROSSOUW, N., 2009. A case study of control of grapevine leafroll disease
spread on Vergelegen Wine Estate, South Africa, 2002-2008. 16th Meeting of the International
Council for the Study of Viruses and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG), 31 August-4
September, 2009, Dijon, France.
DOUGLAS, N., PIETERSEN, G., and KRŐGER, K., 2009. A real-time RT-PCR assay for the
detection and quantification of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) in Vitis Vinifera
L. (Vitaceae) and Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera; Pseudoccidae). 16th Meeting of the
International Council for the Study of Viruses and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine (ICVG),
31 August-4 September, 2009, Dijon, France.
PIETERSEN, G., OOSTHUIZEN, W.T., JOOSTE, E., FILIPPIN, L., BERTAZZON, N., and
ANGELINI, E., 2009. Shiraz disease and grapevine yellows in South Africa. ). 16th Meeting of
the International Council for the Study of Viruses and Virus-like diseases of the Grapevine
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
15
(ICVG), 31 August-4 September, 2009, Dijon, France.
PIETERSEN, G., VILJOEN, R. AND PHAHLADIRA, M.N.B., 2010. Background, current
situation and management of HLB and its vector in South Africa. 2nd International Workshop on
Citrus Huanglongbing and The Asian Citrus Psyllid, Merida, Mexico, 17 July, 2010 to 25 July,
2010.
*2009 Intergovernmental Framework for European Cooperation in Science and Technology
project on ‘Integrated Management of Phytoplasma Epidemics in Different Crop Systems’.
The University of Pretoria presented by K. Kruger formally joined the EU COST action
FA0807 in 2010 to participate in Working Group 2: Epidemiology and Vector Ecology.
SCOTT, K.A., HLELA, Q, PIETERSEN, G., 2010. Characterization and strain dynamics of
within the grapefruit mild strain cross-protecting GFMS 12 source. 6th
Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, 15 - 18 August 2010
PHAHLADIRA, M.N.B. AND PIETERSEN G., 2010. Detection of “Candidatus Liberibacter
africanus” subspecies capense widely occurring in Calodendrum capense in South Africa. 6th
Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, 15 - 18 August 2010
READ, D., AND PIETERSEN G., 2010. Comparison of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strain
population composition in Grapefruit trees, pre-immunized with two different crossprotecting
sources. 6th Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg,
15 - 18 August 2010
WALSH, H.A., AND PIETERSEN G., 2010. A novel method for the detection of
“Candidatus Liberibacter africanus”, using isothermal and chimeric primer-initiated
amplification of nucleic acid. 6th Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort,
Drakensberg, 15 - 18 August 2010
PRETORIUS, M.C., VAN VUUREN, S.P., PIETERSEN, G., 2010. Greening Invasion;
Looming National Disaster. 6th Citrus Research Symposium, Champagne Sports Resort,
Drakensberg, 15 - 18 August 2010
PIETERSEN, G. Background, current situation and management of HLB and its vector in
South Africa. 2nd International Workshop on Citrus Huanglongbing and The Asian Citrus
Psyllid Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. July 19-23, 2010.
While at PPRI, Co-supervisor (Univ. of Pretoria):
Peter Coetzee (Hons), 2003
Orienka Koch (Hons), 2003
While at PPRI Co-supervisor (UCT):
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
16
Elize Jooste (MSc.) 2002-2004
Ravini Pillay (MSc.) 2002-2006. Strain differentiation and screening for resistance against
isolates of soybean mosaic virus.
While at CRI supervision (or co-supervision*) at University of Pretoria the following degrees
were conferred to students at the date mentioned
2004 Stewart, Katherine. Hons.
*2005 Saccagi, Davina Luisa. MSc. Awarded by the University of Pretoria (with distinction) for a
thesis titled: Development of molecular techniques to identify mealybugs (Hemiptera:
Pseudococcidae) of importance on grapevine in South Africa. University of Pretoria.
2005 Du Plooy, Ilse. Hons.
*2006: Meyer, Jacolene Bee. MSc. Awarded (with distinction) by the University of Pretoria for a
thesis titled Banana streak badnavirus (BSV) in South Africa: incidence, transmission and the
development of an antibody based detection system.
2006 Phlahladira, M.N.B. Hons.
*2006. Koch, O. MSc. Towards the diagnosis of two intracellular pathogens of grapevine in
South Africa. University of Pretoria. 2006
2006. C. Brits (Hons).
2006. Stewart, Katherine. MSc. Strain differentiation of Citrus Tristeza Virus isolates from
South Africa by PCR and Microarray.
2007. J. Fouche’Hons.
2008. Kotze’, A.C. MSc. Anomalous PCR results to grapevine leafroll associated
closterovirus type 3 in South Africa.
*2008. Lamprecht, R.L., MSc. Characterisation of two plant rhabdoviruses not previously
reported in South Africa. (Co-supervise with L.H. Nel, Microbiology)
2008 D. Read, Hons.
2008 L. van der Westhuisen, Hons.
2009 N. Douglas, MSc. A real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection and quantification of
grapevineleafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) in Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) and Planococcus
ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). (Co-supervise with K. Kruger, Zoology)
2010 B. Phahladira MSc. Identification of alternative hosts to citrus of “Candidatus
Liberibacter africanus” amongst indigenous Rutaceae in South Africa.
*,
K. Scott (ne’ Stewart) PhD., Started 2007, expect to be completed mid-end 2010. Student
would like to continue with Post-doc in group.
D. Read (MSc.), expect degree to be completed, end, 2010. Student would like to do PhD.
H. Quinsela (Hons). To be completed end of 2009. Student has indicated she would like to
Curriculum vitae: G. Pietersen
17
continue with an MSc. (but her grades may be too poor??)
Z. Dlamini (MSc.) to be completed end of 2009, will not continue.
* N. Douglas (PhD) (Co-supervising with K. Kruger, Zoology), started 2009, expected to be
complete 2012.
* M. Fourie (PhD) (Co-supervising with K. Kruger, Zoology), started 2007, expect to be
completed 2011.
*V. Bell (PhD). University of Victoria, Wellington New Zealand. Co-supervise.
O. Zablocki (Hons) 2010.
R. Viljoen (Hons) 2010.
H. Walsh (Msc.). Start Jan 2010.
Currently supervising or co-supervising
6. Involvement in Degrees awarded (since 2002).
Citrus tristeza virus
Phaseolus vulgaris.
Phaseolus vulgaris
5. Presentations and posters at scientific congresses & conferences.
“Candidatus
Plant Pathology
Tomato curly stunt virus
Plant disease
Plant Disease
Protection
4. List of scientific publications
Research results
Techniques and procedures:
Research focus:
3. Resumé
2. Training, courses attended, and qualifications.
Present Posts:
Children:
Marital status:
Place of Birth:
Birth date:
Curriculum Vitae: Gerhard Pietersen
Update: September 2010
1. Biographical Information.
Full Name:
