A taxonomic study of the type section of the genus Lebeckia Thunb. (sect. Lebeckia; syn. Eu-Lebeckia Benth., Phyllodiastrum Walp.) is presented. The genus Lebeckia (Fabaceae, Crotalarieae) is endemic to the western parts of southern Africa and the type section is endemic to the Cape Floristic Region. Species delimitations and relationships within the sections of the genus are not clear and are in urgent need of a revision since the genus has not been studied in its entirety for nearly 150 years. Lebeckia section Lebeckia, now consists of 14 species, all with acicular (needle-shaped) leaves. Based on fruit morphology, four informal species groups have here been distinguished within the section. An analysis of morphological characters revealed the existence of four undescribed species, namely “L. brevicarpa” M.M.le Roux and B-E.van Wyk sp. nov. ined., [previously confused with L. sepiaria (L.) Thunb.], “L. brevipes” M.M.le Roux and B-E.van Wyk sp. nov. ined., (hitherto confused with L. longipes Bolus and L. pauciflora Eckl. and Zeyh.), “L. uniflora” B-E.van Wyk and M.M.le Roux [previously confused with L. wrightii Bolus] and “L. zeyheri” M.M.le Roux and B-E.van Wyk [previously considered to be a variety of L. plukenetiana E.Mey.] A key to the 14 species of section Lebeckia is presented. Diagnostic characters, nomenclature, typification and distribution maps of all the species are presented, discussed and illustrated. Morphological data was used in a cladistic analysis and resulted in a partially resolved cladogram, confirming the presence of four (presumably monophyletic) groups within the section. In a molecular systematic study, four DNA sequences were used to explore relationships, but the resolution was low and unsatisfactory and the result only partially supported the hypothesis based on morphological characters. However, the molecular phylogeny agreed with the morphological analysis in providing convincing support for the monophyly of the section. / Prof. B.E. van Wyk

M.Sc. / The tribe Podalyrieae is a group of Papilionoid legumes that are largely endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of southern Africa. A phylogenetic study of the tribe was undertaken using gene sequences obtained from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) as well as the plastid gene rbcL. Although the resolution was poor in the resulting trees, several groupings were noted within the tribe. The subtribe Xiphothecinae remains relatively unchanged and consists of the genera Amphithalea and Xiphotheca. The subtribe Podalyriinae was found to be paraphyletic. A close relationship was observed between the genera Liparia and Podalyria with Stirtonanthus as sister. Additional chloroplast genes (trnL-F and trnS-trnG) were sequenced to obtain better resolution within this group. While Podalyria and Stirtonanthus are monophyletic, the monophyly of Liparia is still uncertain. Virgilia and Calpurnia are closely related and Cyclopia retains its isolated, monophyletic position sister to the tribe. The species of Cadia included in the phylogenetic analysis formed a sister grouping to the tribe Podalyrieae and the inclusion of this genus in Podalyrieae is discussed. A date for the root node of the tribe was estimated at 28.55 MYA, using non-parametric rate smoothing (NPRS), indicating a major radiation to have taken place during the Pliocene. By means of independent contrasts it was determined that the rate of molecular evolution is higher in reseeders than resprouters, perhaps due to more reproductive cycles in these individuals, that would in turn affect the rate of DNA substitution.

Ph.D. / Genetic variation estimates and phylogenetic studies (based on genetic differentiation) of the Podalyrieae and related tribes (family Fabaceae) are presented. The tribe is endemic to the Cape fynbos region of South Africa, except for Calpurnia. Although Podalyrieae have been the focus of many taxonomic studies no genetic variation studies have been done on this group of plants. Genetic variation in selected populations, species and genera was studied to evaluate the use of enzyme electrophoresis in systematic studies on these three levels. Eight case studies are presented. Allelic data proved to be extremely useful at the population and congeneric species level. However, at a higher level, it showed some potential when treated with caution. It is not possible to predict beforehand if meaningful results can be obtained at this higher (i.e. confamilial genus) level of divergence. A large number of plant genetic data sets from the literature was analysed to determine typical levels and ranges of genetic differentiation within families, genera and species. A graph of probability against taxonomic rank was constructed and compared with results published by Thorpe (1982, 1983). The results indicate that plant taxa have a reduced biochemical evolution (less diverse than animals at comparable taxonomic ranks) in contrast to Thorpe's (1982, 1983) reports (which were based on less data for plant taxa). Genetic identity values between 3041 pairs of taxa were used in the present study. The phylogenetic relationships among genera of the tribe Podalyrieae were estimated from sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA as well as morphological and chemical data. Morphological and. ITS sequence data produced cladograms with similar topologies, both supporting the exclusion of Hypocalyptus from Podalyrieae. A broadening of Podalyrieae, which includes Xiphothecinae, Podalyriinae and Cyclopia, is suggested. The multidisciplinary approach followed in this study provided a better understanding of taxonomic and evolutionary relationships in the Podalyrieae and some other Cape legumes.

