Celebrating EucXylo Hans Merensky day.
On 13 October 2025, the EucXylo team gathered at the beautiful Erinvale Hotel and Conference Venue for our annual Hans Merensky EucXylo Research Meeting. The day brought together students, researchers, and collaborators to share ideas, celebrate progress, and connect through a shared passion for tree science and innovation. The programme featured a diverse range of […]
The EucXylo Team Celebrates 1 Year of the IMPACT Open-Air Lab.
At the end of July, Prof Dave Drew and most of the EucXylo team celebrated 13 months since the planting of our trees at IMPACT with a lunch at Vergelegen, followed by a walk around looking at some of the exceptional trees on the estate.
Branching Out: EucXylo’s Dynamic Presence at the FSIF Workshop
On 25 June, Prof Drew and Dr Moller-Hanekom represented EucXylo at the Forestry Sector Innovation Fund (FSIF) workshop, where innovation and collaboration took centre stage. The two-day event offered a rich exchange of ideas among researchers representing the physiological, genomic, and modelling sectors in forestry, sparking vibrant discussions and fostering collaboration among participants. It was […]
Global Expertise Meets Local Innovation at the IMPACT Open-Air Lab
We were honoured to host Dr Sam van Holsbeeck from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and Prof Ben Spong, together with three of his undergraduate students — Maddy, Jimmy, and JJ — from West Virginia University, USA, at the IMPACT Open-Air Lab. Dr van Holsbeeck brings extensive expertise in integrated pest, disease, and […]
Advancing Forest Health Through Research and Collaboration
Earlier this month, we had the privilege of welcoming Prof. Mike Wingfield , Prof. Brenda Wingfield, Dr. Wilma Nel, and Sandisiwe Jali from FABI University of Pretoria, along with Prof. Francois Roets from Stellenbosch University, to the IMPACT OAL research plantation. Bringing expertise in forest pathology, entomology, molecular biology, conservation ecology, and disease diagnostics, they […]
Exploring Advanced Aerial Imaging for Forestry Research
Earlier this year, we had the incredible opportunity to witness a demonstration of the DJI Matrice 3DT drone and DJI Dock 2, led by Integrated Aerial Systems (IAS) at the IMPACT OAL site. The demonstration provided valuable insights into how UAV technology can support precision forestry and environmental monitoring. A big thank you to Warren […]
Exploring Wood Science : Newberry House School Visits EucXylo Microscopy Facilities
What had the pleasure of welcoming Grade 11 and 12 students from Newberry House School to the EucXylo microscopy facilities for an exciting day of learning and discovery. Guided by their teachers, Marele Dicks and Liezel Pienaar, the students began their visit with a warm welcome and introduction to forestry by Prof. Drew. They gained […]
DSTI and FSA Visit Marks a Milestone for Forestry Research at IMPACT OAL
The IMPACT Open-Air Laboratory (OAL) recently had the privilege of welcoming esteemed representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Forestry South Africa (FSA). The visit marked an important moment in our journey to advance sustainable forestry research and strengthen collaborative efforts between government, industry, and science. This visit was especially meaningful […]
Celebrating Our Master’s Graduates : A Journey of Excellence and Achievement
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our brilliant Master’s graduates : Yenziwe Mbuyisa, Matthew van Eyssen, and Christopher Erasmus, who have successfully obtained their Master’s. Yenziwe Mbuyisa – For her remarkable work on The Effects of Temperature and Water Availability on Water Use Efficiency in two 𝘔𝘺𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘦 species, 𝘌. 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴 and 𝘚. […]
Engaging Future Environmental Leaders : Newberry House School Visits the IMPACT OAL
The EucXylo Team was delighted to host a large group of Environmental Management students from Newberry House School, accompanied by their teachers and parents, at the IMPACT Open-Air Laboratory (OAL). The visit was an exciting opportunity for the students to learn more about sustainable forestry practices and how we’re using precision tools and innovative technologies […]
