Email: johnnie.vandenberg@nwu.ac.za
Phone: +27 18 299 2376

SHORT CV - Johnnie van den Berg

Johnnie van den Berg was born on 28 September 1960. He received the following qualifications: BSc Hons. (1983) from the University of Pretoria, MSC Agric (Entomology) (1989) from the University of Stellenbosch and PhD Entomology (1994) from the University of the Free State. He joined the Potchefstroom University for CHE on 01 November 2002 after 19 years of research at the ARC on habitat management and integrated management of pests of grain crops.

His research experience covers the development of integrated pest management (IPM) systems for maize and sorghum in the SADC region. Research functions include basic studies addressing the ecology and injuriousness of pests of maize and sorghum and research on control mechanisms such as host plant resistance, cultural control and chemical control. Current research projects involve a diversity of insect pests and crops including stem borers in maize and sorghum, sorghum aphids, termites in maize, armoured bush crickets and the development of stimulo-deterrent diversionary strategies (push-pull systems) for pests of grain crops. This research is aimed at developing expertise regarding chemical ecology and agro-ecosystems management.

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RESEARCH INTERESTS - Johnnie van den Berg

Research in the plant protection program deals mainly with development of integrated pest management systems and concerns mites, insects and nematodes. In this program the focus is on host plant resistance and habitat management as part of the IPM system. Research topics such as the use of Napier grass and Vetiver grass for use in "Push-pull" habitat management systems for insect pests is addressed in field and laboratory studies. Ecology of maize stem borers and the diversity of lepidopteran pests in maize fields is studied as part of the process through which IPM systems are developed. Other research is concerned with identification of maize varieties resistant to maize streak disease and management of this production constraint in resource-poor farming systems in South Africa. Studies are also conducted on Arthropod and plant disease diversity on vetiver grass. Research is done on several sorghum pests, especially the panicle feeding complex and aphid biotypes on sorghum.  

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CONTACT DETAILS - Johnnie van den Berg

Prof. Johnnie van den Berg
School of Environmental Sciences and Development
Potchefstroom campus
North-West University
Private Bag X6001
Potchefstroom 2520
South Africa

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