Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology

Dr. Nokwazi Carol Mbili is a plant pathologist and researcher with an H-index of 8 (Google Scholar) and a strong academic orientation toward addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food security. She is currently a Senior Lecturer and Academic Coordinator in the Discipline of Plant Pathology within the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Prior to this role, she served as a Junior Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC)-Infruitec/Nietvoorbij. Dr. Mbili teaches a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, including ‘fungi, food and phytopathogens’, plant disease epidemiology and bacteriology’, ‘crop protection’, ‘fungi in phytopathology-advanced mycology’, ‘plant pathology major research projects’, as well as ‘literature review and plant pathology research skill’. Her research focuses on non-chemical approaches to plant disease management, with an emphasis on postharvest pathology and the integration of preharvest and postharvest strategies to minimize crop losses. She aims to improve yield quality and promote sustainable agricultural systems by developing environmentally friendly solutions for managing plant diseases. Dr. Mbili has secured research funding from several national and industry sources, including the National Research Foundation (NRF), the South African Mango Growers’ Association (SAMGA), and NCT Forestry Agricultural Co-operative Limited. She continues to play an active role in advancing plant pathology research, contributing both to scientific knowledge and practical outcomes for growers and the agricultural sector.

• Plant pathology and crop protection
• Postharvest pathology and food security
• Natural product applications in plant disease control

1. Senior Lecturer and Academic Coordinator, UKZN Plant Pathology

2. Teaches undergraduate & postgraduate courses in mycology, phytopathology, epidemiology, bacteriology, and crop protection

3. Supervises MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers in plant pathology and horticulture

4. Reviewer and member of professional bodies including the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology and the International Society of Horticultural Sciences

5. Secured funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), South African Mango Growers’ Association (SAMGA), and NCT Forestry Agricultural Co-operative Limited

6. Regular presenter at international and national conferences

1. Mditshwa A., Magwaza L.S., Tesfay S.Z., Mbili N.C. (2017). Postharvest quality and composition of organically and conventionally produced fruits: A review. Scientia Horticulturae, 216: 148–159.

2. Mditshwa A., Magwaza L.S., Tesfay S.Z., Mbili N.C. (2017). Effect of ultraviolet irradiation on postharvest quality and composition of tomatoes: A review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(10): 1–11.

3. Tesfay S.Z., Magwaza L.S., Mbili N.C., Mditshwa A. (2017). Carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC) containing moringa plant extracts as new postharvest organic edible coating for Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit. Scientia Horticulturae, 226: 201–207.

4. Mbili N.C., Opara U.L., Lennox C.L., Vries F.A. (2017). Citrus and lemongrass essential oils inhibit Botrytis cinerea on ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Pink Lady’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 124(5): 499–511.

5. Tesfay S.Z., Magwaza L.S., Mditshwa A., Mbili N.C. (2018). Carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC) incorporated with moringa leaf and seed extracts as new postharvest organic edible coating for avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit. Acta Horticulturae, 1201: 161–168.

6. Ncama K., Mditshwa A., Tesfay S.Z., Mbili N.C., Magwaza L.S. (2019). Topical procedures adopted in testing and application of plant-based extracts as bio-fungicides in controlling postharvest decay of fresh produce. Crop Protection, 115: 142–151.

7. Mbili N.C., Laing M.D., Yobo K.S. (2020). Integrated control of Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea of apples using potassium silicate, yeast antagonists and YieldPlus®. Acta Horticulturae, 1269: 75–80.

8. Mbili N.C., Laing M.D., Yobo K.S. (2020). Effects of three potassium salts for the control of Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea on apples. Acta Horticulturae, 1269: 81–88.

9. Mbili N.C., Lennox C.L., Vries F.A., Opara U.L. (2020). The effects of lemon, lime and lemongrass essential oils on quality attributes of apples after controlled atmosphere storage. Acta Horticulturae, 1275: 369–376.

10. Gumede M., Mditshwa A., Tesfay S.Z., Magwaza L.S., Mbili N.C. (2020). The effect of ozone and UV-C irradiation on strawberry postharvest quality. Acta Horticulturae, 1275: 15–22.

