Program Overview

The XIII International Workshop on Sap Flow features six intensive days of scientific sessions, keynote presentations, field demonstrations, and collaborative discussions focused on "Sap Flow Measurements for Decision-Making."

Program Highlights

6 Keynote Presentations

Leading international experts

Technical Sessions

Oral and poster presentations

Field Demonstrations

Hands-on instrumentation

Networking Events

Collaborative opportunities

Important Information

Workshop Dates: November 22-27, 2026
Venue: Blecks Training and Conference Centre
Location: Robertson and Montagu, Western Cape
Program: Detailed schedule will be announced

Daily Schedule

Detailed program for each day of the workshop

Day 1 - Saturday, November 22, 2026

Welcome & Workshop Opening

08:00 - 09:00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Check-in and networking

Main Lobby
09:00 - 10:00

Opening Ceremony & Welcome Address

Official workshop opening and welcome remarks

Scientific Committee
10:00 - 11:00

Keynote 1: "Future Directions in Sap Flow Research"

Opening keynote presentation

Prof. Sinichi Takuechi (University of Japan)
11:00 - 11:30

Coffee Break

Networking and refreshments

11:30 - 12:30

Session 1: Measurement Techniques

Technical presentations on sap flow measurement methods

Session Chair: Dr. Sebinasi Dzikiti
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch Break

Networking lunch

13:30 - 15:00

Session 2: Instrumentation & Technology

Latest developments in sap flow instrumentation

Session Chair: Dr. Andrew Osihi
15:00 - 15:30

Afternoon Tea

Refreshment break

15:30 - 17:00

Poster Session 1

Interactive poster presentations with refreshments

Day 2 - Sunday, November 23, 2026

Applications in Agriculture & Forestry

09:00 - 10:00

Keynote 2: "Sap Flow Applications in Forest Ecosystems"

Forest ecology and sap flow applications

Dr. Andrew Oishi (USDA, Southern Research Station)
10:00 - 11:30

Session 3: Agricultural Applications

Sap flow in crop and fruit tree management

Session Chair: Dr. Theresa Volschenk
11:30 - 12:00

Coffee Break

Networking and refreshments

12:00 - 13:00

Session 4: Fruit Tree Physiology

Water relations in fruit production systems

Session Chair: Prof. Robert Skelton
13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break

Networking lunch

14:00 - 15:00

Keynote 3: "Atmospheric Physics and Plant-Water Interactions"

Understanding plant-atmosphere exchanges

Prof. Teemu Vesala (University of Helsinki)
15:00 - 16:30

Session 5: Data Analysis & Modeling

Computational approaches and modeling techniques

Session Chair: Prof. Teemu Hölttä
16:30 - 17:00

Afternoon Tea

Refreshment break

17:00 - 18:00

Workshop Discussion: Standardization

Discussion on measurement standardization

Day 3 - Monday, November 24, 2026

Field Demonstrations & Practical Applications

09:00 - 10:00

Keynote 4: "Water Resource Management in African Ecosystems"

Hydrology and water management applications

Prof. Collin Everson (University of Kwa Zulu Natal)
10:00 - 12:00

Field Trip 1: Fruit Farm Demonstration

Practical sap flow measurements in fruit trees

Local fruit farm
12:00 - 13:00

Lunch Break

Field lunch

13:00 - 15:00

Field Trip 2: Natural Vegetation Sites

Sap flow in natural ecosystems

Montagu Nature Reserve
15:00 - 15:30

Return to Conference Centre

Transport back to venue

15:30 - 17:00

Session 6: Environmental Applications

Sap flow in environmental monitoring

Session Chair: Ms. Raesibe Kgaphola

Day 4 - Tuesday, November 25, 2026

Innovation & Technology Transfer

09:00 - 10:00

Keynote 5: "Forest Management and Tree Physiology"

Applications in forest systems management

Prof. Benye Shi (University of Forestry, China)
10:00 - 11:30

Session 7: Climate Change Applications

Sap flow research in climate studies

Session Chair: Dr. Muthianzhele Ravuluma
11:30 - 12:00

Coffee Break

Networking and refreshments

12:00 - 13:00

Keynote 6: "Commercial Instrumentation and Future Technologies"

Industry perspective on sap flow technology

Dr. Peter Curl (ICT International, Australia)
13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break

Networking lunch

14:00 - 15:30

Session 8: Technology Transfer

From research to practical applications

Session Chair: Dr. Steve Green
15:30 - 16:00

Afternoon Tea

Refreshment break

16:00 - 17:30

Poster Session 2

Final poster presentations and discussions

17:30 - 18:30

Industry Roundtable

Discussion with equipment manufacturers

Day 5 - Wednesday, November 26, 2026

Synthesis & Future Directions

09:00 - 10:30

Session 9: Emerging Technologies

New developments and future technologies

Session Chair: Prof. Rafael Poyatos
10:30 - 11:00

Coffee Break

Final networking opportunity

11:00 - 12:00

Synthesis Session

Workshop summary and key findings

Scientific Committee
12:00 - 12:30

Future Directions Panel

Planning future collaborations and research

12:30 - 13:00

Closing Ceremony

Workshop conclusion and farewell

13:00 - 14:00

Farewell Lunch

Final networking and departure

Day 6 - Thursday, November 27, 2026

Collaborative Workshops & Departure

09:00 - 10:30

Working Group Sessions

Collaborative planning and project development

Various Working Groups
10:30 - 11:00

Coffee Break

Networking and refreshments

11:00 - 12:30

Special Interest Groups

Focused discussions on specific research areas

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch & Final Networking

Final networking opportunity

13:30 - 14:30

Equipment Demonstrations

Hands-on sessions with commercial equipment

Equipment Exhibition Area
14:30 - 15:00

Final Departure

Workshop conclusion and safe travels