Dr. Nompumelelo Sibanyoni
About me
Nompumelelo Roslinah Sibanyoni was born and raised in the Vaal, Gauteng. She is currently a dedicated postdoctoral fellow at the University of South Africa (UNISA), working under the mentorship of Prof. Kamika.
Nompumelelo Roslinah Sibanyoni was born and raised in the Vaal, Gauteng. She is currently a dedicated postdoctoral fellow at the University of South Africa (UNISA), working under the mentorship of Prof. Kamika. Nompumelelo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Botany (BSc) and an Honors Bachelor of Science in Botany – Plant Biotechnology (BSc Hons) from the University of Johannesburg, as well as a Master of Science in Botany – Plant Biochemistry (MSc) from the University of the Free State, and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg. Her research interests focus on plant defensive mechanisms against biotic (pests and pathogens) and abiotic (drought) stresses. Her current doctoral research builds on these interests, particularly exploring new techniques in plant defense strategies. She is delving into the field of metabolomics, complementing her existing knowledge of molecular techniques, including recombinant DNA technology and quantitative PCR, as well as chemical assays like spectrophotometry and protein assays such as enzyme assays.
The focus of her doctoral research is on investigating the chemical communication within the rhizosphere between beneficial plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains and pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, she is studying the protective effects of PGPR on tomato seedlings against Pseudomonas syringae, employing an LC-MS metabolomics approach combined with multivariate statistical tools. Through this research, she continues exploring innovative strategies to enhance plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses.
Research interests
Plant-microbe interactions
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) / Beneficial microbes
Plant pathogens
Plant metabolomics
Plant-defence mechanisms
Innovative Approaches in Plant Protection
Chemical communication in the rhizosphere
Degrees:
NR Sibanyoni, K Mmotla, MD Mashabela, LA Piater, P Kerchev, (2025) Chemical dialogues in the rhizosphere: Metabolomics perspectives on plant defence and microbial interactions; Plant and soil, 1-27
NR Sibanyoni, LA Piater, P Kerchev, NE Madala, MI Mhlongo, (2025) Metabolomic Insights into Cross-Feeding Interactions Between Priestia megaterium PM and Pseudomonas fluorescens NO4: Unveiling Microbial Communication; Microbial ecology 88 (1), 76
MD Mashabela, NR Sibanyoni, K Mmotla, IA Dubery, T Terefe, T Gechev, (2025) Integrated Transcriptomics-Metabolomics Framework for Predictive and Translational Biostimulant Design: Insights into Smart Systems for Sustainable Agriculture; Current Plant Biology, 100639