Increased abstraction of water in the catchment results in a reduced or altered pattern of river flow and this holds serious consequences for the downstream estuarine ecosystem. In South Africa this is a serious concern because freshwater is in limited supply and the demand for freshwater can be expected to increase in the future. A large multi-disciplinary consortium of South African scientists are working on projects to determine the freshwater requirements of estuarine ecosystems. As part of this, this thesis reports on research undertaken to develop mathematical models to determine the freshwater requirements of estuarine macrophytes. Three key macrophytes are selected. The macrophytes are Zostera capensis Setchell, Ruppia cirrhosa Grande, and Phragmites australis. They are common macrophytes in South African estuaries. Zostera and Ruppia are submerged macrophytes and Phragmites is an emergent macrophyte. They have different freshwater environments and therefore respond differently to alterations in freshwater flow. A first order differential equation model is used to determine the effect of different combinations of open and closed mouth conditions of the estuary on Zostera and Ruppia. The scenarios are selected to determine whether achieving a switch in states from a Zostera-dominated estuary to a Ruppia-dominated estuary is possible. To predict encroachment rates and colonisation patterns, a cellular automaton of the vegetative spread of existing Zostera beds is developed. After analysing various scenarios accounting for both an increase and a decrease in freshwater supply, the cellular automaton is extended to include interactions between Ruppia and Phragmites. The multi-species model is applied to the Kromme estuary, South Africa and the Great Brak estuary, South Africa. Various freshwater scenarios are examined from the natural runoff condition to the situation of no freshwater inflow. A sensitivity analysis of the spatial model with Zostera, Ruppia and Phragmites is conducted. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.

Lake St Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, experiences severe ecological stress during dry periods largely as a result of diminishing freshwater supplies and conditions of hypersalinity. Possible intervention involves diverting the Mfolozi River to the St Lucia Lake system. However, due to high sediment loading, water from the Mfolozi river requires considerable filtration before a link can be established. A suggested option considered in this study is to restore the existing sugarcane farmlands on the Mfolozi Floodplain (~20 800 ha) to previous wetland conditions to reinstate a sediment removal function amongst other benefits. Proposed restoration will have a direct impact on the industries currently supported by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Mfolozi Floodplain (tourism, sugar, conservation). to understand a measure of such impacts, ecosystem services for both Lake St Lucia and the Mfolozi Floodplain were analysed (flood alleviation, water provision, water purification, sediment regulation, tourism, fisheries, vegetation for harvest, existence, cultural and research). Annual economic values for each ecosystem service were determined by means of valuation methods that included benefit transfer and replacement cost. Results showed a current annual minimum value of the Mfolozi Floodplain and Lake St Lucia as greater than R21 million and R1.1 billion respectively. Partial restoration of the floodplain (~6 000 ha) is expected to increase the sum of all ecosystem services values by approximately 26% for the Mfolozi Floodplain and by 23% for the St Lucia System. Full restoration (~20 800 ha) increases the total ecosystem services value by 88% and 50% for the Mfolozi Floodplain and St Lucia System respectively. Results showed that economic values for existence, fisheries, tourism and water provision increase by the greatest percentage for the St Lucia System under both restoration scenarios. Partial and full restoration of the floodplain will result in the greatest increases in economic value for the services existence, tourism, fisheries and the harvesting of vegetation on the Mfolozi Floodplain.

The area studied at Fern Kloof, near Grahamstown, consists of a strip of vegetation approximately 260 yds. long and 50 yds. wide, in which there are two communities: 1) indigenous forest 2) exotic Pine forest (which has only one tree species Pinus pinaster). Throughout the thesis this species is referred to as the pine. The object of the investigation has been to determine whether these communities are natural or not. This has involved a study of the floristic composition, the life forms and the structure of the plant communities. In addition, various soil and environmental factors have been studied.

