Agriculture

The study of agriculture is a very intriguing subject, this could be the topic for you! Take a look at some of our examples below:

Example agriculture dissertation topic 1:

The influence of drought on Malus domestica ‘Katy’ and Malus domestica ‘Dabinett’

Drought can have a devastating effect on agriculture, particularly given the costs of irrigation. This study considers the effects of drought on two apple varieties commonly used for cider: the first is a newer variety and the latter a well-established cider variety in the south of England. The following biochemical and physiological indicators are used to gauge the level of water stress in sample trees: sorbitol, soluble carbohydrates, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, glutathione, chlorophylls, amino acids, leaf water potential, intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthesis (Pn) and transpiration (Tr).

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Dietrich, H., Krüger-Steden, E., Patz, C-D., Will, F., Rheinberger, A. and Hopf, I. (2007) ‘Increase of sorbitol in pear and apple juice by water stress, a consequence of climatic change?’ Working Paper, Geisenheim Research Centre, Geisenheim, Germany.
• Šircelj, H., Tausz, M., Grill, D. and Batič, F. (2007) ‘Detecting different levels of drought stress in apple trees (Malusdomestica Borkh.) with selected biochemical and physiological parameters’, Scientia Horticulturae, Vol. 113(4), pp. 362-369.
• Vysini, E., Dunwell, J., Froud-Williams, B., Hadley, P., Hatcher, P., Ordidge, M., Shaw, M. and Battey, N. (2011) Sustainable cider apple production. Reading: University of Reading.