The primary research focus of the Potato Pathology Programme is the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of soil- and seed-borne diseases of potatoes. Diseases currently being investigated in this research programme include powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea), black scurf and stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani), and blackleg and soft rot (Pectobacterium and Dickeya
Potato Pathology Programme

New Publications
Theron E, Bophela KN, Bisschoff J, Shin G, Coutinho TA, Van der Waals JE. (2022) Survey of Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae Infecting Potatoes in South Africa. Potato Research
10.1007/s11540-022-09598-1
Mushonga K, Steyn JM, Swart WJ, van der Waals JE. (2020) Plant-soil feedback responses of four dryland crop species under greenhouse conditions. Plant-Environment Interactions
10.1002/pei3.10035 

van der Waals JE, Kruger K. (2020) Emerging potato pathogens affecting food security in southern Africa: Recent research. South African Journal of Science 116(11/12)
10.17159/ 

Moleboheng M, Modisane KJ, Apostolides Z, van der Waals JE. (2020) Metabolomic Fingerprinting of Potato Cultivars Differing in Susceptibility to Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea Root Infection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21:3788.
10.3390/ijms21113788 

Simango K, Slabbert C, van der Waals JE. (2020) Alternative hosts of Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea in southern Africa. European Journal of Plant Pathology In Press
10.1007/s10658-020-01993-z