News
New fungal culture collection Curator appointed
2024-11-08
The Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) fungal culture collection (CMW) and the CMW-IA culture collection in FABI have a new curator.
RGE-FABI THP team host a tree health symposium
2024-11-04
The RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme (THP) held its annual symposium in Indonesia.
An on-line symposium celebrating Jacaranda month in Pretoria
2024-11-01
The city of Tshwane hosted a public on-line symposium including three presentations, one of which was by FABI Professor Mike Wingfield.
FABI Mentorship students celebrate the completion of their training
2024-10-30
FABI celebrated the completion of training of 18 mentorship students in the CPHB and TPCP.
Interns attend a phytosanitation course
2024-10-21
FABI's Phytosanitation and Biosecurity interns attended a weeklong Phytosanitation course facilitated by Marianna Theyse from PhytoSolutions Consultancy.
Assisting the investigation into declining Eucalyptus clones in Mpumalanga
2024-10-18
Members of the TPCP joined forestry industry partners to investigate the cause of the sudden decline of Eucalyptus clones in Mpumalanga.
FABI researchers visit Austria as part of Mycobiomics collaboration
2024-10-17
Three FABI PhD candidates are currently in Austria working with research partners as part of the EU-funded Mycobiomics project.
FABIans contribute to AGRIOS’ Plant Pathology 6th edition textbook
2024-10-16
Three FABIans contributed chapters to the 6th edition of the AGRIOS Plant Pathology textbook.
TPCP participates in Wattle Field Days
2024-10-14
Four members of the TPCP attended Wattle Field days in KZN where they gave updates to growers on two new Wattle pests and pathogens.
Well done Myriam!
2024-10-11
FABI congratulates Myriam Solís Garcia on the successful completion of her PhD and she becomes the 13th FABIan to do so this year.
UP hosts the joint SASBi|SAGS BIO2024 conference
2024-10-10
The University of Pretoria hosted the joint South African Society for Bioinformatics and South African Genetics Society BIO2024 conference at the Future Africa campus.
FABI Hosts world-renowned yeast scientist
2024-10-07
FABI hosted a visited by the renown yeast scientist, Dr Andrey Yurkov.
Annual seed packing for National Maize Cultivar Trials
2024-10-03
Thirsty FABI students and interns made light work the annual seed packing for the National Maize Cultivar Trials for the 2024/2025 season.
Two FABI research groups attend the SAMAC Grower Symposium
2024-09-30
Members of the Macadamia Protection Programme and the Forest Molecular Genetics research group participated in the recent Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC) Grower Symposium.
Researchers spotlight global threats from Phytophthora at International Conference
2024-09-23
Drs Trudy Paap and Tanay Bose participated in the 11th Meeting of IUFRO Working Party 7.02.09: Phytophthora in Forests and Natural Ecosystems.
GRP Pest and Disease Diagnostic Clinic participates in Grain SA’s Farmers’ Days
2024-09-13
FABI attended four Grain SA organised Farmers' Days recently to educate farmers about the GRP pest and disease extensions and diagnostic clinic services.
Renowned fungal geneticist joins FABI as an Extraordinary Professor
2024-09-12
FABI welcomes the renown fungal geneticist, Prof Fleißner, who joins FABI as an extraordinary Professor.
FABI hosts a gathering to consider environmental fungi affecting human and animal health
2024-09-11
FABI researchers recently hosted a group of colleagues from around the world having a specific interest in fungi that potentially affect the health of animals and humans.
Nineteen FABIans capped at the UP Spring Graduation
2024-09-09
FABI is proud of the 19 graduates being capped at the University of Pretoria’s Spring Graduation Ceremony.
FABIans attend the 27th International Congress of Entomology
2024-09-03
Four FABIans attended the 27th International Congress of Entomology in Kyoto, Japan.
FABIans participate at IUFRO Division 7 Meeting in Japan
2024-08-28
Three FABIans presented at the recent IUFRO Division 7 Joint Meeting that took place in Japan.
FABI at the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC12)
2024-08-22
Several FABIans attended the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC12) that was held from 11-15 August in Maastricht, Netherlands.
FABIans participate in 2024 IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference
2024-08-21
Prof. Sanushka Naidoo and Dr Demissew Teshome recently attended and presented at the 2024 IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference in the USA.
WenWen Li presents her PhD Prestige Seminar
2024-08-20
WenWen Li presented her Prestige Seminar on 15 August as part of the requirements to complete her PhD degree.
Well done Teresia!
2024-08-09
Congratulations to Teresia Macharia on completing all requirements for her PhD degree.
Afrifungi visits FABI
2024-08-08
FABI welcomed Afrifungi team members who presented on their operations that seeks to engage community mushroom growers and educate people on cultivating their own mushrooms.
FABI interns attend SACTA’s annual information session
2024-08-07
Six FABI interns, funded through SACTA, had the opportunity to attend body's annual Information and Knowledge Sharing session.
Tackling flower blight in Limpopo
2024-08-05
Members of the Macadamia Protection Programme recently visited several farms in the Limpopo province as part of their research projects.
GuoQing's PhD marks 20 years of research collaboration with China
2024-07-31
FABI celebrated a 20-year research collaboration with the RIFT, with the successful completion of a PhD degree by another student from this programme, GuoQing Li.
FABI says farewell to Dr Mesfin Gossa
2024-07-30
FABIans said farewell to Dr Mesfin Gossa at a gathering of colleagues and friends on 18 May.
North Carolina State University and the University of Pretoria renew MoU
2024-07-29
An MoU between NCSU and UP, on behalf of Camcore and FABI, has been concluded.
SACTA commissions video about the internship programme at FABI
2024-07-28
A film crew from recently visited FABI on to shoot a video of the internship programme at the Institute.
FABI and FAO co-host a webinar on invasive plants affecting Africa’s natural and planted forests
2024-07-26
FABIans Prof. Brett Hurley and Dr Mesfin Gossa recently co-organised and hosted a FISNA webinar focusing on invasive plants affecting Africa's natural and planted forests.
FABIans pitch in to clear invasive woody plants on Mandela Day
2024-07-24
An enthusiastic group of FABIans spent 67 minutes clearing invasive plants on the Innovation Africa @UP campus in celebration of Mandela Day.
Mycological journal FUSE dedicates a volume in honour of Prof. Mike Wingfield
2024-07-19
Prof. Mike Wingfield has been uniquely honoured for his significant achievements and scientific contributions to the field of Mycology, on the occasion of his recent 70th birthday
Well done Demissew!
2024-07-19
Congratulations to Demissew Teshome on the successful completion of his PhD as part of the Eucalyptus Pine Pathogen Interaction (EPPI) research group.
(ex)FABIans attend International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria (ICPPB) and Biocontrol 2024
2024-07-18
FABIan, Prof. Lucy Moleleki, gave a keynote address at the recent International Conference of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria and Biocontrol Meeting.
The University of Pretoria hosts the second annual International Modelling and Epidemiology Summer School in South Africa
2024-07-18
The UP's NAS Faculty, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, in collaboration with INRAE, successfully hosted the second annual international modelling and epidemiology summer school.
FABIans attend the XX Plant Protection Congress in Greece
2024-07-17
Four FABIans recently had the opportunity to showcase the high-impact research FABI does while attending the XX International Plant Protection Congress in Greece.
Prof. Bernard Slippers wins NSTF Management Award
2024-07-12
ABI congratulates its Director, Prof. Bernard Slippers, on winning the National Science and Technology Forum Management Award at the NSTF-South32 Awards on 11 July.
Getting Serie-ous at MMM
2024-07-04
FABIans were invited to share their favourite series at the Monday morning meeting on 1 July.
Editor selects RNA fungicide paper for BSPP blog article
2024-07-03
A paper by the MPPI group was recently selected for the British Society for Plant Pathology blog site.
Tanya Welgemoed completes PhD Bioinformatics
2024-07-02
Congratulations to Tanya Welgemoed on completing her PhD.
FABIans participate and excel at the biggest ever IUFRO World Congress
2024-07-01
Thirteen FABIans attended the recent IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm where four members received prestigious awards.
FABI and ICTP partner host a workshop on Biophysics of Spore Dispersal
2024-06-26
The International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, FABI and Innovation Africa @UP partnered to host a unique workshop on the Biophysics of Spore Dispersal.
A new digital microscope in FABI: A first in Africa
2024-06-25
FABI recently acquired a Keyence VHX-7000 Series Digital Microscope. This is the first of its kind in Africa and will make a major contribution to the microscopy capacity at the institute.
FABI says goodbye to Michelle Schröder
2024-06-20
FABI said goodbye to Dr Michelle Schröder at a recent informal gathering.
Three FABIans shortlisted for South Africa’s “Science Oscars”
2024-06-14
Three FABIans have been shortlisted for the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa.
Webinar celebrates African Fungus Day
2024-06-10
African Fungus Day was celebrated with a webinar, hosted by FABI in partnership with the African Mycological Association (AfriMA), with the theme “Mycological research in Africa: Exploring new horizons”.
Collecting maize ear rots in the Eastern Cape
2024-06-07
Members of the FABI Grain Research Programme team, conducted field work at Eastern Cape maize farms from 13-17 March.
Dr Neriman Yilmaz appointed as Senior Lecturer at FABI
2024-06-05
FABI is pleased to announce Dr Neriman Yilmaz's appointment as Senior Lecturer.
FABIan attends Genetic Biocontrol Conference in Spain
2024-06-04
From the 19-25 May Dr Gudrun Dittrich-Schröder attended the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in Spain.
FABI welcomes HZI team for a collaborative Mycobiomics project
2024-06-03
FABI had the pleasure of hosting its first visitors from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Germany over the past three months.
Special Seminar on machine leaning to improve Soy crop yields
2024-05-27
Prof. Paul Esker of Penn State University presented a special seminar in FABI on 20 May,
Celebrating International Day of Plant Health 2024 at UP
2024-05-24
On 10 May 10, the UP's Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences held a successful event celebrating the UN-designated International Day of Plant Health (IDPH).
FABI participates in a stunning University of Florida Plant Pathology Symposium
2024-05-24
Profs Mike and Brenda Wingfield and Dr Nam Pham, recently had the great opportunity to attend and participate in a two day-long graduate student symposium at the University of Florida.
A final beetle-fungus collecting trip in Florida
2024-05-20
FABIans recently spent an evening with Dr Jiri Hulcr and other members of his research team at UF on a final pine-bark beetle collecting visit to UF’s Ordway-Swisher experimental forest.
Autumn Graduation Honours for FABIans
2024-05-16
Congratulations to all the FABI graduates that were capped at the University of Pretoria’s Autumn graduation in May.
35th SANSOR Congress – connect, collaborate and create change
2024-05-15
Prof. Dave Berger attended the 35th SANSOR Congress which was held recently in the Cape.
The power of partnerships demonstrated at #TPCP2024
2024-05-13
The Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) in FABI celebrated its 35th Annual Meeting at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Future Africa Campus on 7-8 May.
FABI hosts eLife Senior Editor at publishing workshop
2024-05-09
Dr Nicky Creux and the FABI social media team hosted a hybrid Publishing Workshop in partnership with eLife on 8 May.
Two new Wattle pests detected
2024-05-08
Two new pests of Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) plantation trees have been detected by the TPCP field extension and diagnostic services.
BUAN delegation visits UP and FABI
2024-05-02
FABI hosted a delegation of four senior representative of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN).
Eighteen new mentorship students welcomed in the CPHB-FABI Mentorship Program for 2024
2024-04-26
Eighteen undergraduate students have joined the 2024 CPHB-FABI Mentorship Programme.
FABIans attend EPN conference in Spain
2024-04-23
FABIans Prof. Brett Hurley and Innocent Rakubu attended a congress in Spain to celebrate a century of the discovery of Steinernema kraussei Steiner.
