Cluster A: Growth and Development

Project A1: Shoot environment for optimal growth and development

Vertical farming aims for maximal production at minimal use of resources such as energy. To reduce energy use, light and temperature must be controlled more efficiently. At plant level this implies optimizing plant photosynthesis and investment of photosynthates in desirable product. In this project, we will investigate how the shoot environmental factors light (spectrum) and temperature can be used to steer the development towards resource efficient production.

Project A2: Root environment for optimal growth and development

Soilless plant cultivation can boost plant production by 30%. This increase can’t be fully explained by optimal nutrient availability and root temperature. It is the root penetration resistance per se that impacts leaf elongation and photosynthesis. Quantification and fundamental understanding of the mechanisms behind these root-shoot signals, can be used to determine choices on substrate properties like density and structure.