Plant Health Diagnostic Services

Plant Health Diagnostic Services

In order to prevent the introduction of exotic pests of quarantine importance to South Africa the Division: Plant Health Diagnostic Services of the Directorate Plant Health, provides a professional diagnostic services to detect identified harmful plant pathogens ( nematodes,insect, mites,viruses, virus-like diseases bacteria, fungi and phytoplasmas) on imported plant propagating material and plant products in terms of the Agricultural Pest Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983).

Furthermore, the unit also provides a diagnostic service for plant material and plant products being exported, those of national importance in respect of control measures and plant certification schemes by the application of existing diagnostic techniques, procedures and advanced facilities.

Entomology

Nematology

Pathology

Virology

To contact us:
Mr. Nolan Africander
Division: Plant Health Diagnostic
Services
Private Bag X5015
Stellenbosch
7599

Phone: +27 21 8091621
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Entomology

Entomology

The Entomology section renders a diagnostic service for insect and mites found on imported and exported plant material.

We inspect all imported propagation material microscopically to guard our country against foreign insect and mite pests and identify insects for different export programmes.

Insects are identified by using morphological characteristics and molecular techniques. 

We are involved in a DNA barcoding project for the identification of mealybugs and scales.

To contact us:

Mr. Nolan Africander
Division: Plant Health Diagnostic Services
Private Bag X5015
Stellenbosch
7599

Phone: +27 21 8091621
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pseudococcus longispinus

Inspection of imported fruit

Nematology

Nematology

Nematodes (also called eelworms or roundworms) are the most abundant multicellular animals on earth.  They belong in the Phylum Nematoda of the kingdom Animalia.  Different species of plant-parasitic nematodes can inhabit and infect most living parts of plants, including flower buds, stems, leaves, and roots. 

The Nematology section is involved in the detection and identification of plant-parasitic nematodes of quarantine importance.  Extractions are performed on imported plant material and commodities intended for export.  We are also involved in the optimization of DNA based methods for the identification of nematodes.

To contact us:

Mr. Nolan Africander
Division: Plant Health Diagnostic Services
Private Bag X5015
Stellenbosch
7599

Phone: +27 21 8091621
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pathology

Pathology

The plant pathology section's main function is the detection of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi of quarantine importance.

Currently conventional methods are employed for detection of bacteria and the BIOLOG system is used for the identification of bacteria.

Conventional detection methods are also employed for fungi and identification is done by using taxonomic keys. Molecular techniques are currently under investigations for bacterial and fungal identification.

To contact us:

Mr. Nolan Africander
Division: Plant Health Diagnostic Services
Private Bag X5015
Stellenbosch
7599

Phone: +27 21 8091621
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hypersensitivity test

Fungal culture

Virology

Virology

In the Virology / Phytoplasmology section all imported plant material are tested for the presence of foreign viruses, viroids and phytoplasmas.

Diagnostic methods employed include the E nzyme- L inked I mmunosorbent A ssay (ELISA), biological indexing (herbaceous and woody indicators) and Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).

Tissue extracts are examined in an electron microscope for the presence of virus-like particles as needed.

PCR assays are used for phytoplasma detection.

To contact us:

Mr. Nolan Africander
Division: Plant Health Diagnostic Services
Private Bag X5015
Stellenbosch
7599

Phone: +27 21 8091621
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EM image of TMV

Viral symptoms on apples