A study of the dynamics and functions of a coastal dunefield at the Bushman’s River Mouth in Kenton-on-Sea was conducted to provide essential information for the formulation of a management strategy based on an ecosystem approach. Bi-monthly tacheometric surveys were undertaken at the Westbourne Road Car Park dunefield to investigate the sedimentological processes. Changes in the topography, the amount and rate of sand accretion were monitored. Accretion and progradation were the dominant long-term sedimentological processes at the site. Long-term spatial variation in these processes corresponded to the temporal pattern of sedimentation in the river mouth while short-term variation resulted from dynamics inherent to the types of dunes present. Factors affecting aeolian accretion at the site are topography, river mouth configuration, dune types and the presence of vegetation as well as the seasonal wind regime. A vegetation study, recording species present, cover and abundance of the plants along the surveyed transects, was also conducted to examine the progressive establishment of vegetation. Five plant communities were discerned namely, saltmarsh, pioneer, enriched pioneer, open scrub, closed scrub and scrub-thicket communities. The spatial distribution of these communities coincided with the north-westerly development of the sandbank. A successional trend in community change occurred along a gradient of increasing diversity, complexity and age. Initially, autogenic changes wrought by pioneer species facilitated the recruitment and survival of other species and commenced succession at the study site. Multiple successional pathways were discussed in relation to subsequent species establishment that occurred after facilitation. The amalgamation of ecological data with a social study in the form of public perception surveys allowed for a greater understanding of the present interactions between the ecosystem and the demands placed on it. The area primarily functions as a recreational site that offered numerous beach and water-related activities. A lack of information regarding the ecology and management programmes influenced public perception of the environment and management issues in general. Different management perspectives and the use of the information presented in this study were also discussed.

Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link is a European sand binding plant which was introduced to South Africa in the 1870's for the purpose of dune stabilisation. Because of its known invasiveness along the west coast of North America, and the problems South African ecosystems experience with alien invader plants, it was deemed necessary to study the biology and ecology of this species in South Africa. The aim of this thesis is to establish the potential invasiveness of A. arenaria on Cape coastal dunes and assess whether its use for dune stabilisation is still justifiable. A. arenaria occurs nowadays between the Langebaan area on the west coast and Gonubie in the Eastern Cape. Although widespread, the grass appears to occur only in areas where it has been planted. Its unaided spread may be prevented by adverse climatic conditions. Studies on the community biology of South African A. arenaria communities as compared to indigenous dune plant communities and natural A. arenaria communities in Europe cannot confirm the aggressive behaviour that A. arenaria shows in California and Oregon. In South Africa, A. arenaria does not exert strong floristic control over other species or outcompete and replace them, neither does it alter the topography of South African beaches and dunes. It forms weaker species associations and tends to develop communities of little species variability along the coast, thereby proving its alienness in South Africa, but this does not imply its invasiveness. Studies on succession of A. arenaria stabilisation areas show that monospecific A. arenaria plantings can be succeeded by a species-rich indigenous dune scrub or dune fynbos within a few decades. Plant-parasitic nematodes have been recorded, which may play an important role in the succession of A. arenaria stands in South Africa as was observed in Europe. Monitoring of A. arenaria communities and indigenous communities over nearly three years shows that A. arenaria is not spreading and replacing indigenous plants but in fact rather being replaced by the latter. A. arenaria profits from a superior sand burial tolerance but is affected by adverse climatic factors, mostly the lack of rainfall and strong radiation. In comparison to the indigenous dune grasses Thinopyrum distichum and Ehrharta villosa, it does not show any superior demographic traits such as an unusually high growth rate or large aboveground biomass production. Although A. arenaria produces viable seed in South Africa, the indigenous grasses show better germination and seedling establishment in the field. This study indicates that A. arenaria is not invasive in South Africa, nor likely to become an invader species in the near future. However, more research is required to confirm these results and more caution recommended regarding the further use of this alien grass for dune stabilisation.

