Ms Sithembile Kunene

I completed my BSc Honours in Agronomy at the University of Zululand and MSc in Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. I am currently a PhD candidate in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Pretoria.

My research focuses on the characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the genus Pinus. EVs, recently recognized as functional molecular carriers, have sparked interest due to their potential applications in various biological systems. My study aims to investigate the role of EVs in South African pine species (P. patula, P. radiata,P.elliottii,andP.hybrids), particularly their capacity to transfer bioactive, plant-beneficial compounds—such as antivirulence proteins, secondary metabolites, and nucleic acids—to target cells.

This research seeks to enhance our understanding of pine biology in both natural and nursery environments, with a focus on the interactions mediated by EVs. By identifying the bioactive compounds within the lumen of Pinus EVs, I aim to elucidate their role in mediating interactions between pine species and their environment. To achieve this, I use Fusarium circinatum, a significant fungal pathogen of pine, as a model organism to assess the effects of these vesicles.

This work contributes to a deeper understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and highlights the potential of EVs as tools for improving disease resistance and fostering sustainable forestry practices.