Ms Dee Twiddy
| Intern and Research Assistant | |
Department |
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Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology |
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| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Currently an intern and research assistant in the Macadamia Protection Program (MaPP), I recently completed my MSc in Microbiology titled "Characterisation of Macadamia nut diseases in South Africa" at FABI.
This work focused on husk rot, the most prevalent macadamia nut disease globally which causes soft, brown to black lesions on the pericarp or husk resulting in premature nut drop and yield loss. This study provided insights in the identity, biology and epidemiology of previously known and unknown causal agents of husk rot in South Africa including Diaporthe spp., four Colletotrichum spp., and Calonectria spp., emerging pathogens of macadamia fruits.
I started my journey with FABI in the final year of my undergrad in the CPHB Mentorship Program. The following year, I complete my BSc Honours in Microbiology under the guidance of Dr. Gerda Fourie researching the potential impact the dominant fungal symbiont (Fusarium euwallaceae) of the invasive beetle, the Polyphagous Shothole Borer (PSHB), may have on macadamia in South Africa.
I am currently working with the MaPP Diagnostic Clinic providing an essential service to SAMAC growers including extension field trips to the three main growing regions in South Africa. In addition, we have undertaken surveys of ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) and their fungal symbionts in macadamia orchards with the help of CropWatch BioSecurity Africa in 2022 and 2023 identifying over 15 ooo beetles.
The wealth of opportunities to contribute to the industry and the enthusiasm of many macadamia growers to engage with research are only two of the reasons I am incredibly grateful to be a young researcher here in South Africa.
My Galeries
News
A hearty congratulations to all the FABI graduates who were capped at the University of Pretoria’s Spring Graduation ceremony.
Several members of the Macadamia Protection Programme attended the SAMAC research networking day.
World renown plant pathologist, Prof. André Drenth recently visited FABI to attend various meetings and present a workshop on "how to be an effective scientist".
PhD candidate Elisa Pal from the MaPP conducted a field trial using traps baited with stink bug pheremones - the first time this has been done in SA.
Four members of the Macadamia Protection Programme in FABI, visited Nseleni nursery in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal during a three day fieldtrip.
In February, PhD candidate Elisa Pal joined by her fellow comrades from the Macadamia Protection Programme went on a massive egg hunt.
Four members of the Macadamia Protection Programme (MPP) in FABI, visited farms in the Mpumalanga province during a three day fieldtrip.
The MadMacs finished off the year with two field trips to the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces.
The “Book Club” has become a regular annual event held during a selected FABI Monday Morning Meeting towards the end of each year.
The Macadamia Protection Programme (MPP) team attended the annual Macadamias South Africa NPC (SAMAC) grower symposium in the Kruger National Park.
Members of MPP and UQ teams have been taking part in monthly research meeting throughout 2021 using online platforms.
After an 18 month hiatus, FABI celebrated the first publications in an ISI-rated scientific journal of three FABI postgraduate students in the TPCP and CTHB groups
During the week of 5 October, the Macadamia Protection Programme was in Mpumalanga for an on-going flower blight survey.
n Friday 13 August, members of the Macadamia Protection Programme along with other FABIans gathered to say farewell to Dr Arista Fourie.
The Macadamia Protection Programme’s (MPP) ‘Mad-Macs’ team went on another field trip, this time to the KwaZulu-Natal south coast!
On Tuesday 20 April, members of the Macadamia Protection Programme (MPP) in FABI planted approximatively 300 macadamia trees from various different cultivars that are grown commercially by the industry.
The PSHB Research Network in FABI has been at the forefront of research and field extension work, and to this end has created an online resource for use by both the public and academia.
The Macadamia Protection Program (MPP) is back in the field! MPP research group leader Dr Gerda Fourie, joined by MSc candidate Dee Twiddy and PhD candidate Elisa Pal travelled to the Mpumalanga area during the week of 9 February.
On 20 January, FABI had the pleasure of hosting a virtual congress of the South African Society of Plant Pathologists’ (SASPP).
The annual International Macadamia R&D Conference was held in Lincang City, Yunnan, China from 5-9 November. Macadamia Protection Programme research leader Dr Gerda Fourie and FABI postdoctoral Fellow Dr Arista Fourie joined 300 delegates from 12 countries, consisting mostly of senior researchers, institute directors and consultants.
My Journal Articles
| Publication |
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| Twiddy D, Fell S, de Beer ZW, Fourie G. (2021) Screening for susceptibility of Macadamia to E. fornicatus and its fungal symbiont Fusarium euwallaceae. Plant Disease 105(4):739-742.
10.1094/PDIS-07-20-1555-SC |
My News and Views Articles
| Publication |
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| Fourie G, Mkhize T, Twiddy D. (2023) Bark and Ambrosia beetles and their fungal symbionts in macadamia orchards in South Africa. SAMAC Journal :78-79.
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| Twiddy D, Akinsanmi F, Fourie G. (2023) Towards management of macadamia nut diseases in South Africa. SAMAC Journal :80-81.
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| Twiddy D, Fourie A, Akinsanmi OA, Fourie G. (2022) Up close and personal with Husk Rot. SAMAC Journal :39-41.
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Twiddy D, de Beer ZW, Fourie G. (2020) The PSHB and its potential impact on the South African macadamia Industry. SAMAC Journal
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