The coastal transition zone (CTZ), which links the terrestrial and marine environments, has been identified as a region of high biological diversity and elevated production. Results of studies conducted in the northern hemisphere indicate that the links between estuaries and the adjacent marine environment is critical to ecological functioning within the CTZ. This study assessed the influence of selected estuaries with different hydrodynamic characteristics on the adjacent marine environment along the south-eastern coastline of southern Africa. Four estuaries were examined, including two permanently open systems, the fresh water deprived Kariega and fresh water dominated Great Fish, and two temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCE), the Kasouga and East Kleinemonde. Results of the study indicated that outflow of estuarine water from the Great Fish Estuary contributed to a plume of less saline water being evident within the adjacent marine environment. The plume of water was associated with increased zooplankton biomass and particulate organic matter (POM) and chlorophyll-a concentrations. Adjacent to the Kariega Estuary, no evidence of fresh water outflow into the marine environment was observed. However, in the sea directly opposite the mouth of the estuary an increase in zooplankton abundance and biomass was evident. Results of numerical analyses indicated that the increase in zooplankton abundance observed adjacent to the mouth of both permanently open estuaries could not be attributed to the export of zooplankton from the estuary, but rather the accumulation of marine species within the region. The mechanisms responsible for this accumulation were not determined, but it was thought to be associated with increased food availability in the estuarine frontal zone. A similar, but less dramatic biological response was also observed in the marine environment adjacent to the two TOCEs. It is suggested that the increase in biological activity within these regions could be ascribed to seepage of estuarine or ground water through the sand bar that separates these estuaries from the sea. Results of stable carbon isotope analyses indicated that both the Great Fish and Kariega estuaries exported carbon to the nearshore marine environment. The area influenced by estuarine derived carbon was dependent on the volume of estuarine outflow to the marine environment. Adjacent to the fresh water dominated Great Fish Estuary, estuarine derived carbon was recorded up to 12km from the mouth, while adjacent to the fresh water deprived Kariega, estuarine derived carbon was only evident directly opposite the mouth. The recruitment of macrozooplankton (> 2cm) into the fresh water deprived Kariega Estuary was in the range recorded for other permanently open southern African estuaries with higher fresh water flow rates. This indicates that the mechanisms which allow estuarine dependent larvae to locate and enter estuaries are not related to fresh water inflow. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that despite their small size relative to European and North American systems, South African permanently open and temporarily open/closed estuaries also influence biological activity within the adjacent nearshore marine environment.

Ephemeral wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, but are disappearing due to urbanisation and habitat fragmentation. Knowledge is required to conserve these systems, but ephemeral wetland research in South Africa is lacking. As primary producers, microalgae provide a key link between the biotic and abiotic components of aquatic ecosystems. Despite their importance, there is a paucity in information concerning microalgal dynamics in ephemeral wetlands. The aim of this study was to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of microalgae in ephemeral wetlands of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The research followed a funnel-based approach that assessed 35 wetlands at a regional level, followed by a temporal assessment of six wetlands, monitored biweekly, monthly or quarterly. Thereafter, a case study at local scale was carried out to address wetland connectivity and Hydrogeomorphic unit trends. The research culminated in a benthic flux chamber experiment, addressing the influence of microalgal-mediated processes on wetland development for a month post inundation. Phytoplankton biomass showed strong regional associations with rainfall zone, with Chl a concentrations of 17; 4.6; and 25 µg.L-1 in the high, intermediate and low rainfall zones, respectively. The MPB communities in Seeps, Depressions and Wetland flats, comprised between 45 and 60 % diatoms, whilst other microalgal groups were dominant in the water columns (> 90 %). Phytoplankton and MPB interactions facilitated significant night-time NH4+ and SRP effluxes, (1.5 and 0.4 mg.m-2.h-1, respectively) four days post inundation. High Silica uptake in the latter stages, was attributed to an increase in diatom abundance. Within the chambers, MPB growth was continuous whilst phytoplankton exhibited cyclical growth as the system approached dynamic equilibrium. This study demonstrated the importance of nutrient cycling in structuring aquatic food webs, and indicated the sensitivity of ephemeral wetlands to environmental perturbations.

