MSc student
I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Microbiology under the supervision of Dr. Velushka Swart. My research focuses on evaluating the impact of the fungicide Fluazinam—commonly used as a treatment for white root rot—on the microbiome of the avocado rhizosphere. Additionally, my study investigates the potential of biocontrol agents to mitigate any adverse effects of fungicide application on the rhizosphere microbiome.
Magagula P, Swart V, Fourie A, Vermeulen A, Nelson JH, van Rooyen Z, van den Berg N. (2025) Avocado rhizosphere community profiling: white root rot and its impact on microbial composition. Frontiers in Microbiology 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1583797