UMP Scholarship Collection:

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal influence on Sutherland frutescens secondary metabolites, performance and saline stress alleviation.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal influence on Sutherland frutescens secondary metabolites, performance and saline stress alleviation. Authors: Mabila, Stanley Wandile. Abstract: The global population is continuously increasing, leading to a corresponding rise in demand for valuable medicinal plants, such as cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens L. (Br.)). Nevertheless, arable land is scanty, while the available land has high concentrations of salt ions, NaCl and CaCl2. Alternative sustainable solutions to manage the one are necessary to safeguard the land for future use, while maintaining food security demands. Such solutions include the use of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) fungi, which haves become a hot topic and efficient solution to abiotic stress incidences. The objectives of the study were to: (1) determine whether VAM fungi will improve growth and yield of S. frutescens and alleviate salinity stress (2) evaluate whether biosynthesis and accumulation of phytochemicals of S. frutescens will be influenced using VAM fungi in reducing salinity. A shade net and microplot experiments were conducted at the University of Mpumalanga in 2024. The two independent experiments were carried out as a 4x4 factorial arrangement laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments comprised of different levels of VAM (0, 10, 20, and 30 g) and chloride salinity (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 dS m⁻¹), formulated as a 3:1 mixture of sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂). The data collected included growth, physiological and plant biomass. The results in both experiments have shown that treatments had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on plant growth variables. Among the measured plant variables in experiment 1, VAM fungi had a significant impact (p < 0.05) on stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and the number of branches, accounting for 94.21%, 96.76%, and 98.11% of the total treatment variation (TTV). Similarly, in experiment 2, VAM fungi had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on chlorophyll, stem diameter, and plant fresh weight, contributing to a TTV of 91.99%, 98.12%, and 91.09%. The results revealed that, the v applied VAM fungi in Experiment 1, had relative positive effect on stem diameter, chlorophyll, and plant fresh weight compared to the control with a relative impact (RI) of 204.55 to 588.74%, 101.61 to 314.6% and 1350.96 to 5253.65%, respectively. While in experiment 2, VAM fungi increased chlorophyll content, stem diameter, and plant fresh weight with a RI of 85.59 to 278.88%, 307.34 to 890.40%, and 65.40 to 207.87%, respectively. The interactive application of salt and VAM treatment exhibited a notable impact on pH, among the measured variables in Experiment 1 only, with a TTV of 30.37%. The interactive application (0*75dS m⁻¹) resulted in the increase of soil pH by 18%. Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi, salt treatments, the interaction of salt and VAM fungi had a significant effect on the TPC in experiment 1, contributing 30.01%, 40.30%, and 29.25% of the TTV, while in Experiment 2, treatments had a substantial effect on TPC with a TTV of 98.43, 0.33, and 0.47%, respectively. Similarly, VAM fungi, salt treatments, and the interaction of salt and VAM fungi had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the TFC in Experiments 1 and 2, contributing to the TTV of 98.43%, 1.21%, and 0.35% and the TTV of 99.7%, 0.02% and 0.27%, respectively. The results demonstrated that, VAM boosts plant resilience to saline stress, enhances physiological traits, and affects the accumulation of secondary metabolites. The interaction of VAM and salinity treatments influenced TPC in experiment 2 only. The TPC was increased by the interaction with relative impact of 15.37% to 72.05%. Similar results were observed for TFC, where in experiment 1 and 2, the interaction increased the TFC by 0.07 to 0.57% in Experiment 1, whereas in experiment 2, TFC was reduced by 3.71% to 4.47%. Thus, the integration of VAM fungi in the cultivation of S. frutescens is a viable approach to augmenting plant development and resilience in saline stress conditions. It is advisable to conduct additional studies to enhance the techniques of VAM application aimed at optimising plant productivity and the biosynthesis of metabolites. Description: Dissertation(Master(Science in Agriculture))--University of Mpumalanga, 2026

