I am currently doing my MSc in Microbiology and working on soybean rust under the supervision of Prof Coetzee. My study focuses on the population genetic variation of Phakospora pachyrhizi on soybean in South Africa.

Population studies in general provides information that can be used to determine the mode of reproduction, transmission routes, potential for adaptation, and linkage between genotype and phenotype. But little information is known about the population genetics of P. pachyrhizi on soybean in South Africa. We also do not know how many genotypes there, and the distribution of these genotypes in the country. Therefore, the current study aims to determine  the population genetic variation of P. pachyrhizi on soybean in South Africa. This study will provide information that can be used to advance methods  to control the disease on soybean.