EARLYTOOL

Early detection of low temperature plant stress: towards a tool for energy-efficient production

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The incidence of low temperature in greenhouse cultivation involves the reduction of crop yield and the use of heating in order to avoid such decrease. In Central/Northern Europe, high input of fossil energy is used to increase plant productivity, which significantly contributes to emission of greenhouse gases. In contrast, heating is only used for very extreme conditions in Southern Europe, which results in a huge “productivity gap” between both European regions. Therefore, the research objectives of this project are: (1) to increase our knowledge about the effect of low temperatures on crop growth and yield in function of the stress doses, and (2) to test the feasibility of a “stress indicator”, based on the technique of chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging (CFI), as tool on which to base temperature management in greenhouses. The achievement of these objectives will promote the optimization of greenhouse cultivation, through early detection of cold stress and ensuing response management, and will boost energy use efficiency. The proposed project will require a two-year mobility period at Wageningen University. Several experiments with bell pepper will be carried out in climate chambers (1st year), and a validation of the obtained results will be performed through experiments in a real greenhouse situation (2nd year). Plant response and recovery to/from different stress doses will be analyzed by CFI and biomass measurements. In the greenhouse experiments, real-time CFI measurements will be used to detect plant stress and correct greenhouse temperature before yield can be affected. The training objectives of the proposed project for the fellow are to extend her knowledge in the area of plant stress, to gain proficiency in the technique of CFI, to learn new strategies in greenhouse management and to improve other complementary research skills, thus providing a boost for her career development and independence.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists have made advances in support of a system for monitoring cold stress in greenhouse crops.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Low night-time temperatures in greenhouses have been linked to losses in crop yield. This is either addressed through heating with fossil fuels or the greenhouse remains unheated and crop productivity suffers.

The EU-funded 'Early detection of low temperature plant stress: Towards a tool for energy-efficient production' (EARLYTOOL) project set out to improve our understanding of how plants react to cold stress. In addition, the project wanted to test a proof-of-concept cold-stress indicator.

Researchers began by exposing red pepper seedlings to low night temperatures in a laboratory environment. They measured several parameters of plant health and growth rate to feed into a model of cold stress in plants.

The study revealed a decrease in water movement after exposure to cold temperatures, as well decreased sugar metabolism. This in turn led to decreased leaf area and retarded growth.

EARLYTOOL then tested two commercially available, non-invasive plant monitoring tools: CropReporter and PlantEye. Both sensors were able to detect cold stress in plants within a few hours of cold onset.

Project scientists concluded that low night-time temperatures do impact on crop productivity in greenhouse plants. Their proposed monitoring method, combined with night-time heating, would reduce energy costs and improve productivity significantly.