Mr Aaron Harvey

About

I completed my BSc Human Physiology, Genetics and Psychology undergraduate degree in 2021 and a BScHons Genetics in 2022 through the University of Pretoria. I am currently doing my MSc Genetics through the Hans Merensky Chair in Avocado research at the University of Pretoria.

My Honours research was focused on the Callose synthase (CalS) gene family within avocado and predicting which subset may be involved in the defense response against Phytophthora cinnamomi.

My MSc research included a genome-wide in silico chracterisation of the wall-associated kinase (WAK)and WAK-Llike (WAKL)gene family within four avocado rootstock genomes, and implicated a subset in defence against Phytophthora cinnamomi.

I am currently doing my PhD in the Hans Merensky chair for Avocado research. The project aims to increase understanding of RNA mechanisms employed by avocado rootstocks during P. cinnamomi infection, focusing on transcriptomic plasticity in the defence response. This research will provide a detailed characterisation of RNA dynamics underpinning avocado defence against P. cinnamomi and has the potential to identify specific genes, splice variants, and/or ncRNAs critical for resistance.

Highlights

Conference presentations

Harvey A., van den Berg N., Swart V. Genome-wide in silico characterisation of the avocado WAKand WAKL gene family. Oral presentation at the 53rd biennial congress of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology; 22-25 January 2024, Golden Gate National park, Free state, South Africa.

Harvey A., van den Berg N., Swart V. In silico characterisation of the WAK/WAKL gene family in avocado and implication in defense against Phytophthora cinnamomi. Oral presentation at the XX International Plant Protection Congress; 1-5 July 2024, Megaron Athens International Convention Center, Athens, Greece.

Mr Aaron Harvey

Mr Aaron Harvey

About

Highlights

Conference presentations

My Publications

Journal Articles (2)

My Publications