Laser Doppler Vibrometry to detect vessel cavitation
This project was undertaken as a “mini-thesis” under the supervision of Prof. Petrie Meyer as fulfilment of the B.Eng. requirements. This project investigated if a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) can be used to measure the vibrations of a eucalypt to detect cavitations in the xylem vessels.
Ms Fezile Mhlabane
Fezile was supervised by Prof. Nick Hale and Dr Andie de Villiers at Applied Mathematics under the auspices of a structured MSc program done in conjunction with the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), South African branch. Ms Mhlabane graduated in 2020. MSc project title: A mathematical model of wood growth This project was undertaken as a “mini-thesis” as part […]
Predicting growth and future yield in 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴 𝘹 𝘌. 𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 stands using the CABALA process-based model
The aims of this research were to (1) partly parameterise and initialise and (2) test the CABALA process-based model for hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla clones in the Zululand region of South Africa.
Assessing forest yield and site suitability for 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴 𝘹 𝘌. 𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 in coastal Zululand, South Africa, under climate change scenarios
This project considered the potential impact of climate change on both yield and production risk of eucalypts. The aim of this study was to project future mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), species site suitability.
Leaf-level physiological response and carbon allocation in two eucalypt hybrids with contrasting water use strategies under drought
This study explored drought responses of two eucalypt hybrids (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus longirostrata (EGL) and Corymbia henryi x Corymbia torelliana (CHT)) with contrasting water use strategies, to identify how key leaf-level functional traits.
Ms Lucy Nevhungwili (MSc)
Lucy joined the EucXylo team as an MSc candidate, with a strong background in forestry and an interest in the processes behind tree development. Her research at EucXylo was focused on the cambial activity in four eucalypts and she graduated in March 2024. MSc project title: Cambial responsiveness in four contrasting eucalypt varieties to varying […]
The physiological and genetic underpinnings that influence the xylem properties of 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴, when subjected to different levels of water availability
Considering that wood is an incredibly valuable source of renewable biomaterial and biofuel products, it is essential that we understand how the underlying mechanisms that drive wood formation function.
Investigating the photosynthetic and hydraulic trade-off during drought recovery in eucalypts
Alta joined EucXylo for her Ph.D after working in the agricultural sector for two years. Her interest in using models to explain plant responses to environmental changes and how these models can be implemented, led her to EucXylo.
Advanced imaging of developing xylem
Knowledge of the process by which the cambium produces wood has progressed very slowly and this knowledge gap is largely due to difficulties in visualising the 3D organisation of the cambium and the lack of non-destructive methods with sufficient resolution.
Linking forestry concepts, models, and experimental findings via a Knowledge Graph
The EuXBrain project is a knowledge graph–based tool developed to support research in Eucalyptus wood formation and ecophysiology. It enables researchers to integrate and explore concepts, datasets, and computational models across multiple biological scales, from cellular processes driving xylogenesis to empirical models of whole-tree growth under varying environmental conditions.
