Quantifying the importance of leaf, stem and fruit optical properties for a Functional-Structural Plant Modelling of dwarf tomatoes in vertical farming.
This project forms a component of a broader initiative aimed at identifying the architectural ideotypes of dwarf tomato plants, which enhance carbon assimilation in vertical farming environments. Central to this endeavor is the investigation of the optical properties of leaves, fruits, and stems of these plants. We aim to adapt and refine a Functional-Structural Plant Model (FSPM) to accurately capture the light interactions with different parts of dwarf tomato plants. This enhanced model will be pivotal in understanding how these optical characteristics influence plant growth and health within vertical farming systems. To support this model development, a detailed experiment will be conducted. This experiment will involve the precise measurement of the optical properties of the plant parts using advanced instruments like a spectroradiometer, thereby providing essential data for the model.
Objective: The project's main objective is to develop and validate an FSPM that accurately represents the optical properties of leaves, fruits, and stems in dwarf tomato plants, particularly within the context of vertical farming.
Specific Tasks:
Oversee the experimental study focused on the optical properties of dwarf tomato plants in a vertical farming setup.
Conduct thorough measurements of the optical properties of leaves, fruits, and stems.
Develop, calibrate, and validate the FSPM to ensure accurate simulation of light interactions in dwarf tomato plants.
Used skills
- Leaf optical properties measurements
- Architectural measurements
- Data analysis
- Plant phenotyping (e.g. leaf area, petiole length, pictures)
- Taking care of plants in a vertical farm system
- Performing climate chambers experiments
- Programming
Interested in doing a BSc or MSc thesis at HPP? Please contact Katharina Hanika or Kim Vanderwolk via the HPP office (office.hpp@wur.nl).