Masters Degrees (Conservation Ecology and Entomology)
Recent Submissions
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Edible fynbos plants : a soil types and irrigation regime investigation on Tetragonia decumbens and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fynbos’ rich biodiversity has been a source of much economic activity with its beautiful wild flowers and world-famous Proteas. Additionally, the medicinal and health benefits of rooibos and honey bush ... -
Mapping the contours of organic agriculture : an exploratory study of an under-served population in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the challenges that organic producers face in South Africa and to determine how universities and other knowledge institutions might better support these producers. ... -
Examining the spatiotemporal dynamics of exotic plants in a montane grassland : mechanisms and management
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Despite a surge of research on exotic species in alpine habitats, a lack of reliable baseline data has inhibited long-term understanding about exotic species dynamics in mountain ecosystems across the ... -
Spatial and feeding ecology of elephant (Loxodonta africana) on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Little Karoo, South Africa.
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are megaherbivore mixed feeders. They are an important keystone species, influencing a variety of factors within an ecosystem. Historically elephants migrated ... -
Trimen’s false tiger moth, Agoma trimenii (Lepidoptera: Agaristidae) : biology and potential control options
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Trimen’s false tiger moth, Agoma trimenii (Lepidoptera: Agaristidae), has developed pest status in vineyards in the Northern Cape and Limpopo (Groblersdal area) provinces of South Africa. Larvae feed on ... -
Control of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), using entomopathogenic fungi
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), or woolly apple aphid (WAA), is a serious pest of apple trees (Malus domestica Borkhausen), attacking both the root system and the arboreal parts of ... -
The influence of local and landscape factors on arthropod predator diversity in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Globally, agriculture is under pressure to feed the increasing human population, leading to greater cropland extensification and intensification. This has numerous negative impacts on both cropland and ... -
Distribution of pests of blueberries in South Africa and re-description and behaviour of the blueberry bud mite Acalitus vaccinii (Eriophyidae)
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Blueberries (Vaccinium spp. (Ericaceae)) are native to North America. Their production in South Africa was established about 32 years ago. South Africa exports about 80% of produced blueberries to the ... -
Mesopredator abundances, prey interactions and diet of Caracal caracal and Canis mesomelas in the Gamkaberg, Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Carnivore conservation is considered a priority due to a rise in conflict between involved species and humans. Conservation strategies are thus essential in ensuring the persistence of carnivores in ... -
An assessment of alternative postharvest technologies for the disinfestation of fresh Cape Flora cut flowers for export from South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A successful industry has developed around the export of fresh Proteaceae cut flowers from South Africa. Phytosanitary insects are a barrier to export, as South African Proteaceae associates with a ... -
Prospects for using Entomopathogenic Nematodes as a biocontrol agent against Western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thripidae: Thysanoptera), is one of the most economically important pests in greenhouses, with preference being exhibited towards ... -
Impacts of the invasive tree Acacia mearnsii on riparian and instream aquatic environments in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study, I compared the notoriously invasive wattle species Acacia mearnsii, to two native woody species in terms of patterns leaf litterfall and nutrient resorption in riparian environments, and ... -
Quantifying the impacts of invasive N2-fixing plants on relative sediment loads and nutrient concentrations in mountain streams of the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Riparian zones of headwater rivers in mountain catchments of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) have been severely transformed and degraded by the invasion of woody trees species. Woody invading alien ... -
Drought stress responses in wild and cultivated Aspalathus linearis of the Suid Bokkeveld, Northern Cape Province of South Africa : linkages between local knowledge and empirical evidence
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The north-western region of the Western Cape forms part of the Fynbos biome and is home to the indigenous plant, A. linearis (rooibos). Rooibos cultivation is restricted to a small geographic area with ... -
Investigating the potential of floating wetlands in small farm dams in the Western Cape, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-04)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The rapid deterioration of surface water quality and habitat quality due to urban sprawl, intensive agricultural practices, land degradation and spread of invasive alien species is an unfortunate reality ... -
Integrative taxonomy of the endemic Karoo agile grasshoppers, the Euryphyminae
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Euryphyminae are a small, African subfamily of grasshoppers which are not very well known. They are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and consist of 23 genera, 16 of which have records of occurrence in ... -
Conservation of diverse parasitoid assemblages across agricultural mosaics within the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ever-growing agricultural industry within the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) threatens many arthropod species, including functionally beneficial insects such as parasitoids. Damage caused by insect pests ... -
Transitioning to organic agriculture : the changes in arthropod biodiversity and pests over time
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) is a unique area known for its incredible biodiversity. It is also the largest wine-grape producing area in South Africa. However, agriculture and more specifically ... -
Ring nematode (Criconemoides xenoplax), distribution, characterisation and culture methods
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ring nematode, Criconemoides xenoplax (Raski, 1952) Loof & De Grisse, is described as a migratory ectoparasitic nematode that feeds entirely on the roots of plants, mainly those of woody perennials. ... -
Patterns in periphyton biomass and community structure in foothill rivers: A comparison between winter and summer rainfall regions
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has a semi-arid climate with seasonal rainfall whose runoff is jeopardised by high rates of evapotranspiration. These conditions decrease the ability of rivers to dilute point and non-point ...
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