Effects of rolling blackouts and extreme weather conditions on smallholder poultry farmers’ profitability: Nkomazi Municipality.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of rolling blackouts and extreme weather conditions on smallholder poultry farmers’ profitability: Nkomazi Municipality. Authors: Tshabalala, Fortunate Nelisiwe. Abstract: Smallholder poultry farming plays an essential role in rural South African livelihoods and food security; yet, increasing energy instability and climate variability threaten its sustainability. This study investigated the effects of rolling blackouts and extreme weather conditions on the profitability of smallholder poultry farmers in selected areas of Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. This study specifically examined smallholder poultry farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, perceived and experienced challenges, profitability outcomes, and coping strategies adopted in response to energy and climate-related disruptions. A mixed-methods research design was employed in the study, as primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 90 smallholder poultry farmers (n=90). Descriptive statistics, Likert scale analysis, gross margin analysis, and multiple linear regression models were employed to analyse the data. Additionally, gross margin (GM) was used as the primary measure of profitability, while regression analysis assessed both accounting-based determinants and contextual effects of rolling blackouts and extreme weather conditions. The study findings revealed that most smallholder poultry farmers (92.2%) generated positive gross margins (R13, 973.00); however, profitability was highly volatile, ranging from R17,500.00 to R39,68.00 and sensitive to external shocks. Total variable costs had a statistically significant negative effect on profitability (p < 0.01), while price per bird exerted a positive influence (p < 0.01). Rolling blackouts and extreme weather conditions indirectly reduced profitability through increased operational disruptions, cost volatility, and bird mortality. Although farmers employed coping mechanisms such as alternative lighting, informal temperature regulation, and structural adaptations, 60% of the respondents reported having limited access to affordable energy alternatives, extension services, and 87% lacked financial support, which constrained their effectiveness. The study concludes that while smallholder poultry farming remains economically viable in the short term, its profitability is fragile under persistent energy and climate stressors. Strengthening energy reliability, improving access to extension services, promoting climate resilient infrastructure, and enhancing market and financial support mechanisms are essential to improving the long-term resilience and sustainability of smallholder poultry enterprises. Description: Dissertation (Master(Science in Agriculture))-- University of Mpumalanga, 2026

Influence of maerua angolensis and tabernaemontana elegans extracts application time on tomato growth and nematode management.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Influence of maerua angolensis and tabernaemontana elegans extracts application time on tomato growth and nematode management. Authors: Zulu, Nkosingiphile Fortunate. Abstract: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) is amongst the most common vegetable crops grown in South Africa and an essential part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, its production is negatively impacted by various pests, including the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne enterolobii, which cause high yield losses. The use of synthetic chemical nematicides has been very successful as a control method. Unfortunately, there are many challenges associated with it, including the negative impact on the environment, people and animals, hence most have been removed from the agrochemical markets. An alternative method of plant extracts has recently received a lot of research and development, however, the method comes with inconsistent results from several factors, among which is time of application, hence the current study seeks to determine the effect of time of application of the two medicinal plant extracts, M. angolensis and T. elegans on nematode population densities and tomato plant growth under greenhouse and field conditions. Two experiments were established to achieve the objective, a greenhouse experiment of 2 x 2 x 3 + 2 factorial arrangement with the first factor being two plant extracts (M. angolensis and T. elegans) applied at a recommended rate of 5g per plant, and the second factor consisted of two nematodes (M. javanica and M. enterolobii) at 5000 eggs and J2 per plant. The third factor was made up of three application and inoculation times (plant extract applied before nematode inoculation; plant extract applied simultaneously with nematode inoculation and plant extract applied after nematode inoculation) plus positive experiment control (Crop Guard, a.i. furfural, aldehyde 900g/L) and negative control (plants only inoculated with nematodes) with 5 replications. While a field experiment consisted of five treatments namely, the application interval of plant extracts and positive control (Crop Guard) weekly, every second, third and fourth week. Field treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 15 replications. Greenhouse experiment was done over two