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Ferrarezi Lab Current Projects
Precision irrigation
- Hydroponics systems and water management strategies for berries and leafy greens in GHs and VFs (George Hutchinson, MS student).
Plant nutrition & sap analysis in CEA
- Hydroponics fertilizer management strategies for leafy greens in GHs & VFs (Christopher Nieters, MS student)
- Plant sap analysis to optimize fertilizer application in CEA crops (tomato, cucumber & lettuce) in GHs and VF (Husnain Rauf, PhD student)
Hydroponics & cropping systems
- Airflow, fertilizer solution recipes, and Ca concentrations influence lettuce and spinach growth in an indoor vertical farm (Dr. Rhuanito Ferrarezi, PI & Dr. Kuan Qin, Lab Postdoctoral Associate)
- Alternative substrates for leafy green production in greenhouses (Dr. Rhuanito Ferrarezi, PI & Dr. Kuan Qin, Lab Postdoctoral Associate)
- Microbes do not alleviate the osmotic stress of lettuce and pak choi grown in hydroponics with high salinity (Angela Hirst, Research Assistant, Dr. Rhuanito Ferrarezi, PI & Dr. Kuan Qin, Lab Postdoctoral Associate)
Biopharmaceuticals and Biofortificants
- Secondary metabolite production in controlled environment (Matthew Housley, MS student).
Phenotyping
- Lettuce biomass estimation and stress detection using multiple remote sensing technologies (Jonathan Cardenas, MS student).
Imaging
- Germination rate and seedling vigor of lettuce cultivars quantified using a simple and automated imaging technique (Mark Iradukunda, MS student)
- Multispectral imaging for early detection of plant stresses (Kahlin Wacker, MS student)
Lighting
- Photosynthetic Response of ‘Green Towers’ Lettuce Under Different Concentrations of MAPbI3 Photovoltaic Perovskite Solar Panel Samples (Parker Persons, MS student)
- Effect of different light intensities on lettuce physiology and growth in indoor conditions (Suyun Nam, PhD student)
- Growth, morphology and physiology of hydroponic lettuce in response to PPFD under sole-source lighting (Peyton Palsha, MS student)
- Optimizing LED lighting based on the physiological responses of plants (Andres Mayorga, PhD student)
- Hydroponic lettuce production can be accelerated by providing more N at high light levels (Dr. TC Jayalath, PGF Superintendent & Dr. Rhuanito Ferrarezi, PI)
Gómez Lab Current Projects
Evaluating the potential to improve rooting of ornamental cuttings with light quality
Sungeun Lim (PhD student at Purdue University) is evaluating the effect of light quality on ornamental cutting propagation. Acclimating cuttings indoors for greenhouse finishing offers opportunities to reduce shrinkage caused by slow rooting, inconsistent growth, and transplant mortality. However, unknowns exist about the impact of light quality during vegetative propagation in controlled environments. Sungeun is evaluating various light-quality treatments that can promote early rooting and improve overall growth and quality of cuttings started indoors. Rare problems arising from indoor propagation such as intumescence are also being evaluated to improve quality of propagative material.
Finetuning fertilization and irrigation practices during production of vegetable bedding plants
Michael Fidler (MS Student at Purdue University) is researching the effect of different fertilization and irrigation practices on vegetable bedding plants. His research shows that reducing the concentration of fertilizer and the frequency of irrigation events during production can help growers produce compact, high-yielding fruiting plants for consumers. Michael is also leading a citizen science project focused on evaluating consumer preferences and knowledge gained from extension education. In 2024, Michael will work with 400 home gardeners across four states (IN, TN, IA, and NC) who will grow ornamental strawberry plants and edible flowers.
Evaluating environmental effects during indoor acclimation of unrooted cuttings
Sofia Gómez (MS student at Purdue University) is evaluating how different environmental conditions affect water loss of unrooted cuttings (URC) acclimated in vertical indoor propagation (VIP) systems. Although starting young-plants in VIP systems can help growers produce high-quality transplants, optimal setpoints for temperature, relative humidity, light intensity and quality, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration are unknown. Sofia’s research is evaluating individual and interactive effects of these factors on water loss, rooting, and growth of URC to provide recommendations for growers interested in VIP systems.
