DALLAS — Scientists at Texas A&M Agrilife Research and Extension Center in Dallas are finding new solutions to how to grow nutritious plants and vegetables in a controlled indoor environment. Dr. Genhua Niu and her husband, Dr. Joseph Masabni, are horticulture specialists who spend the vast majority of their week in a greenhouse or lab setting. 

The team of researchers is currently experimenting on how to yield vegetables that are more nutritious than traditionally farmed plants.

"In a field, the quality actually varies with the season, with the growing season," said Dr. Niu. "In a controlled environment, there's no seasonality."

Dr. Niu is studying the effects light and temperature have on the nutritional value of plants. She says in a controlled indoor environment, farmers will soon have the ability to emit certain lights at key humidities throughout the growth cycle in order to create more nutritious fruits and vegetables. One research experiment inside their greenhouse lab involves increasing the antioxidants in broccoli. 

"You can manipulate the growing environment and ensure you grow the same quality of leafy greens year round from January through December," said Dr. Niu.

The scientists are also researching the best soil substitute to support healthy roots indoors. Inside one of the greenhouses at the center, there are more than five different types of hydroponic systems. The duo spends a lot of time collecting data through trial and error to see how roots grow through hydroponics, rockwool and cotton fibers. 

"There's always new things to discover, so we are excited to discover new things," said Dr. Niu