Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Owners, managers and employees of local horticulture operations and businesses; individuals considering potential horticulture production ventures; community members throughout Alaska and in other rural areas with interest and concern for a secure, safe and affordable food supply; students at secondary and post-secondary levels including undergraduate and graduate students; initial and continuing training opportunities for the local workforce of horticulture operations. Various channels have been used to reach and meet the needs for information and training of various groups throughout the state. There has been on-going communication with producers and individuals interested in pursuing or who already are engaged in the use of high tunnels, greenhouses and other types of production systems. Training opportunities in topics related to horticultural production were regularly offered and presented to students at secondary and post-secondary levels. Presentations were frequently provided at local, regional, national and international meetings, conferences and workshops on crop production in various environments including greenhouses, high tunnels, season extension techniques and field conditions. To reach large and diverse groups of individuals, our collaboration locations at Chena Hot Springs Resort and Pike’s Waterfront Lodge worked well. At these locations, individuals who may not be reached through traditional extension and outreach efforts were provided information on research activities and northern greenhouse production techniques and field systems. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Results and information developed in this project have regularly been used in teaching activities at the post-secondary level. The controlled environment agriculture field is fast advancing and to encourage and capture student interest up-to-date course material is essential. Graduate and under-graduate students have had opportunities to conduct research, pursue specific questions, gain greenhouse experience under high latitude conditions, and develop interest greenhouse crop production. Several students have been mentored in the completion of research projects to fulfill baccalaureate and master level degree requirements. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Many communities in the state are in various stages of planning and progressing toward the use of high tunnels, greenhouses and controlled environments facilities to produce food. The skill, aptitude, educational and financial abilities vary greatly among communities and interested individuals. A range of approaches is therefore necessary to provide information and training opportunities throughout the state. Presentations are frequently provided at local, regional, national and international meetings, conferences and workshops on crop production in various environments including greenhouses, high tunnels and field conditions. We are in continuous communication with producers and individuals interested in pursuing greenhouse and other types of production systems. Training opportunities in agriculture topics are regularly offered and presented to students at secondary and post-secondary levels. We have partnered with the local greenhouse operations at Chena Hot Springs Resort (CHSR) and Pike’s Waterfront Lodge to allow interactions with the general public and visitors from various regions along with training and apprenticeship opportunities for students and other interested individuals. CHSR is in a semi-remote, 60 miles outside Fairbanks, off the electric grid, location. Geothermal energy is used to heat and power CHSR including the greenhouse. Daily educational programs on greenhouse operation and management are conducted year round. Each guided tour has a minimum of 15 participants from local populations, residents from various parts of Alaska, and visitors from all over the world. At Pike’s, techniques suitable for northern greenhouse production are used and demonstrated to local and visiting individuals and groups during the summer months. Formal and self-guided tours attract at least 50 daily visitors during June, July, August and September. In addition to running Pike’s greenhouse and managing the grounds, high school- and college students provide daily educational programs and answer questions related to greenhouse production, Alaska agriculture and their summer employment experience. Pamphlets describing the greenhouse operations at CHSR and Pike’s support the educational programs and are widely distributed. These collaborations allow us to reach a large and diverse group of individuals who may not be attracted to conventional extension and outreach activities for information on research activities and techniques adapted to greenhouse production in northern regions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The number and use of high tunnels to improve and extend the naturally short field season have rapidly increased in Alaska during recent years. Anticipated benefits of high tunnels vary with location, the crop produced and seasonal weather conditions. Production protocols and information on anticipated benefits under Alaska conditions are to a large extent lacking. The greenhouse technology and management procedures developed in this project are suitable for dissemination and use in various locations throughout Alaska and other places with similar climates. Cultivar