Harnessing Next-Generation Sequencing for Large-Scale Fungal Surveillance and Diagnostics in Sorghum

Project overview: Identification of fungal communities within the sorghum phyllosphere from symptomatic samples via Next-Generation Sequencing

Sorghum is vital for food security in drought-prone areas of South Africa. However, fungal diseases such as leaf blight, anthracnose, and panicle blight significantly reduce yields and grain quality. With limited recent data, this project seeks to characterize fungal communities affecting sorghum across major production regions.

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), fungal species will be identified and analyzed to determine their distribution and association with environmental factors like temperature and moisture. Symptomatic leaf samples will be collected from sorghum fields during key growth stages, with DNA extraction and bioinformatics tools used to profile fungal diversity.

This research will provide critical baseline data for monitoring fungal pathogens and detecting emerging threats. By understanding how environmental conditions influence fungal populations, the findings will inform disease management strategies that improve sorghum resilience and productivity.

The project aligns with South Africa’s goals of strengthening agricultural sustainability and enhancing food security. Its outcomes will benefit farmers by offering improved diagnostics and environmentally friendly solutions for disease control, ensuring the viability of sorghum as a staple crop in vulnerable regions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bryan Cassone

Student:

Partner:

University of the Free State

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Other

University:

Brandon University

Program: