Topics for Bachelor- and Master theses

Here you can find topics we would be interested in. However, if you have a subject you're passionate about, feel free to suggest it! Simply reach out to the main supervisor listed under the relevant category. E-Mail adresses can be found on the staff page.

If you are interested in agroforestry and want to define your own thesis topic, please get in touch with Dr. Prajna Kasargodu Anebagilu and/or Dr. Marcos Jiménez Martínez.

Category Title Level Main supervisor Language Requirements Description
Modeling Modeling soil organic matter dynamics with Bayesin Networks MSc Sanginga, Whitney EN Modeling soil organic matter dynamics with Bayesian Networks, using available literature. and datasets, case application in Northern Ghana, implications of interventions on smallholder farm systems (R preferred but Python and others also acceptable).
Horticulture Phenotyping of root-substrate-plant interactions MSc Kraska EN The candidate should have first experiences with modelling and statistical anlysis. Beneficial would be participation in "Erfassung, Analyse und Modellierung von Phänotypen" (NPW-031) and / or "Erfassung, Analyse und Modellierung von Heterogenität" (NPW-030) In this experimental work hyperspectral anlysisof roots, growing medium, and the plants will be conducted in a rhizotrone system at Forschungszentrum Jülich in close cooperation ith Prof. Dr. Uwe Rascher. Thi Thesis will be part of a DPPN project on hyperspectral phenotyping. We will test for the first time, if with hyperspectral sensors the root-substrate interaction can be analysed. At the same time the shoot will be analysed too. The thesisshould show, if substrate and root can be distinguished and how this interaction develops over time. The main part of the theis will take place at Forschgungszentrum Jülich.
Horticulture Hyperspectral analysis of root-substrate interactions MSc (BSc) Kraska DE/EN Candidates should be interested in non-invasive methods and sesnors. A general understanding of hyperspectral imaging would be beneficial The work will analyse the hyperspectral features of different horticultural substrates and roots of horticultural crops. The main aim is to analse how the hyperspectral features of both will change over time. The main goal is to analyse the interaction in situ. For this aim rhizotrons will be used in an automated system at Forschungszentrum Jülich in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Uwe Rascher
Horticulture Biostimulants in ornamental production BSc Kraska DE/EN Literature Review on the utilization of biostimulants in ornamental production. Which classes of biostimulants are used, which effects can be achieved, how can plant performance and quality promoted. (Language: English or German)
Horticulture Is Phenotpying of dormancy possible by means of hyperspectral sensors BSc/MSc Kraska DE/EN In this theis first a literature search should be conducted on phentopying of dormancy in fruit trees by non-invasive techniques and sensors. In the 2nd part hyperspectral sensors should be tested
Holistic Systems Analysis SWOT and decision analysis of utilization of spent coffee ground MSc Kraska DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Utilization of spent coffee ground could be a sustainable alternative for other feedstock. In this thesis you will analys the strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for using it. And you will try to generate a decision anaylsis (e.g. barriers, critical points), first contact is Thorsten Kraska
Horticulture "Open Topics" in horticultural production BSc/MSc Kraska DE/EN Participation in 'Gartenbauliche Kulturen' module You are invited to bring up an own idea for your thesis in horticultural production. We will discuss with you how such a topic could be realized.
Horticulture Hyperspectral Phenotyping in horticultural substrates MSc Kraska DE/EN Participation in 'Gartenbauliche Kulturen' module In two projects the aim is to phenotype horticultural substrates, roots, and shoots with hyperspectral sensors. The work will include not only the measurements but also way of data analysis
Horticulture Hyperspectral Phenotyping of fruit quality parameters BSc/MSc Kraska DE/EN In this literature work the aim is to analyse which quality parameters of fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries) could estimated, evaluated, and predicted by using hyperspectral imaging techniques
Horticulture Dormancy Breaking agents to stimulate seed germination of horticultural crops BSc/MSc Kraska, Milyaev DE/EN Within this theoretical & experimental work agents and substances will be screened, which could release dormancy in plants, but especially of seeds. In small germination trials the effect of DNA methylation inhibitors will be tested. In the seedling stage the growth will be evaluated. The outcome should give further insight on how dormancy in plants could be released by external factors and if the principles are of more general nature.
Literature review OR Decision Analysis - Nutrition Review of nutrition interventions BSc/MSc Krause DE/EN Review effective, socially inclusive nutrition interventions (processes and monitoring, policy reviews). Such interventions could be, for example, Nutri scores, mobile apps, or board games that generate knowledge on different topics. A potential focus could be on the role of mothers (generating knowledge on breastfeeding), fathers (learning about child nutrition), and children/minors (girls/boys) in developing countries or south-east Asia.
Dormancy Phenotypic plasticity in tree budbreak - concept and evidence MSc Lüdeling DE/EN ideally "Tree phenology analysis with R", or otherwise some prior knowledge on tree dormancy Bloom dates of trees are driven by temperature, and they are being affected by climate change. A concept that has popped up in recent literature is "phenotypic plasticity", which implies that trees are somewhat flexible in their requirements and can therefore tolerate some climate change without adverse consequences. To what extent this is true remains unclear, as well as the extent to which this concept is supported by evidence. A literature review assembling information on the concept and the evidence, followed by a critical discussion could help clarify this matter.
Tree phenology The role of photoperiod in spring phenology - a critical review of the evidence MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Tree phenology analysis with R module (or otherwise solid knowledge phenology modeling) Several studies have suggested that spring phenology of temperate-zone trees may be driven by photoperiod, yet the biological mechanisms through which this might happen are unclear. Much of the evidence for this phenomenon appears to be based on statistics rather than convincing experimentation. Such statistical evidence is prone to problems with chill and heat models, and datasets rarely contain sufficient variation in photoperiod to produce robust conclusions. The evidence needs a thorough evaluation, which could produce a powerful update to the scientific literature on this topic.
Holistic Systems Analysis Assessment of policy frameworks for agroforestry BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Review of legal frameworks for agroforestry in Germany - Explore and define text in legal documents that should be changed to allow more trees on farmland, such as the possibility of adding trees as one of the official crops for greening farmland
Holistic Systems Analysis Carbon benefits of nursery trees - based on an actual case study BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module A tree nursery close to Bonn wants to know the carbon sequestration that is achieved by the trees they produce. This should be determined using decision analysis methods. This topic is particularly suitable for MSc students who have taken "Decision Analysis and Forecasting in Agriculture" (or BSc students who are willing to audit this module).
Holistic Systems Analysis Testing and validation of models BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Impact pathway validation for decision models - i.e. testing the strength of observed linkages in pathways
Holistic Systems Analysis Planning for irrigation investments in times of uncertain drought risks BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Recent summers have been dry, but it is far from certain whether this is a true trend or an anomaly. Many growers are considering irrigation measures, but decisions on such investments must be made in the face of considerable uncertainty. Using the example of a real-life walnut producer, this decision will be analyzed using a probabilistic decision model.
Agroforestry - modeling Ecosystem Services model BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Ecosystem Services (ESS) estimation model (temperate AF vs. other Ag.). Is the relationship adequately represented in ESS related policies?
Agroforestry - Literature review What works in temperate agroforestry BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Literature review on what exists and what works in temperate agroforestry with horticultural crops (all data sources including grey, expert knowledge etc.)
Agroforestry Agroforestry in the European Union BSc/MSc Lüdeling EN Describe support structures and obstacles to agroforestry in EU
Dormancy - chillR Winter chill analysis for California MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Fruit tree cultivation in California's Central Valley is threatened by declining winter chill. Systematic assessments of past and future changes in this region are in urgent need of an update. The analysis can be implemented with functions from the chillR package for R. Most of the procedures are well established. Good knowledge of R is required.
Coding Shiny app development BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Able to work with Shiny This is only for people who know what this title means and feel confident they can do it... then PLEASE contact us!
Decision analysis TBD MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Holistic modeling of a decision we agree on
Decision analysis Decision analysis: ‚development impact potential‘ of horticultural value chains for smallholder farmers BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Evaluation of horticultural value chains in countries of the global South. Comparison with arable crops
Decision analysis Decision analysis: A risk-adjusting cost-benefit tool for choosing frost protection strategies for orchards BSc/MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module Frost during flowering is a big problem in orchards, but frost protection costs money. Let's develop a probabilistic cost-benefit tool to evaluate options.
Decision analysis Holistic modeling of agroforestry farm in Palatinate (Pfalz) MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module A consortium of ambitious young farmers is embarking on a regenerative agriculture project with agroforestry. Let's help them anticipate the outcomes of their project.
Decision analysis Holistic modeling of Urban Food Forest in Berlin MSc Lüdeling DE/EN Participation in Decision analysis module A consortium of people we're in contact with is currently planning an Urban Forest Garden. This is to help them anticipate the outcomes.
Horticulture Dormancy breaking agents to stimulate budbreak in fruit trees (apple and sweet cherry) BSc/MSc Milyaev DE/EN Beneficial: Participation in the module "Gartenbauliche Kulturen" for BSc and/or "Horticultural production and research" for MSc. Climate change is affecting temperate fruit production in many regions. When winter conditions are too warm, fruit trees fail to resume their normal growth in spring. To effectively stimulate the budbreak and growth, dormancy breaking agents are needed. In this study, you will test potential dormancy breaking agents in fruit trees. The experiment involves sampling in field (4 times), growth chamber experiment to stimulate budbreak and several potential compounds for dormancy breaking.
Horticulture "Literature review: Side-effects of frost protection measures in fruit orchards on the environment BSc/MSc Schmitz DE/EN Fruit orchards can be protected against spring frosts using various measures. This literature work aims to give an overview of the side effects of their use (within in orchard and on the environment). In addition, it should be evaluated how strong these influences are.