Ph.D. (Chemistry) / The following study was conducted to explore the in vitro antimicrobial and synergistic properties of the two medicinal plants (Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Fabaceae and Pentanisia prunelloides, Rubiaceae), which are widely used in southern Africa. These two plant species are used to remedy various ailments including diarrhoea, dysentery, inflammation, fever, rheumatism, heartburn, tuberculosis, haemorrhoids, skin diseases, perforated peptic ulcers and sore joints. The cytotoxicity of the aqueous and methanol extracts and fractions of both species was studied using the brine shrimp lethality tests for the first time. The results demonstrated that the lethality (LC₅₀) for crude extracts for both plants ranged between 1.8 and 18 μg/mL which was relatively greater than the fractions of the extracts. This suggested that crude extracts were more potent than their respective fractions which further implied that the different fractions of phytochemicals in these plant species work jointly (In synergy) to exert their therapeutic efficacy. The antimicrobial activity of methanol and aqueous extracts of rhizomes was investigated by means of a checkerboard micro-dilution technique in a bid to validate possible synergistic interactions between the two plants...

M.Sc. / A biosystematic study of the genus Sutherlandia (L.) R. Br., a poorly studied genus with confusing geographical variants, is presented. The species of Sutherlandia are all endemic to southern Africa. The species are very closely related and problems regarding their taxonomy are discussed. A few morphological characters that are useful in distinguishing amongst species are illustrated and discussed in detail. Morphological data are used to investigate infrageneric relationships in a phenetic analysis of 51 geographically separated populations. Sutherlandia has traditional medicinal uses, mainly as an anti-cancer treatment for internal cancers and as a general tonic. A survey of chemical compounds was done and the results are illustrated and presented in tables. The nature of this study did not allow detailed medical investigations, but the medicinal value of Sutherlandia and the compounds detected are highlighted. It is suggested that the anti-cancer activity can mainly be ascribed to the high levels of canavanine, a non-protein amino acid, in the leaves of the plant. Canavanine, an arginine analogue, is known for its antitumourigenic properties. The value of the plant as a bitter tonic is probably related to the presence of several triterpenoids, some of which may well also have other beneficial effects. Enzyme electrophoresis was done to explore genetic relationships amongst the numerous regional forms of Sutherlandia. A study of 19 populations showed that they are all closely related and that a more conservative treatment of the taxa is called for. As a result the number of taxa is reduced. A complete taxonomic revision of the genus is presented. The number of species is reduced from six to two, namely S. frutescens and S. tomentosa. The former is divided into three subspecies, namely subsp. frutescens, subsp. microphylla and subsp. speciosa. Some regional forms are described and illustrated, but these are not formally recognised as taxa. A key to the species, subspecies and regional forms is provided, and the. nomenclature, typification, description and geographical distribution for each of the taxa are given. The multidisciplinary approach of this study provided a better understanding of the morphological, chemical and genetic variation in this relatively poorly known but potentially valuable ornamental and medicinal plant.

