PLEASE NOTE: Application deadline date 08 Jan 2024. Applications are no longer being accepted for this project
Project Overview
Recent groundbreaking research has unveiled that plants emit sounds in response to various stressors and environmental changes, but the preliminary study lacked precision and control [1]. We aim to use ISVR's advanced acoustic facilities for a meticulous investigation of plant noise, including responses to damage, pests, and environmental improvements.
Project Description
This project aims to delve deeper into this intriguing phenomenon, investigating how plants acoustically respond to both physical (e.g., damage, pest attacks) and chemical hazards (e.g., nutrient enhancement). This research is vital for assessing plant health, particularly in challenging conditions like below-ground pest infestations.
This project will equip you with a diverse skill set encompassing plant biology, acoustics, modeling, artificial intelligence, and engineering methods for noise monitoring and data analysis.
Year 1: To ensure accurate measurements, it's important to minimize background noise and vibrations as sounds emitted by plants are typically beyond the range of human hearing. Our project aim is to concentrate on alpha plants that have aphid resistant and susceptible plant varieties [2] hence allowing us to compare the noise emanating from two contrasting plant varieties which are both agriculturally important.
Year 2: Measure the noise data under controlled conditions pertaining to physical and chemical hazards[3]. Machine learning techniques can be applied to analyze large datasets of plant emissions. By training algorithms on known patterns, researchers can develop models that automatically detect and classify specific responses or stressors based on the acoustic data.
Year 3 and 4: Identify patterns in plant auditory responses and expand database to include different plant species and stress conditions. Preparing journal publication(s) and present research findings at conferences and collaborate with other well-known experts.
Join us in this pioneering journey, where your contributions will not only shape the future of plant science but also offer a unique platform for personal and professional growth.
The INSPIRE DTP programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners. The student will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at School of Engineering. Learning of the basics of plant husbandry, noise measurements and designing the experiment to account for negative and positive effects of environment modifications on plants under controlled environment in the anechoic chamber is carried. Specific training will include:
1. Plant growth in control environment
2. Soil monitoring
3. Plant-soil modelling with special emphasis on multiphysics modelling using Comsol finite element package.
4. Acoustic measurements techniques.
5. Ethical Research Practices and data management
6. Machine learning for engineers
This project promises to significantly advance our understanding of plant acoustics, with potential applications in agriculture, environmental science, and beyond.
[1] Kahit et al (2023) Sounds emitted by plants under stress are airborne and informative, Cell, 186(7):1328-1336.
[2] National Research Council (US) Committee on Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants (2000) Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants: Science and Regulation. National Academies Press.
[3] Jihye Jung et. al. (2018) Beyond Chemical Triggers: Evidence for Sound-Evoked Physiological Reactions in Plants, Front. Plant Sci., 30 January 2018 Sec. Plant Physiology.
