Chapters authored
Greenhouse Requirements for Soilless Crop Production: Challenges and Prospects for Plant Factories
This chapter discussed the greenhouse requirement for soilless crop production. It further introduced soilless crop production and elucidated the equipment required for an efficient production system covering greenhouse environmental control and management of temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrients using innovative strategies. Also, the energy required for the control of the greenhouse environmental conditions during the crop production cycle was explained. Identification and management of pests and diseases using wireless network sensors and the Internet of Things for efficient and safe food production were also highlighted. Finally, the challenges facing greenhouse crop production itemized, and the prospects of greenhouse technology for sustainable healthy food production were proposed.
Part of the book: Next-Generation Greenhouses for Food Security
Factors That Cause Seed Dormancy
Seed dormancy is a state in which seeds do not germinate despite the presence of all of the necessary conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light). It is caused by hard seed coat impermeability or a lack of supply and activity of the enzymes required for germination. The dormancy of seeds presents a practical problem of considerable economic importance. Plant growers are often interested in securing seed that will germinate soon after it is harvested. To overcome dormancy, organic material is subjected to a variety of physical and chemical pretreatments. Some plant species have both physical and internal dormancy, making it difficult to produce high-frequency healthy seedling growth, despite the fact that seed sprouting and the generation of healthy seedlings is a requirement for plant output. The Chapter is intended to present the basic information on the seed dormancy which would be of relevance to the seed growers and scientists during seed handling process. Seed dormancy is of great concern to scientists therefore it is a research area of interest. All the viable seeds have capacity to germinate if placed under suitable conditions necessary for germination. But some seeds fail to germinate for sometimes even if placed under the condition favorable for germination.
Part of the book: Seed Biology Updates