International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 195-206 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 199 4 Performance Evaluation of Engineered SynComs 4.1 Criteria and metrics for assessing SynCom performance The performance of engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) can be evaluated using several criteria and metrics. Key performance indicators include crop yield, disease resistance, nutrient acquisition, and overall plant health. For instance, the application of SynComs has been shown to significantly enhance nutrient efficiency and crop yield in soybean, with yield increases of up to 36.1% observed in field trials (Wang et al., 2021). Additionally, the ability of SynComs to promote plant growth under nutrient-deficient conditions is a critical metric, as demonstrated by the improved nutrient acquisition and growth in soybean plants (Wang et al., 2021). Other important metrics include the stability and prevalence of beneficial microbial traits throughout plant development, which are essential for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of SynComs (Souza et al., 2020). 4.2 Case studies of SynCom implementation in CEA Several case studies highlight the successful implementation of SynComs in CEA systems. For example, a study on the functional assembly of root-associated microbial consortia in soybean demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth and nutrient acquisition under both nutrient-deficient and sufficient conditions (Wang et al., 2021). This study underscores the potential of SynComs to enhance crop performance in controlled environments. Another case study focused on the design of SynComs for improved crop resiliency, emphasizing the importance of selecting microbial strains with robust colonization abilities and specific beneficial functions for plants (Souza et al., 2020). These case studies illustrate the practical applications of SynComs in enhancing crop productivity and resilience in CEA systems. 4.3 Analysis of factors influencing SynCom effectiveness in controlled environments The effectiveness of SynComs in controlled environments is influenced by several factors, including the composition of the microbial community, environmental conditions, and the specific crop being cultivated. The selection of microbial strains with beneficial traits, such as nutrient acquisition and disease resistance, is crucial for the success of SynComs (Souza et al., 2020). Additionally, environmental factors such as light spectra, temperature, and humidity can impact the performance of SynComs. For instance, the use of different LED light spectra has been shown to affect the growth, yield, and nutritional value of lettuce in CEA systems (Alrajhi et al., 2023). Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies, such as digital twin architectures, can optimize the productivity of CEA systems by simulating and controlling crop microclimate and management strategies (Chaux et al., 2021). Overall, a comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for optimizing the performance of SynComs in controlled environments. 5 From Laboratory to Field: Scaling Up SynComs 5.1 Challenges in scaling up SynComs from laboratory to commercial CEA systems Scaling up synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) from laboratory settings to commercial controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems presents several challenges. One of the primary issues is the complexity of maintaining the stability and functionality of SynComs in diverse and dynamic field conditions. Laboratory conditions are highly controlled, whereas commercial CEA systems are subject to variations in environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, which can affect microbial community dynamics and plant-microbe interactions (Wang et al., 2021; Pradhan et al., 2022). Additionally, the economic feasibility of producing and applying SynComs at a large scale is a significant hurdle. The cost of isolating, screening, and maintaining beneficial microbial strains can be prohibitive, and there is a need for cost-effective production methods that can be scaled up without compromising the efficacy of the SynComs (Wang et al., 2021; Pradhan et al., 2022). Furthermore, regulatory and safety concerns must be addressed to ensure that the introduction of SynComs into commercial agriculture does not pose risks to human health or the environment (Pradhan et al., 2022). 5.2 Strategies for large-scale production and deployment of SynComs To overcome the challenges associated with scaling up SynComs, several strategies can be employed. One approach is the development of robust production systems that can generate large quantities of microbial
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