decisions are critical for success and the performance of various selections often needs to be evaluated since no information for conditions with naturally extreme long or short days is available. Lettuce was evaluated for year round greenhouse production using a hydroponic growing system. Harvest was done after 28 to 30 growing days from seeding during summer conditions. The production time was extended to 32 to 35 days when light decreased and artificial light was supplied. The best cultivars of romaine lettuce including for winter conditions were Coastal Star and Green Forest. The cultivar Counter was also tried but dropped due to unsatisfactory performance. The long day adapted Charles is the best year round butterhead lettuce. Elton, Sylvesta, Red Cross with red leaves and Michael have been tried but do not meet expectations and the growth does not compare to Charles. The summer crisp lettuce Nevada, red-leaf Cherokee and Magenta with a hint of red in the leaves do well although only Nevada is suitable for winter production. The multi-leaf Multy is excellent at all times even with a tendency to bolt beyond the optimal harvest stage. The green Lollo lettuce Cireo is a great producer throughout the year while the red Revolution only grows well during summer months. The red Ferrari and the green Galisse oak-leaf lettuce have rapid development independent of the production period. Basic on the other hand, has been dropped as an oak-leaf lettuce. Mirata is a long day curly lettuce with continuously good growth although germination is sometimes problematic. Cooling the solution of a hydroponic system to counter above optimum air temperatures resulted in improved growth of the butterhead lettuce Nevada. The lettuce in 16°C solution had significantly higher shoot fresh weight at 137 gram compared to 128 gram in the 20°C solution. Shoot dry weight was also higher with cooler solution although the root dry weight was similar at 2.1 gram. The ratio between root dry and root fresh weights was 7.2 percent at 20°C and 6.7 percent at 16°C. A larger proportion dry weight was also partitioned to the roots for lettuce in 20°C. Roots in the cooler solution were longer and less branched. The productivity of zucchini was quantified as an indicator for potential yield increases using high tunnels. The cultivars Bush Baby, Dunja and Golden Glory were included. The seed was germinated in a greenhouse and seedlings transplanted 15 days later into raised beds in high tunnels and the adjacent field. Harvest started five weeks later and continued until September 8. Each individual zucchini was at least 15 cm in length at time of harvest. The tunnel environment compared to the unprotected field, supported higher overall yields for the three selections. Each Bush Baby plant in the field produced 7.9 kg of zucchinis while protected plants yielded an additional 1.1 kg. The difference in favor of a tunnel environment was 0.8 kg for Dunja and 1 kg for Golden Glory. The size of individual zucchinis was similar in the tunnel and the field environments for all varieties. Bush Baby produced the largest zucchinis at 290 grams followed by Dunja at 200 grams and Golden Glory (175 grams). During the production of transplants for field production, LEDs may be an energy efficient alternative to other greenhouse light sources. Bush beans were grown and evaluated for field performance following exposure to LEDs. The bean varieties Provider, Stayton and Velour were seeded and following emergence grown in a greenhouse or in a red/blue LED environment. Light intensity under the LEDs was 300 to 400 µmol·m-2s-1. Provider is adapted to cool soils while Stayton and Velour are respectively, green and purple filet beans. There was no difference in crop performance during the field season, for transplants grown in a natural light environment or under LEDs during the seedling stage. For each linear foot of a row, the production of bean pods was 1.5 kg for Provider, 1.2 kg for Stayton and 0.85 kg for Velour. LEDs appear to be a suitable lighting source for producing greenhouse transplants. Panels of red (665 nm) supplemented with 10 % blue LEDs (456 nm), were tested growing poinsettia. The air temperature was 20°C and the photoperiod 16 hours. Rooted poinsettia cuttings ('Freedom Red', 'Freedom White' and 'Freedom Jingle Bell'), were transplanted and grown under natural light supplemented with high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. The plants were pinched 28 days later and grown under red/blue LED panels for 2 weeks. Light intensity was approximately 200 µmol·m-2s-1 at plant height. Following the two weeks, plants were returned and short 9 hour-days initiated 10 days later. Plant height and flowering branch number were determined at cyathia pollen shed. Overall plant height was reduced following initial short-term exposure to red/blue LEDs. On average, the height of Freedom Red was reduced from 28 to 23 cm. The height reduction was 3 cm for Freedom White and 4 cm for Freedom Jingle Bell. Plants of Freedom White and Jingle Bell produced one additional flowering shoot. The number of flowering branches was nine and did not vary with light treatment for Freedom Red. In a subsequent experiment, transplants of petunia ('Wave Pink Spreading' and 'Wave Purple Improved Spreading') were planted into 10 cm diameter containers. Fifteen plants of each cultivar were transferred to irradiance solely from HPS, MH (metal halide), fluorescent