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RAW 2017 summary
No full textThe Grants Management and Systems Administration (GMSA) Directorate hosted its 8th annual Research Administrators Workshop (RAW) from 9 to 11 October 2017 in the Western Cape. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders from universities and science councils across South Africa, including international delegates, to share experiences and best practices in research administration and management
Open Access Seminar University of Zululand
No full textIn pursuit of OPENNESS: Scholarly Communication and Open Access (OA) issues at UNIZULU, 17 March 2017
Measurement of bioactive trace metals (Cu and Zn) in the Southern ocean: validation of sampling protocol and ICP-MS based analytical technique
No full textA method comprising an improved seawater collection protocol and subsequent Inductively Coupled
Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) based analytical technique was validated through an intercalibration
exercise performed with the University of Plymouth (UK), multiple cross-over stations and analyses of
certified reference materials (SAFe, GEOTRACES and NASS-5). The commercially available seaFAST-pico
preconcentration module was employed for the simultaneous extraction of a suite of trace metals (Mn,
Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Cd and Pb) from their seawater matrix prior to ICP-MS analysis. Extremely low detection
limits (< 0.228 nmol/kg) combined with low blank values ensured quantitive recovery on ICP-MS and
minimal interferences arising from alkali and alkaline earth metals (Na, K, Mg and Ca) present in the saline
matrix. The results of the certified reference materials were in excellent agreement with their
corresponding consensus values and validated the methods precision and accuracy. During ICP-MS
analysis, repeatability and reproducibility were monitored through analysis of an internal Stellenbosch
University (SU) TM4 control and various commercially available quality controls, the results of which
further confirmed a high level of precision. The distribution of Dissolved Copper (DCu) and Dissolved Zinc
(DZn) was investigated in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. DCu displayed typical nutrient type
behaviour reflected by sub-nanomolar surface concentrations increasing steadily until maximum
observed concentrations of 2 – 3 nmol/kg in the Antarctic Bottom Waters (AABW). DZn concentrations
ranged between approximately 1 and 12 nmol/kg and exhibited characteristic nutrient-type behaviour
although intermediate and deepwater distributions were more conservative compared to DCu. Local
subsurface minima coincided with elevated levels of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) indicating biological utilisation
by phytoplankton in the euphotic zone. Remineralisation of sinking organic matter, predominantly diatom
frustules, from Antarctic Surface Water (AASW) resulted in deeper sub-surface maxima for DZn. The
dominant supply of trace metals to surface waters south of the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) was advective
upwelling of nutrient rich Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) and AABW. Atmospheric inputs and
melting ice accounted for minor surface influxes where there was a poor DCu/salinity correlation. Both
trace elements displayed significant correlations with the macronutrient silica, evidence of their role in
the biological cycle. An overall Cu:Si relationship of Cu (nM) = 0.011 Si (μM) + 0.851 (R2 = 0.85, n=98) was
obtained for this study while the corresponding Zn:Si relationship was Zn (nM) = 0.043 Si (μM) + 1.021 (R2
= 0.80, n=98). The APF exerted a strong control over nutrient distributions separating low nutrient low chlorophyll (LNLC) subtropical waters to the north from high nutrient low chlororphyll (HNLC) waters to
the south.National Research Foundatio
Effect of Aspalathus linearis supplementation, during anti-retroviral treatment, on the heart and aortas of male Wistar rats and the effects of drinking rooibos on the cardiovascular profile of patients on ART
No full textNational Research Foundatio
Improvement of disease resistance in wheat through the application of an integrated biotechnology approach
No full textThe international demand for wheat production is placing pressure on breeders to
increase and develop elite cultivars which are adapted to meet specific criteria such
as high grain quality and high yield potential (Francki and Appels, 2002).
Unfortunately these cultivation and agronomical demands are not the only factor
for breeders to think about when it comes to food security. More specifically,
abiotic and biotic stressor influence food security significantly. Each year 10-16 % of
global harvest is lost due to plant diseases (Oerke, 2006). Based on a Molecular
Plant Pathology survey taken in 2012, the top 10 fungal pathogens affecting crop
production was taken and Puccinia species where listed third, followed by Fusarium
graminearum (FHB) in fourth place (Dean et al., 2012). The wheat rust fungi (leaf,
stem and stripe rust) have become economical important diseases worldwide.
Puccinia have the ability to mutate, migrate and recombinate, these abilities are
predominantly the reason why wheat rust epidemics are a serious concern in wheat
growing areas around the world (Sing et al., 2002). FHB occurs in a number of wheat
growing regions (Asia, Australia, Canada, Kenya, Europe, North and South America
and South Africa) (Waalwjik et al., 2003; Guo et al., 2008; Karugia et al. 2009). The
first FHB report on wheat in South Africa was in 1980 in the North-West Province
(Scott et al., 1988). FHB produces mycotoxins that contaminate grain, causing lower
yield and quality (Leonard and Bushnell, 2003). The challenge however is to pyramid
FHB QTL and rust genes into one cultivar for durable resistance.
The aim of the study was to pyramid rust genes and FHB QTL in to one genotype by
performing the male sterility mediated marker assisted recurrent selection scheme
(MS-MARS). A segregating F1 population was provided for the MS-MARS cycle 1
from an existing pre-breeding nursery. Molecular markers were successfully
implemented to determine the gene frequenciesof rust genes (Sr2, Sr31, Sr24, Sr26,
Lr34,Lr37 and Lr19) in the segregating F1 population.The cross was between a rust
male donor and a FHB male donor population to produce two independent subpopulations
in MS-MARS cycle 1. The gene frequencies of the rust male donors
were known. The gene frequencies of the FHB male donor population were successfully determined through molecular characterization. The FHB QTL of
interest was (Qfhs.ifa-5A, 7AQTL and Qfhs.ndsu-3BS).
The gene frequencies of 40 %, 92 %, 0.8 %, 48 %, 1.68 %, 69 % and 9.45 % were
observed for Sr2, Sr24, Sr26, Sr31, Lr19, Lr34 and Lr37 respectively in the
segregating F1 base population of cycle 1. The gene frequencies of 83.30 %, 17 %
and 66.67 % were observed for Qfhs.ndsu-3BS, 7A QTL and Qfhs.ndsu-5A-1
respectively in the FHB male donor population.
Future studies will include the development of a double haploid population with
pyramided rust genes and FHB resistant QTL. Determine the effect FHB resistance
have on the bread baking properties. Phenotyping the presence of rust and FHB QTL
through inoculating the population with rust and fusarium isolates.National Research Foundatio
The biosynthesis of adrenal C11-OXY C21 steroids, implicated in 21-hydroxylase deficiency -21-desoxycortisol and 21-desoxycortisone and their metabolism
No full textNational Research Foundatio
The legal and ethical implications of implementing partial-birth abortion in South Africa
No full textNational Research Foundatio
Using genetics to prioritise headwater stream fish populations of the Marico barb, Enteromius motebensis Steindachner 1894, for conservation action
No full textSouth Africa has a relatively large number of threatened freshwater fish species and limited resources to implement conservation programs. Enteromius motebensis was regionally prioritised for action because of its conservation status and flagship status in a nationally important aquatic ecosystem. Genetic diversity of E. motebensis in headwater refugia of the Groot Marico River Catchment was assessed to determine if genetic diversity is important for conservation planning for this species. The results of the genetic analysis indicate that some prioritisation was possible, with two populations showing evidence of recent isolation.Water Research Commission (project K5/2039)South African Institute for Aquatic BiodiversityNational Research Foundation of South Africa (UID: 77444)Golder Associates LtdDepartment of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (North West Provincial Government