Light Control of Consumer-desired Traits in High-value Produce

Plants possess a set of sensors that monitor the ambient light environment.  These photoreceptors are sensitive to wavelengths from UV-C to near-infra red, and each sensor controls discrete physiological, developmental and metabolic processes.  We have exploited activation of specific light sensors in changing and dynamic lighting programs to tailor biological outcomes, particularly in regard to consumer-desired traits in high-value crops.  The appearance and nutrient content of sprouts has been manipulated with light.  We have demonstrated that we can change the accumulation of important aroma/flavor volatiles in herbs and fruits, both pre- and post-harvest. Current efforts seek to identify genotypes with wavelength dependent phenotypic plasticity with the goal of breeding for selections most amenable to light manipulation and presentation of desirable or novel traits. Our interest is not to design light conditions to simply support plant growth and development.  Instead the goal is to design a vocabulary of light treatments that command specific aspects of plant growth, development and metabolite accumulation /retention.  These findings advance opportunities to produce improved plant products with non-chemical, non-invasive, and inexpensive treatments.