Investigating the causes of early mortality in four Eucalyptus species
Ms. Rosoarivelo’s study identifies how spatial and climatic factors jointly influence early Eucalyptus seedling mortality, emphasising the role of species-specific tolerances in successful site selection and plantation establishment.
Machine learning-based optimisation of Eucalyptus speciesrecommendations across environmental gradients in KwaZulu-Natal andMpumalanga
Mr. Laubscher-Pretorius applies machine learning to optimise Eucalyptus species selection across environmental gradients in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. His work integrates environmental variables and historical performance data to improve genotype–site matching and develop predictive tools for more efficient plantation management.
Deconstructing the Vascular Cambium: A Spatial Approach to the Primary-to-Secondary Growth Transition in Eucalyptus
Eugene Badenhorst investigates how Eucalyptus trees initiate wood formation by studying the transition from primary to secondary growth. Using spatial transcriptomics, he maps gene expression within intact tissue to preserve spatial context often lost in bulk sequencing.
Advancing Early Drought Stress Detection in Eucalyptus Using Digital Phenotyping and Machine Learning
Peaceful Ntshangase is currently conducting MSc research focused on drought stress detection in eucalyptus seedlings using advanced digital phenotyping and machine learning approaches. The study investigates the physiological and structural responses of different eucalyptus genotypes under both well-watered and drought-stressed conditions within a controlled glasshouse environment. The research makes use of the PlantEye F600 multispectral […]
Investigation Soil Feeding Activity in Eucalyptus Plantations
Michelle Eckert’s research focused on advancing the use of the bait-lamina test, a well-established, non-destructive method for quantifying soil feeding activity by soil fauna in Eucalyptus plantations. By inserting bait-filled plastic strips into the soil profile, the technique provides an integrative measure of below-ground biological activity across sites and treatments. Michelle Eckert conducted a field […]
Investigating the Effects of Eucalyptus Species and Planting Density on Soil Nutrient Dynamics in the Western Cape
Athini Buqa is registered in soil sciences, supervised by profs Ailsa Hardie-Peters, Cathy Clarke and David Drew. Her research investigates how Eucalyptus species and planting density influence soil nutrient dynamics under Mediterranean climate conditions in the Western Cape. Based at the IMPACT Open-Air Lab long-term field experiment at Lourensford, her work tracks seasonal changes in […]
Leaf Traits and Biotic Stress Responses in Eucalyptus
Stacey Marinus is a postgraduate student at EucXylo investigating how leaf traits influence pest interactions in young Eucalyptus species. Her research focuses on analysing both morphological and chemical leaf characteristics to better understand how these traits shape pest dynamics. In addition, her work explores the hydraulic and physiological responses of Eucalyptus to biotic stress, providing […]
Eucalyptus Growth Responses to Planting Density
Kudzai Kundishora is a postgraduate student at EucXylo investigating the effects of planting density on the early growth of four Eucalyptus species at the IMPACT Open Air Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding how species-specific responses interact with spacing to influence growth dynamics, with the broader aim of informing more sustainable and efficient Eucalyptus production […]
Advancing Eucalyptus Stress Physiology and Field-Based Innovation
Ofentse Mathibela is a postdoctoral fellow in the EucXylo programme, working under Prof David Drew. Her research focuses on Eucalyptus responses to environmental stressors, including drought, pests, and pathogens under field conditions. She is also involved in the INSPIRE (Innovation-Africa Stress Physiology & Infection Research Experiment) Open Air Laboratory, a large-scale field platform at the University of Pretoria, supporting long-term monitoring of tree performance.
Advancing Vegetation Monitoring with Drone-Based AI
Anathi Mtimkulu, a researcher in the Department of Forest and Wood Science, is using drone imagery and machine learning to exploring innovative ways to monitor and manage young plantation systems. Her project analyses orthomosaic data to assess how competing vegetation varies across different planting spacings, tree heights, and terrain conditions, incorporating environmental factors such as […]
