The broad and highly multi-disciplinary research focus of the CPHB on native tree health allows for the training of students from many fields (including microbiology, entomology, ecology, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, plant pathology, molecular biology and bioinformatics). As a result, the CPHB has developed an excellent record with regards to the successful mentoring and education of MSc and PhD students. These valuable contributions of the CPHB and its partner programme, the Tree Protection Cooperative Programme (TPCP), were recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry with the 2011 National award for "Human Resource Development - quantity and quality of students".

New Publications

Jami F, Truter M, Pavlic M, Chen SF, Roux J. (2026) Identification of Botryosphaeriaceae species in the South African National Collection of fungi, including a novel species of Oblongocollomyces. African Biodiversity & Conservation 56(1):1-13. PDF
Vettraino AM, Bose T. (2026) Urban green spaces as emerging hotspots for Phytophthora diversity: a global synthesis of host associations, distribution and management gaps. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 9:1872981. 10.3389/ffgc.2026.1872981
Burgess TI, Wingfield MJ. (2026) Unveiling a hidden menace: Invasive tree pathogens, less known but increasingly threatening Southern hemisphere forests. Annual Review of Phytopathology 64 10.1146/annurev-phyto-011325-100959
Motete T, Solís M, Hammerbacher A, Naidoo S. (2026) Gene expression profiling in Eucalyptus associates Phenylpropanoid resistance to Teratosphaeria destructans. Plant Pathology 10.1111/ppa.70207
Aylward J, Atkins S, Roets F, Danti R, Della Rocca G, Emiliani G, Fraser S, Garbelotto MM, Herron DA, Scali E, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2026) High genetic diversity in the Cypress canker pathogen Seiridium cardinale in the Southern Hemisphere. Plant Pathology 75 10.1111/ppa.70212