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Sunday Wrap Up: Glowing Innovations & Dark Growth
Discover this week's latest development from the world of Controlled Environment Agriculture.
Marc Lev Shulman
February 04, 2024
Photo by ThisIsEngineering
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This Week in Indoor Farming: Shining a Light on Bioluminescent Plants and Dark Growth Innovations
Light Bio has launched an innovative product in the U.S. market called Firefly Petunias, which represents a significant leap in the integration of biotechnology and horticulture. By incorporating synthetic biology techniques, specifically using genetic modifications derived from luminous mushroom DNA, these petunias exhibit enhanced bioluminescence, glowing continuously and self-sustained. This development is not only a technological marvel but also an aesthetic innovation, offering consumers the chance to add a natural glow to their living spaces. With the backing of key biotechnology players like NFX and Ginkgo Bioworks, and an initial offering of 50,000 plants, Light Bio aims to make these unique plants widely accessible.
The USDA's approval of Firefly Petunias for cultivation and sale underscores the safety and viability of these genetically modified plants, reflecting a significant regulatory milestone. Priced at $29 each, these plants are set to start shipping to consumers across 48 states in April. The collaboration between Light Bio and Ginkgo Bioworks is particularly noteworthy, with both companies committed to further enhancing the brightness of these plants and expanding the variety available to consumers. This venture highlights a fascinating intersection between nature and technology, opening up new possibilities for synthetic biology to transform our everyday experiences with living organisms.
Square Roots is pioneering a program that aims to transform indoor vertical farming by eliminating the need for artificial lighting, a move that promises to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with traditional indoor farming practices. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative utilizes CRISPR gene-editing technology to enable plants to grow heterotrophically by absorbing carbon from acetate, rather than relying on photosynthesis. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the economics of indoor farming, making it a more viable solution for producing food in low and middle-income countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. The program's focus on sustainable acetate production and heterotrophic plant growth, based on research by Dr. Robert Jinkerson and Dr. Feng Jiao, sets the stage for scaling up these technologies for commercial use.
Looking ahead, Square Roots plans to extend its "dark growth" method beyond leafy greens to include more nutrient-rich crops like sweet potatoes and cassava, which are essential for food security in many parts of the world. This expansion aims to leverage indoor farming's benefits—such as year-round production and reduced need for pesticides—while overcoming one of its biggest challenges: high energy costs associated with lighting. With the support of groundbreaking scientific research and a strong collaboration with experts, Square Roots is positioned to lead a significant shift towards more sustainable agriculture practices. This effort not only showcases the potential of cutting-edge technology to address global food supply challenges but also reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a sustainable and secure food future in the face of climate change.
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