Proving the concept of plant growth stimulators that protect against heat-stress in greenhouse crops - HeatTect

Micromix需要资金来证明通过应用生物化学品来缓解温室辣椒热应激（HS）的概念。项目结束后，成果可以推广到多种作物。对于辣椒、西红柿和黄瓜来说，超过24°C的温度会减缓生长。30°C以上生长停滞，败花落果。温室可以通过遮阳来降温，这减少了光的输入，从而降低了生产率。在许多国家，它们也是通过蒸发冷却的，比灌溉消耗更多的水。打开通风口可以进一步降温，但会降低二氧化碳水平（以及光合作用），并危及生物安全。因此，需要提供技术，使植物在更高的温度下继续生长。该项目旨在证明一种非转基因解决方案，即植物生长刺激剂，以抑制通常在干旱或极端温度下停止生长的应激反应。与生长中间体的共同应用产生了协同效应;植物在高温下不再落下受精的花朵和未成熟的果实。夜间较冷的温度使植物能够在第二天恢复并重新开始生长。为了开发我们的解决方案，我们必须首先从产量增加的角度和使用已被证实的植物胁迫生物标志物来量化它的影响。自1970年以来，全球温室面积大约翻了一番。水培、人工生长基质和内部CO2升高使边际土地能够生产高价值作物。温暖的气候使白天的热量过多，限制了生长季节在凉爽的月份，光线不足，因此生产力较低。这项技术将延长作物的生长季节，在恶劣的环境中提高产量，增加粮食供应。它将减少能源使用成本、二氧化碳排放、水消耗和农药使用。它对现有温室的资本支出为零，与基本温室兼容，非常适合在欠发达地区增加粮食产量。

Micromix require funding to prove the concept of alleviating heat stress (HS) in greenhousegrowncapsicum peppers by applying biological chemicals. Post-project, results could beextended to a wide variety of crops. For capsicum peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers,temperatures above 24°C slow growth. Above 30°C growth arrest, flower abortion andimmature fruit drop occur. Greenhouses can be cooled by shading, which reduces light inputand hence productivity. In many countries they are also cooled evaporatively, consumingmore water than irrigation. Opening vents cools further, but reduces CO2 levels (and hencephotosynthesis) and compromises biosecurity. Thus, it is desirable to deliver technologyallowing continued plant growth at higher temperatures.This project aims to prove a non-GM solution, plant growth stimulators to suppress the stressresponse that normally stops growth at drought or temperature extremes. Co-application withgrowth intermediates produces a synergistic effect; plants no longer drop fertilised flowersand immature fruit at high temperatures. Cooler night temperatures allow the plant to recoverand restart growth next day. To develop our solution, we must first quantify its effect in termsof increased yield and using proven biomarkers of plant stress.Worldwide greenhouse area has roughly doubled since 1970. Hydroponics, artificial growthsubstrates and internal CO2 elevation allow marginal land to produce a high-value crop. Inwarmer climates excessive daytime heat limits the growing season to cooler months, with lesslight and hence lower productivity. This technology will extend the growing season andincrease yields in challenging environments, increasing food supply. It will reduce energyusage costs, venting of CO2, water consumption and pesticide use. It will require zero capitalexpenditure for existing greenhouses, be compatible with basic greenhouses and so highlysuited to increasing food production in underdeveloped areas.