Congratulations Firehiwot!
2024-04-22
FABI congratulates Dr Firehiwot Eshetu on the successful completion of her PhD degree.
FABIans celebrate Jackie Robinson Day
2024-04-19
Some 60 FABIans gathered at the University of Pretoria’s LC de Villiers sports campus on the afternoon of 15 April to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day.
Using art as a gateway to systems thinking, biomedical careers and health equity
2024-04-19
Dr Jeb Owen presented an interesting and thought-provoking seminar “Using art to scaffold systems thinking and biomedical career pathways in young learners” at FABI’s Monday Morning Meeting.
Nature Africa highlights novel research conducted at FABI on Sirex egg activation
2024-04-12
The newly-developed Sirex egg activation technique, developed by FABI researchers, is highlighted in a news item by Nature Africa.
The 3rd Annual Research Day of the NGRP Day held in Bloemfontein
2024-04-10
A group of 14 FABI-UP students and staff members attended the National Grain Research programme's 3rd Annual Research Day.
FSA webinar celebrates the International Day of Forests
2024-04-09
Forestry South Africa hosted a webinar with the theme “Looking to the future” in celebration of the International Day of Forests.
Isolation jamboree for Elsinoe masingae, a new pathogen of Eucalyptus in South Africa
2024-04-09
On 19 March, a group of FABI postgraduate students participated in an isolation jamboree for Elsinoe masingae.
Easter Tea fun at FABI
2024-04-05
The FABI Social Club went all-out to ensure the Easter Tea on 4 April was a resounding success.
Fungal network strengthened by a visit to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
2024-04-02
Dr Neriman Yilmaz and Prof. Brenda Wingfield recently had the privilege of touring Prof. Anne Pringle’s laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Molecular breeding highlighted at the SA Plant Breeding Symposium
2024-03-28
FABIans Prof. Zander Myburg and Prof. Dave Berger presented at the recently concluded 15th Southern African Plant Breeding Symposium
FABians visit central Vietnam to search for a potential biocontrol agent for PSHB
2024-03-26
Two FABI researchers returned to central Vietnam to collect material from trees infested by PSHB with the objective of finding, identifying, rearing and testing natural enemies.
Exciting exploration at the University of Pretoria's Natural and Agricultural Sciences open day
2024-03-25
FABI showcased ground-breaking research in biocontrol methods and offered valuable insights into plant pathology at the recent NAS Open Day.
FABI at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference
2024-03-19
FABI was well represented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference at the Asilomar Conference Centre on the Monterey Peninsula during the week of 11 March.
Congratulations to FABI's first Physics PhD graduate, Bertus van Heerden!
2024-03-18
Congratulations to Bertus van Heerden on the successful completion of his PhD.
FABI and FAO co-host a webinar on Forest Health and Wildlife
2024-03-15
FABI’s Prof. Brett Hurley and Dr Mesfin Gossa and FAO’s Dr Shiroma Sathyapala and Natalia Cano organised a FISNA-hosted webinar titled “Forest Health & Wildlife: behaviour and effect of forest-damaging mammals”.
Pursuing Cypress canker questions with California collaborators
2024-03-14
As part of their sabbatical research in the USA, FABI Professors Mike and Brenda Wingfield were joined by team members Dr Janneke Aylward and Dr Nam Pham to observe and sample Seiridium canker on Monterey Cypress trees.
The GRP@FABI visits the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
2024-03-11
The FABI Grain Research Programme Pest and Disease Extension and Diagnostics Clinic visited the maize and soybean trial plots in the Ngqeleni and Mthatha areas in the Eastern Cape Province.
Easter Tea fun at FABI
2024-03-05
The FABI Social Club went all-out to ensure the Easter Tea on the morning of 4 April was a resounding success.
Prof. André Drenth engages with FABI researchers on the Institute’s future
2024-03-04
Professor Dr André Drenth, from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, visited FABI recently.
Online webinar celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science: IUFRO Forest Health Division 7 leads the way
2024-02-21
IUFRO's Forest Health Division 7 recently hosted a three-day online webinar series to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Plant Genomics and Evolution Symposium presented at FABI
2024-02-20
FABI and the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology hosted a Plant Genomics and Evolution Symposium on 13 February.
In search of Florida Cryphonectriaceae
2024-02-20
Professors Mike and Brenda Wingfield, along with Dr Nam Pham, have been surveying Eucalyptus trees while at the University of Florida.
FABIans shine at SASPP 2024
2024-02-14
FABIans made a significant contribution to the recent SASPP biennial congress in the eastern Free State.
Julia Candotti successfully completes her PhD studies
2024-02-13
Congratulations to Julia Candotti on becoming the fourth FABIan to successfully complete their PhD studies this year.
A stimulating visit from a leading plant pathologist, Prof. Eva Stukenbrock
2024-02-13
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and FABI were delighted to again co‑host Professor Eva Stukenbrock during her recent visit.
A sabbatical in the USA gets going
2024-02-12
Professors Mike and Brenda Wingfield recently embarked on a six-month sabbatical in the USA, based at the University of Florida.
Aufweidersein Katrin
2024-02-05
FABI said a sad goodbye to Dr Katrin Fitza at an informal farewell function in the FABI courtyard on 18 January.
Prof. Dan Bebber discusses global crop pest and pathogen risks at a FABI special seminar
2024-02-02
Professor Dan Bebber of the University of Exeter presented a special seminar in FABI.
Stats course presented at FABI
2024-01-26
Dr Guy Sutton, a statistician and entomologist, from Rhodes University presented a two-day statistical course at FABI.
FABI celebrates the start of a new year
2024-01-20
FABIans gathered in the Sanlam Auditorium on 15 January to celebrate the opening of the new academic year.
FABI researcher features in MISEV2023
2024-01-19
Dr Thabiso Motaung is set to co-author a ground-breaking paper on the latest guiding principles in Extracellular Vesicle (EV) research.
Another FABI PhD completed! Congratulations to Nam Pham!
2024-01-17
Congratulations to Nam Pham who successfully completed the requirements for a PhD degree on 10 January.
Selamat Marthin!
2024-01-16
A hearty Selamat (congratulations) to Marthin from FABI on completing his PhD degree.
Au revoir Elisa!
2024-01-08
FABIans said a sad goodbye to Dr Elisa Pal at a farewell in the FABI courtyard on 5 December.
Claude Bernard University of Lyon 1 Researchers visit FABI
2023-12-19
FABI and BGM hosted a week long research visit by Prof. Florence Hommais and her PhD student.
German collaborator presents her research at FABI's MMM
2023-12-12
Ms. Anna Oostlander, a PhD candidate at the Technische Universität Braunschweig presented a talk at the FABI MMM on 27 November.
Lazarus ends the year on a high note!
2023-12-08
A hearty congratulations to Lazarus Takawira on completing his PhD and presenting his Prestige seminar.
Prof. Fikret Isik presents a workshop on categorical data analysis to FABIans
2023-12-06
Visiting Fulbright Fellow, Prof. Fikret Isik presented a workshop on categorical data analysis to FABIans.
Chinese Embassy delegation visits FABI
2023-12-06
FABI was honoured to host a visit by four members of the Office of Science and Technology of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa.
Growing linkages with Germany for research on plant mycobiome under climate change
2023-12-05
Prof. Slippers concluded and submitted a major proposal, along with German collaborators, that will fund a project to unravel the dynamics of mycobiomes in forests under climate change.
FABI Director participates in the African Conference on Agricultural Technology
2023-12-04
FABI Director, Prof. Bernard Slippers attended the inaugural African Conference on Agricultural Technology in Nairobi, Kenya.
FABI celebrates 25 years of excellence
2023-12-01
FABI celebrated its 25th anniversary at a symposium hosted at Future Africa on the morning of 17 November.
Painting donated to FABI
2023-11-30
Well-known botanist and author Prof. Ben-Eric van Wyk has generously donated a painting by his late father to the Institute.
FABI recognises excellence
2023-11-28
FABI recognised excellence by members of the Institute at the recent FABI Awards ceremony.
Book fun at the FABI MMM
2023-11-23
The FABI book club returned with several suggestions for books to read during the forthcoming holiday period.
Prof. Mike Wingfield again included in the Highly Cited 2023
2023-11-22
FABI is proud of Professor Mike Wingfield for being included in the Clarivate Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers 2023 for the seventh consecutive year.
Workshop increases awareness and promotes discussion of forest health in Africa
2023-11-16
Prof. Brett Hurley and Dr Mesfin Gossa attended and were co-organisers of a recent FISNA workshop in Kenya.
FMG hosts a Genomic Selection Indaba
2023-11-15
The FMG Programme recently organized a two-day Genomic Selection Indaba hosted by York Timbers.
Prof. Fanus Venter attends the BISMiS meeting in China
2023-11-14
Prof. Fanus Venter attended the BISMiS meeting and gave a presentation advocating for an all-inclusive approach when describing new bacterial species.
EPPI team undertakes the second large-scale field inoculation trial in 2023
2023-11-09
The EPPI team completed the second large scale inoculation trial as part of a study that aims to identify DNA markers associated with resistance against Chrysoporthe austroafricana
Prof. Caterina Villari visits FABI
2023-11-08
Professor Caterina Villari visited FABI on 20 October after concluding a 10-day visit to the Western Cape to attend the fifth meeting of the Bark Beetle Mycobiome Network Project in South Africa.
Brenda Wingfield receives the Herschel Medal
2023-11-07
Prof. Brenda Wingfield received the prestigious John F.W. Herschel Medal at the recent Royal Society of South Africa Awards ceremony.
Dr Neriman Yilmaz attends the 14th World Mycotoxin Forum Conference
2023-11-06
FABI Senior Research Fellow, Dr Neriman Yilmaz, recently attended the 14th World Mycotoxin Forum Conference in Antwerp, Belgium.
The GRP@FABI-UP attends the Grain SA Day of Celebration in Bothaville
2023-11-03
GRP@FABI extension officer, Lawrence Mataha attended the Grain SA Day of Celebration at NAMPO Park in Bothaville.
FABI hosts a key meeting on combatting Sporidesmin Induced Liver Disease (SILD)
2023-11-02
FABI hosted the Annual General Meeting of the Sporidesmin Induced Liver Disease (SILD) Programme on 19 October.
Prof. Noëlani van den Berg presents her Inaugural Address
2023-11-01
Prof. Noëlani van den Berg presented her Inaugural Address as a full Professor on 26 October.
Prof. Sanushka Naidoo presents her Inaugural Lecture
2023-10-31
Prof. Sanushka Naidoo presented her Inaugural Lecture as a full Professor in the University of Pretoria’s Senate Hall on 17 October.
FABIans honored at the UP Academic Achievers Awards
2023-10-30
Several FABI academics were honored at the recent University of Pretoria Academic Achievers Awards ceremony on 19 October.
FABIans are joined by RSA and USA colleagues for a final bark beetle microbiome workshop
2023-10-27
A group of FABI researchers were recently joined by colleagues from various USA institutions and Stellenbosch University for the fifth in-person meeting of the Bark Beetle Mycobiome network project
A fungal fiesta: Pine needle pathogen isolation jamboree
2023-10-26
members of the TPCP team gathered for a workshop to isolate putative pathogenic fungi from pine needles.
MMM Presentation by SANBI researcher
2023-10-20
FABI welcomed Dr Katelyn Faulkner, senior scientist at SANBI, as a guest speaker at the Monday Morning Meeting.
The International Macadamia Symposium and a research visit from Prof. Akinsanmi
2023-10-11
Prof. Olufemi Akinsanmi from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation recently visited members of the Macadamia Protection Program (MaPP).
UniVen students visit FABI
2023-10-10
FABI welcomed 43 students from the University of Venda to the Institute on 3 September.
