April 2024 - 23

PLANT NUTRITION
Breeding and genetics. Metabolomics can aid in selecting
the best varieties for breeding programs, focusing on
those with desirable traits like drought resistance or higher
nutritional content. This can lead to the development
of superior plant strains tailored to specific greenhouse
conditions, climate or traits of interest.
Pest and stress management. By understanding the
chemical changes in plants under stress or attacked by
pests, growers can develop more effective strategies for
pest control and stress mitigation, ensuring plants are
healthier while reducing reliance on pesticides.
Customizing fertilization and treatment plans. Metabolite
profiling can reveal the specific nutrient needs of plants at
different growth stages. Results enable tailored fertilization
plans - ensuring plants get exactly what they need when
they need it - leading to more efficient use of resources.
Plant health and setting standards. Metabolomics
can function as a checkup for plants by capturing how
healthy, thriving plants look at the molecular level. This is
especially useful when a grower is thinking of switching
their production practices, like implementing a new growth
medium, trying a different treatment or introducing new
varieties. By establishing a baseline of what the plants'
chemistry looks like when they're in top shape, any changes
that may occur can be monitored and allow us to remain
one step ahead, ensuring accurate risk management
strategies are employed without waiting for visible signs of
stress or problems.
Problem solving and unraveling mysteries. Is something
just not right with the plants and it isn't clear why? Whether
it's a drastic or gradual change or just a gut feeling,
metabolomics helps to uncover hidden clues by capturing
the chemical fingerprints of plants and their surrounding
environment. This way, the possibilities for what's causing
the issue (or not) can be narrowed down, guiding growers
toward the right solution and turning baffling moments
into actionable insights.
Environmental sustainability. By optimizing growing
conditions and reducing the need for chemicals, metabolomics
results contribute to more sustainable farming practices. This
not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the
growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
Christine Kempthorne is a senior research technician in biochemistry
and David Liscombe is a research scientist in biochemistry at
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. For more information
on metabolomics services, please contact David Liscombe at
david.liscombe@vinelandresearch.com.
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GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 23
http://www.soilmoist.com
April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2024
