Hydroxyl-radical process for controlling plant and human pathogens, extending shelf-life and nutritive quality of fruit and vegetables cultivated in vertical farming systems

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Vertical farming represents the next revolution in agriculture with the promise of efficient production of a diverse variety of crops irrespective of the time-of-year or geographical location. The enclosed growing condition within vertical farming relieves communities of food security issues and sustainable agriculture in the midst of climate change. Although the intensive nature of vertical farming brings economic advantages it can also pose a food safety issue with pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and toxigenic E. coli. Within vertical farming operations it is considered the contained environment provides protection against pathogens, the reality is that agricultural inputs such as seed and growth substrates can harbor pathogens that could ultimately lead to foodborne illness outbreaks. This has been demonstrated with several high-profile outbreaks and recalls linked to hydroponically cultivated crops. The following project will provide interventions based on hydroxyl-radical treatments that can be applied at different points in the growing process that bring positive benefits in relation to pathogen reduction, stimulation of plant growth, increase in the nutritive and shelf-life of crops. The research will evaluate two hydroxyl-radical based treatments, namely, hydroxyl-radical activated water and gas phase hydroxyl-radical process. Hydroxyl-radicals have been shown to be antimicrobial which can potentially simulate the defense systems within plants to protect against disease and increase robustness of produce during post-harvest handling. Moreover, the process is rapid (<30 seconds) and does not leave residues like traditional sanitizers such as chlorine. Baseline studies will introduce human pathogens onto the seed, growth substrate and growing crops to establish their fate. The current study will focus on baby-leaf lettuce and strawberries due to the products economic significance. Hydroxyl-radical treatments will then be applied to assess if the inputs onto vertical farming can be successfully decontaminated while having positive effects on plant health. The combination of treatments at the different stages of production will be taken forward for verification within a commercial facility.