Post-doc Modelling root-shoot signals and tip burn

Are you an ambitious simulation modeler that likes to address research question on plant physiology? Do you like to contribute to gain fundamental understanding to plant physiological phenomena relevant in the context of vertical farming? Then this could be the ideal research position for you!

Vertical farming is a novel technology where plants are grown on many stacked layers with LED light. The ambition of the vertical farming industry is to warrant a secure and sustainable vegetable supply: no pesticides, no nutrient emission, only 2-4 litres water per kg produce, at least twentyfold less land use, lower food mileage, less waste and lower energy use per kg produce compared to greenhouses.

We are hiring a postdoc, who will use a Functional-Structural Plant (FSP) modelling approach to gain fundamental understanding of two plant physiological phenomena relevant in the context of vertical farming:(i) root-shoot signaling and (ii) tip-burn.

i) Plants respond to the mechanical resistance perceived by roots resulting in changes in morphology and growth. There are different hypotheses for the mechanisms behind this "long-distance signalling". Next to hormonal and electrical mechanisms, a popular hypothesis revolves around hydraulic pulses To address this hypothesis, we will assess the dose response relation between root penetration resistance and leaf elongation rates. You will develop a functional structural plant (FSP) model, using newly developed and existing modelling concepts, to narrow down candidate mechanisms for root-borne long-distance signalling, i.e. hormonal, electrical or hydraulic.
ii) Tipburn, brown necrotic edges of the leaves, is a widespread problem in the production of leafy vegetables. Tipburn is generally considered as a consequence of local calcium (Ca) deficiency. Calcium distribution in the plant is related to transpiration distribution in the plant. Functional-Structural Plant (FSP) modelling will be employed combining the representation of three-dimensional (3D) plant structure with spatially resolved photosynthesis, transpiration and Ca distribution.

Your work which focuses on simulation modelling, will be strongly linked to another post-doc who focuses on experimental approaches addressing the same questions, which will provide you with targeted high quality data for model development and validation.

You will be appointed at the Horticulture and Product Physiology group at Wageningen University. This group host an inter-disciplinary team of researchers and companies, an started a large research programme of 17 PhDs and Postdocs entitled SKY HIGH: Vertical farming, a revolution in plant production | NWO .

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