This study presents the results of a study on introduced giraffe diet and feeding effects within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sites were selected over a moisture gradient from the mesic east to the arid west of the Eastern Cape to describe giraffe diet and provide baseline data for feeding effect experiments. At each site faecal samples were collected seasonally and diet composition determined by microhistological analysis. Plant species availability was measured using the point intersect method in order to compare plant availability to plant consumption to determine diet preferences. Giraffe diet across the sites showed a unimodal response to rainfall by utilising fewer species in drier areas where plant availability is low and increasing the number of species consumed as the rainfall increases. In higher rainfall areas, giraffe reduced the number of plant species fed upon because of the high availability of important species that reduces the need for a varied diet. Across all sites, plant availability was dominated by woody plant species (more than 90 percent at each site). A total of 57 plants species were recorded as being eaten across the five sites. Several PDI (Principle Diet Items) plant species (Acacia karroo, Schotia afra, Pappea capensis and Euclea undulata) were eaten across sites. Over all the sites, significantly preferred species were Asparagus striatus, Schotia latifolia, Asparagus suaveolens, Commelina benghalensis, Viscum rotundifolium, and Acacia cyclops. Acacia karroo, Schotia afra, Pappea capensis, Rhus crenata, A. tetracantha, and Grewia robusta were utilised in proportion to their availability. Euclea undulata, Rhus longispina and Putterlickia pyracantha were avoided. Feeding effects were tested by erecting exclosures around trees, covering one half of each tree. Ten trees were selected for these manipulative experiments which ran from September 2003 to February 2005. The number of branches, number of leaves, branch orders, branch diameter, branch length, leaf length and leaf width were measured for ten samples per side (enclosed vs. exposed) and analysed using a Wilcoxon matched pairs test and tested for effect size using Cohen’s d. Although no significant differences were detected between the sides measured, the effect size indicated differences in all measurements between sides ranging from low to moderate. Leaf length was greater on the outside of exclosures and showed a moderate difference between the sides in terms of the d-value with the p-value (0.059) tending towards significance. Although leaf width was higher on the inside of exclosures, it only showed a moderate difference for d with no statistical significance. Leaf area was higher on the inside of exclosures and tended to significance (p = 0.059) and similarly the d value indicated moderate differences between the sides in terms of effect size. Similarly branch length was higher on the inside of exclosures although not significantly, the p-value (0.07) approached significance. The effect size for branch length also showed a moderate difference between the sides. The number of branches and the number of leaves showed no statistical differences between the sides although the p-value (0.059) for the number of branches, as well as number of leaves (p = 0.07) approached significance. For both these variables, effect size showed a moderate difference. Giraffe showed diversity in their diet selection across sites but mainly fed upon available species. Some preferred species were however less available and this preference could possibly result in increased pressure on the selected plant species Exclosure experiments showed no significant differences in leaf and shoot characteristics although all measurements showed differences in terms of effect size meriting further investigation. It is concluded that giraffe impact on sites may be reduced if populations are properly managed however, high densities of giraffe could lead to similar vegetation impacts as observed in other areas where giraffe have been introduced and potentially change vegetation structure and plant community composition.