The Plant Holobiont Lab at Stellenbosch University is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the success of our research and education mission, and we strive to create a climate where everyone can thrive.
We are committed to increasing representation and supporting the success of underrepresented groups in the field of plant science, including but not limited to individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; LGBTQ+ individuals; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
We recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ongoing efforts, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas. If you have any suggestions or concerns about our EDI efforts, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable community.
Itumeleng Moroenyane
Principal Investigator
Dr. Itumeleng Moroenyane is a plant holobiont scientist and Principal Investigator of the Plant Holobiont Lab at Stellenbosch University. His research is organised around three interconnected pillars: plant microbiome assembly and evolution, holobiont responses to abiotic stress, and the application of holobiont science to sustainable agriculture. His work investigates the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping plant-associated microbial communities, with particular emphasis on microbiome assembly, niche stability, and evolutionary contingency. In parallel, he examines how plant–microbiome interactions regulate responses to drought and heat stress, integrating evolutionary theory with plant physiology and microbiome ecology. Collectively, his research advances a mechanistic and critical perspective on the hologenome theory of evolution, while generating insights that inform microbiome-based strategies for crop resilience in a changing climate.
Janette Hutton
Lab Manager and Lead Technical officer
Janette Hutton, the proficient Technical Officer of The Plant Holobiont Lab. With her strong background in Genetics and Molecualr Biology, she skillfully oversees all aspects of lab management, ensuring smooth operations. Janette's expertise and meticulous approach drive the cutting-edge research at the lab, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of plant holobiont studies. Her dedication and knowledge make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Denise Willemse
Chief Technical Assistant
Denise is the Chief Technical Assistant in The Plant Holobiont Lab. Denise is a valuable member of our academic community and provides technical support to undergraduate and postgraduate students during practicals and research projects, ensuring they run seamlessly. Denise also trains postgraduate students to use specialised equipment, fostering a culture of technical competence and skill acquisition. Their contributions enhance the efficiency and efficacy of educational and research pursuits within our plant holobiont science community.
Tebogo Masetlana
​
MSc Researcher
Tebogo’s research examines the role of microbial species pools in mediating abiotic stress tolerance in Glycine max and Sutherlandia frutescens. Her current work investigates how plant-derived metabolites shape microbial community assembly and function under stress conditions, and how these interactions contribute to improved plant resilience. More broadly, Tebogo is interested in metabolite-mediated plant–microbiome communication and its implications for sustainable agriculture and stress adaptation. Her research contributes to a mechanistic understanding of how plant chemical signalling influences microbial dynamics and holobiont stability under adverse environmental conditions.
Anele Ndlovu
​
MSc Researcher
Anele’s research focuses on soybean plant–microbe interactions, with particular emphasis on microbial community stability and dysbiosis under abiotic stress. Her current work integrates molecular and culture-based approaches to characterise microbial diversity and functional shifts associated with stress exposure in soybean holobionts. More broadly, Anele is interested in microbial ecology–driven strategies to enhance plant resilience, particularly through understanding how microbial community structure influences host performance under environmental stress. Her research contributes to applied and conceptual advances in plant microbiome management for sustainable agriculture.
Sergio da Silva
​
MSc Researcher
Sergio’s research focuses on integrative signalling and metabolic regulation of drought recovery in soybean holobionts, with particular emphasis on peptide-mediated signalling, ABA-dependent metabolic pathways, and root exudate remodelling. His current work investigates how these processes coordinate post-drought recovery and re-establishment of physiological homeostasis in soybean. More broadly, Sergio is interested in how plant molecular signalling pathways interact with the rhizosphere microbiome to shape whole-plant stress resilience. His research operates at the intersection of plant physiology, molecular signalling, and microbiome ecology, contributing to a systems-level understanding of crop adaptation to environmental stress.
Plant Holobiont Lab Alumni
Celebrating Our Former Lab Members
​
We are looking for you...
Plant enthusiasts, apply now to join our lab studying the plant holobiont! Explore the complex interactions between plants, microbes and their environment. Hands-on experience, collaborations and career development opportunities available. Apply now and take the next step in your plant biology career! #GradStudent #PlantHolobiontLab #ResearchOpportunities"