seasons: summer and autumn, 2023 and 2024, respectively, and field experiment was done once in 2024. At 56 days after the last treatment application, nematode and plant growth variables were measured from both experiments. Under greenhouse conditions, all second order interactions of season, nematode and time of application had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on all measured variables, except on juveniles in soil and juveniles in tomato root. While the first-order interactions of season and plant extracts, season and time of application were only significant for eggs in tomato root, juveniles in tomato root, total number of nematodes in root and final nematode populations. Generally, all three plant extract applications had a significant effect on the two nematodes, more nematodes were observed in summer than in winter across all treatments, also more nematodes were in tomato roots than in soil. Across all other factors, M. angolensis reduced nematode variables more than T. elegans. Applying plant extracts after inoculation yielded the lowest nematode numbers, followed by simultaneous application, with plant extract applied before nematode inoculation having the highest numbers. Across all measured variables, positive control consistently achieved lower nematode numbers than negative control. Under field conditions, nematode suppression was highest when plant extracts were applied weekly, as evidenced by a significantly decreased numbers of eggs in tomato root, juveniles in soil, total nematode in tomato root and final nematode population relative to the negative control. In conclusion, both plant extracts can be used in the suppression of nematodes even though best results can be obtained from M. angolesis applied weekly after nematode infestations Description: Dissertation (Master(Science in Agriculture))--University of Mpumalanga, 2026

Assessment of the market accessibility of small holder farmers in Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessment of the market accessibility of small holder farmers in Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa. Authors: Zondi, Nkonzo Njabulo. Abstract: Smallholder farmers in South Africa often find themselves confronted with several challenges that affect their potential for growth and prevent them from having the ability to effectively contribute to income generation. This study examined the challenges and opportunities of smallholder farmers to market accessibility. A quantitative research approach has been key in achieving the aim of this study, it broadened the scope and allowed more quantification and improved results reliability. Closed-ended structured questionnaires were employed to ensure ease, flexibility, and honesty of respondents. SPSS software was used to capture and produce cross-tabulation and frequency tables to analyse data using a descriptive analysis method. A sample of 356 respondents was randomly drawn from all four Local Municipalities in Ehlanzeni District, ensuring adherence to all ethical concerns. Results revealed the significance of agriculture and the significant reliance to sustainable livelihoods as well as the impact it has on the socio-economic conditions of the smallholder farmers. The majority (46.3%) of smallholder farmers sell directly to consumers, while 0.5% of respondents spend 51-60% money on their trade return, and 61, 5% respondents spend between 10-20% on transportation costs. Most (36.8%) of the respondents rely on farming as their means of income. Therefore, market access of the respondents is informal (50.6%), with a higher return in the formal market, with a good price rate. An overwhelming (69.1%) of the respondents are aware of institutions that provide support for their production, with a majority (82.5%) already receiving support. However, the most dominant institutional support (29.8%) received by smallholder farmers is agricultural advice from extension officers. The challenges diagnosed, which include a total 60,4% agreement rate, knowledge, 64.4% transportation, and 80.6% competition, are concrete issues that affect optimal market participation. Therefore, prioritization of infrastructure, intensification of marketing information dissemination channels, community outreach, and development of financial support programs: production and marketing costs, market accreditation, and promotion of diversification of market channels. With the necessary business management skills, smallholder farmers will be able to formulate professionally viable business plans targeting private businesses looking to partner with community farmers for rural agricultural development projects. This study established that inadequate financial resources lead to a lack of facilities to store produce. Appropriate agricultural role players, such as the DADRLEA in conjunction with local municipalities, need to assist smallholder farmers in securing the necessary funds to construct vegetable cold storage facilities.” Description: Dissertation (Master(Agriculture in Agricultural Extension))--University of Mpumalanga, 2025