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many authors express the value of riparian vegetation in terms of the function and number of species per unit area. Although riparian vegetation is confined to narrow bands of plants along watercourses, kloofs and gullies, it is a specialised habitat for many species. To determine the contribution of riparian vegetation to the species richness of the Jonkershoek Valley, Western Cape Province, South Africa, a checklist was compiled, by referring to past research and to the PRECIS national database for the South African flora for a list of species recorded from the area. A total of 1 743 taxa and 108 families were included in this list for the Valley. Specific characteristics were attributed to each of the 1 743 species on the basis of characters determined from the literature. Analysis of these data indicates that woody perennial shrubs with sclerophyll leaves are the representative plant type for the study area as a whole. The specialist structural description of a riparian species in the Jonkershoek Valley is: an unbranched woody perennial phanerophyte of a height between 2.0-8.0 m with microphyllous sclerophyilleaves. This group contributes 63% towards the riparian flora. Riparian habitats occupy only 2.5% of the total study area but contribute 26% of the vascular plants. The riparian communities of the Santa Monica Mountains (USA) cover 0.7% of that mountain study area and provide a habitat for 20.5% of the total vascular plants of the area. Both areas, therefore, show a similar level of diversity. This remarkable species richness of riparian zones is consistent with that found in other riparian communities i.e. Sweden and France. The study area was sampled by means of relevés arranged along 53 transects through the main stem and it's tributaries. A total number of 139 relevés were recorded which were used to identify, characterise and describe the riparian communities. Eight vegetation units, consisting of two groups, three communities, two subcommunities and one form, were described. The one group described the riparian communities while the other described a seepage community. The bigger groups exhibit environmental properties over a broader spectrum, while smaller groups exhibit characteristic environmental properties. The vegetation is found to represent a continuum rather than discreet entities. Many indicator species are encountered in the communities. Because of the characteristic canopy-understorey physiognomy of riparian vegetation, many communities are interspersed, making it difficult to delineate discreet community boundaries. The vegetation of the riparian zone of the Eerste River in the Jonkershoek Valley, is relatively pristine. Thirty-six species not native to the Valley were included in the checklist of which only four were recorded during the phytosociological study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskeie skrywers beklemtoon die kosbaarheid van rivieroewerplantegroei in terme van hul funksie en aantal spesies per oppervlakeenheid. Alhoewel rivieroewerplantegroei beperk is tot 'n noue band van plante langs waterweë, klowe en skeure, is dit 'n gespesialiseerde habitat vir baie spesies. Om die bydrae wat rivieroewerplantegroei tot die spesie-rykheid van die Jonkershoekvallei, Wes-Kaapprovinsie, Suid-Afrika te bereken, is 'n spesieslys saamgestel uit vorige studies en 'n PRECIS nasionale databasis vir die Suid-Afrikaanse flora waaruit 'n lys saamgestel is van spesies wat aangeteken is vir die area. 'n Totaal van 1 746 taxa uit 108 families is ingesluit in die plantelys. Vir elk van die 1 743 spesies, is spesifieke karakters uit die literatuur bepaal. 'n Analise hiervan dui aan dat die verteenwoordigende plant van die Jonkershoekvallei as gehele studie area 'n houtagtige, meerjarige struik met sklerofil blare is. Die spesialis strukturele beskrywing van 'n plant vir die Jonkershoekvallei is as volg: 'n onvertakte houtagtige meerjarige fanerofiet met 'n hoogte van 2.0-8.0 m met mikrofilliese sklerofil blare. Hierdie groep dra tot 63% by tot hierdie flora. Rivieroewer habitatte beslaan slegs 2.5% van die totale studie area, maar het tot 26% tot die vaatplante bygedra. Die Santa Monica Berge (VSA) se rivieroewerplantegroei bedek 0.7% van die bergagtige studie area en voorsien 'n habitat vir 20.5% van die vaatpplante. Beide gebiede toon dieselfde mate van diversiteit. Hierdie uitstaande spesiesrykheid is in lyn met wat gevind is in ander rivieroewergemeenskappe bv. in Swede en Frankryk. Die studie area is gemonster deur relevés wat uitgemerk is langs 53 transekte deur die hoofstroom en die sytakke. 