The threat posed by phytosanitary pests and diseases to market access is significant and ongoing. Current research projects at PHYLA address several issues including applied research on fumigation using novel materials and various storage regimes. The research programme is aimed at ensuring the effective management of phytosanitary pests and diseases and ensuring access to markets. Several biosecurity issues have arisen. The spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer and spotted wing drosophila within the Western Cape is of great concern.
Expertise: Phytosanitary and Biosecurity Workgroup | Integrated Pest Management Group
Research team
- Dr Minette Karsten
- Dr Renate Smit
- Dr Julia Meitz-Hopkins
- Prof Pia Addison
- Dr Shelley Johnson
- Prof Gerhard Pietersen
- Dr Marelize de Villiers
- Ms Marehette Liprini - Postdoctoral fellow
- Mr Terence Asia
- Mr Dr Nanike Esterhuizen
Projects list
- No new projects.
- Postharvest treatment using ultra low oxygen environment to control external pests in pome and stone fruit (R Smit)
- Ozone fumigation as a post-harvest phytosanitary treatment for insect pests and plant pathogens (R Smit)
- Ethyl formate as postharvest treatment to control banded fruit weevil and red spider mites on pome fruit (R Smit and M Liprini)
- Updating the quick identification guide for phytosanitary pests of South African deciduous fruit (S Johnson)
- Fresh Quarterly Sep 2024: McDonald, D. Biosecurity and bugs
- Fresh Quarterly Sep 2024: McDonald, D. Preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases.
- Hortgro Technical Symposium 3 June 2024