At the Department
Conservation Ecology and Entomology a third year introductory undergraduate
semester course in Nematology is presented, which includes plant and insect
nematodes. Emphasis is place on the morphological characteristics of diagnostic
value, which also forms the basis of the taxonomic classification of nematodes.
General reproduction and biology, control of plant parasitic nematodes
and the control of insects with the use of entomopathogenic nematodes
are covered. Focus is placed on the biology, identification and control
of plant parasitic genera of economic importance to agriculture. The lectures
are combined with 14 practical session in which extraction techniques,
symptoms and live specimens of nematodes are being studied by stereo and
light microscopy. At the end of the module the student is familiar with
the theoretical, as well as practical knowledge of plant parasitic nematodes
and the biological control of insects using nematodes. Students attending
the undergraduate semester course in Nematology are from Plant pathology,
Viticulture, Horticulture and Soil Sciences.
Three MSc students are enrolled for 2008 with entomopathogenic nematodes
as the main topic for their MSc dissertation.
Research Projects
The following research projects are currently running at the University
of Stellenbosch.
1. Use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for the control of codling
moth (Cydia pomonella) in fruit bins.
2. Biological control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella)
with EPNs in laboratory and field trails.
3. An investigation into the control of the banded fruit weevil (Phlyctinus
callosus) by using EPNs.
4. Control of false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta)
using EPNs.
5. Biological control of mealy bugs (Pseudococcus viburni)
with EPNs.
Contact info
Dr. Antoinette P. Malan
Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology
Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University
Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602
South Africa
Tel: +27 21 808 2821
Cell: 072 3400843
Fax: + 27 21 808 3546
apm@sun.ac.za
www.sun.ac.za/consent