lamps or from panels of red/blue, or white (3700 K), or multi-colored LEDs (50 % 660 nm, 10 % 635 nm, 10 % 600 nm, 20 % 450 nm, 10 % 3700 K). Light intensity averaged 150 µmol·m-2s-1. Data were recorded 34 days later. Plants were cut back and planted in a field or in hanging baskets. Petunias under red/blue and multi-LEDs had more branches while HPS and MH resulted in the fewest branches. Average branch number was 10 in the greenhouse. Few flowers and buds were observed at the end of light treatments except for petunias grown at natural greenhouse light. The red/blue- and multi-LEDs virtually produced no flowers in either cultivar. A few flowers were recorded for petunias under HPS and MH. Following data collection, all petunias grew well producing an abundance of flowers in hanging baskets or the field. Plants exposed to LEDs, especially red/blue and multi-colored LEDs filled in quickly, produced large number of flowers to outperform the conventionally grown petunias. At the end of the season however, the plants did not differ in size, branching, or flower numbers. These findings suggest opportunities to enhance field establishment and performance through limited LED exposure during propagation.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Karlsson , M. and J. Werner. 2009. High tunnel covering materials for Northern field production. GreenSys 2009 International Symposium on High Technology for Greenhouse Systems. P-129, p. 157. June 14-19, Quebec City, Canada.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2008. Early day length sensitivity in sunflower. HortScience 43:1261-1262.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Werner, J. and M. Karlsson. 2009. Field and high tunnel production. Workshop for teachers of Ag in the classroom. June 2, Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Karlsson, M. 2009. Geothermal agriculture and food security. Alaska Geothermal Conference. Risks, barriers, and opportunities: geothermal projects in Alaska. Chena Hot Springs Resort. April 30.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Werner, J. 2009. Managing hydroponic production for success in Alaska. Fifth Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference and Organic Grower School. March 17-18, Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Werner, J. 2009. Opportunities for horticulture and greenhouse production. Delta Farm Forum, February 28, Delta Junction, Alaska.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Karlsson, M. 2009. Growing under the midnight sun. SNRAS/AFES Misc. Pub. No. MP 2009-06.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Karlsson, M. 2009. Growing fresh vegetables: midnight sun & the earths warmth. SNRAS/AFES Misc. Pub. No. MP 2009-10.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Karlsson, M. 2008. Hydroponic systems for northern production. Misc. Publication. Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Werner, J. 2009. Geothermal greenhouse production. Natural Resources Council at Chena Hot Springs Resort. September 19, Chena Hot Springs, North Pole, Alaska.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Werner, J. 2009. Using greenhouses as a production system. Energy Fair, Chena Hot Springs Resort, August 22, North Pole, Alaska.
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Food security is an issue of major concern in Alaska. Short field seasons and challenging climatic conditions have resulted in limited local production and high dependency on food brought into Alaska. Concerns for interference in delivery systems and year-round availability of affordable high quality food from outside sources have promoted efforts to enhance local production. Efforts to, for instance, increase crop production beyond the traditional field season require high tunnel-, season extension-, greenhouse- and controlled environment facilities, techniques and knowledge. Production efforts during periods other than traditional field seasons tend to be challenged with high demands for energy to compensate for low temperatures and limited daily light. As the skill, aptitude, educational and financial abilities vary greatly, a range of approaches is used to provide information and training opportunities throughout the state. Significant amounts of information are available using energy efficient greenhouse production systems, although management adaptations to high latitude environments are still inadequate. For instance, more efficient lighting technologies such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) require research for information dissemination and guidelines that are appropriate for high latitude production conditions. Various communication and educational channels have been used to reach and meet the needs for information and training of various groups throughout the state. We are continuously communicating with producers and individuals interested in pursuing or who already are engaged in the use of high tunnels, greenhouses and other types of production systems. Training opportunities in topics related to horticultural production are regularly offered and presented to students at secondary and post-secondary levels. Presentations are frequently provided at local, regional, national and international meetings, conferences and workshops on crop production in various environments including greenhouses, high tunnels, season extension techniques and field conditions. To reach large and diverse groups of