Research Urban Horticulture
Welcome
The urban horticulture research program led by Dr. Genhua Niu, based at the Dallas Center, focuses on developing production and best management practices to address challenges facing the emerging controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry.
Controlled systems for urban agriculture include peri-urban (suburban) greenhouses and indoor vertical farms. Niu's research explores plant production in systems that implement existing and emerging CEA technology at varying degrees.
Plant Factory
The 2019 2ⁿᵈ edition of Dr. Niu and her colleagues' book Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production is now available for purchase. Click here or on the image to go to the book's webpage.
Scroll down this page to explore the urban agriculture program. And find a select listing of Dr. Niu's publications as well as links to a comprehensive listing at TAMU Scholars.
Urban Horticulture Team
Dr. Genhua Niu

Professor, Principal Investigator
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
gniu@ag.tamu.edu
972.952.9226
Dr. Genhua Niu
Genhua Niu, Professor
Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, TX 75252 | gniu@ag.tamu.edu | 972 852 9226
Education Background
Ph.D. - Horticultural Engineering, Chiba University, Japan
M.S.- Agricultural Engineering, Zhejiang University, China
B.S.- Agricultural Engineering, Zhejiang University, China
Professional Experience
2019 to present: Professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Dallas, TX
2016 to 2019: Professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, El Paso, TX
2010 to 2016: Associate Professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, El Paso, TX
2004 to 2010: Assistant Professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, El Paso, TX
2003 to 2004: Visiting Scientist, USDA –ARS, Beltsville, MD
2001 to 2003: Research Director, Southern Sun BioSystems, Inc., SC
1998 to 2001: Research Associate, Michigan State University
1997 to 1998: Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Post-doc fellow, Chiba Univ, Japan
Area of Expertise
- Controlled environment agriculture
- Indoor vertical farming
- Plant stress physiology
Awards and Recognitions
- 2018 ASHS Outstanding Ornamental Publication Award winner for the 2017 publication “Morphological and Physiological Responses of Ten Ornamental Taxa to Saline Water Irrigation” [HortScience 52(12):1816-1822]. (Corresponding and key contributor)
- 2016 Kenneth Post Award of ASHS (co-author): 'Development of a Rapid Screening Method for Selection Against High Temperature Susceptibility in Garden Roses'.
- 2016 Recipient of the Distinguished Research Award, Southern Region ASHS.
- 2016 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Superior Service Awards, Team member for Texas Strawberry project, Lead PI: Russ Wallace.
- 2014 Extension Communications Award (team), Southern Region ASHS. Earth-Kind Landscape Management.
- 2010 Bridge Fellow of Japan Society for Promotion of Science. Hosted by Chiba University from Nov. 6 to Dec. 11, 2010.
- 2007 USDA CSREES National Water Program Award for Outstanding Integrated Activities for Water Resources, Rio Grande Basin Initiative, Team Member. The first USDA national teamwork award for integrated water resources, ranked number 1 out of 37 nominations.
- 2006 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence, Rio Grande Basin Initiative, Team Member, Texas A&M University Agriculture Program.
- 1997 – 1998 Post-doctoral Research Fellow of Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), Chiba University, Japan
- 1992 –1997 Japanese Government Scholarship Recipient, Chiba University, Japan.
Publications – Summary table (September 2019)
Refereed |
Book Chapter |
Book edited |
Proc. Paper |
Technical articles |
129 |
18 |
3 |
49 |
23 |
Recent representative publications
- Liu, Q., Y. Sun, J. Altland, and Niu. 2019. Morphological and physiological responses of Cornus alba to salt and drought stresses. HortScience (in press).
- Hooks, T., Niu, and G. Ganjegunte. 2019. Seedling emergence and seedling growth of mustard and rapeseed genotypes under salt stress. Agrosystems, Geoscience & Environment. (in press)
- Niu, G., T.D. Davis, and J. Masabni. 2019. A review of salinity tolerance research in horticultural crops. Journal of Arid Land Studies. Special Issue (in press).
