Mr Albe Van der Merwe
Academic Staff
Forest Molecular Genetics
Research Interests
My scientific interest is in population genetics and phylogeography of plant pathogenic fungi and the plants they infect. I use Chrysoporthe austroafricana, C. deuterocubensis and C. cubensis as fungal models to test hypotheses about how plant pathogens evolved, how they spread from one area to another, and what the future impact of anthropogenic phenomena such as climate change might be.
I am investigating the population genetics of these fungi from various countries and continents, using molecular markers to infer statistics describing populations' outcrossing abilities, recombination rates and linkage disequilibrium, and gene flow. I also have a special interest in gene trees and coalescent theory as applied to these fungi.
Additionally, I am interested in quantitative traits of forest trees, especially as far as these relate to disease resistance. Efforts are currently underway to sequence the genomes of important tree species, as well as some of the pathogens that cause disease on these trees. These genome resources will aid tremendously in elucidating important scientific questions that are both theoretical and applied in nature. For instance, resistance and tolerance of trees to fungal pathogens will enter a new era once association genetics can be applied in lieu of the genomes involved. Avirulence factors and resistance genes will be discovered in large numbers, and these resistance genes can then be used in tree improvement through gene pyramiding.
An exciting era is about to dawn on forest tree and pathogen genetics, and I am proud and priviledged to be a part of it. As Prof. Michio Kaku said, we are moving from scientific discovery to scientific mastery, and I believe that the current efforts by FABI and its programmes will play a crucial role in realizing this dream.
Other Interests
- Biogeography and geology, both of which are important to understand phylogeography.
- A keen interest in string theory, M-theory and supergravity. These help me to think inside the box.
- A keen interest in chaos theory. This helps me to think outside the box.
- I love anything scientific that is untainted by supernaturalism. In this sense, I am attracted to fields such as astronomy, mathematics and nanotechnology.
Recent Posters and Presentations
- Van der Merwe NA, Steenkamp ET, Heath RN, Nakabonge G, Vermeulen M, Gryzenhout M, Roux J, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. 2008. Chronometric analyses of DNA sequences reveal native hosts for the tree pathogen Chrysoporthe austroafricana in Africa. SAGS 2008 Congress, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 27 - 29 March.
- Heath RN, Van der Merwe NA, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Roux J. 2008. Population structure of the wilt pathogen, Ceratocystis albifundus in southern and eastern Africa. SAGS 2008 Congress, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 27 - 29 March.