Propagation and storage of strawberry liners in controlled environments
Lian Durón (MS student at Purdue University) is evaluating conditions to propagate strawberry liners in vertical indoor propagation (VIP) systems, which provide growers the opportunity to produce disease-free, strawberry plants year-round. Lian’s research aims to uncover the impact of light intensity during propagation on subsequent growth and yield during production. In another study, she’s evaluating cold-temperature treatments to store liners and runner tips for subsequent production in controlled environments. Her research is funded by USDA-NIFA and the overall project aims to revolutionize strawberry propagation in the U.S. by harnessing controlled environment technologies.
Fisher Lab Current Projects
Heavy Metal Contamination in Hemp
Harrison Meekins (M.S student) is researching heavy metal uptake and contamination in hemp. Heavy metals are heavily regulated by the EPA as a contaminant and pose a significant threat to hemp growers because of its tendency to accumulate heavy metals. Harrison is working to develop methods that growers can use to determine the presence of heavy metals in their crops accurately and reliably. One method is developing a bioassay that can be used to track the uptake of heavy metals into plant tissue. Another method is comparing different soil testing methods by their ability to extract and detect the presence of heavy metals in growing media. This will provide hemp growers with more knowledge to detect and combat heavy metal contamination to their plants.
Greenhouse Sensors for Improved Mist Irrigation Control
Daniel Crawford (M.S. student in Agricultural and Biological Engineering) is researching climate sensors for propagation greenhouses. Production of seedlings, cuttings, and tissue culture transplants requires precise control of light, temperature, humidity, and mist irrigation. However, many greenhouses have few sensors inside their greenhouses and rely on a simple time clock and grower experience for mist timing. Commercially available sensors such as infra-red sensors for leaf temperature and load cells (weight scales) for soil moisture content are being connected to a greenhouse control system at UF, to provide guidelines to growers on what sensors can be helpful to fine tune mist irrigation. We are also helping commercial growers install sensors in mist zones. Climate data will also be used in a model of plant temperature and water loss to train growers on irrigation and climate control.
Ozone and Cold Plasma Technology for Water Treatment in Hydroponics
Dharti Thakulla (PhD student) is researching the implementation of ozone and cold plasma technologies for water treatment. Microbial contamination of the nutrient solution is a key challenge faced by hydroponic growers using recirculating systems. Ozone and cold plasma technologies have been reported to aid in microbial sanitation and plant yield. However, it is important to consider and establish the correct method, dosage, and frequency of incorporating these technologies into hydroponic systems to avoid unwanted effect on plant growth or development. Through this project we aim to study the physio-chemical properties of ozone and plasma activated water and their effects on crop yield, sanitation, oxygen stability, and fertilizer interactions for hydroponic production.
Dickson Lab Current Projects
Peat alternatives for soilless substrates
Sam Doty (research technician) is exploring alternative substrate components to peat. In recent years, there have been issues with the quality and availability of peat for the horticultural industry, which is also driving up costs. There is uncertainty regarding the future harvesting of peat in Europe and North America, and the trend is continuing towards peat-reduced substrates. Sam is working to evaluate the potential of newer substrate materials—including various plant and paper-based fibers, sawdust—to replace peat. Another goal is to re-investigate the potential use of parboiled rice hulls as an alternative to peat and wood products. Parboiled rice hulls were once more common in container substrates and are a plentiful byproduct of the local Arkansas rice industry.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Smart nutrient management in recirculating hydroponics
Josh Tebow (M.Sc. student) and Lauren Houston (former M.Sc. student) are investigating strategies to keep nutrient levels on target in recirculating hydroponics. Managing nutrients in recirculating hydroponic solutions is complex, and the deviation of nutrient concentrations from their target levels (i.e. nutrient imbalance) can reduce yield and motivate growers to dump and replace solution. Nutrient levels continually fluctuate and are influenced by many interacting factors including supplied fertilizers, irrigation water quality, injection of acids and bases for pH control, water treatment, plant species and environmental conditions (light, temperature, gases). One strategy focuses on formulating a custom species-specific replacement solution designed to balance the replenishment of nutrients with plant uptake demand as well as stabilize solution pH. Another strategy consists of the previous strategy combined with regular nutrient testing and the periodic adjustment of the replacement solution formulation as needed. Josh and Lauren aim to develop practical strategies and tools to help growers fine-tune nutrient management for optimal yields.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Container type and management effects on rooting
