Development of a turgor-driven functional-structural plant model for pea (Pisum sativum L.) as an optimization tool for vertical farming systems

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is mostly consumed as seeds, but more recently, phytonutrient-dense pea microgreens and pods are gaining popularity. Vertical farming systems can effectively steer product quality, including phytonutrient content, through optimized growing conditions, and functional-structural plant models (FSPM) can greatly assist in the identification of such conditions. Therefore, the effect of light spectrum on pea microgreen (phyto)nutrient content will be investigated in a first, innovative experiment. Manual, destructive and physiological measurements on the microgreens will be used to integrate growth and morphology as well as submodels for light interception and photosynthesis in a cutting-edge pea seedling FSPM. Second, a vegetative FSPM will be developed to assess whether a support structure influences pea morphology and increases leaf light interception during vegetative growth, potentially lowering energy use. Third, it will be tested whether the optimal light spectrum for microgreens has a similar effect on pods and seeds, and whether inoculation with Rhizobium increases (phyto)nutrient content and yield. This will be complemented with the development of a unique mature FSPM, including novel modules for turgor-driven growth and carbon and nitrogen dynamics, based on water potential and destructive measurements. The FSPM can be used for growth predictions and yield simulations, resulting in an innovative tool for optimizing vertical farming systems of pea.