Ms Cheyenne Theron

About

I have been involved in FABI since my undergraduate studies where, as a mentorship student, I was bitten by the metaphorical bug and have not left since. I have completed my undergraduate and MSc degrees in Plant Pathology (cum laude) at the University of Pretoria. My research focussed on what is known regarding pine needle diseases affecting non-native Pinusspp. commercially grown in the Southern Hemisphere, especially pertaining to the genera Lecanosticta and Lophodermium. Through this research we found that Le. pharomachriis the causal agent of needle blight disease on commercial pine trees in Colombia, as well as the sexual state of this species which was formally described and published in Plant Disease. The diversity and distribution of Lophodermiumspp. was also investigated using DNA sequence data of a large collection of isolates, including herbarium specimens, from Australia, Colombia, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa.

In 2023, I shifted gears and started my PhD as a member of the newly formed Kiwifruit Protection Programme (KPP). This programme, which is a collaboration between the South African Kiwi Grower’s Association and FABI, focusses on identifying pest and pathogen threats to kiwifruit production in South Africa. In this programme I will also be assisting farmers by providing a diagnostic service to identify and characterize the most important pathogens hampering kiwifruit production in our orchards.

Other than uncovering these mysteries I enjoy hiking, reading and having a braai with family and friends.

Highlights

Scientific Conferences

Theron, C. A., Wingfield, M. J., Rodas, C. A., Barnes, I. 2020. First report of Lecanosticta pharomachri on exotic pine hosts in Colombia. Mycological Society of America (MSA) Meeting, Virtual Conference, 22 July. Graphical abstract.

Theron, C. A., Marincowitz, S., Rodas, C. A., Wingfield, M. J., Barnes I. 2021. Lecanosticta pharomachri: a new and important pathogen of species propagated in the Southern Hemisphere. National Symposium on Biological Invasions, Online Symposium, 5-7 May. Pre-recorded presentation.

Research Profiles

Ms Cheyenne Theron

About

Highlights

Scientific Conferences

Galleries

My Publications