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The importance of transpiration
Published on September 1, 2023
Transpiration is the process of water movement from the roots to the shoots of plants. As boring as it may sound, understanding the process can provide valuable insights into successful crop production. -
A closer look at the effect of white LEDs on plant performance
Published on January 5, 2023
This article summarizes an experiment with lettuce and kale when grown indoors under different white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). -
Answering key questions about indoor crops
Published on November 9, 2022
In part three of a four-part series, we discuss crops suitable for indoor farming, planting densities, harvest times, and other commonly asked questions about growing crops indoors. -
More questions answered
Published on August 3, 2022
In part two of this four-part series, we respond to questions about lighting, carbon dioxide enrichment, co-optimization, and sterility within indoor farms. -
Indoor farming FAQs
Published on May 4, 2022
In the first of a four-part series, plant scientists and engineers from Project OptimIA address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about growing plants inside indoor vertical farms. -
Photoperiod, light intensity, and daily light integral
Published on March 1, 2022
We report and discuss research results when growing lettuce indoors under different light intensities and photoperiods under a range of daily light integrals. -
Fixed vs. dynamic light quality for indoor hydroponic lettuce
Published on February 2, 2022
We present research results with lettuce plants grown indoors under a fixed lighting spectrum versus changing the spectrum during production. -
Water vapor-pressure deficit
Published on December 6, 2021
The driving force for plant water loss is best described by the vapor-pressure deficit (VPD). This article discusses VPD classifications and what values are suitable during crop production. -
The buzz of secondary metabolites
Published on November 9, 2021
Secondary metabolites can be an important plant quality characteristic, especially in specialty crops that are ingested. They can be modified through breeding activities as well as by plant culture and the environment. -
Far-red and PPFD: A tale of two lettuce cultivars
Published on October 5, 2021
In part 3 of a 5-part series on the indoor production of leafy greens, the interactive effects of far-red light and light intensity on lettuce growth are discussed. -
Light spectrum for different applications
Published on September 8, 2021
This article discusses the effects of the light spectrum on plants, and conceptually how it can be used for different greenhouse and indoor crop production applications. -
Differentiating broad spectra
Published on September 6, 2021
In part 2 of a 5-part series on the production of leafy greens indoors, this article discusses how substituting white light (broad spectra) with red and/or blue light influences lettuce production. -
Challenges of growing vertically in greenhouses
Published on June 8, 2021
There is a wide range of vertical farming approaches for greenhouse cultivation, but there are also challenges, some of which cannot easily be overcome. -
LEDs on lettuce: White light vs. red+blue light
Published on June 7, 2021
In the first article of a five-part series on indoor production of leafy greens, we join the lighting debate discussing white versus red and blue light from a crop production perspective. -
Purpling of leaves
Published on January 8, 2021
There are many specialty crops that naturally have red, purple or almost black foliage, while others turn those colors when conditions are unfavorable. This article briefly reviews the factors that influence the purpling of leaves. -
Leafy greens: Sole-source light intensity
Published on June 6, 2019
Indoor production of leafy greens, Part 4 of 4: Research shows that providing high-intensity sole-source lighting to seedlings can increase harvestable yield of fresh-cut basil. -
Crops suitable for vertical farming
Published on April 10, 2019
The costs to build and operate an indoor (vertical) farm are high, so only certain types of crops are potentially profitable. This articles discusses some some of the crop characteristics that lend themselves to indoor production. -
Leafy greens: Carbon dioxide injection
Published on April 1, 2019
Indoor production of leafy greens, Part 3 of 4: Is carbon dioxide enrichment beneficial for indoor production of basil seedlings? -
Green and blue LED lighting
Published on March 5, 2019
Indoor production of leafy greens, Part 2 of 4: How green light affects lettuce growth can depend on blue and red light. -
Leafy greens: Green & far red LED lighting
Published on February 1, 2019
Indoor production of leafy greens, Part 1 of 4: Substituting green or far-red light for blue light can increase lettuce and kale yields.