1. Driekie Fourie Nematologist (driekie.fourie@nwu.ac.za) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management North-West University Potchefstroom www.nwu.ac.za The value of study leave.

2. Study leave vs. gold? Wanted Why does gold have value? Scarce Attractive properties Versatile Adds value

3. Study leave = valuable But, to obtain study leave: need and….. My supervisor: Prof. Johnnie van den Berg proper planning Prof. Dirk de Waele (University of Leuven, Belgium) LNRARC & Network of colleagues + institutions

4. My needs To compile articles of available data: in quiet environment. To add value: Myself, Employer and Scientific community. NRF rating.

5. Planned outputs Scientific articles (accredited journals): 5 +1 Chapters : Nematology book: 4 Home, sweet home...

6. Scientific articles Indications of variation in host suitability to root-knot nematode populations in commercial tomato varieties. (Hendrika Fourie, Alexander Henrique Mc Donald, Tshiamo Shilla Mothata, Keikantsemang Nancy Ntidi and Dirk De Waele). Published Comparative cellular responses for susceptible and resistant soybean cultivars infected by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. (Hendrika Fourie 1, Alexander H. Mc Donald, Dirk De Waele & Anine Jordaan). Accepted Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with weeds in developing agriculture in South Africa, with emphasis on root-knot nematodes. (Keikantsemang N. Ntidi, Hendrika Fourie, Alexander, H. Mc Donald & Dirk De Waele) Accepted Alternative management strategies to reduce root-knot nematodes in small-scale farming systems in South Africa. (Hendrika Fourie, Keikantsemang N. Ntidi, Mieke Daneel, Alexander H. Mc Donald and Dirk De Waele) Submitted - October 2012 In vivo host and yield responses of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita-resistant soybean genotypes. (Hendrika Fourie 1, Alexander H. Mc Donald & Dirk De Waele) Submitted - October 2012 Nematode research on soybean in South Africa, with special reference to root-knot nematodes. (Hendrika Fourie, Sonia Steenkamp, Alex Mc Donald & Dirk De Waele) Submitted - October 2012

7. Book chapters Plant-parasitic nematode pests of legume crops in South Africa. (Hendrika Fourie, Sonia Steenkamp, Alex Mc Donald & Dirk De Waele) A critical perspective of nematology research progression over the past three decades on cereal crops in South Africa. (AH Mc Donald 1, D De Waele & H Fourie) Plant-parasitic nematode pests of potatoes and vegetables in South Africa. (Robin K. Jones, Sheila G. Storey, Rinus Knoetze & Hendrika Fourie) Techniques and procedures used in local nematology laboratories. (S. Berry, R. Knoetze, A. Swart, M. Marais & H. Fourie)

8. Phases of my study leave. Phase 1 – Application. Phase 2 – Planning & networking with people involved. Phase 3 – The “actual” study leave period. Visit of Prof Dirk de Waele (Sept/Oct 2011) Phase 4 – Submitting articles for publication. Phase 5 – Follow-up & final scheduling. Visit to Prof Dirk de Waele (Sept 2012) Phase 6 – Submitting rest of articles for publication. Phase 7 – Publication of book (2013).

9. Tips for intentional applicants A definite need must exist. A realistic goal(s). Motivated. Dedicated. Stick to time-frame. Consider co-workers – teamwork – establish new networks or strengthen old ones.. GODEN OPPORTUNITY- use it! Proper planning. Time of study leave (not during busy months at work).

10. Acknowledgments Halicephalobus mephisto: First multisellular organism -1.3km below the earth’s surface in harsh environment – found in 2010! NWU for this opportunity, support and finances to do it. Uplift myself and add value to NWU, while Replacement to conduct my day-to-day activities