Characterizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of crown architecture in young eucalypts using LiDAR technology
This project uses terrestrial and airborne laser scanning to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of crown architecture and its influence on young eucalypt performance across multiple species and sites.
Application of a printed e-nose for salt-stress detection in 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 trees
Development of a low-cost, printed electronic nose (e-nose) to accurately detect salt-induced stress in Eucalyptus trees by optimizing sensor design and validating VOC-based stress detection.
𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 Responses to Water Pulses in a Changing Climate
Investigating how Eucalyptus species respond fluctuations in rain events followed by drying cycles, focusing on growth and physiological traits as coping mechanisms for drought.
Dynamic Eucalyptus root image analysis to explain in situ root phenomics using mini-rhizotrons
Mini-rhizotrons at the IMPACT site to study Eucalyptus root architecture under varying competition levels, using machine learning to analyze root, environmental, and above-ground plant characteristics.
Using aerial remote sensing to asses weekly crown dynamics of juvenile Eucalyptus.
Project EucVision aims to conduct a comparative analysis of drones, manned aircraft, and satellites in the context of forestry applications.
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.
