Theses and Dissertations
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Item Open Access How fast can you climb a mountain? climate change, ant assemblages and a centre of endemism(2012-12-19) Munyai, Thinandavha Caswell; Foord, S. H.; Baxter, R. M.Item Open Access Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for human identification in the vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2015-01-16) Dzhivhuho, Godfrey Azwinndini; Nangammbi, T. C.; Samie, A.; Chauke, L. F.Forensic science is a growing discipline in South Africa. However, there are only a few forensic laboratories, mostly situated in Gauteng, Western and Eastern Cape. Due to this lack of facilities, combined with a high demand for forensic services, there is a huge backlog and turnaround time throughout South Africa; forensic testing has therefore become a major challenge. Studies have revealed that paternity disputes in rural areas are not resolved due to affordability. This contributes to an increase in single parenting among South Africans, particularly by mothers of the rejected children. The purpose of this study was to design a cost-effective Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for isolating potentially polymorphic human microsatellite markers at a cheap and most convenient time. The designed human microsatellite markers were optimized for PCR amplification and used in genotyping a mini population of three major ethnic groups in the Limpopo province within in the Vhembe district. GENETOOLS software was used to analyze band patterns and generate data. The generated data was analyzed Using SPSS v 21. A total of 14 autosomal microsatellite markers where screened from 41 positive clones. Of the 14 screened markers, a total of 13 markers successfully amplified specific targets with an average of 3 alleles. However, only 5 markers ((GAD02; GAD06; GAD11; GAD12 and GAD13) were successfully optimized to produce a single allele per locus. A multidimensional unfolding clustering analysis grouped the three ethnic groups into 7 clusters based on band pattern similarities suggesting that the individual populations are closely related. However, three individuals clustered away from the rest of the populations suggesting that they are genetically distanced from the rest of the populations. These results need to be validated using a larger sample size with more markers. This protocol serves as brainchild for isolation of microsatellite markers for identification purposes and can be further improved for paternity test analysis.Item Open Access An investigation on the potential interactions between colophospermum mopane and its neighbouring understory vegetation(2015-02-24) Munonde, Humbulani Phillip; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M.H.; Bhat, R. B.Colophospermum mopane is a common tree or shrub locally dominant in savanna of sub-tropical region. A study of this tree species was carried out focussing on the two semi-arid areas where it is dominant and prevalent; the main areas considered for this current study are Mopani Bushveld and Tshiungani both located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study focussed mainly on the interaction of C. mopane and its understory and nearest neighbour vegetation; the study also considered the response of C. mopane to disturbance and also on the plant-animal interactions; the reproductive strategies of C. mopane also formed part of this current work. The competitive interactions were established by this study wherein a complete permanent removal of C. mopane resulted in the growth, establishment and flourishing of grasses and herbs in the stands that were formerly dominated by C. mopane trees. Cutting of C. mopane trees revealed that they indeed do resprout vigorously thereafter following rainfall; it was also proved that root suckering is another strategy which C. mopane trees use for survival especially after fire. Our current work also revealed that C. mopane trees produce abundant amount of seeds and seedlings and this was more obvious immediately after rainfall. Moisture and light, amongst other environmental factors, are indeed therefore indispensable for the continuous existence and survival of C. mopane trees; these factors are also necessary for the continuous coexistence of C. mopane and its understory and nearest neighbour vegetation. Our study established the need for rainfall to keep our mopane woodlands germinating, growing, establishing, producing and reproducing perpetually; rainfall in C. mopane dominated stands areas ensures sustained coexistence of C. mopane and vegetation of other species.Item Open Access Bioactivity and chromatographic profiles of the selected medicinal plants against candida albicans(2015-07-17) Mulaudzi, Takalani Millicent; Masevhe, N. A; Mojapelo, P. E. LItem Open Access The edge effects of mango farming on flower visitor insect communities and epigeal ant species in Northern-Eastern South Africa(2015-09-15) Simba, Lavhelani Dembe; Foord, S. H; Seymour, C. LThis study investigates issues of gender inequality at the workplace within the Department of Education in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe district. Gender inequality is a persisting problem that hinders equal participation of males and females both economically and politically. The study further examines whether factors that lead to this gender inequity and gender discrimination are the results of long held patriarchal practice imposed on our people by culture, norms and value systems in our communities. The study was conducted within Thulamela Municipality, South Africa. The study used qualitative research methodology as most of the data was collected using interviews with focus groups and individual participants.Item Open Access The use of tree layer to assess impacts of coal mining on biodiversity in Mukomawabani Area, Mutale Municipality South Africa(2016-02-01) Tshilande, Tshilisanani; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Ligavha, M. H.Item Open Access Assessment of androstachys johnsonii prain, stem utilization in Matshena Village, Mutale Local Municipality, Limpopo Province(2016-02-02) Bakali, Mulalo; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.Item Open Access An