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Research identifies 6 steps to advance innovative indoor duckweed cultivation

28 Jan 2022
Figure reproduced from Coughlan et al (2022), Graphical abstract, Journal of Cleaner Production, accessed 28.01.2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130285 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Newly published paper from Brainwaves鈥 researchers highlights the challenges and opportunities for large-scale indoor Lemnaceae growth

Nothing beats duckweed (Lemnaceae) when it comes to fast growth! These amazing plants can double in biomass in just over a day. However, these plants don鈥檛 just grow fast, they are also highly nutritious, and can be used in animal feed or as human food. By culturing these plants indoors, a steady stream of fresh produce can be generated, irrespective of seasons.

A new peer-reviewed , led by Brainwaves鈥 researchers Dr. Neil Coughlan and Prof. Marcel Jansen, outlines six key knowledge gaps that currently prevent the development of indoor duckweed cultivation systems. Entitled 鈥Duckweed bioreactors: Challenges and opportunities for large-scale indoor cultivation of Lemnaceae鈥 the study goes on to show how technological advances in urban and vertical farming can support the development of duckweed cultivation.

Published in the , following an extensive review of current knowledge and practices, the study highlights recirculating, flow-through technology that can optimise nutrient supply and growth. It shows how sensor support systems, in combination with artificial intelligence, can facilitate autonomous cropping and even harvesting. The study also demonstrates that further exploration of basic duckweed-biology will support the production of high protein biomass (e.g., selection of best strains, optimisation of light, and manipulation of the duckweed microbiome).

Importantly, the study concludes that despite challenges, there are now realistic opportunities to develop and operate high-capacity, autonomous, controlled cultivation of duckweed under indoor conditions, for a broad range of purposes.

So, watch this space and see how the Brainwaves project develops using this incredible native plant!

BRAINWAVES is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation Programme

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