- Qu, X., Wang, M. Chen, J. Liao, J. Yuan, G. Niu. 2019. Drought Stress Induced Physiological and Metabolic Changes in Leaves of Two Oil Tea Cultivars. Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science (in press).
- Dou, H., Niu, and M. Gu. 2019. Photosynthesis, morphology, yield, and phytochemical accumulation in basil plants influenced by substituting green light for partial red and/or blue light. HortScience (in press).
- Wang, Y., Y. Sun, Niu, C. Deng, Y. Wang, and J. Gardea-Torresdey. 2019. Growth, gas exchanges, mineral nutrition of ornamental grasses irrigated with saline water. HortScience (in press).
- Cheng, Y., D. He, J. He, Niu, and R. Gao. 2019. Effect of light/dark cycle on photosynthetic pathway switching and CO2 absorption in two Dendrobium species. Frontiers in Plant Science. Vol 10, article 659, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00659
- Jochum, M.D., K.L. McWilliams, E.J. Borrego, M.V. Kolomiets, Niu, E.A. Pierson, and Y.K. Jo. 2019. Bioprospecting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria that mitigate drought stress in grasses. Frontiers in Microbiology. 10: 1-9. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02106.
- Hooks, T. and Niu. Relative salt tolerance of four herbaceous perennials. Horticulturae 2019, 5, 36; doi:10.3390/horticulturae5020036.
- Xiong, H., F. Zou, D. Yuan, X. Tan, J. Yuan, T. Liao, and Niu. 2019. Comparison of self- and cross-pollination in pollen tube growth, early ovule development and fruit set of Camellia grijsii. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology 21:819-826. DOI: 10.17957/IJAB/15.0960.
- Xiong, H., F. Zou, S. Guo, D. Yuan, and Niu. 2019. Self-sterility may be due to prezygotic late-acting self-incompatibility and early-acting inbreeding depression in Chinese chestnut. Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science 144(3): 172-181.
- Sun, Y., Niu, and P. Osuna. 2019. Effects of substrate moisture content on growth and physiological response of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Agrociencia 53: 59-72.
- Yan, Z., D. He, Niu, and H. Zhai. 2019. Evaluation of growth and quality of hydroponic lettuce at harvest as affected by the light intensity, photoperiod, and light quality at seedling stage. Scientia Horticulturae. 248: 138-144.
- Dou, H., Niu, M. Gu, and J. Masabni. 2018. Responses of sweet basil to different DLIs in photosynthesis, morphology, yield, and nutritional quality. HortScience 53(4):496–503. 2018. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12785-17.
- Niu, G., Y. Sun, and J. Masabni. 2018. Impact of water quality on plant performance of four leafy vegetables in a recirculating NFT system. Horticulturae 4, 6; doi:10.3390/horticulturae4010006.
Dr. Qianwen Zhang

Dr. Jun Liu

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
j.liu@ag.tamu.edu
Sangjun Jeong

Alexandra Syed

Technician
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
alexandra.syed@ag.tamu.edu
Research Areas

Plants growing hydroponically
Greenhouse crop production in hydroponic systems
Growing conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity fluctuate inside a greenhouse as seasons change. With these changes, crop performance and productivity also vary. Our research aims to address all these variables in developing best management practices for major greenhouse hydroponic production systems. These include nutrient film technique, deep water culture, and ebb and flow among others. Our efforts seek to reduce energy costs, maximize productivity and enhance produce quality.
Indoor Vertical Farming
Unlike in greenhouses, the growing conditions of indoor vertical farms can be controlled precisely without influence from the outdoor climate. Plants in indoor farming systems grow under electric lights without the need for sunlight or soil. Our research in this area focuses on two key aspects: First, we seek to enhance yield and improve the nutritional quality of crops grown in indoor vertical farming systems by manipulating the light, temperature, and root zone nutrient management. Second, we look for opportunities to enhance sustainability and resource-use efficiency. We aim to develop technologies and management practices addressing the efficient use of electricity, water, fertilizers, and other resources.

