MSc (Plant Pathology)

The Master of Science in Plant Pathology entails independent research on a chosen topic conducted under a supervisor. Research projects can be selected from one of the following themes:
• fungal taxonomy (description and reclassification of known and new fungi by the application of various methods, such as molecular technology);
• applied molecular plant pathology, including the use of molecular-based techniques for the detection, diagnosis and characterisation of plant pathogenic populations of vines, deciduous fruit,
citrus and agronomic crops;
• pre- and postharvest pathology in deciduous fruit, vines and citrus (status and behaviour of inocula on fruit surfaces, infection processes and plant resistance reactions);
• stem diseases in vines (etiology, diagnosis, epidemiology and integrated management);
• use of fungicides (spray technology) and fungal resistance (sensitivity in wild populations and disruption after fungicide exposure, management of fungicide resistance in fruit orchards, vineyards
and agronomic crops); or
• integrated management (chemical, biological and alternative compounds) of diseases in deciduous fruit, vines, citrus and agronomic crops.

New or existing disease epidemics of economic importance are also researched.