investigation of ecosystem regime shifts caused by regulated water release into Phongolo River from the Pongolapoort Dam, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa(2016-02-12) Chavalala, Tiyisani Lincon; Fouche, P. S. O.; Foord, S. H.Item Open Access An evaluation into utilisation and nutritional status of Elaeodendron transvaalense in the treatment and management of weight loss in Venda(2016-02-12) Radzuma, Humbulani Mavis; Tshisikhawe M.P.; Masevhe N.A.Item Open Access Reproductive biology towards the conservation of securidaca longepedunculata fresen in theNylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2016-02-15) Tiawoun, Makuete Andre Patrick; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.Item Open Access The role of bats in the biological control of pests from macadamia orchards in Limpopo Province, South Africa(2016-04) Matamba, Emmanuel; Taylor, P. J.; Taylor, P. J.; Taylor, P. J.; Nangammbi, T. C.; Gilbert, M. T. P.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access The transplantation of Terminalia sericea from the sandy soil to the clay water-logged area in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve(2016-05) Nemahunguni, N. K.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access The distribution patterns, utilisation and conservation of Sclerocarya birrea (A. RICH.) HOCHST, SUBSP. CAFFRA in two villages of the Limpopo Province, South Africa(2016-05) Mocheki, Tebogo Allison; Ligavha- Mbelengwa, M. H.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access Micro scale heterogeneity of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in the Soutpanberg, South Africa: a comparative survey and iventory in representative habitats(2016-05) Mafadza, Maria; Foord, S. H.; Crafford, J. E.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access The impact of riparian alien plant removal on aquatic invertebrate communities in the upper reaches of Luvuvhu River Catchment, Limpopo Province(2016-05) Modiba, Refilwe Victor; Foord, S. H.; Fouche, P. S. O.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access The effects of debarking and seasonal variations on physical structure; phenolic content and biological activities of Sclerocarya Birrea in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve(2016-05) Nndwammbi, Matodzi; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Ramaite, IDISee the attached abstract belowItem Open Access The utilization of alien invasive medicinal plants in the treatment of HIV/AIDS related symptoms by traditional healers of Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2016-05) Mbambala, Sipho Glen; Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Masevhe, N. A.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access The population Biology of Sclerocarya birrea at Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2017-02) Tshimomola, Tshifhiwa; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Mokganya, GeorgiaThe overall aim of this study was to determine the population biology of Sclerocarya birrea (A Rich) Hochst., subspecies caffra (Sond) at Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa. Sclerocarya birrea is a keystone plant species which is rated as one of the most highly valued indigenous trees because of its multiple uses. It is identified as a key species to support the livelihood of rural communities and it is central to various commercial activities. Sclerocarya birrea is also widely used by game in protected areas and by humans in communal areas for its fruit, wood and medicinal properties. Understanding the population biology for this key stone species is important as there are many environmental factors that are affecting its population structure. The study found that the population of S. birrea at Nylsvley Nature Reserve is fairly healthy and is mainly comprised of seedling and adult trees. Evidence of predators feeding on the seeds of Sclerocarya birrea was also recorded in this study. Additionally, disturbance, such as fire and cutting do not have negative impact on S.barreaItem Open Access Ecosystem services and disservices of ants in subsistence farming (Limpopo Province) : an experimental approach in mango orchards.(2017-08-18) Maphote, Vongani Terrence; Foord, S. H.; Tscharntke, T.; Grass, I.; Lauer, F.; 632.796096825See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access Population biology and ecology of Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi and Galasso in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2017-09-18) Madilonga, Mpho Given; Ligavha - Mbelengwa, M. H.; Tshisikhawe, M. P.Plant populations are determined by many elements that impose demographic filters. Following disturbance, in African savanna woodland trees regenerate both sexually and vegetatively. Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi and Galasso, family Fabaceae and sub family Mimosideae, commonly known as “sweet thorn” or “soetdoring” (Afrikaans), is a leguminous shrub common throughout Southern Africa. Its distribution range is from the Southwestern Cape northwards into Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a pioneer species and has the ability to encroach rapidly into grassland grazing areas. Therefore, V. karroo is considered the most important woody invader of grasslands in South Africa. This study aimed at investigating the population biology and ecology of V. karroo in the clay waterlogged site of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. Plant height, stem circumference, canopy cover, distance between individuals were measured and disturbance levels on individuals of V. karroo were estimated during sampling. The results showed that the population of V. karroo display an adequate growth curve thus implying that the population of V. karroo in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve is healthy and viable. More mature healthy individuals were found in September and December, than during June and July; this is obviously because early summer season, and in September most of the savanna plant species were starting to actively recover from the winter dry season. This is confirmation enough that the population of V. karroo is expanding in the clay waterlogged areas of Nylsvley Nature Reserve.