Senior Lecturer - Plant and Soil Sciences
Programme Leader: Water-Use of Fruit Species

My research interests include water use, water relations and modelling water use of fruit tree species. I am currently involved in research projects on citrus, apple, avocado, macadamia and pecan water use. This involves quantifying transpiration using sap flow systems and evapotranspiration with micrometeorological methods and the driving variables for water use. Ecophysiological measurements (leaf and stem water potential, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis) are also conducted to understand the control over transpiration by the tree. I am also interested in the carbon partitioning dynamics in low chill peach cultivars grown in areas with warm springs. I collaborate with the University of Stellenbosch, University of KwaZulu-Natal and the CSIR.