Development of Site Index Growth Models for 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 in Sawtimber Rotations with Climate-Based Modifiers for Enhanced Growth Prediction
This project will focus on developing a site index growth model for Eucalyptus that can be modified as weather conditions change to enhance prediction accuracy.
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.
The development of an affordable rhizotron system for root development monitoring
Rhizotrons are permanent devices used to measure plant roots; they typically have transparent viewing surfaces. These devices use high-resolution cameras to observe root development at the macroscopic or microscopic level.
The development of a wireless dendrometer
Electronic design and IoT (Internet of Things) project under co-supervision of Prof. Booysens with the main aim to develop a wireless dendrometer utilising LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology.
Radial variation in wood properties effected by environmental factors
As South Africa is a timber-scarce country, it is not surprising that there is predicted to be a shortage of softwood timber within the next 10 years. One of the solutions under investigation is to use hardwoods – mostly Eucalyptus – as structural timber, as they are relatively plentiful in South Africa. One of the biggest underlying […]
The effects of temperature and water availability on the water use efficiency of two 𝘔𝘺𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘦 species, 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴 and 𝘚. 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦
The opportunity of climate change mitigation through global tree afforestation/reforestation programs has become the flavour of the decade.
Mr Brian Mandigora
Brian is originally from Zimbabwe, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He subsequently undertook an MSc degree from Stellenbosch, before beginning his PhD in 2018. His interests lie in the development and application of models to manage challenges, as well as to exploit opportunities, that climate change and climate variation present in agriculture, particularly forestry […]
Eco-physiological interactions and resultant variability in xylem properties in four contrasting 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 clones
This project explores the very short-term eco-physiological responses to variability a range of environmental conditions in two Eucalyptus pure species and two hybrids.
Xylem development in 𝘌. 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘹 under cyclic drought conditions
Explore the development of xylem in Eucalyptus cladocalyx focusing on the relationship between cambial growth, exposure to cyclic drought and varying temperature changes.
Performance of process-based models in predicting productivity of 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴 x 𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 in South Africa
The 3-PG model, a simple process-based model (PBM) has gained popularity with researchers and forest resources managers as a practical tool for sustainable forest management strategies.
