Maria Mastoraki, a PhD candidate at the Horticulture and Product Physiology group of Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, is investigating the impact of far-red light on carbohydrate partitioning in dwarf tomato plants. Supervised by Dr. Ep Heuvelink and Professor Leo Marcelis, her work focuses on understanding how photosynthetically fixed carbon is allocated to different plant organs – a critical factor in determining crop yield and quality. In tomato cultivation, efficient carbohydrate partitioning to fruit is vital for optimizing both yield and nutritional content. Maria is exploring the potential for far-red light, a naturally occurring component of the light spectrum, to enhance carbohydrate partitioning. She conducted experiments with three dwarf tomato cultivars, adding far-red light to a white light background at different developmental stages: vegetative, flowering and fruiting. Each stage was carefully monitored to observe changes in plant physiology and morphology. Key parameters measured included dry matter partitioned to fruit, overall yield, pericarp cell histology, and the accumulation of soluble sugars in fruit. The findings suggest that strategically applying far-red light can significantly improve fruit yield and quality. By understanding the optimal timing and conditions for far-red light exposure, growers can enhance carbohydrate partitioning to fruit, leading to better commercial results and higher quality produce. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms behind carbohydrate allocation and offers practical solutions for improving tomato cultivation.
Maria Mastoraki won the ISHS Young Minds Award for the best oral presentation at the X International Symposium on Light in Horticulture in the Republic of Korea in May 2024.
Maria Mastoraki, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands, e-mail: maria.mastoraki@wur.nl
The article is available in Chronica Horticulturae