Cracking the genetic code of a good indoor-grown pepper
Source: HD.com
As part of a broader effort to build a plant gene library, Zhao uses advanced biotechnologies to identify, map and predict genetic traits, laying the groundwork for crops with improved resilience, yield and market value. His current project, supported in part by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, focuses on improving CEA-adapted pepper varieties with clear benefits for Virginia growers.
Zhao is also collaborating with Virginia Tech horticulturalist Kaylee South on another USDA project focused on disease control in CEA systems. "We're exploring disease management strategies that are effective and practical for indoor systems to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs," South said.
The team can evaluate disease resistance in new plant cultivars, bred specifically for soilless greenhouse and vertical farm systems. "It's another ag tool we can use to address our biggest ag challenges." "It won't replace traditional farming," South said, "but it can help address challenges like water use and food access, while diversifying what farmers produce and what consumers eat." Source: US Department of Agriculture Publication date: Wed 16 Sep 2026 Related Articles → See More Cracking the genetic code of a good indoor-grown pepper How to make plant variety applications in China Limagrain and Qi Biodesign sign licensing agreement for genome editing South Korea: New Rushmelon variety being grown on the border to North Korea UK: The James Hutton Institute joins international network to advance the future of crop genetics Behind the scenes at the lesser-known De Ruiter greenhouse Gene-edited strawberries near approval in England “I hope people leave thinking about where we can go together in the years ahead" Sekoya looks to extend premium blueberry supply across China’s growing regions A new headquarters in the heart of the European seed industry Related Articles Cracking the genetic code of a good indoor-grown pepper How to make plant variety applications in China Limagrain and Qi Biodesign sign licensing agreement for genome editing South Korea: New Rushmelon variety being grown on the border to North Korea UK: The James Hutton Institute joins international network to advance the future of crop genetics Related Articles Behind the scenes at the lesser-known De Ruiter greenhouse Gene-edited strawberries near approval in England “I hope people leave thinking about where we can go together in the years ahead" Sekoya looks to extend premium blueberry supply across China’s growing regions A new headquarters in the heart of the European seed industry Latest photo reports → See More Propagate!
Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?
Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.
What is the operator takeaway from this trial?
If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.
