https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1 Sat, 02 May 2026 10:22:54 GMT 2026-05-02T10:22:54Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1049 Title: Host status and sensitivity of cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) to Meloidogyne enterolobii. Authors: Mabuela, Amogelang.; Masenya, Tsobedi Absalom.; Dube, Zakheleni Palane.; Zulu, Nkosingiphile Fortunate.; Maila, Mmatshelo Yvonne. Abstract: Cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) is a medicinal plant with extensive medicinal properties and pharmacological applications. The attempts to increase the cultivation of the cancer bush are hampered by new incidences of nematode pests, such as Meloidogyne enterolobii. For an effective management strategy to be developed against a nematode pest, the host status and sensitivity of the test plant need to be empirically established. Hence, the objective of the study was to establish the host status and sensitivity of S. frutescens to M. enterolobii. To achieve this objective, S. frutenscens seedlings were subjected to 0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 625, 1250 and 3125 M. enterolobii eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) under microplot and shade net conditions in 2024. At 56 days post-inoculation, plant and nematode variables were measured, and the reproductive factor (RF) was calculated. The RFs in both experiments were greater than 1 at nematode levels below 50, and below one at higher levels, establishing the M. enterolobii reproductive equilibrium position at 50 inoculum levels under these two growth conditions. However, not all cancer bush growth variables were affected by the M. enterolobii infection. The empirical evidence from this study indicates that the cancer bush is tolerant to M. enterolobii. Description: Published version Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1049 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1048 Title: Integrating GIS–based inverse distance weighting and multivariate statistical techniques to assess surface water quality within a sub–tropical river system. Authors: Munyai, Linton Fhatuwani.; Mthombeni, Manelisi.; Mpopetsi, Pule Peter.; Dalu, Tatenda. Abstract: Freshwater ecosystems worldwide are facing significant pressures due to the ever–increasing human activities. Land–use intensification has been closely associated with water quality degradation and loss of freshwater biodiversity. In this study, we utilised inverse distance weighted method to assess spatio–temporal concentrations of metals, nutrients and other physicochemical variables in the Komati River, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Water quality measurements were taken from nine sampling sites along the Nkomati River and its tributaries –across three seasons i.e, cool–dry (June 2021), hot–wet (December 2021) and hot–dry (February 2024). The results of two–way ANOVA revealed that physicochemical, nutrients and metals variables such as temperature, salinity, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and sediment phosphorus differed significantly across sites and seasons. Correlation matrix indicated significant relationships between water quality parameters and different land cover types, with pH and temperature exhibiting a strong positive correlation with settlement and agricultural areas. Elevated nitrate concentrations observed in the Nkomati River suggest significant nutrient enrichment, likely linked to adjacent agricultural activities. The findings of this study offer valuable scientific insight for guiding land use planning and policy development aimed at protecting freshwater resources in sub–tropical river systems. This highlights the need for targeted conservation and management interventions, particularly within the lowveld regions, to mitigate nutrient loading into the river systems. Description: Published version Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1048 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1047 Title: Unpacking water scarcity adaptation strategies for sustainable food production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Authors: Sithole, Moses Zakhele.; Morepje, Mishal Trevor.; Mokoena, Tevin Ian. Abstract: Building resilient and sustainable food production systems is a major challenge in Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) due to environmental, climatic, and economic pressures. Farmers in the region must adopt effective adaptation strategies to maintain productivity and contribute toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, “Zero Hunger.” Among these, water scarcity adaptation strategies are critical for building resilient food systems that also address poverty reduction. However, various obstacles hinder their widespread adoption, and documentation on these strategies remains fragmented. This paper examines available water scarcity adaptation strategies, the opportunities and challenges faced by farmers, and the policy and infrastructure implications for sustainable food production. The findings highlight the essential role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in adopting these strategies. IKS supports natural resource conservation, promotes inclusive market participation, strengthens institutional frameworks, and improves resource-use efficiency under climate stress. The paper recommends further research on transferring Indigenous Knowledge to future generations and exploring the role of policy in preserving and promoting IKS, especially within the SSA context. Emphasizing Indigenous Knowledge is crucial for creating sustainable, resilient agricultural systems that can thrive amid the region’s growing environmental challenges. Description: Published version Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1047 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1046 Title: Metal tolerance and phytoaccumulation potential of drypteris pentheri (Krasser) C.CHR. Authors: Kola, Elizabeth.; Munyai, C.; Mpopetsi, P.; Dondofema, Farai.; Munyai L. F.; Dalu, Tatenda. Abstract: Globally, heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic activities cause serious health and environmental risks, especially in water systems. Phytoremediation is a promising approach for removing metal contaminants in the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of a fern, Dryopteris pentheri (Krasser) C. Chr. to take up, accumulate, and tolerate heavy metals. The study was conducted in a controlled environment where plants were cultivated in 20 L dishes filled with wetland water for 7 days under control, low and high metal concentrations. Overall, D. pentheri contained high concentrations of selected metals; however, composition and concentrations differed across plant parts, with roots containing exceptionally high concentrations of Na, Mg, and K. Both bioaccumulation and translocation factors were greater than 1 for some selected metals in the roots, indicating that D. pentheri is a hyperaccumulator and has shown the ability to tolerate metals by increasing chlorophyll content under high metal concentrations after prolonged exposure. Therefore, D. pentheri stands as a good candidate for removing metals from aquatic environments. Description: Published version Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1046 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z