Mr Waheed Mahomed

MSc Student
Fruit Tree Biotechnology Programme

Research Interests

I completed my BSc at the end of 2007 and my honours degree in 2008 both in Biotechnology with a specific focus on genetics. In 2009 I enrolled for a Masters Degree in Biotechnology at UP under the supervision of Dr Noelani van den Berg in the Fruit tree Biotechnology Programme.  I am a student in the Fruit tree Biotechnology Programme (FTBP) which is housed by the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI).  The main focus of the FTBP is to deal with fruit tree diseases specifically avocados and bananas.

My honours project was to transform banana tissue with cell wall strengthening genes for their potential use in unconventional improvement. The overall aim of my Masters project is to understand the interaction between avocado and its pathogen (Phytophthora cinnamomi) at a molecular level.  

Aside from my research project, I also assist in the ongoing banana research in the programme. I have collected material from the field and initiated the growth of embryonic calli that will be useful in the tissue culture facility.

I am interested in the application of technology and innovation of all sorts with particular interest in industrial use of microorganisms for human benefit.