Suhail Rafudeen | Plant Stress Group
Research | Publications | Collaborations | Lab members |
![]() Dr Suhail Rafudeen E-mail:suhail.rafudeen@uct.ac.za | Telephone: +27 21 650 3263 | Facsimile: +27 21 650 1861 |
Research |
My main research aim is to understand the molecular mechanisms of abiotic and biotic stress responses in plants and biotechnological improvement of crop plants important to Africa. I have an interest in plant biotic stress responses to plant viruses and fungal pathogens. I have recently initiated research into Fusarium verticillioides infection of maize which results in Fusarium ear rot disease. It is considered to be one of the most serious fungal pathogens affecting S. African maize farmers. We have completed an RNA-seq study of Fusarium infection of an African maize line with the aim of finding genes and promoter elements that can be used to improve maize defense against this disease. We have also examined genetic diversity and distribution of Aspergillus flavus isolates in different Kenyan counties with the aim of finding the reasons for the frequent cases of aflatotoxin poisoning in certain counties. This has been coupled with finding a biocontrol strategy to limit toxigenic A. flavus infection. |
Selected publications |
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Collaborations |
Prof Jill Farrant (MCB), Dr Shane Murray (CPGR), Dr Anwar Jardine (Chemistry, UCT) |
Lab members |
Ali Kiyaei - PhD | The PR10 protein is believed to play a role in plant adaptation to extreme environmental stresses. Despite its apparent role in plant defense responses, its exact biological functions are still unknown. Molecular studies on the isolated PR10 from Xerophyta viscosa would further our understanding on this PR Protein family. Hawwa Gabier - PhD | I am analysing the Maize and Xerophyta viscosa phosphoproteomes and transcriptomes in response to dehydration stress. The understanding of how Maize and Xerophyta viscosa signalling pathways are regulated in response to dehydration will provide us with information on how to improve abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Naadirah Moola - MSc Alfred Mitema - PhD | Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by the filamentous fungi Aspergillus species. My research focuses on the isolation and characterization of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes and on the study of biocontrol strategies for aflatoxin mitigation. I use A. flavus strains isolated from maize kernels sampled from different geographical regions in Kenya. |