A close-up of the vertical farm salad bar inside Urban Agriculture building at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas
Select Publications
Find a complete list of Dr. Genhua Niu's publications at TAMU Scholars.
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Book: Elsvier 2019 | Plant Factory 2nd Edition
Plant Factory 2ⁿᵈ Edition: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production
Plant Factory 2ⁿᵈ Edition: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production
Elsvier 2019 | Plant Factory 2ⁿᵈ Edition
Paperback ISBN: 9780128166918
eBook ISBN: 9780128166925
https://www.elsevier.com/books/plant-factory/kozai/978-0-12-816691-8
Toyoki Kozai, Genhua Niu, Michiko TakagakiDescription
Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production, Second Edition presents a comprehensive look at the implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops for both improved food security and environmental sustainability. Edited and authored by leading experts in PF and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), the book is divided into five sections, including an Overview and the Concept of Closed Plant Production Systems (CPPS), the Basics of Physics and Physiology – Environments and Their Effects, System Design, Construction, Cultivation and Management and Plant Factories in Operation.
In addition to new coverage on the rapid advancement of LED technology and its application in indoor vertical farming, other revisions to the new edition include updated information on the status of business R&D and selected commercial PFALs (plant factory with artificial lighting). Additional updates include those focused on micro and mini-PFALs for improving the quality of life in urban areas, the physics and physiology of light, the impact of PFAL on the medicinal components of plants, and the system design, construction, cultivation and management issues related to transplant production within closed systems, photoautotrophic micro-propagation and education, training and intensive business forums on PFs.
Click here for book webpage.
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Book: Elsvier 2015 | Plant Factory 1st Edition
Plant Factory 1st Edition: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production
Plant Factory 1st Edition: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production
Book: Elsvier 2015 | Plant Factory 1st Edition
Paperback ISBN: 9780128017753
eBook ISBN: 9780128018484
https://www.elsevier.com/books/plant-factory/kozai/978-0-12-801775-3
Toyoki Kozai, Genhua Niu, Michiko TakagakiDescription
Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production provides information on a field that is helping to offset the threats that unusual weather and shortages of land and natural resources bring to the food supply.
As alternative options are needed to ensure adequate and efficient production of food, this book represents the only available resource to take a practical approach to the planning, design, and implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops. The PF systems described in this book are based on a plant production system with artificial (electric) lights and include case studies providing lessons learned and best practices from both industrial and crop specific programs.
With insights into the economics as well as the science of PF programs, this book is ideal for those in academic as well as industrial settings.
Click here for book webpage.
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2019 | HortScience
Photosynthesis, Morphology, Yield, and Phytochemical Accumulation in Basil Plants Influenced by Substituting Green Light for Partial Red and/or Blue Light
Photosynthesis, Morphology, Yield, and Phytochemical Accumulation in Basil Plants Influenced by Substituting Green Light for Partial Red and/or Blue Light
2019 | HortScience 54(10):1769–1776
https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14282-19
Haijie Dou, Genhua Niu, Mengmeng GuAbstract
Green light penetrates deeper into the plant canopy because of its high transmittance and reflectance, and may potentially increase light interception and whole-canopy photosynthesis, whereas red and blue light is absorbed primarily by upper leaves. Moreover, green light induces shade avoidance responses and regulates secondary metabolism in plants. In this study, we investigated the effects of substituting partial red and/or blue light with green light on plant growth and development in basil (Ocimum basilicum) ‘Improved Genovese Compact’ (green) and ‘Red Rubin’ (purple) plants. There were four treatments: one combined red and blue (R&B) light treatment, R76B24 [the proportion of red (R) and blue (B) light was 76% and 24%, respectively]; and three green (G) light treatments—R44B24G32, R74B16G10, and R42B13G45—with green light proportions of 32%, 10%, and 45%, respectively. The experiment was conducted in a growth room and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of all treatments was set at 220 μmol·m−2·s−1 with a 16-h photoperiod. Plants were subirrigated as needed using a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.0 dS·m−1 and a pH of 6.0. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in lower leaves was unaffected by green light treatments in green basil plants, whereas in purple basil plants it increased by 59% and 45% under treatments R44B24G32 and R74B16G10, respectively, compared with the combined R&B light. In green basil plants, treatments R44B24G32 and R42B13G45 induced stem elongation, but green light treatments showed no effects on petiole elongation, leaf expansion, leaf thickness, or plant yield. In purple basil plants, treatments R44B24G32 and R42B13G45 induced stem elongation and decreased leaf thickness and plant yield, but only the R42B13G45 treatment induced petiole elongation, and green light treatments showed no effects on leaf expansion. Concentrations of anthocyanin, phenolics, and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity in green basil leaves showed no differences between treatments R76B24 and R44B24G32, but decreased under treatments R74B16G10 and R42B13G45. Concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity in purple basil leaves showed no differences between treatments R76B24 and R74B16G10, but decreased under treatments R44B24G32 and R42B13G45. Combining plant yield, nutritional values, and the working environment for growers, a white light with low green light proportion (≈10%) is recommended for basil production in a controlled environment.