'n Totaal van 139 releves is gemonster wat gebruik is om die gemeenskappe te identifiseer, karaktifiseer, en te beskryf. Agt plantegroei-eenhede, bestaande uit twee groepe, drie gemeenskappe, twee subgemeenskappe en een vorm, is beskryf. Die een groep beskryf rivieroewergemeenskappe terwyl die ander groep "n gemeenskap in die syfersone beskryf. Die groter groepe het wyer omgewingseienskappe getoon, terwyl die kleiner groepe spesifieke eienskappe toon. Dit is vasgestel dat die plantegroei eerder "n kontinuum voorstel as diskrete eenhede. Dit het tot gevolg dat dit moeilik is om die grense van gemeenskappe uit te wys. Vele indikatorspesies is aangetref. Die plantegroei van die rivieroewer van die Eersterivier in die Jonkershoeksvallei, kan beskryf word as relatief onversteurd. Ses-en-dertig spesies wat nie eie aan die Vallei is nie, is ingesluit in die spesieslys waarvan vier tydens die fito-sosiologiese studie aangeteken is.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Five new species of ophiostomatoid fungi, colon ising the infructescences of serotinous Protea species, have recently been discovered in South Africa. Prior to this, ophostomatoid fungi were thought to be restricted to the Northern Hemisphere. The discovery of these five species thus extensively expanded the known geographical range of these fungi, now also to include the Southern Hemisphere. Since this discovery, few studies have focused on the interesting ecology of this group, which is uniquely adapted for spore dispersal by arthropods. Studies focussed on ophiostomatoid fungi provide an unique opportunity to study inter-organism interactions between fungi, their host plants and the arthropods responsible for their spore dispersal. Very few similar studies have been undertaken, particularly in the Fynbos Biome, to which most of our economically important Protea species are confined. The current study provides insight into some ecological aspects of these complex interactions. The seasonal distribution of the ophiostomatoid fungi associated with the infructescences of members of the Proteaceae was investigated. Definite seasonal patterns were observed, with peak fungal colonisation occurring during the wetter winter months. While determining the host specificity of these fungi, a new Protea host for Ophiostoma splendens was identified, and a new species of Rhyncomeliola was discovered. All ophiostomatoid species native to Fynbos in the Stellenbosch region are exclusively associated with the infructescences of species in the plant genus Protea. By employing a multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a set of group specific primers was developed for the identification of South African Ophiostoma and Gondwanamyces fungal DNA. This newly developed method was used to scan arthropods collected from the infructescences of P. repens for the presence of 0. splendens and G. proteae spores. By using these group-specific primers, three insects possibly responsible for long range dispersal of fungal spores were identified. Three further insect species, possibly contributing to the short-range dispersal of ophiostomatoid spores, were also implicated through this method. All arthropods associated with the fruiting structures of selected members of the Proteaceae were also investigated. A total of 62 pseudospecies (ca. 7500 individuals), belonging to 45 different arthropod families, were collected. Proteaceae species with larger fruiting structures housed more arthropod species and higher numbers of individuals than Proteaceae taxa with smaller fruiting structures. Some plant species housed similar arthropod communities, while others housed unique suites of arthropods. Seasonal patterns in arthropod numbers were observed, and it was found that, in most instances, arthropod numbers peaked during the autumn and winter months. Twenty-five fungal taxa were isolated from various Proteaceae arthropods, many of which are genera known to include Proteaceae pathogenic species. Ophiostomatoid fungi have a saprophytic relationship with their Protea hosts, and may deter some of these potentially harmful fungi from colon ising the infrutescences. Some fungi showed a high degree of specificity towards potential vectors, while others were found on a diverse range of arthropods. This study highlights the existence