Research in practice
Research in practice
Embedded Files
As an academic, I do not work in isolation. My research is shaped through collaboration with students, colleagues, producers, industry partners, and research institutions.
As an academic, I do not work in isolation. My research is shaped through collaboration with students, colleagues, producers, industry partners, and research institutions.
McLab Field Pathology and Epidemiology Group
McLab Field Pathology and Epidemiology Group
My research focuses on field-based plant pathology, disease epidemiology, and practical disease management in summer grain and oilseed crops, with a particular emphasis on Sclerotinia diseases. Through the McLab Field Pathology and Epidemiology Group, I contribute to research that connects field trials, pathogen diagnostics, postgraduate researcher development, industry collaboration, and farmer-focused knowledge sharing.
Much of my work is collaborative, and our projects aim to generate science that is both academically sound and useful to producers, advisors, and agricultural partners.
For more details on our current research projects, collaborations, and outputs, please visit the:
Research Approach
Research Approach
My research is grounded in the belief that plant diseases are best understood where they occur, in the field. While laboratory and analytical tools play an important role, I view careful observation of disease in agricultural systems as the starting point for meaningful scientific inquiry.
I approach research through an epidemiological lens, seeking to understand not only which pathogens are present, but also why diseases occur, how they develop over time, what factors influence risk, and how management decisions can be improved. This perspective allows me to connect biological processes with practical challenges faced by producers and agricultural stakeholders.
Many of my research projects originate from questions that emerge in the field, through time spent with farmers and agronomists, producer observations, enquiries about practices to mitigate losses, and industry-identified needs. I am particularly interested in generating knowledge that bridges scientific understanding with practical application.
Collaboration is central to my work. I value partnerships with students, researchers, producers, industry partners, and extension practitioners, recognising that meaningful progress in crop protection often requires multiple perspectives and areas of expertise. I believe that clear expectations, good communication, and mutual respect are essential for making collaborations work well and ensuring that all partners benefit meaningfully from their involvement.
As a supervisor and educator, I view research as both a process of discovery and a process of development. Alongside generating new knowledge, I aim to help students become thoughtful researchers who can ask meaningful questions, evaluate evidence critically, and contribute confidently to the scientific community.
Current Research Efforts
Current Research Efforts
Sclerotinia management in oil- and protein seed crops | A major focus of my research is the management of Sclerotinia diseases in South African oil and protein seed production systems, particularly sunflower, soybean, canola and drybean. My work considers how disease develops in the field, how risk can be monitored and interpreted, and how management decisions can be improved through epidemiological understanding, disease assessment, fungicide efficacy research, and integrated disease management. This work is strongly connected to producer needs, because Sclerotinia diseases are difficult to manage and require well-timed, evidence-based decisions. I am especially interested in translating research findings into practical guidance that can support more realistic and informed crop protection decisions.
Crop protection, fungicide efficacy, and disease management | My research contributes to crop protection by evaluating disease management strategies under field conditions. This includes fungicide efficacy trials, disease assessment, application timing, cultivar response, and evidence that supports both practical management and registration-related processes. I am interested in management approaches that are scientifically sound, field-relevant, and useful to producers, advisers, and industry partners.
Sorghum pathology and disease surveillance | Another important area of my work is sorghum pathology, with a focus on disease surveillance, field monitoring, diagnostics, and understanding the diversity of fungal diseases associated with sorghum production systems.
This work helps identify which diseases occur, where they occur, and how they may affect production. It also supports early awareness of emerging risks and strengthens the knowledge base needed for future sorghum disease management in South Africa.
Extension and engaged plant pathology | Extension is central to how I understand my role as a plant pathologist. My research is intended not only for academic outputs but also for use by producers, industry partners, students, and agricultural communities.
Through field engagement, farmer days, diagnostic support, popular articles, presentations, and research network activities, I aim to connect scientific evidence with practical disease management conversations. For me, effective plant pathology involves both generating knowledge and making it accessible, useful, and responsive to agricultural needs.
Research Funding and Capacity Building
Research Funding and Capacity Building
Securing research funding is an important part of my academic work because it enables field trials, student research, diagnostics, stakeholder engagement, and the development of long-term research capacity. I view funding not only as financial support, but as a way to build collaborative research systems that serve students, science, and agriculture.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse