Assoc. Prof. Cenk Küçükyumuk from Izmir Demokrasi University, Türkiye, completed a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at Ghent University, Belgium. His STSM took place from August 19th to August 30th, 2024, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Kathy Steppe from the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. This STSM was supported by the FruitCREWS COST Action, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange in fruit crop resilience to water deficits.
During his STSM, Cenk focused on learning how to use sap flow sensors, dendrometers, and plant modeling to assess the effects of drought stress on apple trees. These tools are vital for understanding how trees respond to water deficits and are methods that Cenk plans to implement in his future research. The experiment allowed him to engage with innovative practices, reinforcing his expertise in managing drought stress in fruit trees.
Reflecting on his experience, Cenk shared:
“During my STSM, I conducted an experiment on apple trees and measured sap flow and stem diameter variations. I learned how to install sap flow sensors and point dendrometers, and collected data using PlantHub. It was a pleasure to work with Kathy, and I would also like to thank Dirk De Pauw from Plant AnalytiX for his kind PlantHub assistance. It was a very fruitful two weeks for me. We also discussed possibilities about future new projects and collaborations. We plan to propose a project on sap flow measurements in fruit trees in upcoming project calls.”
