Topics proposed for B.Sc. or M.Sc. theses

Assignment of topics for Master- and Bachelor theses:
Please contact the corresponding supervisors directly.


1) Photosynthetic light responses and root morphology of potato cultivars as influenced by P applications
(Master Thesis)

Potato demands high phosphorus (P) availability in soils because its roots are inefficient in P uptake under low soil P concentration, making P a major limitation for potato production. Owing the indispensable role of P in energy transfer, a marginal P deficiency could reduce the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis for consumption in the Calvin cycle causing a reduction in net photosynthesis rates. At the same time, plants generally experience the diurnal fluctuations in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), which could also limit photosynthesis during the PPFD transitions.

Photosynthetic measurement of potato leaves
Photosynthetic measurement of potato leaves

An experiment is conducted in a collaboration between Division Quality of Plant products and Division of Agronomy. The study aims to assess photosynthetic light responses and root morphology of potato cultivars under limited P availability. The projected photosynthesis measurements are intended to determine plant responses to different P concentrations. Root analyses and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) will also be conducted to discriminate and determine root morphological characteristics.

This project can host a BSc or MSc thesis. The experiment will begin as soon as possible.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Marcel Naumann, Division Quality of Plant Products, University of Goettingen.
Dr. Ana Meijide, Division of Agronomy, University of Goettingen.