The greenhouse is completely gas-free and runs on heat pumps. This translates to the supply of low-grade heat, but the use of double glazing and a larger heating surface make it possible to achieve sufficient temperature in the greenhouse, according to Peter. In addition to the ten regular climate-controlled greenhouse sections, six greenhouse areas will be created where the light and temperature can be fully controlled by LEDs via air handling units (AHUs). During the hot months, the heat can be kept out through the installation of an exterior screen above the greenhouse. Peter: “These techniques will be put into practice here in a relatively small greenhouse. However, it’s definitely also interesting for larger growers and cultivation technnology, to see how it works and whether this can be applied on a larger scale.”

In addition to the climate-controlled greenhouse sections, six rooms will be set up for research using government-approved forms of genetic modification (GM) of plants. According to Wim, this is necessary to gain a better understanding of the functions of genes: “If you know which genes are involved in a certain process, you can look specifically for natural genetic variation in the genes involved in that process. You can then use this knowledge to improve crops without the need for genetic modification.”

“These rooms are fully insulated and subjected to underpressure. This means the air pressure is slightly lower than outside the compartments, so air is always forced inwards. This prevents microorganisms from escaping through the air to the outside. The greenhouse also doesn’t have vents; after all, you don’t want insects flying in and bringing GM pollen outside either. You need more cooling than heat in these spaces. We can use the heat that’s left over as a residual product to heat the rest of the greenhouse,” Peter says.

Wim has spent the past few months setting up the research group for the work in the greenhouse. “The development of the greenhouse had already started before our research team was complete. I started on September 1 last year, and this summer, two assistant professors specializing in gene editing (CRISPR-Cas) and bioinformatics will join us, bringing us to full capacity in terms of research.

The new research group in Venlo will work intensively with the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences in Nijmegen. “By combining our expertise in crop biotechnology, plant genomics and engineering, we are able to take full advantage of the knowledge available at both universities. We want to launch four doctoral research projects together, starting with a study of leguminous crops such as peas and beans. These protein-rich crops can serve as a sustainable alternative to the soy we now import from South America for animal feed. We want to study how to extract protein from those different crops, learn how much and what kind of protein is in which crops, and whether we can develop seeds with both better yields and better protein properties through crop improvement.”

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Wim tells us that the three other projects have yet to be defined, but these are currently being formulated together with the students who will be working on them. “We are also very eager to involve the regional business community in this. And we’re not just talking about the seed companies, but the people who actually grow the products in the fields and greenhouses. Giving companies the chance to take a look behind the scenes and see what the researchers are working on leads to applied research that can also be used in practice.”

The research greenhouse is located at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo and was built with support from the Regio Deal Noord-Limburg, the municipalities of North Limburg and the Province of Limburg. BASF | Nunhems offered technical support in the creation of the greenhouse. Wim: “As a university, we have been active in Venlo for some time, both in the city itself as well as at Brightlands. The campus is a great place, full of starting businesses and established companies. Thanks to our location in Venlo, we can make quick connections with these companies as well as with other research groups at the campus involved in health and nutrition. Examples include the Center for Healthy Eating and Food Innovation, where research is being done on the effects of nutrition on human health, and Brightlands NovaBite, the expertise center for sensory research and product optimization.”

The greenhouse should be fully operational after the summer. “Currently, we’re testing the installations using plants in the greenhouse, so we can learn more about the systems and see the crop’s reaction to the environment. Once this is done, the first research studies can start,” Peter says.