individuals, our collaboration locations at Chena Hot Springs Resort and Pike's Waterfront Lodge work well. At these locations, individuals who may not be reached through traditional extension and outreach efforts are given information on research activities and northern greenhouse production techniques and field systems. PARTICIPANTS: Meriam Karlsson, Professor of Horticulture, project manager; Cameron Willingham, Research Professional; Yosuke Okada, M.S. student; Susan Woods, M.S. student; Chena Hot Springs Resort, Collaborator; Pike's Waterfront Lodge, Collaborator TARGET AUDIENCES: Owners, managers and employees of local horticulture operations and businesses; individuals considering potential horticulture production ventures; community members throughout Alaska and in other rural areas with interest and concern for a secure, safe and affordable food supply; students at secondary and post-secondary levels including undergraduate and graduate students; initial and continuing training opportunities for the local workforce of horticulture operations PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
High tunnels are used in Alaska to improve and extend the naturally short field season. The number and use of high tunnels have rapidly increased for various crops during recent years. Although the benefit of high tunnels and other season extension methods vary with location, the crop produced and seasonal weather conditions, documentation indicating levels of anticipated benefits are limited. During the 2012 field season, the productivity of zucchini was quantified as an indication of potential yield increases using a modified environment such as high tunnels. The cultivars Bush Baby, Dunja and Golden Glory were included. The seed was germinated in a greenhouse and seedlings transplanted 15 days later into raised beds in high tunnels and the adjacent field. Harvest started five weeks later and continued until September 8. Each individual zucchini was at least 15 cm in length at time of harvest. The tunnel environment compared to the unprotected field supported higher overall yields for the three selections. Each Bush Baby plant in the field produced 7.9 kg of zucchinis while protected plants yielded an additional 1.1 kg. The difference in favor of a tunnel environment was 0.8 kg for Dunja and 1 kg for Golden Glory. The size of individual zucchinis was similar in the tunnel and the field environments for all varieties. Bush Baby produced the largest zucchinis at 290 grams followed by Dunja at 200 grams and Golden Glory (175 grams). During the production of transplants for field production, light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be an energy efficient alternative to other greenhouse light sources. Bush beans were grown and evaluated for field performance following exposure to LEDs. The bean varieties Provider, Stayton and Velour were seeded and following emergence grown in a greenhouse or in a red/blue LED environment. Light intensity under the LEDs was 300 to 400 micromol per m2 and second. Provider is adapted to cool soils while Stayton and Velour are respectively, green and purple filet beans. There was no difference in crop performance during the field season, for transplants grown in a natural light environment or under LEDs during the seedling stage. For each linear foot of a row, the production of bean pods was 1.5 kg for Provider, 1.2 kg for Stayton and 0.85 kg for Velour. LEDs appear to be a suitable lighting source for producing greenhouse transplants.
Publications
- Karlsson, M. 2012. Using light emitting diodes for early development of flowering plants. HortScience 47(9):S336
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Food security is an issue of major concern in Alaska. Short intense summer seasons combined with limited food processing and distribution systems result in variable and often insufficient availability of locally produced food. The large dependence on food brought-in makes Alaska vulnerable to disruptions in the delivery chains as well as decreases opportunities for involvement and control during the production phase. A desire for a more secure food supply of high nutritional value has resulted in increasing demands for training opportunities and education. Efforts to, for instance, increase crop production beyond the traditional field season require high tunnel-, season extension-, greenhouse- and controlled environment facilities, techniques and knowledge. As the skill, aptitude, educational and financial abilities vary greatly, a range of approaches is used to provide information and training opportunities throughout the state. Attempts to increase production beyond the field season are closely correlated to energy costs and necessitate a transition to renewable and more affordable resources. We have partnered with Chena Hot Springs Resort (CHSR) where geothermal energy is used for heat and power including the operation of a production greenhouse. CHSR is in a semi-remote, 60 miles outside Fairbanks, off the electric grid, location. We have also partnered with Pike's Waterfront Lodge in the running of an on-site production greenhouse during the summer months to allow interactions with the general public and visitors from various regions along with training and apprenticeship opportunities for students and other interested individuals. At CHSR, daily educational programs on greenhouse operation and management are conducted year round. Each guided tour