Southern African Society for Plant Pathology
Advancing Agriculture in Southern Africa

53rd BIENNIAL CONGRESS

The University of the Free State is excited to invite you to the 53rd Congress of the Southern African Society of Plant Pathology, from 21-25 January 2024. We will celebrate the Art and Science of Plant Pathology at the beautiful Golden Gate National Park. With this congress we aim to combine cutting edge research with the rustic allure of the eastern Free State to ensure a memorable experience for all delegates.

We encourage you all to enter a dialogue in response to Grogan (1987) on the Relation of art and science of plant pathology for disease control, as the paper inspired our conference theme. We are excited to announce the Art & Science competition. Please engage with us and one another on Twitter and other social media using the #SASPPconnect and #SASPP2024.

As we are settling into our “new normal”, we are hosting an in-person conference in 2024, as there was a plea at the Biennial General Meeting in 2022 for networking opportunities. Although we are aware that the realities of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) are still felt by society members and friends, we look forward to share an excellent compilation of keynote talks, concurrent sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities at the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains. While interacting and seeing the shades of gold, cast by the sun on the sandstone, you’ll be able to appreciate why the location is named “Golden Gate”. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, picturesque mountains, and unique geological formations.

Summer in the eastern Free State is a time of crop harvests and the pleasure of the great outdoors with activities such as horse-riding, tennis, and short trails in nature. It’s an excellent birding destination with more than 250 species recorded, especially the sought after bearded vulture. Migratory birds are also present from November to April.

Additionally, the nearby town of Clarens, dotted with art galleries, studios, craft shops, and artisanal food and craft beers, exudes a charming and laid-back atmosphere. With a visit to the Basotho cultural village one gets to experience the Basotho way of life, dating back to the 16th Century, by tasting traditional cuisine and learning about the traditional equipment and weapons. The Herbal Trail introduces visitors to medicines that were (and still are) used by African Traditional Healers.

The unique and inspiring setting of Golden Gate will foster the sense of creativity in Art and Science of Plant Pathology, leading to meaningful contributions in an educational and stimulating program.