Félicitations Elisa!
2023-10-09
Congratulations to Dr Elisa Pal on successfully completing all requirements for her PhD and being capped at the University of Pretoria’s Spring Graduation Ceremony on 5 September.
Brett Hurley delivers his Inaugural Address
2023-10-03
Professor Brett Hurley presented his inaugural address marking his promotion to full Professorship on Tuesday 26 September.
FABI hosts visitors on a Southern Africa Biotechnology study tour
2023-10-02
FABI hosted a visit by a group of researchers, scientific regulators and Members of Parliament from Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique and Zambia as well as representatives of the USDA and Croplife SA.
FABIans attend IUFRO Working Group meeting on Southern Hemisphere plantation health
2023-09-27
Four FABians attended the recent IUFRO "Novel and classical strategies to manage forest health in plantations" meeting in Brazil.
Dr Nicky Creux wins a Ben Barrs Spotlight Award from eLife
2023-09-26
Dr Nicky Creux has won a Ben Barrs Spotlight Award that will allow her to attend the International Sunflower Conference in China in 2024.
Amy returns from RAIZ
2023-09-19
Amy Collop returned from a recent trip to RAIZ where she gained first-hand experience rearing a potential biological control agent of the Eucalyptus snout beetle.
FABIan presents at the NSSA symposium
2023-09-18
Innocent Rakubu, a Ph.D. candidate in FABI attended the NSSA Symposium where he also won an award for his presentation.
FABIans welcome Spring!
2023-09-15
ABI welcomed Spring at the Institute's its annual Spring Day tea on 15 September.
Maize disease outreach extends to Kenya
2023-09-15
Building on maize disease outreach activities with smallholder farmers in South Africa, two FABIans represented the University of Pretoria in farmer outreach activities in Kenya.
Lydia celebrates 20 years at FABI
2023-09-14
FABI celebrated Lydia Twala’s 20 year service anniversary at a gathering of friends and colleagues on 8 September.
Congratulations to our Spring graduates!
2023-09-13
A hearty congratulations to all the FABI graduates who were capped at the University of Pretoria’s Spring Graduation ceremony.
Rianie retires
2023-09-12
FABI said goodbye to Librarian Rianie van der Linde at the Monday Morning Meeting on 4 September following her recent retirement from UP.
FABI increases the number of drone pilots in the Remote Sensing in Plant Health satellite lab
2023-09-08
Josias Letaoana, a TPCP field extension officer, recently completed a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) adding an additional pilot to the remote sensing team.
FABI team members participate in an important forest pathology event
2023-09-06
Several FABIans participated in a fieldtrip organised by the ISPP Forest Pathology Subject Matter Committee, chaired by FABI Professor Irene Barnes.
South African Kiwi Growers gather for Annual General Meeting at Future Africa
2023-09-05
The South African Kiwi Growers Association convened its AGM at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa campus, hosted by FABI.
FABI’s tree health focus at the 2023 ICPP in Lyon, France
2023-09-04
FABI’s participation in the 12th International Conference of Plant Pathology in Lyon, France was not only substantial but impressive.
FABI organised the first “Agrobacterium mediated transformation of spore producing fungi” workshop
2023-09-01
A workshop on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of spore-producing fungi was presented at FABI by Katharina Gasser from BOKU, Austria
FABI fabulous at the International Congress of Plant Pathology
2023-09-01
FABI had a strong presence at the ICPP 2023 with 19 delegates attending from the Institute.
Plant and pathogen circadian clock discussions at FABI
2023-09-01
Prof. Rachel Green visited FABI to discuss circadian clock oriented projects at FABI and her own research on plant circadian clocks' role in climate resilience.
FABIan presents on the PSHB at the WESSA Friends Groups AGM
2023-08-31
Dr Wilma Nel, manager of the TPCP Diagnostic Clinic, was invited to give a presentation on the PSHB at the WESSA Friends Groups AGM.
FABIans on the Executive Committee of the ICPP
2023-08-29
The Executive Committee of Plant Pathology met for two days, August before the start of the International Congress of Plant Pathology in Lyon.
FABI represented at Plant Biology 2023
2023-08-28
Professor Sanushka Naidoo attended the Plant Biology Conference in Savannah Georgia where she presented a research paper from her EPPI group.
FABI participates in the Mondi National Science Week
2023-08-28
The CPHB outreach team at FABI again participated in the Mondi Science Week, after a three-year absence due to the COVID pandemic.
The fungi connection
2023-08-17
A serendipitous meeting of FABI Director Prof. Bernard Slippers and graduate student Anne Oostlander in 2022 led to the start of a new research collaboration effort between FABI and the Centre for Biology at TUBS.
Genetics research thrives north of the Arctic Circle
2023-08-14
Prof. Dave Berger visited the Svanhovd Research Station in Norway to visit Dr Simo Maduna, a researcher with South African roots with whom he set up a collaborative research programme.
A symphony of science at SPOOF
2023-08-04
It was a Symphony of Science as FABI harmonized the world of music and outrageous discoveries at this year’s Society for the Presentation of Outrageous Findings.
Cracking the fungal code: A genomics workshop for microbiologists
2023-08-02
In the final week of July, Dr Andi Wilson and Dr Janneke Alyward joined forces to co-host a Genome Assembly Workshop for microbiologists at FABI.
Building collaborations to study fungi and their mycotoxins
2023-08-01
Professor Angel Medina-Vaya from Cranfield University recently visited FABI researchers Prof. Cobus Visagie and Dr Neriman Yilmaz.
Farewell to Anne Pringle and David Johnson after a great 12-month sabbatical
2023-07-31
On 26 July, a group of FABI staff and close friends gathered to bid farewell to Prof. Anne Pringle and David Johnson, who will soon return home to the United States.
Genomics research strengthened by visit to VIB-UGhent, Belgium
2023-07-24
Prof. Dave Berger was fortunate to spend a month of his sabbatical with the research group of Prof. Yves Van de Peer at the University of Ghent in Belgium.
FABIans attend the 23rd Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa
2023-07-21
Twenty four FABIans attended and presented at the recent 23rd Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa.
FABI celebrates Mandela Day with 67 minutes of community service to conserve biodiversity
2023-07-19
In celebration of Mandela Day, a group of FABIans, along with some colleagues from PSC, BGM and Bioinformatics, gathered at the Innovation Africa @UP campus to clear invasive weeds from an important research environment.
FABIans attend the XVI SASSB conference
2023-07-18
Five FABIANS attended the XVI Southern African Society for Systematic Biology’s (SASSB) conference in Stellenbosch.
FABIans participate in producing a new forest entomology text book
2023-07-17
Several FABIans have participated in the production of a new open access Forest Entomology text book.
CAMCORE Associate Director visits FABI
2023-07-11
Dr JJ Acosta, Associate Director of CAMCORE and Associate Professor at North Carolina State University visited FABI to explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Two FABI postdocs receive University of Pretoria Senior Postdoctoral Fellowships
2023-07-10
Two FABIans, Dr David Read and Dr Tanay Bose have each been awarded a Senior Postdoctoral Fellowship by the University of Pretoria.
Moving from young eucalypts to young pine for the National Forest Pest and Pathogen Surveillance strategy
2023-07-04
A team from the TPCP, together with the Cropwatch Africa team, visited the southern Cape to test and implement protocols to survey young pine stands for pests and pathogens.
An unexpected visit to the James Hutton Institute
2023-07-03
While on sabbatical, Prof. Dave Berger, visited long‑standing collaborators at the James Hutton Institute/University of Dundee.
The GRP Diagnostic Clinic attends Farmers Days in Limpopo and Mpumalanga
2023-06-30
The GRP Diagnostic Clinic attended three Farmers Days to promote the clinic and make smallholder farmers aware of the diagnostic services the clinic offers to grain farmers.
The GRP pest and disease extension and diagnostic clinic @FABI-UP celebrates another year of service to grain stakeholders
2023-06-28
The GRP @FABI-UP's pest and disease extension and diagnostic clinic looks back on another successful year serving South African grain and oilseed producers.
The Macadamia team presents at the SAMAC Research Networking Day
2023-06-21
Several members of the Macadamia Protection Programme attended the SAMAC research networking day.
Dr Wilma Nel appointed as the TPCP Diagnostic Clinic Manager
2023-06-20
Dr Wilma Nel has been appointed as the TPCP Diagnostic Clinic Manager as from 1 June.
First grass sampling expedition: FABI and Milk SA collaborate to uncover Pseudopithomyces insights in Eastern Cape dairy farms
2023-06-19
Three FABIans recently visited dairy farmers in the Humansdorp region of the Eastern Cape to collect grass samples from pastures to investigate the presence of Pseudopithomyces chartarum.
Mandy makes it six.
2023-06-14
A hearty congratulations to Mandy Messal who is the sixth FABIan to complete their PhD in FABI this year.
Continuous replanting could impact future productivity in short-rotation forestry
2023-06-13
A group of FABI researchers published a study in the journal Current Forestry Reports that surmising that continuous replanting could impact future productivity in short-rotation forestry.
Film crew visits FABI
2023-06-07
FABI welcomed a team from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust that spent a morning at the Institute capturing video and stills footage for a corporate video.
Congratulations QianLi!
2023-06-06
Congratulations to QianLi Liu on completing all requirements for her PhD!
Visit to Environmental Genomics group at Christian-Alberts University of Kiel
2023-06-05
Prof. Dave Berger presented a seminar to the Environmental Genomics group as part of his visit to the Christian-Alberts University of Kiel in Germany.
Post TPCP field trip connects academic research and training to industry needs
2023-06-01
Leaders in the TPCP joined international visitors on a post-TPCP field trip to visit forestry and research partners, and reflect on the outcomes of the meeting and their relevance to the situation faced in the plantations and nurseries of industry partners.
EPPI team performs the biggest impact evaluation from field inoculations of the canker pathogen Chrysoporthe austroafricana on different Eucalyptus genotypes
2023-05-31
Members of the EPPI research group travelled to Kwambonabi in the KwaZulu-Natal province to evaluate and harvest one of the biggest in-field inoculations with the pathogen Crysoporthe austroafricana.
FABI GRP promote Diagnostic clinic at the NAMPO Harvest Day
2023-05-31
The Grain Research Programme pest and disease extension and diagnostic clinic team attended NAMPO and exhibited the services offered by the clinic.
CFBE research team participates in the NAMPO Harvest Day
2023-05-30
Two members of the Crop Floral Biology and Environments research team in FABI, showcased their group’s work at Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day 2023.
FABI engagement with smallholder farmers from Venda
2023-05-30
FABI PhD candidate Phophi Nethononda visited smallholder farmers from Dzindi and Tshiombo irrigation schemes in Venda in the Limpopo province as part of her project.
FABian visits the Aarhus University global wheat-rust research centre and University of Copenhagen
2023-05-29
As part of the NOVA PhD course, Prof. Dave Berger joined the field trip to the Flakkebjerg Research Station of Aarhus University in Denmark.
Rachel completes her PhD
2023-05-29
Congratulations to Rachel Mkandawire on successfully completing her PhD.
FABI sampling for Phytophthora in Cape riverine ecosystems
2023-05-26
FABI researchers recently joined Prof. Jonàs Oliva, visiting from the University of Lleida, to sample a large number of rivers draining Cape province mountains for Phytophthora species.
Future Professors visit FABI
2023-05-25
Professors Brenda Wingfield and Mike Wingfield hosted a recent visit to FABI by members of the Future Professors Programme.
UP joins the world in celebrating the International Day of Plant Health.
2023-05-24
The University of Pretoria joined the rest of the world in celebrating the IDPH on 12 May under the theme: Plant Health Innovation for Food Security.