11. Ncama K., Magwaza L.S., Mditshwa A., Tesfay S.Z., Mbili N.C. (2020). In-field application of portable NIR to assess ‘Valencia’ orange fruit maturity. Acta Horticulturae, 1275: 61–68.

12. Mbili N.C., Shude S.P.N. (2020). Isolation and identification of bacterial microorganisms with public health implications in tomatoes sold in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Acta Horticulturae, 1292: 313–320.

13. Shude S.P.N., Yobo K.S., Mbili N.C. (2020). Progress in the management of Fusarium head blight of wheat: An overview. South African Journal of Science, 116(11/12).

14. Tesfay S.Z., Magwaza L.S., Mditshwa A., Mbili N.C. (2020). The effect of volatiles and edible coatings on postharvest Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit quality. Acta Horticulturae, 1299: 369–376.

15. Ncama K., Magwaza L.S., Tesfay S.Z., Mditshwa A., Mbili N.C. (2020). In-situ assessment of harvest maturity of `Hass´ avocado using portable Vis-NIR spectrometer. Acta Horticulturae, 1299: 339–346.

16. Ncama K., Sithole N.J., Ramachela K., Shezi S., Mbili N.C., Magwaza L.S. (2021). Regulation of bio-physical factors for improving microbial communities and activities in hydroponic and aquaponic systems. ResearchGate (DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.15426.91846).

17. Mbili N.C., Yobo K.S., Laing M.D. (2021). Isolation and in vivo screening of yeast antagonists for the control of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum of pome fruit. Acta Horticulturae, 1325: 251–258.

18. Mbili N.C., Buthelezi S.S. (2021). In vitro and in vivo screening of yeast isolates on Penicillium digitatum and Galactomyces citri-aurantii of citrus. Acta Horticulturae, 1325: 233–238.

19. Mbili N.C., Yobo K.S., Laing M.D. (2021). Effect of hot water treatment on postharvest control of Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea of apples. Acta Horticulturae, 1325: 207–214.

20. Shude S.P.N., Mbili N.C., Yobo K.S. (2021). Epiphytic yeasts as potential antagonists against Fusarium head blight of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) caused by Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences.

21. Shude S.P.N., Mbili N.C., Yobo K.S. (2021). The efficacy of acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) in inducing resistance against Fusarium graminearum in wheat. Plant Science Today, 9(1): 183–191.

22. Shude S.P.N., Mbili N.C., Yobo K.S. (2021). Combination of yeast antagonists and Acibenzolar-S-Methyl reduced the severity of Fusarium head blight of wheat. Plant Science Today, 9(1): 198–205.

23. Maponya P., Madakadze C., Mbili N.C., et al. (2021–2022). Several works on agroforestry, food security, and climate change impacts. Published in AGROFOR International Journal, Circular Economy and Sustainability, Elsevier, Palgrave Macmillan.

24. Sithole N.M., Mbili N.C. (2022). Studies on in vitro effect of biological control agents against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides of papaya. Acta Horticulturae, 1349: 213–219.

25. Kombora N.C., Mbili N.C. (2022). In vitro screening of biological control agents on Lasiodiplodia theobromae of mango. Acta Horticulturae, 1349: 163–170.

26. Malevu N., Mbili N.C., Nyoni M., Magwaza L.S. (2022). Antagonistic microorganisms inhibited Botrytis cinerea of tomatoes in vitro and in vivo. Acta Horticulturae, 1349: 175–181.

27. Bambelele N.L., Mditshwa A., Tesfay S.Z., Mbili N.C., Magwaza L.S. (2023). The Antifungal effect of gaseous ozone on Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing stem-end rot in ‘Keitt’ mangoes. Foods, 12(1):195.

28. Buthelezi G., Mbili N.C., Mditshwa A. (2025). In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of UV-C Irradiation Against Fusarium solani in Potatoes. Horticulturae, 11(9):1098.

29. Mbatha L.A., Mbili N.C., Mditshwa A. (2025). Effects of melatonin and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MPA 1034 on postharvest quality of potato tubers. Horticulturae