Genetics Research Proposals
Group B (Grade 12)

Title: DNA sequence of South African rust Fungi

Associated with our rich floral biodiversity South Africa has an even richer microbial diversity. Particularly interesting are the rust fungi which cause disease on the South African Acacia species.

Very little is known about these fungi and this project will attempt to determine the relationship between certain of the Acacia rusts and rust fungi from all over the world. The project will involve isolating fungal DNA and sequencing a specific portion of the fungal genome.

Team members:

• Brenda Wingfield
• Mike Wingfield
• Emma Steenkamp
• Teresa Coutinho
• Prof. Lise Korsten