MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A postgraduate student of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) credits his "groundbreaking" research project on sustainable crop protection to his hometown of Great Brak River and his curiosity.

Why? Because samples of indigenous plants from Great Brak's very own Suiderkruis area were used for the project.

Enriquay Smith (25), a PhD candidate, was named the best young botanist at the 2025 national South African Association of Botanists (Saab) Conference for his study focusing on biological control methods to combat destructive plant pathogenic fungi.

"Smith clinched the top spot for his groundbreaking research aimed at revolutionising sustainable crop farming," said the association in a statement following his win.

Enriquay Smith (right) shakes the hand of Prof Marshall Keyster, a co-supervisor on his research project, during his master’s graduation ceremony. Photo: Supplied

Smith says he wanted to explore whether plants growing in his hometown could harbour beneficial micro-organisms that might have useful agricultural applications. 

"I chose to collect samples from Suiderkruis because it is a coastal environment, and I was particularly interested in plants that are naturally able to survive under conditions such as high salinity and other environmental stresses," he says.

Smith's academic journey began eight years ago. 

He told Mossel Bay Advertiser the project's topic unexpectedly came during his honours studies in 2022. Sustainable crop protection and plant biology were not his first choice for the research project he was required to complete that year - they were actually his second.

"Throughout my honours, I was introduced to the challenges associated with plant diseases and the potential of biological approaches to provide more sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical control," says Smith. 

"I developed a strong interest in understanding how beneficial microbes could be used to protect crops against plant pathogens. That experience ultimately shaped the direction of my postgraduate research, into my master's and now my PhD."

Completing his project was challenging and stressful at times, but ultimately rewarding, especially when his research was published in an academic article at the end of his master's qualification.

"At the time, I didn't know what I would find, which was really what made the idea exciting for me. That initial curiosity ultimately became an important starting point for the research I continued to pursue."

Winning the award came as a complete surprise to Smith. "I wasn't expecting to win, so when my name was announced, it took a moment for it to actually sink in," he says. "What makes it truly special is that the answers to improving our agricultural systems were found right in the soils and plants here at home in the Garden Route."

He feels that growing up on a small farm in Little Brak River and later Great Brak River has definitely influenced his career path.

As the reigning best young botanist, Smith will deliver a keynote lecture at the next Saab Conference at the Nelson Mandela University's George campus in 2027. 

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