A successful 34th Annual Meeting of the TPCP
2023-05-19
The TPCP held its 34th Annual Meeting at the Future Africa conference centre, where staff, postdoctoral Fellows and students present their work to industry and government stakeholders as feedback on the work conducted in the past year.
Professor André Drenth visits FABI
2023-05-19
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".
FABI shines at the UP Autumn Graduation
2023-05-18
A hearty congratulations to all the FABI graduates that were capped at the recent University of Pretoria Autumn Graduation ceremony!
First steps to implement a National Forest Pest and Pathogen Surveillance strategy
2023-05-18
In recent months, Sandisiwe Jali, along with a team from Cropwatch Africa, has been working tirelessly in the field, sharing knowledge and expertise on the mobile app and identifying pests and diseases.
FABI launches a new partnership with Milk SA to Investigate Sporidesmin-induced liver disease in South African dairy cattle
2023-05-18
A new partnership was recently been launched between FABI and Milk SA to investigate Sporidesmin-Induced Liver Disease (SILD) in dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
NOVA PhD course in Denmark
2023-05-15
Prof. Dave Berger presented three topics for the class of 20 PhD students from Scandinavia at this year’s NOVA PhD course in Plant Pathology.
Marthin Tarigan returns to Indonesia
2023-05-14
FABI PhD candidate Marthin Tarigan returned to Indonesia after spending three months at FABI to complete the writing part of his thesis.
Partner from Mytox-SOUTH visits FABI
2023-05-11
Dr Esther de Rycke, a partner from the Mytox-SOUTH project, visited FABI as part of her trip to the University of Pretoria.
Implementing an integrated National Forest Protection Strategy for South Africa
2023-05-04
FSA has been contracted by the DFFE to implement the National Forestry Sector Research and Development Strategy and the Integrated National Forest Protection Strategy as they relate to pests and diseases threatening the forestry sector.
Many roads lead to Braunschweig: A research visit to TUBS and other research institutes
2023-05-03
Professor Bernard Slippers recently visited the Fungal Genetics lab in the Department of Genetics of the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Pines for Pitch canker screening
2023-05-02
During the past week, Prof. Mike Wingfield joined team members Dr Lieschen de Vos and MSc student Alida van Dijk to collect Pinus patula for Alida's research project.
Seeding the future: An exploratory visit to KWS headquarters
2023-05-02
Professor Bernard Slippers, Director of FABI, recently visited KWS at their headquarters in Einbeck, Germany.
FABIans attend the Westerdijk Spring Symposium on fungal evolution
2023-04-28
Two FABIans presented talks at the the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute's Fungal Evolution symposium in the Netherlands.
FABI and the GRP take home the prize at the Sunflower Symposium
2023-04-26
Dr Nicky Creux was presented the best publication award by the Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust for her work on the New Phytologist paper.
The 2nd Annual Research Day of the NGRP Day held in Stellenbosch
2023-04-25
Several FABIans travelled to Stellenbosch to participate in the National Grain Research Programme's nd Annual Research Day.
FABian presents at Genetics of Maize-Microbe Interactions seminar series
2023-04-24
Prof. Dave Berger of the MPPI group was one of the presenters at a monthly meeting of the Genetics of Maize-Microbe Interactions (GMMI) interest group.
FABI welcomes RGE visitors as part of joint tree health programme
2023-04-20
Two entomologists linked to the RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme programme, visited FABI as part of the Institute's collaboration with RGE.
Jackie Robinson Day celebrated at FABI
2023-04-19
An enthusiastic group of FABIans gathered at the LC de Villiers sports campus on Friday 14 April to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day.
SASSY project completes its second collection trip in the Cape Town region
2023-04-18
A team of FABIans travelled to Cape Town for the second sample collection trip for the recently-launched South African Soil SurveY (SASSY) research project.
CPHB welcomes 12 new students to its mentorship programme
2023-04-17
Twelve undergraduate students will gain hands-on experience in research laboratories as mentees in the CPHB Mentorship programme for 2023.
FABIan samples dying cypress trees in Welkom
2023-04-14
FABI Research Fellow Dr Janneke Aylward visited Welkom to sample Italian cypress trees as part of a project to investigate the causal agents of Cypress canker in South Africa.
NOVA PhD course kicks off with Journal Club series
2023-04-13
The MPPI research group in FABI is participating in this year's NOVA PhD course in plant pathology.
FABians visit Vietnam to search for a potential biocontrol agent for PSHB
2023-04-12
Three FABI researchers visited Vietnam to collect material from trees infested by PSHB with the objective of finding, identifying, rearing and testing natural enemies.
Sampling Seiridium canker on the UP campus
2023-04-11
FABI researchers collected specimens from dying Cypress trees on UP's Hatfield campus as part of a new study on Seiridium spp.
FABIans take a break to enjoy Easter tea
2023-04-10
FABIans took a break from their busy schedules to enjoy an Easter Tea in the courtyard on 5 April.
An opportunity to meet forest pathology colleagues in India
2023-04-06
During the last week of March, Prof. Mike Wingfield travelled to India where he had an opportunity to visit the Forest Research Institute: Dehradun.
FABIans present at DFFE International Day of Forests symposium
2023-04-05
Professor Brenda Wingfield and Dr Trudy Paap presented talks at a DFFE-organised symposium celebrating the International Day of Forests.
FABI researchers engage with Portucel Mozambique on a tree health program
2023-04-04
Members of the TPCP recently visited Portucel Mozambique's forestry operations to assess the extent and diversity of pest and disease issues first hand.
FABIans search for Sporothrix species associated with local mining operations
2023-04-03
A team of FABI researchers began sampling in local mine shafts, and within the mining timber support production pipeline In an effort to discover the ecological niche of Sporothrix species
SASSY Project kicks off in the southern Cape
2023-03-30
The SASSY Project kicked off with the collection of soil samples from 11 nature reserves.
Two FABIans attend an insect rearing course in Stellenbosch
2023-03-29
FABIans Amy Collop and Elisa Pal travelled to Stellenbosch to attend an insect mass-rearing course.
Maintaining strong relations between FABI and the Great Lakes Forestry Centre
2023-03-28
Professor Bernard Slippers recently visited Prof. Jeremy Allison at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre (GLFC) in Canada.
Monitoring PSHB infestations in Pecan nut orchards
2023-03-24
Members of the MaPP visited visited various pecan orchards in the Northern Cape to monitor PSHB infestations.
FABI co-hosts a webinar on forest invasive species in Africa
2023-03-22
ABI, in collaboration with the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA), co-hosted a webinar on forest invasive species in Africa on 14 March.
First publications celebrated at the Publication Party
2023-03-16
FABI celebrated the first publications by members of the CPHB and TPCP at a Publication Party on 14 March.
FABIan presents at IPPS 25th Annual Conference
2023-03-13
Dr Trudy Paap was invited to speak on the topic of plant health in nurseries at the IPPS' 25th Annual Conference.
Supercomputing, AI, and large-scale systems biology discussed at the joint FABI-SASSB seminar
2023-03-08
ABI hosted a joint webinar with the SASSB on 2 March by Dr Dan Jacobson, Chief scientist for computational systems biology at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Building linkages with insect gene editing labs at Imperial College London and Biocentis
2023-03-06
Prof. Bernard Slippers and Dr Gudrun Dittrich-Schröder met with researchers and students at Imperial College London during a recent visit to London.
FABIans return from their sabbatical
2023-03-04
FABians Dr Neriman Yilmaz and Prof. Cobus Visagie visited the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and Ghent University.
FABIans visit Germany as part of Mycobiomics and Marie Curie collaboration
2023-03-03
Three FABIans recently visited the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Germany.
FLAIR recipients attend meetings in London at the Royal Society
2023-03-02
Two FABI FLAIR Fellows attended meetings at the Royal Society in London.
Kiwi Plant Protection Programme launched
2023-02-22
FABI and and the South African Kiwi Growers Association have established a collaborative programme to address threats posed by pests and pathogens to the growing kiwi industry in South Africa.
FABI members at the South African Sclerotinia Research Network workshop
2023-02-17
Several FABIans from the GRP attended the South African Sclerotinia Research Network's recent workshop in Pretoria.
FABI instrumental in reviving the African Mycological Association
2023-02-16
FABIan, Prof. Irene Barnes chaired a meeting on 23 January aimed at reviving the African Mycological Association.
FABI welcomes the 2023 interns
2023-02-14
FABI welcomed eight new members that join the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB) Internship in Phytosanitation and Biosecurity.
FABI Interns graduate
2023-02-09
FABI celebrated the accomplishments of nine interns in the FABI Internship in Phytosanitation and Biosecurity on 9 December.
Congratulations Privilege!
2023-02-09
Congratulations to Privilege Makunde on successfully completing his PhD.
FABI opening celebrates 25 years of research excellence
2023-01-28
FABI’s official opening, held on 16 January in the University of Pretoria’s Sanlam Auditorium, celebrated the Institute’s 25th anniversary.
EPPI team undertakes a greenhouse inoculation trial
2022-12-12
The EPPI team has been undertaking a large-scale greenhouse trial running for a third consecutive year since 2020.
Interns present a research seminar
2022-12-06
Members of the FABI Internship in Phytosanitation and Biotechnology programme presented a research seminar.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to track Gonipterus sp. n. 2 damage
2022-12-01
A team of FABIans travelled to Melmoth to assess Gonipterus sp. n. 2 damage levels on both young and old Eucalyptus dunnii compartments using a UAV.
RGE-FABI THP research seminar hosted in Indonesia
2022-11-30
The annual RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme Symposium took place in Indonesia on Thursday 24 November.
Book fun at MMM
2022-11-29
Monday Morning Meeting ‘Book Fun’ has become a tradition in the Institute and when FABIans can share with their peers the books they enjoyed reading.
FABI ends the year in style
2022-11-28
FABIans took a break from their research activities and dressed up to attend the annual Year End Function hosted at the Future Africa Campus on 18 November.
Three-week long international Bioinvasions Workshop draws to a close
2022-11-25
The three-week long NSA-funded Bioinvasions workshop hosted by FABI ended with a symposium and a farewell at the year end function.
Exciting developments in efforts to test a new potential biocontrol agent for Gonipterus sp. n. 2
2022-11-23
A potential new biocontrol agent recently imported by FABI shows promising results for the control of Gonipterus sp. n. 2
Mike Wingfield included on the Clarivate Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers for the sixth consecutive year
2022-11-22
FABI was delighted to hear that Prof. Mike Wingfield has been included on the Clarivate Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers for the sixth consecutive year.
Stompie Gonzales makes light work of log splitting
2022-11-18
A new new automatic log splitter affectionately named ‘Stompie Gonzales’ is making light work of the back-breaking task of splitting logs.
Royal Society honours for FABIans
2022-11-17
Professor Dave Berger was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa while Prof. Brenda Wingfield was announced as the 2023 Hershel medal winner.
Professor Diana Six introduces SciArt at FABI’s MMM
2022-11-16
Professor Diana Six presented a talk "SciArt: what, why, and how" at the FABI Monday Morning Meeting.
FABian presents her research at SAAWK symposium
2022-11-15
Luki-Marie Scheepers was one of 10 students from the University of Pretoria who participated in the annual SAAWK symposium
Excellence celebrated at the UP Academic Achievers Awards 2022
2022-11-14
Niine FABIans were amongst more than 130 UP academics recognised at this year's Academic Achievers' Awards ceremony.
Microscopy techniques training for visiting graduate students
2022-11-11
An international group of graduate students underwent training in microscopy techniques for visualizing morphology of ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal structures in plant roots.
FABI hosts NSF-sponsored “research experience for students” symposium
2022-11-10
After two years of delay, FABI welcomed a large group of USA graduate students and academics to participate in a USA NSF-funded symposium, focused on fungal biological invasions.
