Phatu W. Mashela

The slow decline of citrus is a complex syndrome primarily driven by the citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans); with unexplained modulating influences from abiotic stressors such as soil salinity and nutrient imbalances.

1 Introduction In South Africa, indigenous fruits constitute an important part in the food basket of the rural and/or township households (Mkhathini et al. 2017; Akinola et al. 2020). Mimusops zeyheri Sond commonly known as Transvaal red milkwood or Mmupudu (in Sepedi) is a member of the Sapotaceae Family and it is described as undervalued and unappreciated indigenous fruit tree (Omotayo et al. 2020).

Introduction Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm), is one of the most economically important pathogenic nematodes that attacks small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, representing a global animal health issue through drastic losses in livestock. The life cycle of this nematode is comprised of six stages, namely, eggs, first to fourth stage larvae (L1, L2, L3 and L4) and adults (Veglia, 1915).