Current research

I am currently a PhD student at the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) supervised by Dr. Pia Addison, Prof. John Terblanche and Prof. Bettine Jansen van Vuuren (University of Johannesburg, South Africa).
My research aims to integrate different techniques, including population genetics and taxonomy to shed light on gene flow patterns and diversity of fruit flies in South Africa. My project has applications for control strategies, where information on population genetic structure, diversity and rapid identification methods will assist in creating a viable area-wide integrated pest management strategy.
Fruit flies have an increasing effect on fruit producers in South Africa, not only through direct damage to fruit but also through quarantine restrictions on export limiting market access. Establishing the diversity of Tephritidae in orchards and agro-ecological habitats, will assist by providing a better understanding of fruit fly ecology and can help prevent species mis-identification in the field. Secondly, the first step in managing fruit flies is to have the ability to rapidly identify them in any life stage, especially in immature stages where they are difficult to identify. Thus, the project will investigate the development of a molecular method to assist in rapid identification in the field. Finally, one of the most important aspects of running a successful area-wide pest management program is to have knowledge of the population genetic structure of a pest species. I will therefore investigate the population genetic structure, the gene flow and the dispersal ability of a Ceratitis species in South Africa. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research will improve understanding of fruit fly dynamics in agriculture with the aim of improving management and intervention strategies.