FABIans attend the 2022 Bark & Ambrosia Beetle Academy
2022-11-09
Nine South Africans took part in the 2022 Bark & Ambrosia Beetle Academy held in Gainesville, Florida during late October.
An international team behind a FABI-industry forest pest mating disruption trial
2022-11-07
Several FABIans, international collaborators and industry partners were in Lothair, Mpumalanga during October to set up a mating disruption trial of Cossid moth in Eucalyptus nitens plantations.
Brett Summerell presents a FABI special seminar
2022-11-04
FABI hosted a special seminar by Dr Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist and Director of Research at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Chilean tree breeders visit FABI
2022-11-03
Three tree breeders from Bioforest, a research branch of the Chilean forestry company Arauco, visited FABI on 28 October.
A FABI/SANBI plant health and biosecurity workshop
2022-11-02
FABI researchers joined members of SANBI’s Horticultural Enrichment Forum to host a Biosecurity best practice workshop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
The start of a collaboration: FABIans learning the ins and outs of kiwi growing in South Africa
2022-11-01
Two FABI researchers visited kiwi growers from the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces starting a formal research collaboration with the SA Kiwi Grower’s Association.
MaPP attends the Macadamia Industry day
2022-10-26
The Macadamia Protection Programme attended the annual grower symposium organised by SAMAC.
Artists from the Art and Trees project visit FABI
2022-10-20
Three artists attended the FABI Monday Morning Meeting on 17 October, specifically to engage with the FABI community regarding their deep interest in the intersections between science and art.
Felicidades Felipe!
2022-10-19
Congratulations to Felipe Balocchi on the successful completion of his PhD!
EPPI team performs in-field inoculation of the pitch canker pathogen
2022-10-13
Members of the EPPI research group recently travelled to KZN to perform in-field inoculation of Fusarium circinatum on 3296 hybrid pines
The Grain Research Programme visits the Eastern Cape to promote the Biosecurity platforms
2022-10-12
Members of the GRP travelled to the Eastern Cape to promote the new biosecurity platforms which are being implemented to monitor pests and diseases of agriculture.
UniVen students visit FABI
2022-10-11
FABI hosted a visit by a group of 23 final year BSc in Agriculture (Plant Production and Horticulture) students from the University of Venda.
FABIans celebrate the career of a special colleague and friend
2022-10-07
Three FABIans joined a group of colleagues and friends to celebrate the outstanding research career of world-leading forest pathologist, Prof. Jan Stenlid.
Macadamia spring planting!
2022-10-05
The MaPP team and UP farm workers held a major tree planting session where they planted 320 Macadamia seedlings.
FABI does it again!
2022-10-04
FABIans enthusiastically gathered to take part in this season's seed packing as part of the National Maize Cultivar Evaluation Trials.
FABIAN attends British Society for Plant Pathology Conference
2022-10-03
Prof. Dave Berger of the MPPI group presented an invited talk at the recent British Society for Plant Pathology Conference in the UK.
FABI International Seminar Series looks at fungicide resistance in Sugarbeet
2022-10-02
The lead Research Plant Pathologist at the Sugarbeet and Potato Research Unit, Dr Melvin Bolton, presented the September FABI International Seminar.
FABI imports Anagonia cf. lasiophthalma, potential biological control agent for Gonipterus sp. n. 2
2022-09-30
A group of FABI researchers returned from a visit to two forestry institutes in Portugal where they exchanged knowledge of insect biology and insect rearing methods of invasive insect pests of Eucalyptus.
FABIans attend the 3rd ASM joint MYTOX-SOUTH Symposium in Stellenbosch
2022-09-29
FABIans Dr Neriman Yilmaz, and her MSc student, Jenna-Lee Price, were amongst 110 researchers from around the world who attended the 3rd ASM joint MYTOX-SOUTH Symposium
Two FABI Researchers Receive the IUFRO Tree Pathology Award
2022-09-28
Congratulations to Proff Brenda and Mike Wingfield who received the outstanding Hartig-Patterson Award at the recent IUFRO Division 7 Forest Health Meeting
FABI at the Lisbon IUFRO All Division 7 (Tree Health) Meeting
2022-09-27
Fourteen FABIans attended the recent IUFRO All Division 7 (Tree Health) Meeting in Lisbon where they contributed 38 presentations.
FABI paper featured on the cover of Plant Pathology
2022-09-15
A FABI paper reporting the discovery of cypress canker on a native South African cedar tree is featured on the cover of the current issue of Plant Pathology.
Spring graduation honours for FABIans
2022-09-14
FABI celebrated the capping of five PhD and 14 MSc graduates at the University of Pretoria’s Spring Graduation on 8 September.
South African State of the Forest Report published
2022-09-13
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published the State of the Forests Report: 2018 South Africa.
FABI joining the discussion on Rhizobium and Sclerotinia in South African agriculture
2022-09-08
Dr Nicky Creux was an invited speaker at the Sclerotinia Discussion that formed part of the Rhizobium Symposium at the CSIR Convention Center.
Lorraine Mhoswa celebrates the successful completion of her PhD
2022-09-02
Congratulations to Lorraine Mhoswa on successfully completing all requirements for her PhD.
Inaugural Biosecurity Hub Steering Committee meeting held at Future Africa
2022-08-30
On 22 July 2022, the inaugural meeting of the Biosecurity Hub Steering Committee hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Innovation Africa @UP was held at the Future Africa Campus.
FABI tree-health sleuths explore the Cederberg
2022-08-29
Members of the FABI tree health team and collaborators led by Prof. Mike Wingfield recently visited various sites in South Africa’s Cederberg mountain range.
FABI Alumnus presents the August FABI International Seminar
2022-08-26
FABI Alumnus Dr Stephen Taerum presented the August FABI International Seminar on 25 August.
Photoshop course presented in FABI
2022-08-23
A group of 20 enthusiastic FABIans gathered on 16-17 August to attend a two-day Photoshop course presented in the Institute.
Publication Party celebrates first publications
2022-08-22
The first publications by four FABI students in the TPCP and CPHB was celebrated at a publication Party on 16 August.
FABI through the magnifying glass!
2022-08-19
This year the inhabitants of FABI stepped through the magnifying glass to find themselves in the weird and wonderful Wonderland at ther annual SPOOF gathering.
FABIans attend the International Congress on Invertebrate Pathology and Microbial Control
2022-08-17
From 1-4 August, FABI researchers took part the in 54th Annual meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology.
Workshop presented by leading Population Genomics scientist at SASPP2022
2022-08-16
Professor Eva Stukenbrock from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, presented a workshop on Population Genomics at FABI.
FABI hosts the 52nd Congress of the SASSP
2022-08-15
FABI hosted the 52nd Congress of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathologists (SASSP) at the Future Africa campus from 1-3 August.
FABI scoops honours at the SASPP Awards ceremony
2022-08-11
FABI’s researchers and students excelled at the SASPP awards evening on 3 August.
Bernard Slippers awarded the prestigious Persoon Medal
2022-08-10
FABI Director Prof. Bernard Slippers received the prestigious Christiaan Hendrik Persoon Medal, at an awards ceremony of the SASPP.
FABIans attend the XXVI International Congress of Entomology in Helsinki
2022-08-09
Three FABIans attended the 26th International Congress of Entomology (ICE) from 17-22 July, in Helsinki, Finland.
FABIans win multiple awards at Invertebrate Pathology meeting
2022-08-08
Several FABIans attended the recent virtual 2022 International Congress on Invertebrate Pathology and Microbial Control.
AI and crop health monitoring – getting the message to the public
2022-08-05
Prof. Dave Berger was interviewed on the topic “Artificial intelligence in crop health monitoring” by PlaasTV / FarmTV, which is a YouTube channel targeted at local farmers.
Sunshine, beetles and fungi
2022-08-04
Four FABI researchers went on a field trip to visit two sites in KZN to collect material for various research projects.
FABI Museum inaugurated
2022-07-28
The FABI Museum was inaugurated at an informal gathering on 19 July.
The Macadamia team attended the SAMAC Research Networking Day
2022-07-27
Members of the Macadamia Protection Programme attended a SAMAC networking day where they presented on their research projects.
FABIans engage with the grain industry about fungicide resistance in maize pathogens
2022-07-25
The MPPI research group hosted a visit by the members of the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) South Africa and Grain SA.
GRP team visits the Bayer Crop Science experimental farm
2022-07-20
Members of the Grain Research Programme (GRP) visited the Bayer Crop Science experimental farm in Petit, Gauteng.
FABIans commit time to commemorate Mandela Day
2022-07-19
FABIans celebrated Mandela Day by giving 67 minutes of their time to contribute in some community service.
FABIan awarded 2022 ISM travel bursary
2022-07-18
Jenna-Lee Price, a MSc student in the Applied Mycology Group has been awarded a travel grant from the International Society for Mycotoxicology.
Mike Wingfield receives the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award for 2021
2022-07-14
Professor Mike Wingfield received the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award for 2021 at a ceremony held on 12 July.
Mmoledi Mphahlele becomes first PhD molecular tree breeder trained through the FMG programme
2022-07-12
Congratulations to Mmoledi Mphahlele on successfully completing his PhD and presenting his prestige seminar on 6 July.
The Three microfungi that changed the world
2022-07-08
Leading Canadian Mycologist Keith Seifert was the guest presenter at the June FABI International Seminar.
PSHB App training with JCPZ staff
2022-07-07
FABI Research Fellow Dr Trudy Paap and Extension Officer Shawn Fell joined JCPZ staff at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens to conduct a training session on PSHB monitoring.
Prof. Cobus Visagie becomes a member of the ICTF
2022-07-05
FABI Prof. Cobus Visagie was recently invited to become a member of the ICTF.
Field day at the Serbian Institute for Field And Vegetable Crops
2022-07-04
FABIans visited the Serbian Institute for Field And Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad in June.
Beetles, bugs, and Mac trees
2022-07-01
Four “Madmacs” from the Macadamia Protection Programme recently visited various macadamia orchards located on the KwaZulu-Natal South coast.
Students attend the 33rd SANSOR Congress
2022-06-30
Several FABI students attended the recent 33rd SANSOR Congress in Cape Town.
FABIan nominated to join the board of the International Sunflower Association
2022-06-29
FABIan Dr Nicky Creux was nominated as a member of the ISA board at the recent International Sunflower Conference held in Serbia.
Rosellinia necatrix – We are onto you!
2022-06-28
Three ARP members recently completed a field trip aimed to collect Rosellinia necatrix samples from avocado orchards in the Mpumalanga province.
FABIan wins runner-up poster award at the International Sunflower Conference in Serbia
2022-06-28
FABI PhD student, Phrasia Mapfumo, won the runner-up poster award at the 20th International Sunflower Conference in Serbia
FABI attends the 20th International Sunflower Conference in Serbia
2022-06-27
Two FABIans recently attended the 20th International Sunflower Conference in Serbia.
New MoU signed between FABI and Research Institute of Fast Growing Trees in China
2022-06-21
FABI celebrated a 17-year partnership with the Chinese Academy of Forestry’s Research Institute of Fast Growing Trees at a virtual signing of a new five-year MoU on 10 June.
Can you sense how I stink?
2022-06-20
FABI and CEFIM recently collaborated to test "e-noses" to detect Two-spotted stink bugs, a major pest of Macadamia.
Hooray for a pine needle fungal isolation jamboree!
2022-06-14
Recently a few members of the TPCP team, together with Colombian collaborator, Dr Carlos Rodas, engaged in a fungal isolation workshop.
Dr Carlos Rodas examines Western Cape disease problems
2022-06-11
Dr Carlos Rodas, long-time FABI collaborator arrived in South Africa early in May and travelled to the western Cape to inspect various tree disease problems that FABI works on.
