• Plant sciences

• Plant growth and quality enhancement of indigenous crops through physiological, environmental factors

• Sustainable crop production strategies

• Knox, M. M., Goodman, M. N., Petunia, M., Godfrey, M. N., Philix, M., Yingisani, C., & Mabatho, M. (2025). Harnessing the nutritional benefits of Carissa edulis Vahl (Simple spined num-num) fruit harvested in Lowveld regions of South Africa. Discover Food, 5(1), 55.

• South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)

Community Engagement Project:

Leeto-La-Africa Indigenous Fruit Project
Role: Postgraduate Research Assistant
Institution: University of South Africa
Description: As part of the Leeto-La-Africa initiative, I assist in research focused on indigenous fruits, collecting samples to analyze their nutritional content. This work addresses the critical gap in knowledge about underutilized indigenous fruits, highlighting their potential health and nutritional benefits for local communities. My ongoing PhD project is directly linked to this community engagement, aiming to support sustainable use and commercialisation of indigenous horticultural resources.

PhD Research Project (2023-present):
Title: Investigating the Effect of Different Fertilizer Types on the Growth, Yield, and Postharvest Quality of African Horned Cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex Naudin) Grown under Varying Environments, for Potential Commercialisation
Institution: University of South Africa
Role: PhD Candidate
Supervisor: Dr. Maluleke, Dr. Figlan and Dr. Mphahlele
Description: This ongoing study explores how different fertilizer regimes and environmental conditions influence the agronomic performance and market quality of African horned cucumber, with the aim of developing sustainable guidelines for its commercial production.