Gilbert Meyer

I am a plant pathology lab assistant on the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA) project that focuses on the health of pecan trees in South Africa.

I am going to conduct a research project in 2025 on Cladosporium cladosporioides in the Eastern Cape, which is a fungus that causes scab in pecans.

As a lab assistant, my responsibilities are to assist in the following:

1. Cladosporium species associated with pecan orchards in South Africa. Task 1: Conducting sequencing and constructing phylogenetic trees of Cladosporium cladosporioides, directly linked to scab on pecan in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Task 2: Prepare fungal isolates, and deposit them in the CGJM culture collection.
2. Greenhouse and pathogenicity trials of Cladosporium cladosporioides. Task 3: Inoculate detached nuts, leaves, and nursery trees with C. Cladosporioides isolates and monitor results.
3. Field trips to pecan production areas. Task 4: Assisting in sampling during field trips in the various pecan production areas in South Africa, or otherwise assisting with the preparation of practical classes for pre-graduate students while the lecturer is in the field.