Mr Paul Els



MSc student

Department

Plant and Soil Sciences
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Primary Supervisor
Jacquie van der Waals

After graduating with a BSc in Biotechnology in 2024, I joined the Citrus Pathology research group (CP@UP) to complete my Honours degree under the supervision of Professor Jacquie van der Waals. My project centred on screening new fungicides, GRAS chemicals, and biocontrol agents against pre-harvest fungal pathogens of citrus blossoms.

I am now continuing my journey with CP@UP as a Master’s student. My current work focuses on infection studies of Alternaria and Cladosporium species in lemon blossoms and fruitlets, to investigate their potential roles in blossom blight and rind distortion. I am dedicated to advancing plant disease epidemiology and supporting sustainable, science-based solutions for integrated disease management.

When not in the lab, I’m usually exploring local hiking trails, finding inspiration in the verdant landscapes between Woodbush and Wolkberg.