Horticulture and Robotics Leaf-cutting robot in commercial greenhouse production system MSc tbd; contact: ellenberger@ko-ga.eu DE/EN This thesis is to be done in collaboration with a large producer of tomatoes and other vegetables in Neurath. There are options to combine the thesis work with an internship.To ensure recurring, high-quality steps in production, the company deals with automation in the greenhouse. the company deals with automation in the greenhouse. For this purpose a leaf cutter robot of a Dutch company was installed. Your task will be to implement the robotics in the greenhouse in cooperation with the production management and the manufacturer. Your thesis can go in different directions: Economic efficiency, development potential, IT optimization, ...
Holistic Systems Analysis Model validation MSc Whitney EN/DE comfortable with programming, advanced maths Validating our decision models based on probabilistic frameworks and expert knowledge is a multifaceted challenge. We could use all types of ideas here and have a strong need for enthusiastic young programmers
Holistic Systems Analysis Review of nutrition interventions and food evnironments BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Review of nutriton interventions (i.e. policy aimed at better health outcomes for populations) and food environments. You can chose a regional or health implication focus (i.e. malnutriton, obesity) or focus more generally on the relationship between interventions and food environments. Your work will contribute to a much larger work outlining the literature and to an impact pathway relating the literature to the logical connections about how interventions impact nutrition.
Holistic Systems Analysis Review of Holistic Systems Analysis methods across fields BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Review of Holistic Systems Analysis methods in the language of...' (e.g. maths, economics, psychology etc.). Your work will culminate with a short paper outlining the literature.
Holistic Systems Analysis Review of Holistic Systems Analysis for Agricultural Development BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Review of Holistic Systems Analysis methods applied for agricultural development. Your work will contribute to a much larger work outlining the literature.
Modeling Carbon sequestration estimation BSc/MSc Whitney EN Carbon sequestration estimation model (agroforestry vs. other Ag.). Is the relationship adequately represented in GHG emissions policies?
Evidence gap map Evidence gap map for agroforestry BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Evidence gap mapping for tree planting on farms (agroforestry) across European countries
Decision Analysis Costs, benefits and risks of planting trees on farms BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Farmer’s choices to implement trees on their farms and potential costs, benefits and risks (i.e. in the context of political system of EU laws, subsidies etc.)
R programming High dimensional data plotting BSc/MSc Whitney EN If you know some R programming we would like to work with you on different options for plotting high dimensional data (ggplot2, cowplot etc.)
R programming Workflow design BSc/MSc Whitney EN If you know some R programming we would like to work with you on figuring out optimal workflow design (tidyverse, dplyr etc.)
R programming R package developing BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module If you know some R programming we would like to work with you on package development (devtools etc.)
R programming Interactive tools for scientific communication BSc/MSc Whitney EN If you know some R programming, knitr, markdown, pandoc we would like to work with you on application of interactive tools for scientific communication (Rmarkdown, Blogdown, Bookdown, R-Pres etc.)
Transdisciplinarity - Literature review Transdisciplinary approaches BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Transdisciplinary approaches in development research:
- Stakeholder identification and power mapping (bringing the right people to the table for assessing and generating comprehensive causal understanding [Theory of Change, Causal Diagram, Impact Pathways] of decisions)
- Alternative approaches in evidence gap mapping for guiding horticulture interventions (generating evidence gap maps with uncertainty and diverse data sources, including expert and local knowledge)
Sustainability in fruit production Assessment of the contribution of farm shops to the familiy income of a farmer´s family and estimation of the amount of apples sold in farm shops in NRW. BSc Heuschkel DE/EN Due to tax reasons family farms in Germany usually have a certain set-up: male parts of the family own and run the farm while female parts of the family run and own the farm shop. It is therefore hard to assess in general which amount of apples and the share of own apples are really sold via farm shops. There is an informed guess, that farm shops´ impact on family income and farm rentability is widely undervalued. Contacts can be established to actual farmers to support the research.
Systems modeling - Literature review Complex systems modeling BSc/MSc Whitney EN Participation in Decision analysis module Methods in complex systems modeling:
- Use of expert knowledge in developing qualitative and quantitative models (Theory of Change, Causal Diagram, Impact Pathways)
Ethnobotany - Literature review Probability modeling approaches in ethnobotany BSc/MSc Whitney EN Use of probability modeling approaches for synergies in ethnobotany and development (literature review)
Ethnobotany Transdisciplinary ethnobotany BSc/MSc Whitney EN Transdisciplinary ethnobotany (i.e., assess related use and development issues for plant species or plant communities) - See the ethnobotanyR package
Agrobiodiversity Traditional uses of plant species BSc/MSc Whitney EN Traditional uses of plant species and applications for horticultural production (underutilized species, possibly in collaboration with local Slow Food groups in Bonn)
Agrobiodiversity Review on agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge BSc/MSc Whitney EN Agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge (literature review) - open to any geographic region or crop type etc.
Horticulture Review of priming effects in horticultural production / Vorbehandlungs efekte in Tomaten BSc Whitney, Lutum EN/DE Participation in 'Gartenbauliche Kulturen' module Review or priming effects related to horticultural production - your work will result in an impact pathway with the relevant connections found in the literature and a related bibliographic collection relevant to each part of the impact pathway.