Research

Ecology and Evolution | African Centre for DNA Barcoding – ACDB

General focus – At ACDB, our general focus is biodiversity, evolution and conservation. Our research address conservation issues from various angles with phylogenetic tools as the common denominator of all research.

Specific focus:

• • DNA barcoding, Genomics and Taxonomy – How many species are out there on Earth? Nobody knows with certainty. What we do know is that the size of biodiversity is far larger than the 1.5 million species we have currently documented. At ACDB, we host the state-of-the-art equipment for DNA barcoding, molecular taxonomy to train the next generation of taxonomists tasked to accelerate biodiversity assessment and evolutionary studies.
  • Extinction risk, Biodiversity and Conservation – We are witnessing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis largely driven by anthropogenic pressures. At ACDB, we contribute, using modern statistics and AI tools, to accelerate extinction risk assessment and analyse risk patterns and impacts on the tree of life.
  • Ecology of alien invasive species –At ACDB, we are interested in the modelling of population dynamics of alien plants to reveal the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the invasiveness.
  • Population dynamics – Plant resources are variously harvested to meet human needs. However, this bears heavy ecological and biological consequences that need to be addressed. At ACDB, we are working towards the development of mathematical models of population dynamics of our threatened species in Africa to understand how these species respond to environmental stressors.

Contact: Prof. Kowiyou Yessoufou

Plant Anatomy and Morphology​

The Department hosts one of Africa’s leading centers for structural botany. Though seemingly straightforward, the study of plant organ and tissue structures presents fascinating challenges for researchers. New structural features can be discovered even in well-known plants. Understanding plant structure is essential for systematics, ecology, pharmacognosy, ethnobotany, and the identification of plant materials and ingredients. Our research explores the structural diversity of stems, leaves, and flowers across selected plant groups from southern Africa and beyond. A key focus is the remarkable wood diversity of the Cape flora. We seek to reconstruct the evolution of anatomical and morphological traits and to understand their role in plant adaptation to specific environments. Our work extends beyond modern plants to include fossil woods of extinct lineages. Through collaborations with archaeologists and cultural scientists, we analyze plant remnants to gain insights into human history.

Contact: Prof. Aleksei Oskolski

Sustainable Postharvest Management and Agroprocessing Research on Horticultural, Indigenous, and Medicinal (HIM) Food Crops

At the Department of Botany & Plant Biotechnology, postharvest physiology, technology, and agroprocessing research focuses on Horticultural, Indigenous, and Medicinal (HIM) food crops. As part of the DSI-NRF SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR) and the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), we develop science-driven solutions to extend shelf life, reduce food waste, and enhance the economic value of agricultural produce. Postharvest physiology studies how fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants ripen, age, and decay, helping researchers design storage and preservation techniques such as cold storage, edible coatings, and modified atmosphere packaging to maintain freshness. Postharvest technology leverages natural antimicrobial treatments and eco-friendly preservation methods to minimize spoilage, while agroprocessing transforms raw produce into high-value products like dried medicinal herbs, fruit powders, and essential oils. These efforts directly support food security, sustainability, and economic growth, particularly for HIM crops that are prone to spoilage. By optimizing nature-based preservation techniques, we reduce food loss, support smallholder farmers, and create market-driven solutions that contribute to a resilient and sustainable food system.

Contact: Prof. Olaniyi Fawole