Horticultural Production Physiology

Most agricultural and horticultural plants can create symbiosis with mycorrhiza mushrooms. The mushroom can contribute to the uptake of nutrients of the host plant, and can also provide protection from different types of stress and diseases. Sometimes, however, high levels of plant nutrients in arable land or cultivation substrates may inhibit the formation of mycorrhiza on cultivated plants.

Cultivation substrates with a poor ability to bind nutrients are often used in greenhouses and nursery-gardens. We investigate whether mycorrhiza can be established on plants in different types of cultivation substrates in organic and conventional cultivation systems through inoculation with mycorrhiza mushrooms in combination with reduced levels of nutrients. If it is possible to grow vegetables with mycorrhiza at lower fertilizer levels, both the fertilizer costs and the risk of nutrient loss is reduced. We also study presence and impact of mycorrhiza for plants grown in the open.

The sustainable society must be resource-efficient and organic wastes recycled as far as possible. During decomposition processes organic matter is degraded into simpler components that can be reused. The degradation process is different depending on the chemical composition of the material and the environment in which it takes place.

Biofertiliser produced in the biogas process is an example of an organic waste which is recycled when it is returned to the field. In our research, we investigate the possibility of using biofertilizer in other cropping systems such as hydroponics and algaculture. Organic waste is not limited to this but there is a wide choice of residues originating from e.g. food industry and forestry. The organisms which we use in our research are plants, algae and fungi.

In addition to recycling in order to achieve resource-efficiency, also health- and safety issues are important aspects. Consideration must be given to harmful substances, e.g. heavy metals and persistent substances such as certain pesticides, which can be present in the organic matter and thus accumulates to harmful levels. In the research we do on organic waste products, and how they can be recycled, the aspect of safety and risk of accumulation is always included.

The LED-technology is developing rapidly and has in recent years become more attractive for use in greenhouse crop production. The freedom of choice regarding the spectral distribution of the light and the design of the fittings opens up new possibilities for the use of light within protected horticulture. In the current projects the LED-technology is adapted for use in greenhouse horticulture. We are developing light strategies for reduced consumption of energy and chemical growth retardants.