has a minimum of 15 participants from local populations, residents from various parts of Alaska, and visitors from all over the world. At Pike's, techniques suitable for northern greenhouse production are used and demonstrated to local and visiting individuals and groups. Formal and self-guided tours attract at least 50 daily visitors during June, July, August and September. In addition to running Pike's greenhouse and managing the grounds, high school- and college students provide daily educational programs and answer questions related to greenhouse production, Alaska agriculture and their summer employment experience. Pamphlets describing the greenhouse operations at CHSR and Pike's support the educational programs and are widely distributed. These collaborations allow us to reach a large and diverse group of individuals who may not be attracted to conventional extension and outreach activities for information on research activities and techniques adapted to greenhouse production in northern regions. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Meriam Karlsson, Professor of Horticulture, project manager; Yosuke Okada, M.S. student; Cameron Willingham, B.S.; Nina Schwinghammer, B.A. student; Chena Hot Springs Resort, Collaborator; Pike's Waterfront Lodge, Collaborator TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: Owners, managers and employees of local horticulture operations and businesses; individuals considering potential horticulture production ventures; community members throughout Alaska and in other rural area with interest and concern for a secure, safe and affordable food supply; students at secondary and post-secondary levels including undergraduate and graduate students; initial and continuing training opportunities for the local workforce of horticulture operations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a more energy efficient light source, are considered for greenhouse crop production. Opportunity to customize the spectrum is an advantage although many questions remain in respect to appropriate configuration and wavelength composition to support crop growth and development. LED grow lights are often designed with spectral peaks around blue and red wavelengths. The higher photosynthetic rates in these regions, is the primary reason for the LED panel design. Although carbon assimilation may be high, undesirable morphology and/or slow flowering may also result. R/B panels of red (665 nm) supplemented with 10 % blue LEDs (456 nm), were tested in the first experiment. The air temperature was 20oC and the photoperiod 16 hours. Rooted poinsettia cuttings ('Freedom Red', 'Freedom White' and 'Freedom Jingle Bell'), were transplanted and grown under natural light supplemented with high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. The plants were pinched 28 days later and grown under R/B LED panels for 2 weeks. Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) was approximately 200 micromol/(m2 and s) at plant height. Following the two weeks, plants were returned and short 9 hour-days initiated 10 days later. Plant height and flowering branch number were determined at cyathia pollen shed. Overall plant height was reduced following initial short-term exposure to R/B LEDs. On average, the height of Freedom Red was reduced from 28 to 23 cm. The height reduction was 3 cm for Freedom White and 4 cm for Freedom Jingle Bell. Plants of Freedom White and Jingle Bell produced one additional flowering shoot. The number of flowering branches was 9 and did not vary with light treatment for Freedom Red. In a subsequent experiment, transplants of petunia ('Wave Pink Spreading' and 'Wave Purple Improved Spreading') were planted into 10 cm diameter containers. Fifteen plants of each cultivar were transferred to irradiance solely from HPS, MH (metal halide), fluorescent lamps or from panels of R/B, white (3700 K), or multi-colored LEDs (50 % 660 nm, 10 % 635 nm, 10 % 600 nm, 20 % 450 nm, 10 % 3700 K). PPF averaged 150 micromol/(m2 and s). Data were recorded 34 days later. Plants were cut back and planted in a field or in hanging baskets. Petunias under R/B and multi-LEDs had more branches while HPS and MH resulted in the fewest branches. Average branch number was 10 in the greenhouse. Few flowers and buds were observed at the end of light treatments except for petunias grown at natural greenhouse light. The R/B- and multi-LEDs virtually produced no flowers in either cultivar. A few flowers were recorded for petunias under HPS and MH. Following data collection, all petunias grew well producing an abundance of flowers in hanging baskets or the field. Plants exposed to LEDs, especially R/B and multi-colored LEDs filled in quickly, produced large number of flowers to outperform the conventionally grown petunias. At the end of the season however, the plants did not differ in size, branching, or flower numbers. These findings suggest opportunities to enhance field establishment and performance through limited LED exposure during propagation.
Publications
- Werner, J., Y. Okada and M. Karlsson. 2011. Using light emitting diodes in high latitude greenhouse production. Acta Horticulturae 907:287-290.
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2011. High tunnel covering materials for northern field production. Acta Horticulturae 893:1333-1339.
- Karlsson, M. 2010. Opportunities using light emitting diodes to produce high quality crops. HortScience 46(9):S238. (Abstract.)
