Post Graduate Candidates Micronutrient evaluation and in vitro clonal propagation of superior genotypes of selected African leafy vegetables (ALVs). Philisiwe Mhlanga (PhD Candidate) BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu MSc Biology (University of KwaZulu Natal). Telephone: 031 260 1658 Email: philisiwemhlanga@yahoo.com Micronutrient deficiencies amongst the rural populations of South Africa are primarily caused by inadequate diet and have led to poor health and high rates of mortality within many of these communities. This can be alleviated through the consumption of nutrient high ALVs. My research aims to screen and select the high micronutrient yielding genotypes of leafy Cucumis anguria and C. metuliferus followed by their in vitro mass propagation to create naturally breeding populations that maintain the superior micronutrient producing ability. These populations will be provided to targeted community gardens in the EThekwini region. Prof Paula Watt
Increasing the yield and investigating germplasm conservation in superior genotypes of Amaranthus dubius. Amaranthus dubius is among the many plant Preleen Reddy (MSc Candidate) BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu Natal). species boasting high nutritional value but is underutilized in rural communities that would substantially benefit from this leafy crop. The objectives of my study are to improve the yield of superior (high micronutrient producing) A. dubius genotypes using in vitro clonal propagation; to develop in vitro storage protocols of these superior genotypes using cryopreservation and/or minimal growth and to test somaclonal variation in plants regenerated from in vitro storage. Email: 211507972@stu.ukzn.ac.za Dr. Dalia Varghese
Selection and micropropagation of Solanum nigrum genotypes with varying calcium and iron content The aim of this research was to determine if the clones of selected S. nigrum genotypes maintain similar levels of leaf Ca and Fe to their parents. The leaves of a population of 50 genotypes were screened for their Ca and Fe content and genotypes with high or low levels of Ca and Fe were selected for micropropagation. Subsequent to micropropagation, the effect of physiological age and substrate type were also investigated on the leaf Ca and Fe content of the cloned plants. Kimerra Goordiyal (MSc Candidate) BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu BSc Hons Biological Science (University of KwaZulu Natal) MSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu Prof Paula M Watt Email: kimmyg143@gmail.com
Influence of various environmental conditions on the calcium and iron content of superior genotypes of Solanum nigrum Iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) deficiencies are prevalent in South Africa, therefore, the focus of this study is on Solanum nigrum, an African leafy vegetable which is high in Fe and Ca. The aim is to test the superior clones for their micronutrient content after various cycles of clonal multiplication followed by different environmental conditions in the greenhouse. Megan Sigamoney (MSc Candidate) BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu BSc Hons Biological Science (University of KwaZulu Natal) Prof Paula MP Watt Email:209516605@stu.ukzn.ac.za
Screening, selection and in vitro clonal propagation of Momordica balsamina genotypes with high calcium and magnesium content An inadequate diet is a major factor of micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies in the rural populations of South Africa. An essential survival strategy for many rural communities has been to utilize indigenous crops known as African Leafy Vegetables. This Raveshnee Reddy (MSc Candidate) BSc Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu BSc Hons Biological Sciences (University of KwaZulu Natal). Email: 211502111@stu.ukzn.ac.za research project focuses on the in vitro and greenhouse germination and micropropagation of the leafy vegetable Momordica balsamina. Since literature suggests that M. balsamina is rich in magnesium and calcium, this project aims to screen a large population of germinated seedlings of M. balsamina for the selection of genotypes with superior micronutrient producing ability. Dr. Muhammad Nakhooda
Sexual breeding and screening of Solanum nigrum superior genotypes for enhanced nutrient content. My research involves multiplying Solanum nigrum plants which are high in Iron (Fe) and Calcium (Ca) content. Multiplication of these superior genotypes are accomplished via established micropropagation protocols. The various superior genotypes will be sexually bred, and the resulting F1 progeny screened for their Fe and Ca content. Dr Shakira Shaik Prof Paula Watt Duran Chetty (MSc Candidate) BSc Biological Science (University of KwaZulu BSc Hons Biological Science (University of KwaZulu Natal). Email:213541656@stu.ukzn.ac.za
Screening, selection and clonal propagation of Amaranthus dubius genotypes with different calcium and iron content For many rural communities, the practice of collecting edible plants rich in protein, vitamins and micronutrients is essential to their survival. Of interest Phindile Dladla (MSc Candidate) BSc Agricultural Science (University of KwaZulu Telephone: 0767053263 Email: 209517595@stu.ukzn.ac.za in this study are African leafy vegetables (ALVs) which have been reported to have high micronutrient content. In this regard, this study aimed to germinate and evaluate the variation in calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) content within a small natural breeding population of Amaranthus dubius seedlings. In addition, it established a micropropagation protocol and determined some of the effects of micropropagation, acclimatisation on soil (S) and soil:vermiculite (1S:1V) and the plants physiological age (time) on the accumulation of Ca and Fe content. Dr. S. Shaik Prof P Watt