of complex inter-organismal interactions within the Fynbos Biome, a study area where the interactions between plants, fungi and insects have been grossly neglected. The few studies that have been conducted in this field have mostly focussed on a limited number of organisms, and no wide-scale attempts, such as presented here, have been published. It is important to obtain a holistic view in any ecological study that focuses on interactions between different suites of organisms. Ultimately this will aid in the development of better conservation strategies. This study thus provides a muchneeded start in studies on multi-organismal interactions in the Fynbos Biome. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vyf nuwe ophiostoma-agtige fungus spesies is onlangs in die vrug-liggame van Suid Afrikaanse Protea plante ontdek. Voor hierdie ontdekking, was die algemene opvatting dat ophiostoma-agtige fungi beperk is tot die Noordelike Halfrond. Die ontdekking van hierdie vyf spesies het dus die bekende geografiese verspreiding van hierdie tipe fungi vergroot om nou ook die Suidelike Halfrond in te sluit. Sederdien het min studies gefokus op die interesante ekologie van hierdie groep, wat aangepas is vir spoorverspreiding deur geleedpotiges. Studies wat fokus op die ophiostoma-agtige fungi voorsien 'n unieke geleentheid om die inter-organismiese-interaksies tussen fungi, hul gasheer plante en die geleedpotiges wat hul spore versprei, te bestudeer. Baie min soortgelyke studies is al voorheen in die Fynbos Bioom, waar die meeste van ons ekonomies-belangrike Protea spesies voorkom, onderneem. Die huidige studie verleen meer inligting oor sommige ekologiese aspekte van hierdie komplekse interaksies. Seisoenale verspreidingspatrone van ophiostoma-agtige fungi geassosieer met die vrug-liggame van lede van die Proteaceae, is ondersoek. Daar is defnitiewe seisoenale patrone in die aanwesigheid van fungi gevind, met 'n piek in fungi kolonisasie-getalle gedurende die vogtiger wintermaande. 'n Nuwe Protea gasheer vir Ophiostoma splendens en 'n nuwe fungus spesie (Rhyncomeliola sp.), is ontdek. Alle Fynbos ophiostoma-agtige spesies in die Stellenbosch area, is beperk tot Protea spesies. 'n Multipleks Polimerase Ketting Reaksie is ontwikkel om die spesifieke DNS van ophiostoma-agtige fungi te herken. Hierdie metode is gebruik om te toets vir die aanwesigheid van spore van hierdie fungi op die liggame van geleedpotiges (geassosieerd met P. repens). Hierdeur is drie insekte wat waarskynlik verantwoordelik is vir die langafstand verspreiding van spore geidentifiseer. Drie verdere insekte wat moontlik verantwoordelik is vir die kortafstand verspreiding van ophiostoma-agtige fungi is ook aangewys. Alle geleedpotiges geassosieer met die vrugstrukture van geselekteerde lede van die Proteaceae is ondersoek. 'n Totaal van 62 pseudo-spesies (omtrent 7500 individue), wat tot 45 families behoort, is versamel. Proteaceae spesies met groter vrugstrukture het meer geleedpotige spesies en individue gehuisves as taksa met kleiner vrugstrukture. Sommige plant spesies het soortgelyke geleedpotige gemeenskappe gehuisves, terwyl unieke groepe geleedpotiges in ander plante voorgekom het. Alhoewel die geleedpotiges seisonale variasies in getalle geopenbaar het, het die meeste groepe 'n piek in getalle getoon gedurende die herfs- en wintermaande. Vyf-en-twintig fungi taksa is geïsoleer vanaf verskeie Proteaceae geleedpotiges. Sommige van hierdie is genera wat Proteaceae patogeniese spesies insluit. Sommige fungi het 'n hoë graad van spesifisiteit teenoor potensiële vektore getoon, terwyl ander weer algemeen op verskeie geleedpotige spesies gevind is. Hierdie studie dui op die bestaan van komplekse inter-organismiese-interaksies in die Fynbos Bioom, in 'n area waar die studie van interaksies tussen plante, fungi en insekte nog baie min aandag geniet het. Die beperkte aantal studies wat tot dusver in hierdie veld onderneem is, fokus gewoonlik slegs op 'n paar organismes. Geen grootskaalse studies, soos die een hier voorgelê, is al gepubliseer nie. In enige ekologiese studie wat fokus op interaksies tussen verskeie organismes, is dit belangrik om 'n holistiese siening te probeer verkry. Uiteindelik sal dit bydra tot die ontwikkeling van beter bewarings-strategië. Hierdie studie verleen dus 'n noodsaaklike begin tot studies op multiorganismiese- interaksies.