Jackson Ball (undergraduate student) is investigating container types and strategies to reduce root circling in the woody shrub boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). The circling of lignified roots within the container is a common problem in woody ornamental crops which are grown for long periods in containers prior to sale. This issue can lead to poor plant growth and root establishment in the landscape, and plants often need to be replaced shortly after transplant. Jackson is evaluating different container types and root pruning strategies to determine the approach most likely to limit root circling and promote plant performance in the greenhouse and landscape.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Micronutrients and silicon in hydroponics and edible container crops
Kalyn Helms (M.Sc. student) has been investigating the role of metal micronutrients and silicon in mitigating Pythium root rot in hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Pythium sp. is a common waterborne pathogen which easily spreads in recirculating hydroponic solutions and causes major crop losses. There is some anecdotal evidence suggesting certain metal micronutrients and silicon have a role in root disease resistance and can be managed to increase plant resilience to Pythium root rot. However, there is little scientific research in this area and Kalyn is working to test these claims. Josh Tebow (M.Sc. student) is also investigating the effect of supplementing the rootzone with silicon on plant growth and morphology across a range of container edible leafy greens and herbs species. Silicon is not a plant essential nutrient, but rather a beneficial element, and supplying silicon to the rootzone can suppress certain foliar diseases and improve crop quality and shelf-life. However, species testing is needed since supplementing with silicon can alter the morphology and appearance of plant growth and in some cases contribute to phytotoxicity.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Spinach cultivar resistance to Pythium root rot in recirculating hydroponics
Derek Dean (M.Sc. student) is evaluating spinach cultivars for susceptibility to Pythium root rot in hydroponic vertical farming systems. Spinach is highly susceptible to Pythium root rot which causes major losses in hydroponic systems. Derek is screening commercial and experimental spinach genotypes for susceptibility to Pythium aphanidermatum (causes disease at warmer temperatures) and Pythium dissoticum (causes disease at cooler temperatures) and working to identify tolerance indicators which may be useful for plant breeding programs. Derek is also working to develop a rapid screening protocol to help breeders evaluate spinach genotypes for resistance to Pythium root rot.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Human food borne pathogens in recirculating hydroponics
Gayatri Dhulappanavar is a Ph.D. student in the Food Science Department working with us to evaluate the persistence and risks of human foodborne pathogens in recirculating hydroponic solutions. E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and human noroviruses are common human pathogens that have been shown to contaminate horticultural substrates and the hydroponic solution. New research from the University of Arkansas has also shown the roots of hydroponic leafy greens absorb and deposit these diseases in edible plant tissues, and Gayatri is working to identify the risks and concentration thresholds using pathogen surrogates. She is also helping conduct an industry survey where we are interviewing hydroponic growers regarding food safety and providing water testing for food and plant pathogens.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Factors influencing the growth of compact and container-grown vegetables
Morgan Humphreys (undergraduate Honors student) is investigating how greenhouse temperature and light level influence the crop timing and quality of new compact and container-grown tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Floriculture operations are increasing production of container vegetables to meet the demands of the expanding consumer edibles and home gardening markets. Morgan is working to evaluate how temperature and light influence crop times for several varieties of tomato, pepper, and cucumber and is developing a tool to help growers schedule production based on their environmental conditions. She is also investigating post-production factors that influence the shelf-life and yield of compact container-grown vegetables for the consumer.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Soilless production of long-cane blackberries
Leala Machesney (M.Sc. student) is investigating the potential to produce blackberry crops using soilless “long-cane” techniques to achieve higher yields, off-season harvests, and mitigate root diseases. Traditionally a field crop, soilless “long-cane” methods for blackberry and raspberry originated in Europe and are being adopted globally including North America. Leala is working with the Arkansas Blackberry Breeding Program to conduct long-cane variety trials focusing mostly on yield, fruit quality, and potential cost-benefits. Leala has also been working to develop a crop scheduling tool (called “Berries on Demand”) to help growers program harvests to occur during critical market windows. Leala is also collaborating with colleagues in the Agribusiness Department to develop a financial risk assessment tool to assist growers in understanding key profitability drivers and evaluating investment opportunities/risks for long-cane production.
For more information: Dr. Ryan Dickson, University of Arkansas (ryand@uark.edu)
Raudales Lab Current Projects
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