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Janine Bisschoff, a young scientist from Centurion in Pretoria, has always been captivated by the finer details. Even as a child, her curiosity leaned towards the natural sciences, particularly the delicate systems that sustain plant life. Today, Janine is not only a proud plant pathologist but also the caretaker of over 150 exotic houseplants – a testament to her lifelong love for flora.
“I wanted to study God’s handiwork,” she says. “I’ve always had a passion for science and how different systems interact.” While Janine did not initially plan to pursue agriculture, everything changed the moment she stepped out of her first lecture in plant pathology and she realised she had found her calling.
Plant science is critical in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and environmental degradation. Janine says the field offers a powerful blend of purpose and discovery by developing disease-resistant crops, advancing sustainable agriculture, and exploring plants for uses in medicine and renewable energy.
Bursary relief
During her undergraduate studies, Janine’s academic excellence caught the attention of Prof Jacquie van der Waals, who recommended her for the Potatoes SA bursary programme. The bursary alleviated the financial burden, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her studies without having to work part-time or applying for student loans.
Before receiving the bursary, she had to take a gap year between her undergraduate and honours degree to save money. The bursary made it possible for her to return to her studies full-time and debt-free.
For her honours thesis, Janine explored the use of iron chelate to suppress disease development caused by Pectobacterium brasiliense in potato plants. Her lab results were promising: The compound produced reactive oxygen species that effectively killed the pathogen in vitro. However, pot trials showed limited effectiveness in managing blackleg or soft rot in already-infected tubers. Janine nevertheless believes the treatment still holds potential for post-harvest tuber protection, particularly in preventing surface contamination during storage.
Further research is required. Janine developed critical research skills such as designing and conducting statistically sound plant trials and interpreting data, which are now at the core of her professional responsibilities at UPL, a global agrochemical company dedicated to delivering both chemical and biological solutions to the agricultural sector. Her role involves designing and running plant trials, interpreting data, and providing meaningful insights that support product development.
Looking ahead
Janine remains driven by a deep desire to learn and grow within the field of agricultural science. She credits the Potatoes SA bursary for setting her on a successful path.
“It is an incredible initiative,” she says. “It gives students from all backgrounds across South Africa access to agricultural education, helping to build a robust and resilient industry.”
Janine is deeply grateful for the privilege and opportunity to complete her honours degree, a milestone that paved the way for her master’s degree, which she completed in May. She is thankful to everyone who supported her throughout this journey and gives all the glory to God for guiding her every step of the way. – Lebo Tlomatsana, transformation intern
For more information on the bursary programme, send an email to rendani@potatoes.co.za.