Using less land better - manipulating growth of individual plants, synchronising maturity and reducing crop wastage

This project will study whole head lettuce as an example of a transplanted, high value leafy vegetable crop. The hypothesis underpinning this studentship is that plants identified as developing significantly faster than the crop population average could have their growth delayed or held by treatments to reduce variation of plant size at harvest. The student will investigate whether growth may be transiently reduced through a) environmental stress treatments, or b) the application of hormones and/or anti-transpirants that temporarily reduce photosynthesis. This approach will also have application for other leafy vegetables where size is a measure of maturity, particularly brassicas.