Lemnaceae have high protein levels that contain amino acid compositions more like animal protein than other plant protein sources, giving them a well-balanced profile for human nutrition. The entire plant body is edible and grows quickly, and the plants are currently used as an affordable source of protein in Southeast Asia.
While Lemnaceae have been cultivated outdoors, researchers have not yet transitioned the crop to a controlled aquatic environment. Additionally, controlled environment agriculture is often not economically viable compared to traditional, outdoor farming. Further research is needed to refine and adapt existing controlled environment agriculture infrastructure to aquatic crops, allowing optimal growth and lower cost.
The Martienssen lab at CSHL is partnering with COH to advance the year-round cultivation, harvesting and commercial production of highly nutritious Lemnaceae plants. The research focuses on optimizing sets of readily tunable genetic and environmental inputs – germplasm selection and development, light, heat, water and CO2 concentration – that maximize outputs, including overall biomass production and amino acid composition.
“We’re eager to work closely alongside the Martienssen lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to adapt and extend existing technology in controlled environment agriculture to the year-round cultivation, harvesting, and commercial product optimization of Lemnaceae aquatic plants,” said Dr. Deane Falcone, chief scientific officer at COH. “Our work will undoubtedly help increase access and meet the growing demands for more nutritious, sustainable foods, while easing the burden on plant and animal protein production systems.”
In addition to the positive implications for the human diet, controlled environment-grown, plant-based protein is more sustainable than traditionally grown outdoor crops, using up to 95% less water, and can be grown free of chemical pesticides. Controlled environment-grown crops also have longer shelf lives, reducing food waste. “Plant-based proteins are poised to significantly reduce agricultural carbon emissions,” said Dr. Rob Martienssen, principal investigator on the project.
“We are excited to work with Crop One to translate our basic discoveries and genetic technology to scalable CEA solutions,” said project manager Dr. Evan Ernst.