Researchers get proactive in reducing plant stress

Added on 24 November 2022

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Researchers get proactive in reducing plant stress

Stress-free plants also mean less stress for growers and retailers. Two American Floral Endowment (AFE)-funded research projects from scientists at the University of Georgia (UGA) are currently underway that investigate new ways to detect and reduce plant stress from abiotic pressures and diseases before they happen.

The two projects, providing valuable insights to growers, are funded through AFE research funding. f you would like to help AFE continue to tackle tough industry challenges facing floral and nursery growers, consider making a contribution as the end of the year approaches at endowment.org/donate.

Here’s what the researchers have to say after this past year of funding:

Fluorescence Imaging: A Low-Cost Method for Early Stress Detection (Marc van Iersel, UGA)

The objective of this research is to develop and test a novel approach for the detection of plant stress before visible symptoms are present. Greenhouse and nursery producers face a wide range of abiotic (fertility, temperature, lack of water, etc.) and biotic stresses (pathogens, insects) that can negatively impact crop production. Early detection of these stresses is important to mitigate negative impacts on the crop.