The GRP extension team completes a maize ear rot survey in the Eastern Cape
2022-06-08
The Grain Research Program (GRP) team embarked on a field trip to survey for ear rots at maize farms across the Eastern Cape Province
Neriman Yilmaz attends the 13th Conference of the World Mycotoxin Forum
2022-06-03
FABI Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Neriman Yilmaz attended the 13th Conference of the World Mycotoxin Forum in Parma, Italy.
NGRP Team visits CropWatch Africa at Komatipoort
2022-06-02
On 17-18 May, the FABI Grain Research Programme (GRP) extension team visited a FABI-CropWatch Africa sentinel plot in Komatipoort.
Jane Chepsergon celebrates the successful completion of her PhD
2022-06-01
Congratulations to Jane Chepsergon on successfully completing her PhD!
Microbes from extreme environments discussed at the FABI International Seminar Series
2022-05-31
Dr Claudia Coleine presented a fascinating talk “Microbiomes from extreme environments: challenges to thrive in the most prohibitive conditions” at the May FABI International Seminar.
Ethiopian researchers visit FABI, ICFR and local forestry companies
2022-05-31
Researchers from EEFRI visited FABI, the ICFR and several forestry companies on a recent two week long trip research trip to SA.
TPCP Symposium returns to an in-person event
2022-05-30
The 33rd annual meeting of TPCP and CPHB was held as an in-person meeting at Future Africa on the University of Pretoria’s Innovation Africa @UP Campus.
Grain Research Program (GRP) talk science at NAMPO 2022
2022-05-26
The Crop Floral Biology and Environments research team attended the NAMPO Harvest Day expo recently where they engage with the public and stake holders.
TechWomen fellow Flora Adachi Asibe spends seven-week internship at FABI
2022-05-25
Flora Asibe, a PhD student from IITA, Nigeria completed a TechWomen fellowship at FABI.
NGRP hosts its first research day
2022-05-24
On 9 May the National Grain Research Programme hosted its first research day at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa campus.
FABI students and staff shine at Bio2022 Conference
2022-05-13
FABI shone at the recent South African Society for Bioinformatics and the South African Genetics Society's first joint hybrid conference.
Up&Out welcomed to FABI
2022-05-12
On 21 April, the FABI TREE House welcomed special guests Up&Out for its last session.
The most destructive citrus pathogen highlighted in the FABI International Seminar Series
2022-05-11
Plant virologist Dr Svetlana Folimonova was this month's guest speaker in the popular FABI International Seminar Series
Catch me if you can!
2022-05-05
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.
Prof. Mike Wingfield receives an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Free State
2022-05-04
FABI Founding Director, Prof. Mike Wingfield was awarded an Honorary DSc degree from the University of the Free State during their April graduation ceremony.
Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources delegation visits FABI
2022-04-28
FABI and the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Pretoria hosted a delegation of academics from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN).
Bird's eye view to monitor the Eucalyptus snout beetle
2022-04-26
The Remote Sensing of Plant Health Satellite Lab in FABI has established an innovative project using UAVs to detect and monitor the Eucalyptus snout beetle.
Easter tea at FABI
2022-04-25
FABI’s traditional monthly Tea party returned on 20 April after a 26-month COVID-induced hiatus.
Pathogenicity trials season opens!
2022-04-25
Four members of the Macadamia Protection Programme in FABI, visited Nseleni nursery in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal during a three day fieldtrip.
GRP extension trips: where to from here?
2022-04-20
Two GRP extension teams visited the Eastern Cape and Free State Provinces during February and March to collect samples for numerous research projects.
Cobus Visagie visits Cranfield University and attends the 125th British Mycological Society meeting
2022-04-19
Professor Cobus Visagie recently visited Prof. Naresh Magan and Dr Angel Medina-Vaya at the Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute.
SASSB Webinar examines the ‘Dinosaurs of Darkness’
2022-04-08
This month’s SASSB Webinar on 7 April had as the keynote speaker Prof. Jonah Chioniere of the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The root fungus Ganoderma attracts the attention of young eyes
2022-04-06
During an after-school walk, Luna Visagie (4,5 years old), daughter of FABIans Dr Neriman Yilmaz and Prof. Cobus Visagie, spotted an impressive bracket fungus growing from the stem of a large Karee tree.
Functional ecology of forest diseases discussed at the March FABI International Seminar
2022-04-05
The guest presenter at the March FABI International Seminar was Dr Jonas Oliva, a researcher in the Department of Crop and Forest Science at the University of Lleida, Spain.
A FABI visit to Hexagon Bio
2022-04-04
Professors Brenda Wingfield and Mike Wingfield had the opportunity to visit Hexagon Bio situated in the Menlo Parks Labs campus south of San Francisco.
Teamwork makes quick work of inoculations
2022-03-31
Earlier this month, a wonderful team of FABIans helped inoculate around 1200 pine trees with Fusarium circinatum as part of a research trial for Sappi.
FABI at the Fusarium workshop
2022-03-30
A number of FABI team members attended the 2022 Fusarium Workshop at the Asilomar Conference Centre a day prior to the 31st Fungal Genetics Conference (FGC).
Combined TPCP diagnostic clinic and field extension trip
2022-03-29
The TPCP diagnostic clinic and field extension team spent the week in the field visiting different field sites and facilities.
FABIans attend the 31st Fungal Genetics Congress at Asilomar
2022-03-28
A team of seven FABI researchers attended the 31st Fungal Genetics Conference (FGC), held from 15-19 March at the Asilomar Conference Centre, south of San Francisco.
Students and staff learn from Cropwatch Africa
2022-03-25
FABIans, and an undergraduate class had the opportunity to gain from the experience of Roedolf Nieuwenhuis of Cropwatch Africa.
Additional office space at the FABI Biocontrol Nursery and Insect Rearing facility
2022-03-24
A former storeroom at the Biocontrol Centre has been repurposed as office space for students working there.
Early easter egg hunt for the MadMacs
2022-03-22
In February, PhD candidate Elisa Pal joined by her fellow comrades from the Macadamia Protection Programme went on a massive egg hunt.
Survey of wattle pests and pathogens in Awi Zone, Ethiopia
2022-03-18
FABI has partnered with the University of the Sunshine Coast and ICFR to develop a research project to determine the diversity and distribution of wattle pests and pathogens in the Awi Zone of Ethiopia, and investigate potential management options.
FABIans are two of the BSPP’s “40 Faces of Plant Pathology”
2022-03-17
Two FABIans have been featured in the BSPP's “Forty Faces of Plant Pathology” that forms part of the Society’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Czech visitors present on their research at MMM
2022-03-16
Three visitors from the Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences presented their research during the FABI MMM of 14 March.
Collection of ambrosia beetle infested material in Durban
2022-03-15
A team of FABIans recently visited various regions in Durban to collect material infested with Euwallacea sp. ambrosia beetles.
Dennis Omondi, “honorary FABIan”, graduated with MSc (Plant Breeding) at Maseno University, Kenya
2022-03-14
Dennis Omondi spent two research visits in the MPPI lab at FABI and Department of Plant and Soil Sciences during his MSc degree as part of a bilateral NRF Kenya-South Africa project on maize foliar diseases.
Prof. Wilhelm de Beer honoured
2022-03-11
FABI colleagues, friends and family met on 8 March to honour the exceptional career of Prof. Wilhelm de Beer who will retire from the University of Pretoria at the end of March.
FABI welcomes its first Mycobiomics visitors from the Czech Republic
2022-03-08
FABI welcomed a group of Czech mycologists are visiting the Institute as part of an international Mycobiomics Project supported by a MSCA-RISE grant.
FABI researchers investigate Protea health problems in Pretoria
2022-03-07
A team of FABI researchers spent a day considering Proteaceae disease problems north of Pretoria.
ARP presents at SAAGA 2022
2022-03-04
Members of the ARP attended SAAGA's 202 symposium where Casey Gill presented on her research work.
FABI “up front and evident” at NRF Awards event
2022-03-02
Two FABIans were amongst several UP academics honoured for their NRF ratings at a recent UP-hosted gala dinner.
Rust, Sex and Magic at the FABI International Seminar
2022-02-28
FABI Alumnus Dr Alistair McTaggart of the University of Queensland in Australia started off the year's FABI International Seminar series with a presentation “Rust, sex, magic”.
Farewell to Hiroyuki
2022-02-25
FABI team members faced the sad reality of having to say goodbye to Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Hiroyuki Suzuki on 21 February, at a farewell function held in his honour at the Future Africa campus.
FABI Director joins the GRP field trip to the Eastern Cape
2022-02-23
Members of the Grain Research Program (GRP) team including FABI Director Prof. Bernard Slippers embarked on a field trip to the Eastern Cape Province, during the week of 6 February.
Ministers urged to reconsider genome editing regulations in South Africa
2022-02-22
Several academics and researchers submitted a letter last week to the Ministers of DALRRD and DHEST asking them to reconsider the new GMO regulations.
Joint Sappi-FABI Phytophthora trials harvested
2022-02-21
Eucalyptus seedlings were harvested five months after being inoculated as part of a joint Sappi-FABI Phytophthora trial.
Release of new population of biocontrol agents to control Gonipterus
2022-02-18
A tiny egg parasitoid, Anaphes nitens, was released in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for the control of the eucalypt snout beetle.
Tanay Bose appointed section editor of Mycological Progress
2022-02-17
Mycological Progress has appointed Dr Bose as one of the section editors.
It’s all about what we Love on Valentine’s Day
2022-02-16
FABI celebrated love on Valentine’s Day with a fun photo competition and movie night where FABIans could enjoy watching some romantic movies.
In pursuit of tolerance to Ceratocystis wilt on Kiwi
2022-02-15
FABI researchers have recently been undertaking intensive research to better understand a new and important disease of Kiwi fruit in South Africa.
GRP kick-starts its national pest and diseases surveillance in Mpumalanga
2022-02-14
Members of the Grain Research Program team embarked on a field trip to the Mpumalanga province.
The root rotting fungus Ganoderma strikes UP campus trees
2022-02-10
A serendipitous discovery of an interesting fungus on the UP campus ties in with a postdoctoral research project in FABI.
Senior Director of Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Education at UP visits FABI
2022-02-07
Senior Director: Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Education, Department of Research and Innovation at UP, Dr Carol Nonkwelo was a guest speaker at the FABI Monday Morning Meeting.
TPCP/CPHB strategic planning 2022
2022-01-27
The Management Committee of CPHB and TPCP met for two days of intensive discussions prior to being met by all students and staff for a report back session.
CPHB Interns graduate
2022-01-26
FABI celebrated the graduation of nine interns in the FABI Internship in Phytosanitation and Biotechnology programme on 19 January.
First fieldtrip for the Mad Macs in 2022
2022-01-25
Four members of the Macadamia Protection Programme (MPP) in FABI, visited farms in the Mpumalanga province during a three day fieldtrip.
Fabian presents a seminar on mycorrhizal diversity at the North Gauteng Orchid society meeting
2022-01-17
Dr Tanay Bose present a talk on the "mycorrhizal diversity associated with orchids in South Africa" as part of the NGOS's monthly seminar series.
FABIan presents at Genome Editing session at Science Forum South Africa 2021
2022-01-13
Prof. Dave Berger presented in the genome editing session of the recent Science Forum South Africa 2021, where he gave an overview of current research in the field in South Africa.
The National Grain Research Programme elects Board and representatives
2021-12-17
The 30th of November marks a momentous day for the NGRP when its founding members from academia, industry and government adopted its constitution and voted in its first Chairperson and two Co-Directors.
The last field trips for the year for the MadMacs
2021-12-14
The MadMacs finished off the year with two field trips to the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces.
FABI researcher visits SAB hop farm
2021-12-09
FABI postdoctoral researcher, Dr David Read visited a South African Breweries (SAB) hop farm between 16 and 18 November.
