S06 - Session P6 - Technologies and post harvest methods for successful horticultural production - Role of technologies in the production of quality seeds and transplants of horticultural crops and restorative species.

Authors: Christian Rabin *

The seed and transplant quality influences the productivity of the horticultural crops and restorative species. Given the recent advancements, the technologies can be leveraged to promote and evaluate the development of quality crops. For example, the variability in light configuration (LEDs, Plasma) with specific spectral range and intensity can be utilized to promote growth of the horticultural crops. Similarly, the environment (climate, irrigation, etc.) can be monitored and automatically controlled that will assist in accelerating the growth, alongside phenotyping to monitor the development. For instance, year around bloom may be achieved using bloom specific wavelengths. The automation can be enabled QR code-enabled system that can continuous track the growth and development, as well as status of the crop. Some of our research and development involves optimizing the cultivation process with ideal inputs and the adaptation of crops at varying environmental condition to acclimate to climate change and/or specific region. The meteorological data can be integrated with the environmental control such that the same condition of temperature, moisture, and PAR are maintained. Similarly, pathological control can be accomplished using biological control or biostimulants.