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The interest and demand for information on efficient greenhouse production methods, operation and management are large in Alaska. These inquiries are fueled with concerns for sustained life styles, a secure food supply and desires for more involvement and control over the food production systems. The cost and use of energy with transition to renewable resources are also important concerns and factors. The remote community Galena for instance, is in the process of building a greenhouse taking advantage of local energy resources. Many other locations in the state are in various stages of planning and progressing with similar plans for using local and alternative energy sources to produce food. The skill, aptitude, educational and financial abilities vary greatly among communities and interested individuals. A range of approaches is therefore used to provide information and training opportunities throughout the state. Presentations are frequently provided at local, regional, national and international meetings, conferences and workshops on crop production in various environments including greenhouses, high tunnels and field conditions. We are in continuous communication with producers and individuals interested in pursuing greenhouse and other types of production systems. Training opportunities in agriculture topics are regularly offered and presented to students at secondary and post-secondary levels. We have partnered with the local greenhouse operations at Chena Hot Springs Resort (CHSR) and Pike's Waterfront Lodge to allow interactions with the general public and visitors from various regions along with training and apprenticeship opportunities for students and other interested individuals. CHSR is in a semi-remote, 60 miles outside Fairbanks, off the electric grid, location. Geothermal energy is used to heat and power CHSR including the greenhouse. Daily educational programs on greenhouse operation and management are conducted year round. Each guided tour has a minimum of 15 participants from local populations, residents from various parts of Alaska, and visitors from all over the world. At Pike's, techniques suitable for northern greenhouse production are used and demonstrated to local and visiting individuals and groups during the summer months. Formal and self-guided tours attract at least 50 daily visitors during June, July, August and September. In addition to running Pike's greenhouse and managing the grounds, high school- and college students provide daily educational programs and answer questions related to greenhouse production, Alaska agriculture and their summer employment experience. Pamphlets describing the greenhouse operations at CHSR and Pike's support the educational programs and are widely distributed. These collaborations allow us to reach a large and diverse group of individuals who may not be attracted to conventional extension and outreach activities for information on research activities and techniques adapted to greenhouse production in northern regions. PARTICIPANTS: Meriam Karlsson, Professor of Horticulture, project manager; Jeff Werner, Research Professional; Yosuke Okada, M.S. student; James Ward, B.S. student; Cameron Willingham, B.S. student; Ryan Olsen, B.A. student, Jace Bures, B.S. student, Jeff Bue, B.S. student; Taylor Beard, B.S. student; Nina Schwinghammer, B.A. student; Chena Hot Springs Resort, Collaborator; Pike's Waterfront Lodge, Collaborator, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Collaborator, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Collaborator TARGET AUDIENCES: Owners, managers and employees of local horticulture operations and businesses; individuals considering potential horticulture production ventures; community members throughout Alaska and in other rural area with interest and concern for a secure, safe and affordable food supply; students at secondary and post-secondary levels including undergraduate and graduate students; initial and continuing training opportunities for the local workforce of horticulture operations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Supplying sufficient amounts of light with desirable spectral energy distribution to greenhouse crops can be challenging in high latitude areas with extended annual periods of limited natural light. Subsequently economical lighting systems are expected to significantly benefit and advance year round greenhouse operations. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) convert electric energy more efficiently to light energy than traditional greenhouse lighting equipment. The potential to use LEDs for lighting greenhouses is therefore evaluated. Rate of photosynthesis (Pn) was measured in plants grown under three types of LED panels (300 W). The R/B panel contained red LEDs (peak emission at 665 nm) supplemented with 10 percent blue LEDs (peak emission at 456 nm). The tri-band panel featured 40 percent red LEDs (660 nm), 40 percent orange-red LEDs (630 nm) and 20 percent blue LEDs (460 nm). The third panel of white LEDs provided a spectrum of peak emission at 458 nm along with a distribution curve around 560 nm. The growth of Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto' under the LED panels was compared to plants maintained under high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH) or T5 fluorescent lamps. The photosynthetic active radiation (PAR, 400 to 700 nm) was 150 micromol/(m2 and s). Net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was measured in upper exposed leaves immediate prior to open flowers. The instrument for recording Pn was equipped with a clear top chamber to allow measurements in treatment lighting. CO2 was maintained at 400 ppm. Independent of the light source and spectrum, Pn was in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 micromol CO2/(m2 and s). These results suggest PAR is driving Pn rather than the spectral energy distribution. Although plants have evolved under a wide spectrum, peak Pn is recorded in response to irradiance in the 450 nm region along with a second peak in the vicinity of 660 nm. A spectrum customized to coincide with these peaks of Pn does not appear to result in overall higher Pn. Rather the amount of light in the 400 to 700 nm range seems determinate for Pn. In order to evaluate the capacity for Pn in plants grown under various spectra, light and CO2 curves were established for lettuce and R. hirta. Light curves were developed in 9 steps from 1,800 to 0 micromol/(m2 and s) while keeping CO2 at 400 ppm. The CO2 curves were created at 150 micromol/(m2 and s) PAR with increasing intercellular CO2 to approximately 2000 ppm. The response to PAR showed Pn approaching 16 micromol CO2/(m2 and s) for lettuce at PAR of 600 micromol/(m2 and s). The CO2 curves for lettuce, suggested Pn increased to 20 micromol CO2/(m2 and s) at 600 ppm and higher CO2. Similar response was found for R. hirta although Pn was lower. Similar to the results on instantaneous Pn, conditioning in a customized spectrum to attain higher Pn capacity was not evident. Physiological processes in addition to photosynthesis are however, affected by the light quality. Additional studies are necessary to fully understand the impact of limited LED spectra on morphological characteristics and crop growth.
