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.
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.
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.
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.
Individual Tree Growth and Competition modelling
Refining InTreeG, which is a statistical individual tree, spacial, stand growth model.
Comparison of two different heat pulse velocity, non-invasive sap flow systems on young 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴 clones in a controlled environment.
Sap flow monitoring is crucial, as it is an indication of transpiration and water usages in trees. Yet, most sap flow sensors available on the market are invasive while those that are non-invasive are expensive.
The Signal and the Noise: Using AI Techniques to Find Patterns in Variation in Daily Stem Growth Data and Environmental Data in Eucalypts
Aims to use AI techniques to find the variation in daily stem growth in Eucalyptus.
The effects of inter-species competition on photosynthesis and gas exchange traits of saplings of selected 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 species
How competition affects the physiology of several Eucalyptus species through the lens of their individual bioclimatic niches.
