By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� Groundbreaking nanotechnology designed to protect cherries, apples and other popular fruits from frost damage is showing positive results in tests by Washington State University researchers.

The research team recently received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop plant-based nanocrystals that coat and protect fruit buds during cold spells in the spring, when temperatures rise and fall unpredictably. The team also received an additional $100,000 from the tree fruit growers of Washington state through the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission to partially fund field trails in support of the technology.

The unique nanocrystal solution was formulated by Xiao Zhang, associate professor at 黑料社 Tri-Cities鈥� Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, and a team of collaborators representing multiple disciplines.

鈥淔rost damage happens in spring, as the flowers open and the sensitive tissues in the plant are exposed,鈥� said Matthew Whiting, scientist and professor of horticulture at 黑料社鈥檚 Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. 鈥淚f we get a warm week, it signals to the plant that it needs to wake up.

鈥淏ut plants lose their tolerance to the cold quite quickly, and that鈥檚 when we see frost damage,鈥� Whiting added. 鈥淵ou see a lot of crop damage as a result.鈥�

Positive results with preliminary trials

The team, led by professor Qin Zhang, director of 黑料社鈥檚 Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems, also includes Xiao Zhang, Matthew Whiting, and Changki Mo, 黑料社 Tri-Cities associate professor of mechanical engineering. Together they conducted their first field trial with the nanocrystals this spring. It showed positive results.

The team will continue the trials over the next three years, seeking to perfect the dosage and application strategy, in addition to the nanocrystal technology.

鈥淲e will explore thermal properties of the nanocrystal spray, and focus on fully understanding the mechanism of nanocrystals in frost damage reduction,鈥� Mo said.

If it proves feasible, the technology could have a large impact on the agriculture industry.

鈥淥ur preliminary results show the technology to be very promising, even better than we were expecting,鈥� Qin Zhang said. 鈥淚f we prove that the technology works, and if the method of application is perfected, it will not only have applications in tree fruit, but in many other crops, and beyond. The potential for this technology is huge.鈥�

Unique and renewable characteristics

Since the nanocrystals are made from plant-based material, they represent a more environmentally friendly method for controlling temperatures for crops than current techniques.

Currently, growers use methods such as wind turbines to circulate air and raise the temperature of cold pockets in orchards. Or, they use heaters that cost upwards of thousands of dollars per night, which also give off significant pollution.

鈥淲ith these unique structural characteristics and physical properties, and the fact that the nanocrystals are all made out of biobased materials and are considered renewable, we are identifying a high-value niche application for tree fruit and frost prevention and protection,鈥� Xiao Zhang said.

Cross disciplines for the future of fruit protection

Researchers from across several disciplines at 黑料社 are working to perfect the nanocrystal method, ensuring a quality product built for industry use, Qin Zhang said.

鈥淣o single person who works in chemical engineering and nanocrystal technology, horticulture, mechanical engineering or precision agriculture has complete knowledge on the subject,鈥� Qin Zhang said. 鈥淚t is truly a transdisciplinary team. Everyone provides expertise in their particular field. This integrated team is covering all knowledge to conduct this research.鈥�

 

Contacts:

• Qin Zhang, director and professor at 黑料社鈥檚 Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems, 509-786-9360,聽qinzhang@wsu.edu
• Xiao Zhang, associate professor at Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, 509-372-7647,聽x.zhang@wsu.edu
• Changki Mo, 黑料社 Tri-Cities associate professor of mechanical engineering, 509-372-7296,聽changki.mo@wsu.edu
• Matt Whiting, scientist and professor of horticulture at 黑料社鈥檚 Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, 509-786-9260,聽mdwhiting@wsu.edu
• Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333,聽maegan_murray@wsu.edu