With the high rate of human population growth in Africa, it is imperative that food production be increased through improving yields and bringing more land under cultivation. Nitrogen is a key element required for plant growth and with the low input of fertilizers into African farming-systems, it is necessary to harness biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) to its fullest extent. To maximize nitrogen fixation in crop and pasture legumes under various conditions and cropping systems requires intensified research. In this study the diversity of root nodule bacteria associated with Lotononis species in South Africa was investigated. To our knowledge, no past attempts have been made to investigate the diversity of rootnodule-bacteria associated with the genus Lotonollis. Eighty nodulated plants representing thirty-two Lotononis spp. were collected from all the main geographical and climatological regions in South Africa. Isolates obtained from rootnodules were purified and characterized with sodium dodecyl-sulphate gel polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), supplemented at the genomic level with 16S rDNA sequence data of selected strains. Initial screening (SDS-PAGE) showed that most isolates obtained from the same plant species, grouped into various clusters within the dendrogram. A few of the isolates from similar host plants seemed to cluster with high similarity. It is thus reasonable to conclude that host specificity in the symbiotic interaction is less applicable for most species of Lotononis. When considering the geographical origins of the isolates, their diverse nature was clearly illustrated. It was showed that isolates from similar geographical regions were evenly distributed throughout the dendrogram. Some of the isolates obtained from arid environments formed closely related electrophoretic groups. It was subsequently shown that root-nodule bacteria associated with Lotononis species are not restricted to a particular rhizobial genus, but that heterogeneity is evident. Some of the isolates were also related to genera outside the Rhizobiaceae, namely Methylobacterium and Burkholderia. / Dissertation (MSc (Microbiology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Microbiology and Plant Pathology / unrestricted

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) cvs 'Altaswede' (2n=2X=14) and 'Norseman' (2n=4X=28) were used in the present study to investigate tissue culture initiation, plant regeneration and the occurrence of somaclonal variation. Hypocotyl explants of aseptic seedlings were inoculated into L2 medium containing 0.06 mg/1 Picloram and 0.1 mg/1 benzyladenine for callus induction. Calli were usually induced after two weeks of culture. Callus induction frequency was 60% to 85% of the explants cultured with 'Altaswede' showing a slightly higher frequency than 'Norseman'. Satisfactory results were obtained under dark or light conditions using either test tubes or petri plates, as culture vessels. After callus induction, an experiment was conducted to regulate shoot induction by subculturing the calli on L2 medium containing 0.01 mg/1 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 2 mg/1 adenine (LSE) and on B₅ medium containing 2 mg/1 naphthalene acetic acid and 2 mg/1 adenine, media which have been reported to be shoot-supportive. However, both media failed to initiate shoots under the present experimental conditions. Further tests confirmed that LSE medium did not induce shoots from these calli and that callus growth on LSE medium steadily deteriorated over several subcultures. Subsequently, various media were tested with an emphasis on different combinations of growth regulators. Root differentiation from these calli was frequently observed. Shoots were initiated from some calli when they were transferred from SCP medium to media containing naphthalene acetic acid and kinetin. Embryogenic callus of one genotype was selected and maintained on LSP medium, leading to the regeneration of numerous plants. Supplementation with arginine, glutamic acid and casein hydrolysate did not show a significant effect on callus growth and differentiation. The source of callus influenced rates of growth and the occurrence of differentiation. Usually 'Norseman' calli grew faster and produced more roots than 'Altaswede' calli, while shoots were induced only from 'Altaswede' calli. Although 'Norseman' had more shoot tips induced to produce multiple shoots, the