ADVANCING URBAN AGRICULTURE IN TEXAS THROUGH OPTIMIZATION OF VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

The long-term goal of this project is to develop region-specific, science-based production management practices for enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainability of high-value vegetable cropping systems in urban environments. To accomplish this goal, we will pursue two overarching research objectives including:Objective #1: Evaluate the interaction effects of supplemental lighting and nutrient solution concentrations on physiological traits, growth, nutrient accumulation, and yields of lettuce in semi-controlled environment (greenhouse, high tunnel) production systems.Objective #2: Evaluate the integrated use of vegetable grafting technique for efficient hydroponic tomato production in semi-controlled environment systems (greenhouse and high tunnel)