Thesis Topics
Developing a scanner for high throughput phenotyping of corncobs
Developing a scanner for high throughput phenotyping of corncobs
Type of Thesis: M.Sc. / B.Sc.
Description and Objective:
Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most important crops in the world being widely used for bioenergy, animal nutrition and human consumption. As the corn cob is the most nutritious part of the plant, yield parameters as cob length and kernel number are highly relevant for breeding superior varieties. These traits are usually measured destructively by threshing the cobs (e.g. for counting kernels) or they are measured manually by human workers, which is tiresome, expensive and can be inconsistent.
Therefore, our goal is to develop a low-cost scanner for corn cobs which is capable of rapidly and accurately measuring the corncob phenotype. Ideally the system includes both capturing of RGB images and real-time image analysis. Modern AI-optimized hardware will be applied which enables deployment of machine learning and conventional algorithms.
Your tasks could include:
· Construction and assembly of the scanner
· Writing code to control the scanner
· Writing code for image analysis and training machine learning models
· Manual measurements on maize cobs
· Application of the scanner
Skills in any programming languages are beneficial but being open to learning Python and Linux is even more important.
Research project:
AMAIZE-P: Adaptation of maize-based food-feed-energy systems to limited phosphate resources
RS 2.3: Detecting phosphate status in soil and in maize canopies by non-invasive methods
In cooperation with:
RS 1.1: Genetic variation, genetic architecture and genomic prediction of P-use-efficiency traits in European and Chinese maize
How to apply:
Please send your CV to:
M.Sc. Leon Oehme
Institute of Agriculture Engineering, Tropical and Subtropical Group (440e)
Email: leon.oehme@uni-hohenheim.de
Drying of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in Croatia: Evaluation of drying performance and energy consumption of different dryers based on on-site drying experiments
Type of Thesis: M.Sc.
Description and objective:
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an important medical herb with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which is intensively cultivated in Croatia. Drying is used to extend the shelf life and maintain the biologically active substances after harvest. However, drying is an energy-intensive process, thus good drying practices with rational use of energy are required for practical applications.
Therefore, the objectives of this study are:
- to carry out on-site drying experiments at different dryers pre-installed in Croatia
- to evaluate the drying performance, energy consumption and system performance of dryers and propose recommendations for possible design-modifications
Research will be carried out in collaboration with Martin Bauer Group.
Requirements for the applicants
- Completed bachelor studies in Agricultural engineering or in a related discipline and eligible for master thesis
- Very good written and spoken English and German
- High level of motivation, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work in a team.
How to apply:
Please send your CV and your academic transcripts to:
Dr. Sebastian Romuli: Email: Sebastian_Romuli@uni-hohenheim.de or
Iris Ramaj:Email: i.ramaj@uni-hohenheim.de
Application deadline: 1 March 2024