Dr. Nokwazi Carol Mbili | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

Senior Lecturer | University of KwaZulu-nATAL | South Africa

Dr. Nokwazi Carol Mbili is a researcher specializing in Plant Pathology, with strong expertise in Postharvest Pathology, Postharvest Technology, Food Safety, and Biological Control. Her research focuses on sustainable management of postharvest diseases in horticultural crops, emphasizing plant-based extracts, biological control agents, and integrated disease management strategies to enhance food quality and safety. She also explores innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides for fresh produce preservation. Dr. Mbili currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she contributes to teaching, postgraduate supervision, and collaborative research in plant health and postharvest systems. Her key contributions include advancing knowledge on natural antifungal compounds, edible coatings, and integrated control strategies for fungal pathogens affecting fruits and cereals. Her work supports sustainable agriculture by reducing postharvest losses, improving food safety, and promoting environmentally responsible technologies with direct relevance to industry, policy development, and global food security initiatives.

View Scopus Profile

Featured Publications

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

3. 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), 3025–3035.

4. Shude, S., 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), 1–7.

5. 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.*