Full publication at https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/abstract/journals/hortsci/54/10/article-p1769.xml
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2018 | HortScience
Responses of Sweet Basil to Different Daily Light Integrals in Photosynthesis, Morphology, Yield, and Nutritional Quality
Responses of Sweet Basil to Different Daily Light Integrals in Photosynthesis, Morphology, Yield, and Nutritional Quality
2018 | HortScience 53(4), 496-503
https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12785-17
Haijie Dou, Genhua Niu, Mengmeng Gu, Joseph G. MasabniAbstract
Consumption of basil (Ocimum basilicum) has been increasing worldwide in recent years because of its unique aromatic flavor and relatively high concentration of phenolics. To achieve a stable and reliable supply of basil, more growers are turning to indoor controlled-environment production with artificial lighting due to its high environmental controllability and sustainability. However, electricity cost for lighting is a major limiting factor to the commercial application of indoor vertical farming, and little information is available on the minimum light requirement to produce uniform and high-quality sweet basil. To determine the optimal daily light integral (DLI) for sweet basil production in indoor vertical farming, this study investigated the effects of five DLIs, namely, 9.3, 11.5, 12.9, 16.5, and 17.8 mol·m−2·d−1 on basil growth and quality. ‘Improved Genovese Compact’ sweet basil was treated with five DLIs provided by white fluorescent lamps (FLs) for 21 d after germination, and gas exchange rate, growth, yield, and nutritional quality of basil plants were measured to evaluate the effects of the different DLIs on basil growth and quality. Results indicated that basil plants grown under higher DLIs of 12.9, 16.5, or 17.8 mol·m−2·d−1 had higher net photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance (gS), compared with those under lower DLIs of 9.3 and 11.5 mol·m−2·d−1. High DLIs resulted in lower chlorophyll (Chl) a+b concentration per leaf fresh weight (FW), higher Chl a/b ratios, and larger and thicker leaves of basil plants. The shoot FW under DLIs of 12.9, 16.5, and 17.8 mol·m−2·d−1 was 54.2%, 78.6%, and 77.9%, respectively, higher than that at a DLI of 9.3 mol·m−2·d−1. In addition, higher DLIs led to higher soluble sugar percent and dry matter percent than lower DLIs. The amounts of total anthocyanin, phenolics, and flavonoids per plant of sweet basil were also positively correlated to DLIs, and antioxidant capacity at a DLI of 17.8 mol·m−2·d−1 was 73% higher than that at a DLI of 9.3 mol·m−2·d−1. Combining the results of growth, yield, and nutritional quality of sweet basil, we suggest a DLI of 12.9 mol·m−2·d−1 for sweet basil commercial production in indoor vertical farming to minimize the energy cost while maintaining a high yield and nutritional quality.
Full publication at https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/abstract/journals/hortsci/53/4/article-p496.xml.
