Ms Thabang Moropa



MSc student

Department

Zoology and Entomology
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

I obtained BSc degree in Agriculture (Plant Production) from the University of LImpopo (Turfloop campus), Department of plant production, soil science and agricultural engineering. In my honours project, my research focus was based on the degree of nematode resistance in soybean cultivar 'PAN 1521R' to Meloidogyne species.

Currently I am a Masters student at the University or Pretoria, Department of Zoology and Entomology. For my masters project I will be focusing on the role of developmental plasticity in flight performance of an invasive insect, oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis). This is done by rearing fruit flies from fruit grown commercially in the northern regions of South Africa (Mango, papaya, grapefruit and valencia orange) and recording flight along with body size, wing morphology, muscel volume and nutritional reserves. The information gathered from the study will help to better predict the spread of the fruit fly and add to existing knowledge on the host status of B. dorsalis.