I am currently a PhD Genetics candidate in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Biochemistry. I joined the FABI Avocado Research Programme in 2020 where I completed my Masters degree under the supervision of Prof. Noëlani van den Berg and Dr. Velushka Swart.
My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms, in particular Resistance proteins (NLRs), important for the activation of avocado immune responses during Phytophthora cinnamomiinfection. The results of this research might help identify key differences between P. cinnamomiresistant and susceptible avocado rootstocks, which will ultimately be used to accelerate resistant avocado rootstock screening programmes.
Fick A, Swart V, Van den Berg N. (2025) In silico prediction method for plant Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat- and pathogen effector interactions. The Plant Journal 10.1111/tpj.70169
Fick A, Swart V, Bombarely A, van den Berg N. (2024) Comparative transcriptional analysis of Persea americana MYB, WRKY and AP2/ERF transcription factors following Phytophthora cinnamomi infection. Molecular Plant Pathology 10.1111/mpp.13453
Fick A, Swart V, Van den Berg N. (2022) The ups and downs of plant NLR expression during pathogen infection. Frontiers in Plant Science 10.3389/fpls.2022.921148
Fick A, Swart V, Backer R, Bombarely A, Engelbrecht J, van den Berg N. (2022) Partially Resistant Avocado Rootstock Dusa® Shows Prolonged Upregulation of Nucleotide Binding-Leucine Rich Repeat Genes in Response to Phytophthora cinnamomi Infection. Frontiers in Plant Science 10.3389/fpls.2022.793644
van den Berg, N, Swart, V, Backer, R, Fick, A, Wienk, R, Engelbrecht, J, Prabhu, SA. (2021) Advances in understanding defense mechanisms in Persea americana against Phytophthora cinnamomi. Frontiers in Plant Science 10.3389/fpls.2021.636339