Department of Botany & Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa
 


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Contact details:

Department of Botany & Zoology
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
Matieland 7602
South Africa

Tel: +27 21 808-3070
Fax: +27 21 808-2405
E-mail: ld@sun.ac.za

  


Prof. L.L. Dreyer (Associate Professor)

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Research interests:

  • Oxalis biosystematics
  • Protea-Ophiostomatoid fungi-arthropod interactions

    • Protea-Ophiostomatoid fungi-arthropod interactions

    The well-known, and often phytopathogenic, ophiostomatoid fungi are represented in South Africa by the two phylogenetically distantly related genera Ophiostoma (Ophiostomatales) and Gondwanamyces (Microascales). They are commonly associated with the infructescences of serotinous African endemic Protea species The species O. splendens , O. africanum , O. protearum , G. proteae and G. capensis have been collected from various Protea spp. in South Africa where, like other ophiostomatoid fungi, they are thought to be transported by arthropod vectors.

    Our present studies to identify the vector organisms of Protea -associated members of mainly Ophiostoma species, using both molecular and direct isolation methods. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and taxon specific primers for the two Protea -associated ophiostomatoid genera have been developed, and revealed the presence of Ophiostoma and Gondwanamyces DNA on three insect species, including a beetle ( Genuchus hottentottus ), a bug ( Oxycarenus maculates ) and a psocopteran species. The role of hypophoretic mites acting as primary vectors of these fungi is currently receiving focused attention.

    Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction based on large subunit, ITS and beta-tubulin DNA sequence data suggests a polyphyletic origin for the Protea -associated members of Ophiostoma , which proposes multiple invasions of this unusual niche by these fungi. These studies also revealed the presence of four new species of Ophiostoma associated with Protea spp. Thus far we have clarified many aspects pertaining to the phylogeny and ecology of the interesting members of Ophiostoma associated with Protea hosts. These results form the platform for further studies on the co-evolution of these insect / mite / fungi / plant associations.

    We are collaborating with FABI, University of Pretoria , and have formal collaborative links with the NRF/ DST Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB).

    Co-workers:

    Dr Francois Roets (Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University)
    Prof. Mike Wingfield (University of Pretoria)
    Prof. Barbara Wingfield (University of Pretoria)
    Prof. Pedro Crous (CBS, The Netherlands)

    Students:

    B.Sc. (Hons.): Helen Curran
    M.Sc: Natalie Theron

     

    		  
    +27 21 808 2173