Phenotyping the Effects of Far-Red on Dwarf Tomato Plants in Vertical Farming using 3D Scanning Technologies

Vertical farming has gained much attention in recent years due to its potential for high yield crop production in limited spaces. However, the effects of light quality on plant growth and development in vertical farming systems are still not fully understood. Far-red light, which lies beyond the red spectrum, has been found to have significant effects on plant growth and development, including the regulation of stem elongation, leaf area, and photosynthesis. Understanding the effects of far-red light on plant growth in vertical farming can help optimize crop yield and quality.

Dwarf tomato plants will be grown in a vertical farming system under different light treatments, including far-red light. The architectural characteristics of the plants will be quantified using simple 3D scanning technologies and user-friendly machine learning software. Leaf optical properties will be measured using a spectroradiometer, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) will be measured in the canopies. Statistical analyses will be conducted to determine the effects of far-red light on leaf area, leaf optical properties, leaf angles, and phyllotaxis.

Objective: To investigate the effects of far-red light on leaf area, leaf optical properties, leaf angles, and phyllotaxis in dwarf tomato plants grown in vertical farming at different developmental stages.

Expected Outcomes:
This study is expected to provide insights into the effects of far-red light on the architectural characteristics and leaf properties of dwarf tomato plants grown in vertical farming at different developmental stages. The use of 3D scanning technologies and machine learning for analyzing plant architecture and leaf area can also provide a non-destructive and efficient method for phenotyping plants in vertical farming systems. The results of this study can inform the optimization of light quality in vertical farming for improved crop yield and quality.

Used skills

  • Plant growth and development measurements
  • Architectural measurements
  • Data analysis
  • Plant phenotyping (e.g. leaf area, petiole length, pictures)
  • Taking care of plants in a vertical farm system

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