The seminar explored research that integrates proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics to better understand how plants and their associated microbes respond to stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, and heavy metals.
During his presentation, Dr Ali discussed the complexities of plant responses to abiotic stresses, with particular focus on drought and heat. Drawing on his PhD research into sorghum genotypes, he highlighted how proteomics revealed differential protein expressions under stress conditions and how microbial interactions in soil influence plant growth and resilience.
His study presented quantitative proteomics analyses of leaf and root tissues of two contrasting sorghum genotypes grown under normal conditions, water deficit stress, heat stress, and combined water deficit and heat stress. The findings revealed biological processes and molecular pathways associated with sorghum responses to these treatments. Integration of these proteomics data with other ‘omics’ signatures may provide insights into the mechanisms underpinning sorghum adaptation to stress.
Dr Ali’s research also extends to maize, barley, and okra, where he investigates stress tolerance and nutrient composition. His work continues to contribute to strategies aimed at enhancing food security in the face of climate change.
“Abiotic stresses are among the most serious threats to global food production. By understanding the molecular, physiological responses of plants and their interactions with microbes, we can develop resilient crops that withstand the challenges of climate change,” he said.
He further emphasised the importance of cross-species comparisons and metabolite analysis in identifying pathways that improve crop resilience, noting that while plants may share some universal stress responses, they also exhibit unique adaptations depending on genotype and environment.
Dr Ali is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga.
Currently, Dr Ali supervises and co-supervises Honours, MSc, and PhD students both locally and internationally. He collaborates on projects funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). His ongoing studies also explore innovative approaches, such as the use of beneficial soil microbes and medicinal plant extracts, to enhance crop resistance against stress and pathogens.
Dr Ali holds a BSc Honours in Botany from the University of Khartoum, and an MSc and PhD in Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape. He has also undertaken research visits to the University of Padova (Italy) and the University of Missouri (USA).
He has published widely in international journals, serves as an active reviewer, and is currently a co-guest editor for a special issue in Plants. In recognition of his teaching contributions, he received the Dean’s Merit Award at UWC in 2025. He also founded the Biochemistry Education Network (BEN), which promotes cross-institutional collaboration in teaching and learning.
Story and pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga. Copyright ©UMP