Publications
- Werner, J., Y. Okada and M. Karlsson. 2011. Using light emitting diodes in high latitude greenhouse production. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2011. High tunnel covering materials for northern field production. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2010. Light emitting diodes for greenhouse production. HortScience 45(8):S274. (Abstract.)
- Bures, J.W. 2010. Reducing the Alaska summer day length to increase growth and yield of tomatoes. Senior thesis Natural Resources Management, SNRAS, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Ward, J.R. 2010. Economic considerations for commercial greenhouse production during interior Alaskan winters. Senior thesis Natural Resources Management, SNRAS, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results generated in this project are used to formulate strategies for constructive and successful management, mechanization and operation of local greenhouses. We are responding to inquiries from many locations throughout Alaska as they are pursuing opportunities to initiate, if even on a limited scale, local controlled environment, greenhouse or enhanced seasonal field production. During the past year, we have talked to individuals representing the following communities Anchor Point, Anchorage, Aniak, Barrow, Bethel, Chena Hot Springs, Cordova Delta Junction, Dillingham, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Ft. Yukon, Galena, Glenallen, Haines, Healy, Homer, Iguigig, Juneau, Kaltag, Kantishna, Kenai, Kenny Lake, Ketchikan, Kodiak, North Pole, Nulato, Manley Hot Springs, Nome, Palmer, Pt. Hope, Seward, Sitka, Skagway, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Tok, Valdez and Wasilla. Working with Chena Hot Springs Resort (CHSR), findings, facility management and crop approach are also demonstrated to the public through direct implementation in commercial production. A variety of alternative, renewable and waste energy resources in addition to geothermal energy can be used to run the CHSR system of heating and power generation for greenhouse production. A continuous flow of local, national and international visitors is introduced to greenhouse crops and techniques suited to high latitudes throughout the year. Each daily educational program has a minimum of 15 participants from local populations, residents from various parts of Alaska, and visitors from all over the world. Demographic, financial and educational backgrounds vary widely among participants. A pamphlet describing the greenhouse growing techniques was developed to support information transfer and the educational programs. Presentations are continuously provided at local, regional, national and international meetings, conferences and workshops on topics related to crop production in various types of environments such as greenhouses, high tunnels and field conditions. For example in 2009, presentations were given on local production in relation to a sustainable food and energy system at a geothermal conference with 200 attendees and on the use of light emitting diodes at the international light in horticulture symposium in Japan with 200 participants. The 2009 Energy Fair at CHSR was attended by 2,000 people of diverse knowledge and educational levels. Most attendees were guided to explore the greenhouse production areas during the many educational tours throughout the day. At Pike's greenhouse in Fairbanks, techniques suitable for northern greenhouse production are used and demonstrated to local and visiting individuals and groups during the summer months. Formal and self-guided tours attract at least 50 daily visitors during June, July, August and September. In addition to running Pike's greenhouse and managing the grounds, high school- and college students provide daily educational programs and answer questions related to greenhouse production, Alaska agriculture and their summer employment experience. Pamphlets describing the greenhouse operation aid the educational process at Pike's and are widely distributed. PARTICIPANTS: Meriam Karlsson, Professor of Horticulture, project manager; Jeff Werner, Research Professional; Jeffrey Johnson, Research Associate; Yosuke Okada, M.S. student; James Ward, B.S. student; Patrick Sanders, B.S. student; Justin Hogrefe, B.S. student; Chena Hot Springs Resort, Collaborator; Pike's Waterfront Lodge, Collaborator, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Collaborator, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Collaborator TARGET AUDIENCES: Owners, managers and employees of local horticulture operations and businesses; individuals considering potential horticulture production ventures; community members throughout Alaska and in other rural areas with interest and concern for a secure, safe and affordable food supply; students at secondary and post-secondary levels including undergraduate and graduate students; initial and continuing training opportunities for the local workforce of horticulture operations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Producing greenhouse crops in high latitude locations is demanding. Large seasonal variations in natural day lengths and temperatures require continuous modifications of the greenhouse climate to best conform to outside conditions. Limited natural light during the winter half suggests the importance of energy efficient lighting technology. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) show promise to complement and replace current greenhouse lighting equipment. In addition to high energy efficiency, the life expectancy for high output is long and the light quality may be customized. Current available LED panels for crop growth are often designed to support photosynthesis with light in the blue and red portions of the spectrum. Physiological processes in addition to photosynthesis are however, frequently dependent on a wider continuous spectrum. Research is needed to determine the appropriate LED wavelength composition, panel configurations and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) for efficient and proper crop development. PAR (400 to 700 nm) measured 100 cm below the light source varied from 65 plus/minus 10 micromol/(m2 and s) under the 150W LED panel to 130 plus/minus 15 under the 300W panel, and 300 plus/minus 20 micromol/(m2 and s) under the 600W LED array. In comparison, PAR was 200 plus/minus 20 micromol/(m2 and s) in the growing environments of high pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) lamps. After 21 days, at least 50 percent of the plants had developed visible flower buds (2 mm) under HPS, MH, and the 300W LEDs. All plants in the 600W LED environment had visible buds at 21 days. Early development and growth of black-eyed susan in respect to height and leaf number were comparable to HPS when the LEDs provided at least 300 micromol/(m2 and s). These results suggest sufficient intensities of narrow blue and red wavebands to be suitable for some greenhouse and controlled environment production applications. Particular physiological processes and crops may not however, proceed normally if LEDs with narrow spectra are replacing traditional HPS and MH greenhouse lighting systems. The interest for using affordable techniques such as basic high tunnels to extend and improve the short field season is increasing. Alaska conditions offer unique opportunities to study crop development under extreme long days of natural light. A retractable double-layer flat-roof high tunnel has been erected. The tunnel is equipped with one layer of translucent material for crop production and a blackout covering for photoperiodic control. The retractable flat-roof technology is expected to protect the crop from inclement weather while taking full advantage of solar heating, natural ventilation, and the optimal light and temperature conditions of the intense northern field season. Maintaining growing conditions of twilight extended continuous light or photoperiods with several dark hours will provide insights on environmental conditions best suited for crop establishment, early season development, humidity control, flowering and fruit set, plant morphological attributes, frost protection, yields and nutritional quality.
Publications
- Werner, J., Y. Okada and M. Karlsson. 2010. Using light emitting diodes in high latitude greenhouse production. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2010. High tunnel covering materials for northern field production. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2009. Hydroponic greenhouse lettuce production in subarctic conditions using geothermal heat and power. Acta Horticulturae 843:275-281.
- Werner, J., Y. Okada and M. Karlsson. 2009. Using light emitting diodes in high latitude greenhouse production. International Symposium on Light in Horticulture. Scientific Program 18P12, p. 115, Tsukuba, Japan. (Abstract.)
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2009. Snap bean yield and photosynthesis during twilight extended field conditions. HortScience 44:1127. (Abstract.)
- Karlsson, M. 2009. Growing under the midnight sun. SNRAS/AFES Misc. Pub. No. MP 2009-06.
- Karlsson, M. 2009. Growing fresh vegetables: midnight sun and the earth's warmth. SNRAS/AFES Misc. Pub. No. MP 2009-10.
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2009. High tunnel covering materials for Northern field production. International Symposium on High Technology for Greenhouse Systems. GreenSys2009 Scientific Program P129, p. 156, Quebec City, Canada. (Abstract.)
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