My research study aims at identifying farmer-preferred sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) lines with desirable tuber yield and other agronomic traits, and sensory characteristics among the 20 varieties bred at the ARC. In addition, determine the effect of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) and to investigate UAV-derived biophysical indicators such as leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content including vegetation indices for predicting sweet potato yield in different varieties.
I obtained my Msc in Plant Breeding from the University of the Free State. The study was focusing on developing resistant sweet potato cultivars against Fusariumoxysporumf.sp. batatas.Fusariumoxysporumf.sp. batatasis a fungal pathogen reported to cause wilting in susceptible sweet potato cultivars in South Africa which has a negative effect on the commercial production of sweet potato. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of resistance or susceptibility among the imported and South African cultivars against selected Fusarium wilt isolates; to hybridize local sweet potato cultivars with imported sources of resistance. Furthermore, to conduct greenhouse screening of progenies from hybridization for resistance to Fusarium wilt and validate resistance of promising selected lines through a field trial. Additionally, to determine the genetic diversity of progenies using molecular techniques.
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MSc: Plant Breeding (with a distinction), University of the Free State
Honours: Plant Breeding, University of the Free State
BTech: Agricultural Management, Tshwane University of Technology
N Diploma: Commercial Mixed Farming, Tshwane University of Technology
Philemon Tsele, Abel Ramoelo, Lucy Moleleki, Sunette Laurie, Whelma Mphela, Natasha Tshuma (2025) Leaf area index-based phenotypic assessment of sweet potato varieties using UAV multispectral imagery and a hybrid retrieval approach. Smart Agricultural Technology, Volume 11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2025.100960.
Seventy years of sweet potato [ Ipomoea batatas L. (LAM)] research in South Africa (journal article) Laurie, Sunette M. Mulabisana, Julia. Sutherland, Rene. Sivakumar, Dharini. Pofu, Kgabo. Mphela, Whelma M. Truter, Mariette. du Plooy, Ian. Araya, Nadia. Araya, Hintsa. Bairu, Michael W.Crop Science, volume 64, issue 3, pages 1112-1128 (2024).10.1002/csc2.21097
Naidoo SIM, Laurie SM, M Booyse, H Shimelis, MD Laing, Mphela WM (2024) Early generation clonal selection of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) using an accelerated breeding scheme. Euphytica (2024) 220:19
Laurie SM and Mphela WM (2022) Consumer acceptability of fried chips made from South African sweet potato cultivars. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 290-298
Mphela WM, Laurie SM, Bihon W, Minnaar-Ontong A (2022) Development of Fusarium wilt resistant lines in Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]. Euphytica 218:68
Naidoo SIM, Laurie SM, Booyse M, Mphela WM, Makunde GS, Shimelis H, Laing MD (2021) Combining ability, heterosis and heritability of sweetpotato root protein, β-carotene, sugars and mineral composition 11(14): 1802
Mulabisana MJ, Cloete M, Laurie SM, Mphela W, Maserumule MM, Nhlapo TF, Cochrane NM, Oelofse D, Rey MEC (2019) Yield evaluation of multiple and co-infections of begomoviruses and potyviruses on sweet potato varieties under field conditions and confirmation of multiple infection by NGS. Crop Protection Journal 119: 102-112
Laurie S, Calitz F, Mtileni M, Mphela W, Tjale S (2017) Performance of informal market sweet potato cultivars in on-farm trials in South Africa. Open Agriculture Journal
Naidoo SIM, Laurie SM, Odeny DA, Vorster BJ, Mphela WM, Greyling MM, Crampton BG (2016) Genetic study of yield and flesh colour in sweet potato. African Crop Science Journal
Promotion of vitamin A-enriched sweetpotato for production by small-scale commercial farmers in South Africa. (book chapter) In Potato and sweetpotato in Africa: transforming the value chains for food and nutrition security Laurie, S. M. Mtileni, M. M. Mphela, W. M. Berg, A. A. van den, Ramathavhana, T. Sediane, L. Maraganedzha, T. Plooy, C. P. du CABI (2015) 10.1079/9781780644202.0533