Dr Lehlohonolo Donald Adams has been awarded a PhD in Ecological Sciences from UKZN for his assessment of fleshy-fruited invasive alien plants in South Africa’s eastern grasslands.
‘Donald used an interdisciplinary approach to understand the factors affecting fleshy-fruited invasive alien plant establishment and spread in the eastern montane grasslands of South Africa,’ said his supervisor, Professor Colleen Downs. ‘This included assessing community perceptions, seed germination and dispersal, and employing novel repeat photography.
‘His results provide insight into the local and landscape drivers of fleshy-fruited invasive alien plant establishment. Understanding these dynamics informs targeted intervention strategies for managing invasive plants more effectively.’
Adams moved from the University of the Free State to UKZN for his PhD studies in order to meet new people and work in a new environment, but particularly to join Downs’ lab after attending a workshop she had run on seed dispersal by ungulates.
He explained that his research sought to understand how invasive alien plants spread in areas where they have been introduced.
‘Alien plants are plants that have been introduced in areas where they normally do not occur,’ he said. ‘To become invasive, they then reproduce self-sustaining populations and spread further and start increasing their impact on the environment and social well-being of humans.’
Adams focused on how human beings, mammals and birds contribute to the seed dispersal of fleshy-fruited invasive alien plants, especially in the grasslands. ‘These are invasive plants that produce fruits that are eaten by mammals, rodents and birds,’ he said. He also examined how the invasive alien plant populations changed over a 12-year period in the grasslands using Google Street View ground level imagery and ground truthing comparisons.
Adams said that he had loved nature from a young age, so picking a research topic that addressed one of the major threats to biodiversity came naturally.
‘Understanding how invasive alien species spread in new environments and multiply in large numbers allows us to understand their life cycle and know which part of the life cycle could be targeted for management intervention,’ said Adams. ‘For example, if the seeds of a plant do not survive for long periods in the soil, we do not have to plan for long-term monitoring of the seeds in the soil after clearing that particular invasive plant species.’
With his PhD complete, Adams is now involved in postdoctoral work whilst he seeks permanent employment. His goal is to establish himself as a research scientist and lecturer. He thanked his family; partner; the Zion Christian Church in Pietermaritzburg; and his supervisors, Downs, Professor Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen and Dr Grant Martin.
Adams offered the following advice to his fellow students: ‘People’s dreams are not the same. The dreams you had as a child are still valid. If your dreams make sense to you, that is enough reason to go after them.’
He encouraged students to make use of mental health facilities available on campus on a regular basis: ‘Once you have included that appointment in your schedule, it becomes helpful when you are going through a tough time, which we all do. I have seen postgrads putting their health at risk by depriving themselves of proper sleep, good food and good times with loved ones. I challenge all students and young professionals to keep track of the following: family and friends; personal growth and development; spirituality; finances; career aspirations; business interests; your significant other; contribution and giving to others; personal health and fitness; and your physical environment.
‘All these things have kept me alive throughout my studies as whatever you do in the office is affected by all other things,’ he said.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini and supplied