multiple shoot number per culture of 'Altaswede' was higher than that of 'Norseman'. Shoot tip cultures were also established to induce multiple shoots and to regenerate plants via root organogenesis. Regenerants from initial multiple shoots (RG1), multiple shoots after two subcultures (RG2), three-month calli (RG3) and one-year calli (RG4) were evaluated for chromosome number stability, morphology and several biochemical traits. When 'Altaswede' plants were analysed for chromosome number, RG1 and RG3 plants were normal, while one RG2 plant and 23% of 119 RG4 plants had tetraploid chromosome numbers. Regenerated plants were quite stable regarding their isozyme patterns of malate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucose isomerase, phosphoglucomutase and shikimate dehydrogenase and their nodule leghaemoglobin profiles. Morphologically, the leaflet length to width ratio of RG1, RG2 and RG3 plants of 'Altaswede' showed significantly more variation than control plants (P≤0.01), while RG4 plants of 'Altaswede' and RG1 and RG2 plants of 'Norseman' were not different from control plants. It is suggested that the absence of detectable differences in the RG4 'Altaswede' plants was a consequence of their origin from one original genotype. Variability and stability of regenerated plants are discussed. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

The Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium x A. auriculiformis, Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) has created considerable interest for plantations because of its adaptability and growth performance when compared to the parental species. This study concentrated on sexual reproduction, and seed and seedling quality using light and electron microscopy, histochemistry, and seed and seedling tests. Two peak flowering periods in the hybrid appear to coincide with high rainfall and temperature, whereas two fruit-maturation periods occur during a windy dry season. The hybrid is andromonoecious. A floral spike consists of about 150 loosely arranged flowers. Flowers are cream colored and fragrant and have no floral nectaries. The pistil has a solid style with a smooth, wet stigma and amphitropous ovules with immature integuments at pollination. The flowers are weakly protogynous. Anthesis is complete at 0500-0600 h but peak female receptivity begins at 0200-0300 h and is completed that day. The stigmatic exudate is of the lipophilic type and is secreted from the stigmatic cells by a holocrine mechanism. Pollen is the main floral reward for the insect pollinators. There are several floral characteristics which facilitate pollen transfer from anthers to the stigmas. Apis mellifera and Ceratina sp. are the most effective pollinators. They are the most common insect visitors and carry a heavy load of hybrid polyads. However, their behavior in foraging for pollen in the same tree may promote self-pollination. The 16-pollen polyads have the highest viability at anthesis (over 80%) but lose viability within 3 days. In vivo pollen germination occurs within a few hours and pollen tubes grow up to 16 μm/min, reaching the ovarian chamber 7 to 8 hr after pollination. In vivo pollen tube growth is supported by the stylar secretion that may be stimulated by pollination and an ovarian secretion which is independent of pollination. Abnormalities of pollen tube growth were observed and probably result from self-pollination. There is no evidence of pollen-tube competition and pollen tube penetration of the ovules appears to occur randomly. Fertilization in the hybrid occurs within 3 days after pollination. One of the two synergids is the site of pollen tube penetration and its degeneration is triggered by the pollen tube penetration of the nucellus. Endoplasmic reticulum is likely involved in the polar nuclear fusion but not in the fusion of sperm nuclei with the egg and polar nuclei. Because no sperm-cytoplasmic fusion occurs during karyogamy, the hybrid, therefore, possesses maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The hybrid zygote is metabolically inactive and has a two-month dormant period due to delays in embryo nutrition. Proembryo cell divisions are of the Trifolium variation of the Onagrad type without formation of a suspensor. Endosperm formation is of the nuclear type. The breakdown of stored products, abundant in the central cell and nucellus, provides nourishment to the developing endosperm through many nutrient pathways. The endosperm then becomes the main nutrient source for the embryo. Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins are the main seed storage products. The hybrid has very low reproductive success (0.0054). Low fruit set in the hybrid (2%) was attributed primarily to insufficient pollination (65% of total) and early fruit abortion (33% of total). Low seed set (24%) is mainly caused by failure of pollen tube penetration of the ovules (over 70%). The seed treatment of soaking seeds in boiling water for 1 min gives high germination percentages (over 80%) and is practical. The F2 hybrid seedlings possess features intermediate between the parental species. At 3 months, the F2 seedlings have a high survival rate (90%) and their height and diameter growths vary significantly among parental trees but are superior to those of the parental species. / Graduate

Text in English with abstracts in isiVenda and Sepedi / Bambara groundnut and cowpea are essential legumes that are well adapted to unfavourable environmental conditions and have high dietary values for humans. However, they are under-researched and under-utilised. Thus, there are limited records on yields and metabolic profiling of these leguminous crops co-inoculated with B. japonicum and Bacillus subtilis. Generally, very few studies have reported on the effects of co-inoculation of other plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and rhizobia strains on leguminous plants. This study therefore assessed the effects of B. subtilis (strain BD233) on germination of Bambara groundnut under different temperature regimes, and evaluated the effects of co-inoculation of B. japonicum and B. subtilis on yields of cowpea under glasshouse conditions. The study also assessed the metabolite profile of the crops using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The data showed that inoculation of Bacillus subtilis on Bambara groundnut landraces under different temperatures enhanced germination (germination percentage, germination rate indices and plumule length). Furthermore, co-inoculation with B. japonicum and Bacillus subtilis (strain BD233) improved plant yield of cowpea plants. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed distinct separations between treatments (co-inoculation of B. japonicum and Bacillus subtilis, inoculation of B. japonicum, uninoculated plus NO3 and zero inoculation) on Bambara groundnut and cowpea plants. The VIP score revealed that co-inoculation with B. japonicum and Bacillus subtilis (strain BD233) resulted in low concentrations of metabolites in Bambara groundnut plants and in contrast, high concentrations of metabolites in cowpea plants. Co-inoculation with B. japonicum and Bacillus subtilis (strain BD233) has a potential of improving yield of both Bambara groundnut and cowpea in sustainable agriculture. The metabolic profile of Bambara groundnut and cowpea subjected to co-inoculation has shown that both crops metabolic composition and profile are highly dependent on co-inoculation. / Phonda na ṋawa ndi mangaṋawa a ndeme ane a kona u tea zwavhuḓi kha nyimele dza vhupo vhune ha si vhe havhuḓi na ndeme ya nṱha ya pfushi kha vhathu. Naho zwo ralo, a hu athu u itwa ṱhoḓisiso dzo linganaho nga hadzo na u sa shumiswa Nga zwenezwo hu na rekhodo dzo pimiwaho nga ha khaṋo na u ela tshileme tsha molekulu ṱhukhu dza methaboḽiki dza zwiliṅwa izwi zwa mangaṋawa u khetha na B. japonicum na Bacillus subtilis. Nga u angaredza, ndi ngudo dzi si nngana dzo no vhigwaho nga ha masiandaitwa a khetha nyaluwo ya zwimela zwine zwa ṱuṱuwedza bakitheria dzine dza baḓekanywa na midzi na bakitheria dzine dza shandukisa naiṱirodzheni u vha amonia kha zwimela zwa mangaṋawa. Ngudo heyi nga zwenezwo yo asesa masiandaitwa a B. subtilis (tshiliṅwa tsha BD233) kha mumelo wa phonda nga fhasi ha ndaulo ya thempheretsha dzo fhambanaho, na u ela masiandaitwa a u khetha B. japonicum na B. subtilis kha khaṋo dza phonda na ṋawa nga fhasi ha nyimele ya fhethu hune ha ṱavhiwa zwimela nga fhasi ha tsireledzo kana ndangulo. Ngudo dzo dovha dza ela tshileme tsha molekulu ṱhukhu dza methaboḽiki dza zwiliṅwa hu tshi shumiswa 1H maanḓa a u tzwonzwiwa ha nyukiḽia nga eḽekiṱhironiki maginethe (NMR) nga u ṱanganelana ha radiesheni ya eḽekiṱhironiki maginethe. Data yo sumbedza u ḓivhadzwa ha Bacillus subtilis kha tshiliṅwa tshapo tsha phonda fhasi ha thempheretsha dzo fhambanaho u khwinisa mumelo (phesenthedzhi ya mumelo, zwisumbi zwa phimo ya muelo na vhulapfu