Research Topics
Topic
Research Topics
Cultural Practices for Yield and Flavor Improvement
- Micro-Tomatoes
- Microgreens
- Dill and Fennel
Pest Management
Biostimulant application in CEA
- Endophyte research in partnership with the IALR Plant Endophyte Research Center
Imaging Technology Application in CEA







Pest Management
Biostimulant application in CEA
- Endophyte research in partnership with the IALR Plant Endophyte Research Center
Imaging Technology Application in CEA
The CEA Innovation Center team is exploring a wide range of research topics

Micro-Tomatoes
Investigating production practices to improve the yield, quality, and viability of hydroponic micro-tomato production in greenhouse and vertical farm environments.
Team Members: Dr. Michael Evans, Dr. Yun Yin, Dr. Kaylee South, and Brandan Shur

Microgreen Production
Investigating production practices to improve the yield of microgreen production in indoor vertical farms. Team Members: Dr. Michael Evans, Dr. Kaylee South, Amy Turner

Edible Flowers
Evaluating edible flower species and cultivars for hydroponic production in an indoor vertical farm environment. Team Members: Dr. Kaylee South, Jacob Haymore

Dill & Fennel
Investigating yield and flavor of dill and fennel for greenhouse hydroponic production. Team Members: Dr. Yun Yin & Dr. Kaylee South, Jacob Haymore

Pathogen Management in CEA Edible Crop Production
Evaluating management practices and biological controls for edible crop production in vertical farms and greenhouses. Team Members: Dr. Kaylee South, Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Dr. Michael Evans, Amy Turner, Praveen Gajula, Jacob Haymore

Microbial Biostimulant Application in CEA Production
Identifying and evaluating microbial biostimulants impact on yield and quality of edible and medicinal crops produced in hydroponic systems in greenhouses and vertical farms in collaboration with the IALR Plant Endophyte Center. Team Members. Dr. Scott Lowman, Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Rob Chretien, Amy Turner, Dr. Kaylee South, Colin Fite, Praveen Gajula.

Imaging Technology and Robotics Application in CEA
Collaborative project with the IALR Advanced Robotics Imaging Program to monitor plant growth and health utilizing the SMART platforms. And a collaboration with Canon Virginia Inc. in monitoring plant anomalies using imaging technology. Team Members: Dr. Scott Lowman, Dr. Kaylee South, Mitchell Doss, Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Praveen Gajula