A group made up of Simon Fraser University (SFU) researchers are working on novel plant varieties as well as precise indoor techniques to grow local, fresh blueberries in the off-season, for the very first time.

The group, which is led by SFU biosciences Professor Jim Mattsson, is exploring how advanced biotechnology, advanced techniques for physiology and precise indoor gardening techniques can increase the productivity of plants while decreasing usage of water and energy even during the coldest months of winter. This will result in higher quality, fresher and more eco-friendly produce.

SFU biology Professor Jim Mattsson, left, as well as student Emily Lucas. Mattsson develops innovative plant varieties and cultivation techniques for producing fresh local blueberries in the winter season. Image: Erin Brown-John/SFU

“If you live in an indoor garden you’ll be able to inform the plants when they need to grow leaves, and also when they should create fruit and flowers,” Mattsson says. “You’re not reliant on time of year or the weather conditions. You are able to change the intensity of light, time of day and temperatures for the maximum benefit of different varieties of blueberries.”

The Canadian blueberry harvest runs between July and the beginning of September. Through the remainder time of the season Canada imports close to one billion dollars worth of blueberries from countries like Mexico as well as Peru.

The berries that are imported have a larger environmental footprint than our local berries, and generally between four and five weeks old at when they are available in Canadian food stores. Similar to other imports that are prone to delays in shipping and problems with the supply chain that could cause spoilage or insecurity that threatens the security of our food supply.

The solution that is developed at home must be energy efficient as well as lucrative for farmers. The study is carried out by a partnership with B.C.-based agricultural technology company BeriTech Inc. with $1 million by the Weston Family Foundation as part of the Shepherd Phase of the Homegrown Innovation Challenge.

The research team is currently evaluating the blueberry varieties that are being tested in controlled conditions of the environment to learn more about how variables like lighting, temperature and airflow are able to increase their development. The first phase of growing trials is underway on the BeriTech research farm as well as at SFU.

The team of researchers will look at ways to utilize resources better, such as decreasing the use of energy and water and reusing fertilizers to minimize the amount of waste. They’re also pondering the best way to present an entirely new category of food for Canadian people, with the help by Beedie School of Business professors Terri Griffith and Andrew Harries.

For more information: sfu.ca