SANBI-funded Sentinel Plant Project establishes a PSHB monitoring system at the KZN National Botanical Garden
2021-12-08
As part of the Sentinel Plant Project, Dr Mesfin Gossa has, in collaboration with the KZN NBG set up a PSHB monitoring system for the London plane trees.
Ariska makes it ten
2021-12-07
Congratulations to Ariska van der Nest on becoming the tenth FABIan to complete their PhD in 2021.
A double celebration for Agil as she completes her PhD
2021-12-03
It was a double celebration for Agil Katumanyane when she successfully defended het PhD on 30 November.
Arrival of parasitoid wasps from Australia
2021-12-03
On Thursday evening, 11 November, FABI welcomed a new shipment of Gonipterus egg capsules all the way from Australia!
Connecting the dots with Indonesia
2021-12-02
The RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme ended the year with a research update meeting on 30 November.
Fabian receives L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science award
2021-11-30
FABI PhD student Agil Katumanyane received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award for Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents.
PSHB Network meets
2021-11-29
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Research Network hosted a meeting on 23 November, chaired by FABI’s Dr Trudy Paap.
TREE House launched in FABI
2021-11-29
On 20 October, FABI launched a new project called the TREE House. This initiative aims to create a safe space for all FABIans to discuss social issues and to make FABI a more inclusive place.
Tree planting brings the year to a close
2021-11-29
Some 40 FABI students and interns working in the TPCP, CPHB and GRP participated in the last tree planting event for 2021.
Sunflowers the topic at the last FABI International Seminar in 2021
2021-11-27
The final talk for 2021 in the popular FABI International Seminar series was presented by Dr Nicolas Langlade.
Publication Party celebrates student achievements
2021-11-26
FABI hosted a second publication party for the year on Tuesday 16 November.
Book Club at Monday Morning Meeting
2021-11-25
The “Book Club” has become a regular annual event held during a selected FABI Monday Morning Meeting towards the end of each year.
Assessment of plant health in the Cape botanical gardens
2021-11-23
Postdoctoral research Fellow, Dr Mesfin Gossa visited three botanical gardens in the Western Cape Province as part of the SANBI-funded Sentinel Plant Project.
Industry experts unpack the intricacies of maize production in South Africa at MCET lecture
2021-11-22
FABI chaired a national maize cultivar evaluation trial (MCET) lecture on 11 November.
Mike Wingfield included on Highly Cited Researchers list for the fifth consecutive year
2021-11-19
FABI received the good news that Prof. Mike Wingfield, has again been included on the Clarivate Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers (2021/2022), this for the fifth consecutive year.
Mad Macs attend the SAMAC Macadamia Day in the KNP
2021-11-18
The Macadamia Protection Programme (MPP) team attended the annual Macadamias South Africa NPC (SAMAC) grower symposium in the Kruger National Park.
University of Pretoria protects trees against PSHB infestation
2021-11-11
FABI researchers, have been engaging with UP campus landscape services staff to ensure the PSHB does not arrive unchecked.
Dr Abdullahi Yusuf appointed an Humboldt Ambassador Scientist
2021-11-10
Congratulations to Dr Abdullahi Yusuf on his appointment as a Humboldt Ambassador Scientist.
FABIans recognised with UP Academic Achievers’ Awards
2021-11-06
Thirteen FABI research staff members' research excellence was recognised at the recent UP Academic Achievers' Awards.
Researchers from FABI and UQ strengthen collaboration with regular online meetings
2021-11-05
Members of MPP and UQ teams have been taking part in monthly research meeting throughout 2021 using online platforms.
FABI researchers make an early start to present at the 3rd IUFRO Acacia webinar
2021-11-04
FABI researchers make an early start to present at the 3rd IUFRO Acacia webinar.
Liberating taxonomic data from literature under the spotlight SASSB Seminar
2021-11-03
The activities of the Swiss NGO, Plazi, was the topic of discussion by its Founder and President Dr Donat Agosti at the Southern African Society of Systematic Biologists (SASSB) seminar on 14 October.
AI and Crop Health – Business Day article for World Food Day
2021-10-29
AI and its role in crop health monitoring was featured in an article written by Prof. Dave Berger for a special edition of the newspaper Business Day.
First publications celebrated at the TPCP publication party
2021-10-29
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
ICFR-FABI collaboration on long-term Gonipterus trial
2021-10-27
A large group consisting of staff and students from FABI, the ICFR and Sappi met last week in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for the first damage scoring of a long-term Gonipterus trial.
FABI Phytosanitation and Biosecurity interns attend a phytosanitary course
2021-10-25
Interns in the Phytosanitation and Biosecurity internship programme in FABI had the privilege to attend a two-day introductory phytosanitary course recently.
FABIans and Engineers collaborate on digitization of agriculture presentation
2021-10-21
Two FABIans teamed up with two engineers to present a talk at the 2021 IEEE 4th 5G World Forum.
FABI researchers investigate photosynthesis in the Namib
2021-10-20
Professor Tjaart Krüger and Dr Michal Gwizdala travelled to the Namib Desert to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for sustaining photosynthesis in hypolithons in extreme environments.
Cobus Visagie presents at DGFM Centennial symposium
2021-10-19
Celebrating their 100th year of existence, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie (DGfM) held their conference from 6-10 October in Blaubeuren, Germany.
Mad Mac Flower blight fieldtrip
2021-10-18
During the week of 5 October, the Macadamia Protection Programme was in Mpumalanga for an on-going flower blight survey.
Lesotho agricultural research delegation visits FABI
2021-10-15
FABI hosted a visit by a delegation from the Lesotho Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) on 11 October.
ARP hosts its annual Research Day
2021-10-14
The Hans Merensky Chair in Avocado Research, hosted its annual Student Research Day as a hybrid meeting on 5 October.
FABIans attend the NSSA Symposium
2021-10-13
Professor Brett Hurley and PhD candidate Agil Katumanyane attended the 23rd Symposium of the Nematological Society of Southern Africa (NSSA).
Nicky Creux co-organises International Sunflower Association (ISA) webconference
2021-10-12
Dr Nicky Creux, programme leader of the Crop Floral Biology and Environments research group in FABI was a co-organiser ( of the International Sunflower Association (ISA) webconference on sunflower-pollinator interactions.
Quentin Guignard interviewed on SAFM
2021-10-12
Dr Quentin Guignard participated in a live radio interview on SAFM recently where host Stephen Grootes spoke to him about his research work conducted as part of his PhD research.
FABI participates in the third seed packing project for the National Maize Cultivar Evaluation Trials
2021-10-08
A team of 36 FABI TPCP/CPHB students and interns took to task packing a large number of maize seed cultivars from the 20-22 September 2021.
Discover FABI’s art collection
2021-10-08
FABIans and visitors to the Institute now have the biographical information about the artists whose artwork adorns the walls in FABI available at their fingertips.
Translating plant health information into South African languages
2021-10-07
On 5 October, FABIans lent their voices to be heard towards the accomplishment of a mission to talk to smallholder grain farmers in South Africa in their own languages
More than 500 Eucalyptus trees harvested for future studies in FABI
2021-10-07
From 13-15 September, a group of FABIans visited SAPPI plantations in the Richards Bay area to collect leaf material from more than 500 Eucalyptus grandis trees.
FABI celebrates World Fungi Day
2021-10-06
On Saturday 2 October a group of FABIans joined Prof. Mike Wingfield in celebrating World Fungi Day.
Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean research featured in the FABI International Seminar Series
2021-10-05
Dr Damon L. Smith of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) was the guest presenter at the September FABI International Seminar Series on 30 September.
FABI and SAPPI partner for Phytophthora trials
2021-10-05
A group of TPCP researchers inoculated 19 families of Eucalyptus benthamii with Phytophthora alticola as part of an infection trial in partnership with Sappi.
FABI shines at the Spring graduation
2021-10-04
The University of Pretoria conferred 20 postgraduate degrees – 13 PhD degrees and seven MSc degrees – to FABIans during the Spring graduation ceremony.
Zander Myburg and co-workers awarded US-DOE grant to decipher woody biomass production and environmental interactions of eucalypt trees
2021-10-04
Professor Zander Myburg, Director of the FMG Programme in FABI will lead an international team of researchers in a US-DOE funded project for large-scale genome sequencing to decipher woody biomass production and environmental interactions of eucalypt trees.
Remembering Neville Denison (1936-2021)
2021-10-04
Reflections of Prof. Mike Wingfield, Founding Director of the TPCP and FABI on the passing of Neville Denison.
Diversifying the biological control of Gonipterus sp. 2 in South Africa
2021-09-28
Recent surveys have revealed several species of egg and larval parasitoids to occur in the native range of the Gonipterus scutellatus species complex.
FABI has its first drone pilots
2021-09-17
ITwo FABIans have recently completed a Remote Piloted Aircraft pilot course and license accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
FABI well represented at the ISCE conference 2021
2021-09-16
From 5-10 September, academic staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students from FABI attended the 36th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE).
GRP Disease Diagnostic and Extension service ready for new season after their visit to Cropwatch
2021-09-14
During the week of 6-8 September, members of the Grain Research programme (GRP) travelled to Komatipoort to visit research partners, Cropwatch Africa.
FABI team returns to the Cederberg for sampling
2021-09-13
Members of the FABI met up with colleagues from Stellenbosch University to sample declining trees in the Cederberg mountains.
SASSB webinar explores a continental floristic riddle
2021-09-09
The September webinar of the Southern African Society for Systematic Biology on 2 September had as guest speaker Dr Isabel Sanmartin, a senior scientist at the Royal Botanical Garden, CSIC in Madrid, Spain.
The problem of CAM in India highlighted at the August FABI International Seminar
2021-09-02
This month’s FABI International Seminar on 26 August moved into the medical mycology sphere casting the spotlight on the devastating impact that COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) is having on the Indian population.
FABI PostDoc Student wins Inqaba's ‘Africa Genome Challenge 2021’ Award
2021-09-01
Dr Neriman Yilmaz was a category winner in Inqaba Biotec's ‘Africa Genome Challenge 2021’ competition to promote a new sequencing platform available to their clients.
SANBI’s Sentinel Plant Project renders training support for horticulture students at DUT
2021-08-31
Recently, FABI had established a collaboration partnership with the Department of Horticulture at Durban University of Technology (DUT) to train students through the SANBI Sentinel Plant Project.
Bagworms from wattle and pine emperor larvae from… Eucalyptus!
2021-08-26
Three FABIans set out to collect pupae of the wattle bagworm (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) and larvae of the pine emperor moth (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) near Greytown.
Scouting for native natural enemies of PSHB
2021-08-25
A team from FABI visited various sites in the greater Durban area to scout for native natural enemies of the PSHB that can be used in a biological control programme
FABI says farewell to Arista
2021-08-25
n Friday 13 August, members of the Macadamia Protection Programme along with other FABIans gathered to say farewell to Dr Arista Fourie.
The Solanaceae family unpacked at the August SASSB webinar
2021-08-23
‘Solanaceae - more than potatoes and tomatoes!’ was the topic of the plenary speaker Dr Sandra Knapp of the Natural History Museum in London at the August Southern African Society for Systematic Biology (SASSB) webinar.
Almuth’s publication hat-trick
2021-08-20
Congratulations to Professor Almuth Hammerbacher who has scored a hat-trick with a third publication in a journal with an Impact Factor of higher than 10 in consecutive years.
FABI researcher presents at the international APS conference
2021-08-19
Myriam Solís, a PhD candidate in the Eucalyptus and Pine Pathogens Interactions (EPPI) research group in FABI, participated in the conference of the American Phytopathological Society (APS).
IFSA Forestry Career in Africa book launched
2021-08-18
The International Forestry Students' Association (IFSA) and the joint IUFRO-IFSA Task Force on Forestry Education launched their book “Building a successful forestry career in Africa: Inspirational stories and opportunities” during an online event.
