Background
I graduated with a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2020.
My research project investigated the diversity and taxonomy of wood-rotting Basidiomycetes
in indigenous African forest ecosystems. Specifically, I characterized the diversity of
Ganoderma and Hymenochaetaceae species associated with trees showing wood rot
symptoms in the Garden Route natural forest reserve of South Africa. My Ph.D. has resulted
in the description of seven tree parasitic fungi previously unknown to science and the
publication of 4 research papers in reputable ISI journals
(https://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/index.php/news-item?id=878).
I had previously, received an M.Sc. in Plant Biotechnologies from the University of Yaoundé I
(2010). In fulfilling the requirements for this degree, I conducted a research project, which
aimed at studying the eco-physiological and biochemical properties of the seeds of Jatropha
curcas L. from Cameroon. The objective was to optimize the processing of its dormant seeds
for a better germination rate, and to determine the best conditions for growth and
development of the seedlings of this promising biofuel crop. As I subsequently worked as a
Research Assistant at the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), my
research interest shifted focus onto disease problems affecting important cash crops
cultivated in Cameroon. Notably, I contributed in studies of crop decline associated with
Armillaria root rot in cacao and Penja pepper plantations. I also participated in the search for
potential biocontrol agents for fungal plant pathogens in the endophyte fungal flora
associated with cacao.
Publications:
7. Gryzenhout M., Ghosh S., Tchotet Tchoumi J.M., Vermeulen M., Kinge T.R. (2021) Ganoderma: Diversity, Ecological Significances, and Potential Applications in Industry and Allied Sectors. Chapter 9: pp 295-334. In: Abdel-Azeem A.M., Yadav A.N., Yadav N., Usmani Z. (eds) Industrially Important Fungi for Sustainable Development. Fungal Biology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-
6. Tchotet Tchoumi JM, Coetzee MPA, Rajchenberg M, Roux J. 2020. Poroid
Hymenochaetaceae associated with trees showing wood-rot symptoms in the Garden Route
National Park of South Africa. Mycologia, 112: 722-741 (Impact factor 2.762; 2020).
5. Petchayo TS, Tchotet Tchoumi JM, Mfegue VC, Nguefack J, Begoude BAD, Ducamp M,
Djeugap JF, Ten Hoopen GM. 2020. Armillaria root rot threatens Cameroon’s geographically
protected Penja black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Tropical Plant Pathology, 45: 534–543 (Impact
factor 1.338; 2019).
4. Tchotet Tchoumi JM, Coetzee MPA, Rajchenberg M, Roux J. 2019. Taxonomy and
species diversity of Ganoderma species in the Garden Route National Park of South Africa,
inferred from morphology and multi-locus phylogenies. Mycologia, 111: 730-747 (Impact
factor 2.762; 2019).
3. Tchotet Tchoumi JM, Coetzee MPA, Rajchenberg M, Wingfield MJ, Roux J. 2018.
Three Ganoderma species, including Ganoderma dunense sp. nov., associated with dying
Acacia cyclops trees in South Africa. Australasian Plant Pathology 47:431–447 (Impact factor
1.007; 2018).
2. Tchotet Tchoumi JM, Coetzee MPA, Vivas M, Rajchenberg M, Roux J. 2017. Wood-
rotting basidiomycetes associated with declining native trees in timber-harvesting
compartments of the Garden Route National Park of South Africa. Austral Ecology 42:947–963
(Impact factor 1.73; 2017).
1. Tchotet Tchoumi JM, Malla JN, Youmbi E, Boudjeko T. 2011. Effet des prétraitements
et substrats sur la germination et la croissance des plantules de Jatropha curcas L. originaire
du Cameroun. Cam. Jour. Biol. Bioch. Sc. 19: 27-37. ISSN 1011-6451
