Luigi Manfrini

Examples of Thesis Proposals (The proposed topics may vary each year based on the ongoing research projects of the group)

Main Crops of Interest:

• Pome fruits (apple, pear)
• Stone fruits (plum, peach, cherry)
• Kiwifruit
• Nut crops

1. Precision Irrigation Management in Orchards
Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of soil and plant monitoring systems to optimize sustainable water use.
Methodology: Installation of sensors (e.g., tensiometers, dendrometers), data collection and analysis, comparison between conventional and precision irrigation management.

2. Influence of Growing Environment and Microclimate on Fruit Yield and Quality
Objectives: Investigate the effects of microclimatic conditions on fruit yield and quality.
Methodology: Field trials, ecophysiological monitoring of the plants, analysis of fruit quality parameters (sugar content, acidity, firmness).

3. Phenological Development Modeling in Relation to Climatic Conditions
Objectives: Develop predictive models for key phenological stages based on climatic conditions.
Methodology: Collection of meteorological and phenological data, construction of statistical or machine learning models, validation through field trials.

4. Ecophysiology and Fruit Thinning Strategies
Objectives: Assess the impact of different thinning techniques on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality.
Methodology: Field experiments, ecophysiological monitoring (e.g., leaf area, photosynthesis), fruit quality analysis.

5. Development and Validation of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for Orchard Management
Objectives: Test a real-time data-based DSS under operational conditions to improve irrigation, nutrition, or crop protection management.
Methodology: Installation and use of the DSS, monitoring of suggested decisions, comparison with conventional agronomic practices.

Internships for thesis work are also possible at other research institutes and commercial companies.
Examples of past thesis collaborations include the CER - Canale Emiliano Romagnolo and the company FieldRobotics, which operates in the field of automation for navigation and cultivation operations in orchards and vineyards.