Vol 1 - Support Services Ufs Ac Za - University of the Free State

Prof Maryke Labuschagne’s team is evaluatinghigh and low lysine and ryptophan maize genotypesunder N stressed conditions, while a biochemicalmolecularstudy of Russian wheat aphid resistanceand control is being led by Prof Amie van derWesthuizen (both from the Department of PlantSciences).Prof Sue Walker from the Department of Soil,Crop and Climate Sciences is investigating radiationand water use efficiency of maize production underin-field rain water harvesting with mulch. Also fromthe Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences,Prof Seef Pretorius is leading research into plantbased fungicides, while Prof Leon van Rensburg’steam is separating crop water use into itscomponents of evaporation and transpiration.Cluster 5: Materials andNanosciencesThis Cluster deals with the study and use of materialson a very small scale, since one nanometre is only amillionth of a millimetre. Materials at this smallscale can behave differently from when they are inbulk form, and are expected to lead to new deviceswhich will be faster and more efficient. Moreover,the materials can be stronger and lighter, andconduct heat or electricity in a different way, andcan even change colour. For example, small particlesof gold can appear red, blue or gold, depending onthe size.This Cluster anticipates different impacts onsociety. Even though its main focus is materials andCluster Coordinator: Prof André Roodt, Department ofChemistry.its main activities will fall within the ambit of theNatural Sciences, it will also address relevantenvironmental, social, ethical and judicial issues.Thus, its members will ultimately work acrossDepartments and Faculties to develop an interdisciplinaryCluster.38