IN MEMORY OF BRADLEY CHARLES FLETT

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Prof Bradley Charles Flett (or Brad as most of us called him), on Wednesday, 18 September 2024.

Anyone who had the privilege to know and work with Brad knows that he enjoyed life fully, was a deep thinker, and an incredible intellectual who shared his knowledge easily and in a very simple manner with anyone.

Bradley Flett began his career as a technician in the Plant Pathology section of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Potchefstroom in 1982. He served as a Senior Researcher in Plant Pathology at the ARC for more than 33 years, with his research focussing on diseases of maize, soybeans, groundnuts, sunflowers and drybeans. Brad had an exceptional understanding of disease epidemiology and integrated pest management. His understanding of mycotoxins, and its management, forms part of his ability to integrate biological and chemical systems and look at solutions in a holistic manner.

Bradley was well respected by his peers (national and international) and South African maize producers, who often knocked on his door or called him out to their fields, as an excellent plant pathologist. He shared his knowledge and expertise through student training and research supervision, and often served as mentor to his colleagues. He served as President of the African Society of Mycotoxicology from 2015 to 2018, and on the Steering and Technical Committees of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA). Brad’s passing has left an indelible void in grain research, in South Africa and beyond. He will be dearly remembered as a passionate plant pathologist and loyal friend.   

Rest in peace, Brad. We will always remember you.