Vol. 13, Issue 2 (2025)
Innovative use of biochemical pathways in plants for improved growth in urban vertical farming
Author(s): Marleen Vos, Pieter Groenveld and Lotte van Reenen
Abstract: Urban vertical farming has emerged as an essential solution to meet rising food demands while addressing the spatial limitations, climate uncertainties, and sustainability challenges associated with traditional agriculture. In recent years, the strategic manipulation of biochemical pathways in plants has gained scientific attention as a powerful approach to optimize productivity in controlled environments. This paper explores innovative ways in which biochemical processes including hormone regulation, nutrient assimilation, secondary metabolite production, carbon-fixation efficiency, and stress-signaling networks can be harnessed to improve plant growth in vertically integrated urban farms. By examining key pathways such as auxin-mediated root elongation, cytokinin-regulated shoot proliferation, nitrogen-use efficiency mechanisms, ROS signaling, and flavonoid biosynthesis, we highlight how targeted biochemical enhancement can complement technological systems like hydroponics, aeroponics, and LED-based light regulation. Contemporary studies indicate that modifying red-blue light ratios can influence photosynthetic electron flow, while controlled nutrient modulation can enhance nitrate reductase activity and carbohydrate partitioning. These insights are particularly important for high-density vertical systems, where optimizing metabolic efficiency can significantly increase yield per unit area. The paper synthesizes existing experimental evidence to propose a conceptual model integrating biochemical pathway engineering with vertical farming architecture. The analysis further evaluates limitations such as energy costs, variability in species-specific biochemical responsiveness, and the gap between laboratory findings and large-scale application. Overall, this review underscores that understanding plant biochemical pathways is not merely an academic exercise but a practical tool that can transform vertical farming into a more sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural system. Integrating biochemical knowledge with digital monitoring and climate-smart horticultural practices holds promise for achieving resilient, high-yield, and nutritionally enriched produce in dense urban environments.
DOI: 10.22271/chemi.2025.v13.i2a.12620
Pages: 99-103 | 102 Views 31 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Marleen Vos, Pieter Groenveld, Lotte van Reenen. Innovative use of biochemical pathways in plants for improved growth in urban vertical farming. Int J Chem Stud 2025;13(2):99-103. DOI: 10.22271/chemi.2025.v13.i2a.12620