Yosef Hamba Tola completes the first FABI-ICIPE joint PhD
2021-08-12
A hearty congratulations to Yosef Hamba Tola on successfully completing all requirements for his PhD degree.
The FABIlous FABwarts School of Sci-craft and Wizardry
2021-08-10
The meeting of the Epsilon Chapter of the Society for the Presentation of Outrageous Findings (SPOOF) hosted by FABI saw witches, wizards, elves, pixies, muggles, mudbloods and all other manner of magical folk and creatures join in the evening’s fun at the FABwarts School of Sci-craft and Wizardry.
The problem of invasive mycorrhizal fungi discussed in the July FABI International Seminar
2021-08-06
Dr Anne Pringle discussed the “Problem of invasive mycorrhizal fungi” as our guest speaker for the month of July FABI International Seminar Series on 29 July.
FMG shines at the ASPB Plant Biology Worldwide Summit
2021-08-04
More than 20 members of the Forest Molecular Genetics (FMG) programme in FABI had a front-row seat to the latest research and technological advances across a variety of plant biology disciplines attending this year’s ASPB Plant Biology Worldwide Summit 2021.
An inoculation “party” in FABI
2021-07-28
On Thursday 22 July Prof. Mike Wingfield, founding Director of FABI was joined by colleagues to undertake a suite of inoculations aimed at understanding the role of a number of tree pathogens of importance to various FABI projects.
Celebrating Mmatshepho's PhD degree
2021-07-23
FABI celebrated the successful completion of Mmatshepho Phasha’s PhD degree on 12 July making it an all-woman PhD record since the start of the year for the Institute.
Congratulations to Wilma Nel on completing her PhD!
2021-07-22
Congratulations to Wilma Nel on completing all requirements for her PhD on 13 July.
Steven Hussey participates in international Hort Dialogues symposium
2021-07-20
Dr Steven Hussey was one of three international researchers to present their work in an online symposium, “Hort Dialogues”, on 15 July.
Construction of an artificial diet room started at the FABI Biocontrol Centre
2021-07-19
Construction of an artificial diet room has started at the FABI Biocontrol Centre at Innovation Africa.
FABI well represented at ESSA
2021-07-14
From 28 June until 1 July, academic staff, postdoctoral Fellows and students from FABI attended the 22nd Biennial Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA) Congress.
Celebrating Josephine Queffelec’s Prestige Seminar
2021-07-12
FABI celebrated the completion of Josephine Queffelec’s PhD with her Prestige Seminar “Influence of reproductive biology on the invasive dynamics of Sirex noctilio” on 30 June.
Joint FABI-SASSB fungal evolution symposium
2021-07-08
FABI and the Southern African Society of Systematic Biology (SASSB) jointly hosted a webinar with the theme ‘Fungal evolution’ on 1 July.
SAIF recognizes FABI students
2021-07-05
Two FABI PhD candidates were recognized for research excellence by the Southern African Institute of Forestry (SAIF).
Phyloge-Know-Its take gold in the FABI Quiz Night
2021-07-01
FABI’s popular online Quiz Night had 12 teams battling for honours once again on 25 July.
Getting excited about fungal viruses
2021-07-01
Professor Brenda Wingfield has created a podcast on Mycoviruses.
Kiwi Growers visit FABI
2021-06-28
FABI recently hosted a visit by five representatives of the South African Kiwi Growers Association.
FABI researchers present at the NSTF Plant Health discussion forum
2021-06-21
FABI researchers participated in the NSTF-hosted two-day Plant Health Discussion Forum webinar.
FABI hosts the SASSB webinar series
2021-06-10
FABI is hosting a new monthly webinar series on behalf of the SASSB to enable sharing of systematic research and to offer researchers an online space for discussion about their systematic biology research, thoughts, and questions.
SANBI Sentinel Plant Project hosts a training workshop for DUT horticulture students
2021-06-09
In April 2021, FABIans met with staff members of the Department of Horticulture at Durban University of Technology (DUT) to discuss possibilities for student training through the Sentinel Plant Project.
FABI research on tree fern death continues
2021-06-07
Iconic tree ferns Alsophila (Cyathea) dregii have been observed dying in southern Cape forests for some years.
FABI investigates bark beetles and their fungal associates on South African Cedar trees
2021-06-03
During 2020, FABI initiated a research project focused on the fungi associated with bark beetles infesting, especially the Clanwilliam Cedar Widdringtonia (cedarbergensis) wallichii.
Chemical Ecology under the spotlight at the FABI International Seminar Series
2021-06-02
Leading chemical ecologist, Prof. Jonathan Gershenzon, of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology was the guest speaker at the May FABI International Seminar Series.
FABI team considers research progress on Phytophthora die-back of Silver trees in Kirstenbosch
2021-06-01
During the second week of May a group of FABI researchers joined Stellenbosch University colleagues to inspect silver tree (Leucodendron argenteum) research being conducted in Kirstenbosch.
Milkwood trees dying in the Hermanus area of the Western Cape
2021-05-31
FABI tree health researchers have recently been requested to inspect relatively large numbers of milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) trees that have been dying in the Hermanus area of the Western Cape.
FABIans present at the SASM conference
2021-05-30
FABI was well represented at the 21st Biennial Conference of the South African Society of Microbiology (SASM) took place virtually between 4-6 May.
Mycotoxins: behind the scenes
2021-05-27
Members of the Applied Mycology research group at FABI embarked on a day trip to the Southern African Grain Laboratory (SAGL) in Pretoria on Thursday 20 May.
Applied Mycology group visits Bayer Crop Science
2021-05-26
On 6 May, members of the Applied Mycology group within the bigger Grain Research Program at FABI, visited the Bayer Crop Science experimental farm in Petit, Gauteng.
Pictures speak 1000 words about plant health
2021-05-24
To celebrate the International Year of Plant Health 2020 and the role plants play in our lives, the South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) organised a photo competition for professionals and amateurs alike.
Three Mad-Macs in KZN
2021-05-11
The Macadamia Protection Programme’s (MPP) ‘Mad-Macs’ team went on another field trip, this time to the KwaZulu-Natal south coast!
32nd Annual Symposium of the TPCP and CPHB
2021-05-10
The 32nd Annual Symposium of the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) and DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB) in FABI was hosted as a six-hour long hybrid meeting on 4 May.
Student training through the SANBI-funded Sentinel Plant Project in South African botanical gardens
2021-05-09
Drs. Mesfin Gossa and Trudy Paap initiated a link with the Department of Horticulture at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to discuss possibilities of student training via the Sentinel Plant Project.
The PSHB takes FABI researchers to Somerset West
2021-05-06
FABI Field extension officer Shawn Fell, joined by PhD candidate Josephine Queffelec and field extension intern Jabulile Mahlangu travelled to Somerset West during the week of 26 April.
Farewell to Darryl Herron
2021-05-05
On Thursday 29 April, a small group of FABIans gathered to say an emotional farewell FABI stalwart and PhD candidate Darryl Herron who leaves the Institute after 14 years to take up a research position at Scion in New Zealand.
Record turnout for FABI’s International Seminar Series
2021-05-03
FABI was proud to host it’s monthly International Seminar on 29 April with more than 200 participants from across the globe, all keen to hear US Forest Services’ Dr Andrew “Sandy” Liebhold speak on the “Macroecology of insect invasions”.
FABI's Internship Programme is growing
2021-04-23
Two more candidates joined the FABI Internship programme on 1 April.
Contributing to the USDA Beech Leaf Disease Workshop
2021-04-22
Dr. Katrin Fitza and other international speakers from were given the opportunity to present on their work on an online workshop hosted by the USDA.
Engaging small holder farmers to use digital disease diagnostic support tools
2021-04-08
FABI has partnered with Grain SA and Social Coding to engage smallholder farmers to connect with the Institute’s diagnostic clinic via its digital platform.
FABI bids Fahimeh farewell
2021-04-06
A small group of FABIans attended a farewell function for Dr Fahimeh Jami who leaves the Institute after 14 years to join the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
Discovering biologically-active fungal metabolites from unexplored species
2021-04-02
The March guest presenter of the FABI International Seminar Series was the world-renown Prof. Marc Stadler who present on his research activities linked to the discovery of biologically active fungal metabolites from new and hitherto unexplored species.
Partnership to bring big data techniques to Africa’s agriculture and forestry sectors
2021-04-01
Advance.io is partnering with Innovation Africa @UP to bring artificial intelligence and big data techniques to the continent’s agricultural and forestry sectors.
Mike Wingfield participates in the Australian Myrtle Rust Symposium
2021-03-29
FABI Professor and Advisor to the Executive of the University of Pretoria joined the Australian Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation's National Symposium on Myrtle Rust to present a keynote presentation.
Prof Brenda Wingfield and Dr. Tuan Dong to receive prestigious UP awards
2021-03-25
The FABI team was delighted to learn this past week that the University of Pretoria (UP) will recognise Prof Brenda. Wingfield and Dr Tuan Duong for their research excellence.
Augmentative biological control of the Sirex woodwasp continues in 2021
2021-03-23
FABI technical staff, Sophie Nyoni and Pritty Khumalo, have again produced millions of nematodes for the control of the Sirex woodwasp.
Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer online resource
2021-03-12
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.
Many hands make light work at the TPCP tree planting
2021-03-10
Some 50 students linked to the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) in FABI replanted more than 1700 Eucalyptus and 200 pine seedlings on the morning of 5 March.
GRP team visits farms in the Eastern Cape and KZN
2021-03-08
The Grain Research Program (GRP) team in collaboration with the University of the Free State’s Department of Plant Sciences team embarked on a field trip to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
FABI researchers work with Sappi in KwaZulu-Natal
2021-03-03
FABI team members visited various Sappi holdings in KwaZulu-Natal during the week of 22 February.
Drivers and brakes of pathogen emergence
2021-02-26
Professor Daniel Croll of the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland was the guest presenter of this month’s FABI International Seminar Series on 25 February.
In memoriam: Professor Stefan Neser
2021-02-19
Stefan passed away on Wednesday, 17 February 2021. Our deepest condolences to his wife Ottilie, his children, other members of his family, and the many special friends that he had in South Africa and abroad.
Macadamia research program’s field visit to Mpumalanga
2021-02-19
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.
FABI biocontrol centre imports Anaphes nitens from Australia
2021-02-18
Despite travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a shipment of Anaphes nitens collected in Queensland, Australia was received by the FABI biocontrol facility at the University of Pretoria’s experimental farm last week.
Two FABIans attend the Leadership Academy for Agriculture
2021-02-17
During the first week of February, two FABIans, Drs Mahlane Godfrey Kgatle and Miekie Human attended the first of three sessions of the “Leadership in the Connection Economy Programme”.
New internship programme begins at FABI
2021-02-15
n 1 February, a new internship programme was launched at FABI under the auspices of the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB).
US collaborators visit FABI to plan a joint research project
2021-02-12
Long-time FABI research collaborator and extraordinary staff member of the Institute, Prof. Francois Roets from Stellenbosch University visited FABI on 11 February to meet various colleagues and to discuss numerous collaborative projects.
Industry partners seconded to the University of Pretoria
2021-02-01
Dr Miekie Human and Stefan Links are employed by Grain SA, but have been seconded to the University of Pretoria with effect from 1 February for part of their time.
FABI became the first institute of Innovation Africa@UP in 2020
2020-12-11
In 2020, the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) became the first institute to join the Innovation Africa@UP unit.
FABI alumnus appointed to leadership position at Innovation Africa @UP
2020-04-29
The University of Pretoria has appointed Dr Marinda Visser as the Director: Strategic Projects and Partnerships in Agriculture - Innovation Africa@UP with effect from 1 May 2020.