ha pulumule). U isa phanḓa, u ḓivhadzwa hafhu ha B. japonicum na Bacillus subtilis (tshiliṅwa tsha BD233) khaṋo yo khwiniswaho ya tshiliṅwa kha zwimela zwa ṋawa. Musaukanyo wa u khethekanya zwitatisiṱika (Partial least squares-discriminant analysis) (PLS-DA) wo sumbedza khethekanyo dzo fhambanaho vhukati ha kushumisele (u ḓivhadzwa hafhu ha B.japonicum na Bacillus subtilis, u ḓivhadzwa ha B. japonicum, i songo ḓivhadzwaho hafhu na NO3 na ziro i songo ḓivhadzwa hafhu) kha phonda na zwiliṅwa zwa ṋawa. Tshikoro tsha VIP tsho wanulusa uri u ḓivhadzwa hafhu ha B. japonicum na Bacillus subtilis (kha tshiliṅwa tsha BD233) zwo bveledza mutzwonzwo wa fhasi wa methobolaithisi kha zwiliṅwa zwa phonda na phambano, ya mutzwonzwo wa nṱha wa methobolaithisi kha zwiliṅwa zwa ṋawa. U khetha ha B. japonicum na Bacillus subtilis (kha tshiliṅwa tsha BD233) zwo vha na ndeme ya u khwinisa khaṋo ya vhuvhili hazwo phonda na ṋawa kha vhulimi vhu sa nyeṱhi. U ela tshileme tsha molekulu ṱhukhu dza methaboḽiki dza phonda na ṋawa tenda u ḓivhadzwa hafhu ho sumbedza uri vhuvhili ha kubveledzele kwa methaboḽiki ya zwiliṅwa na muelo zwo ḓitika nga maanḓa nga u khetha. / Ditloo tša Bambara ke dipeu tše bohlokwa tšeo di kgonago go phela gabotse go maemo a tikologo yeo e sego ya loka e bile di na le boleng bja godimo bja dijo tšeo di lekanego go batho. Le ge go le bjalo, gona le dinyakišišo tša fase ka tšona le gore ga di šomišwe kudu. Ka gona, go na le direkhoto tše dinnyane ka ga pego ya mehola le tšhomišo ya yona ka ga dibjalo tše tša go dira dipeu tšeo di kopantšhwago le B. japonicum le Bacillus subtilis. Ka kakaretšo, dinyakišišo tše dinnyane kudu di begile ka ga dikhuetšo tša kopantšho ya mehlare e mengwe ya go huetša go gola ga pakteria ya medu (rhizobacteria) le dingangego tša pakteria ya ka gare ga medu (rhizobia) go dibjalo tša dipeu. Nyakišišo ye ka gona e lekotše dikhuetšo tša B. subtilis (strain BD233) go melo ya ditloo tša Bambara ka fase ga maemo a dithempereitšha tša go fapana, le go lekola dikhuetšo tša kopantšho ya B. japonicum le B. subtilis go mehola ya ditloo tša Bambara le dinawa ka fase ga maemo a ntlo ya digalase. Nyakišišo gape e lekotše pego ya tšhomišo ya dibjalo go šomišwa sedirišwa sa go laetša maatlakgogedi sa 1H (NMR). Tshedimošo e bontšhitše gore tsenyo ya Bacillus subtilis go ditloo tša Bambara tša tlwaelo ka fase ga dithempereitšha tša go fapana go kaonafaditše go mela (phesente ya go mela, lebelo la dikelo tša melo le botelele bja kutu ya sebjalo). Gape, kopantšho le B. japonicum le Bacillus subtilis (strain BD233) go kaonafaditše mehola ya dibjalo tša mehlare ya dinawa. Tshekatsheko ya go hwetša tswalano ya dithišu tše pedi (PLS-DS) e utollotše ditlogelano tša go fapana magareng ga mekgwa (kopantšho ya B. japonicum le Bacillus subtilis, tsenyo ya B. japonicum, yeo e sego ya tsenywa le NO3 le tsenyo ya lefeela) go ditloo tša Bambara le dibjalo tša dinawa. Dipoelo tša VIP di utollotše gore kopantšho ya B. japonicum le Bacillus subtilis (strain BD233) e tlišitše dipoelo tša fase tša ditšweletšwa tša dimolekule tša dibjalo tša ditloo tša Bambara e bile gape ge re dira phapanyo, bontšhi bjo bo lego godimo bja ditšweletšwa tša dimolekule ka go dibjalo tša dinawa. Kopantšho ya B. japonicum le Bacillus subtilis (strain BD233) e na le kgonagalo ya go kaonafatša mehola ya bobedi ditloo tša Bambara le dinawa ka go temo ya sa ruri. Seemo sa ditšweletšwa tša ditloo tša Bambara le dinawa tšeo di dirilwe kopantšho se bontšhitše gore bobedi tlhamotšweletšo le seemo sa dibjalo tše di ithekgile kudu mo go kopantšho. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) - MSc (Biodiv and Cons Biol) / The Overberg renosterveld rangelands of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) has become well associated with commercial and communal agricultural practices, namely crop and livestock production. This Mediterranean region is characterized as being a semi-arid, winter rainfall area with nutrient-limited soils. Livestock farmers rely largely on introduced legume species such as lucerne (Medicago sativa) as high quality forage to sustain their livestock’s diets. Generally, these introduced species are reliant on the accessibility of water and nutrients, due to the specific climatic and edaphic conditions of the region. The availability of high quality forage has always been a major concern to farmers when it comes to managing their livestock, since livestock productivity is determined by the quality of the forage consumed.