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物质在温室种植辣椒中缓解热应激(HS)的概念。项目完成后，成果可以推广到多种作物。对于辣椒、西红柿和黄瓜来说，高于24摄氏度的温度会减缓生长。温度高于30℃时，会出现生长停滞、花败育和幼果脱落。温室可以通过遮阳来降温，这会减少光的输入，从而减少生产力。在许多国家，它们也是以蒸发方式冷却的，比灌溉消耗更多的水。打开通风口会进一步降温，但会降低二氧化碳水平(以及随后的光合作用)，并损害生物安全。这个项目旨在证明一种非转基因的解决方案，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压力响应。与生长中间体共施产生协同效应；植物不再在高温下掉落受精的花朵和未成熟的果实。较凉爽的夜间温度使植物能够恢复并在第二天重新开始生长。为了开发我们的解决方案，我们必须首先从增产和使用已被证明的植物压力生物标志物的角度来量化其影响。自1970年以来，全球温室面积大约翻了一番。水培、人工种植基质和内部二氧化碳升高使边际土地能够生产出高价值的作物。在较温暖的气候中，白天过热将生长季节限制在较凉爽的月份，光照较少，因此生产力较低。这项技术将延长生长季，并在具有挑战性的环境中提高产量，增加粮食供应。它将降低能源使用成本、二氧化碳排放、用水量和农药使用量。它将要求现有温室的资本支出为零，与基本温室兼容，因此非常适合不发达地区增加粮食生产。

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.