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2019 | Agronomy
Pre-harvest UV-B radiation and photosynthetic photon flux density interactively affect plant photosynthesis, growth, and secondary metabolites accumulation in basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants
Pre-harvest UV-B radiation and photosynthetic photon flux density interactively affect plant photosynthesis, growth, and secondary metabolites accumulation in basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants
2019 | Agronomy 9(8), 434-434
https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9080434
Haijie Dou, Genhua Niu, Mengmeng GuAbstract
Phenolic compounds in basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants grown under a controlled environment are reduced due to the absence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and low photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). To characterize the optimal UV-B radiation dose and PPFD for enhancing the synthesis of phenolic compounds in basil plants without yield reduction, green and purple basil plants grown at two PPFDs, 160 and 224 μmol·m−2·s−1, were treated with five UV-B radiation doses including control, 1 h·d−1 for 2 days, 2 h·d−1 for 2 days, 1 h·d−1 for 5 days, and 2 h·d−1 for 5 days. Supplemental UV-B radiation suppressed plant growth and resulted in reduced plant yield, while high PPFD increased plant yield. Shoot fresh weight in green and purple basil plants was 12%–51% and 6%–44% lower, respectively, after UV-B treatments compared to control. Concentrations of anthocyanin, phenolics, and flavonoids in green basil leaves increased under all UV-B treatments by 9%–18%, 28%–126%, and 80%–169%, respectively, and the increase was greater under low PPFD compared to high PPFD. In purple basil plants, concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids increased after 2 h·d−1 UV-B treatments. Among all treatments, 1 h·d−1 for 2 days UV-B radiation under PPFD of 224 μmol·m−2·s−1 was the optimal condition for green basil production under a controlled environment.
Keywords: UVR8;Full publication at https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/9/8/434
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Book chapter: Plant Factory 1st Edition | Elsvier 2015 - 1
Physical Environmental Factors and Their Properties
Physical Environmental Factors and Their Properties
Chapter: Physical Environmental Factors and Their Properties (pp. 129-140)
Book: Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production, 1st Edition
Elsvier 2015
Paperback ISBN: 9780128017753
eBook ISBN: 9780128018484
https://www.elsevier.com/books/plant-factory/kozai/978-0-12-801775-3Niu, G. Kozai, T. Sabeh, N.
Book Description
Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production provides information on a field that is helping to offset the threats that unusual weather and shortages of land and natural resources bring to the food supply.
As alternative options are needed to ensure adequate and efficient production of food, this book represents the only available resource to take a practical approach to the planning, design, and implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops. The PF systems described in this book are based on a plant production system with artificial (electric) lights and include case studies providing lessons learned and best practices from both industrial and crop specific programs.
With insights into the economics as well as the science of PF programs, this book is ideal for those in academic as well as industrial settings.
Click here for book webpage.
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Book chapter 2: Plant Factory 1st Edition | Elsvier 2015 - 2
Challenges for the Next-Generation PFAL
Challenges for the Next-Generation PFAL
Chapter: Challenges for the Next-Generation PFAL (pp. 387-393)
Book: Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production,1st Edition
Elsvier 2015
Paperback ISBN: 9780128017753
eBook ISBN: 9780128018484
https://www.elsevier.com/books/plant-factory/kozai/978-0-12-801775-3Kozai, T. Niu, G.
Book Description
Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production provides information on a field that is helping to offset the threats that unusual weather and shortages of land and natural resources bring to the food supply.
As alternative options are needed to ensure adequate and efficient production of food, this book represents the only available resource to take a practical approach to the planning, design, and implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops. The PF systems described in this book are based on a plant production system with artificial (electric) lights and include case studies providing lessons learned and best practices from both industrial and crop specific programs.
With insights into the economics as well as the science of PF programs, this book is ideal for those in academic as well as industrial settings.
Click here for book webpage.
-
Book chapter 3: Plant Factory 1st Edition | Elsvier 2015 - 3
Role of the Plant Factory With Artificial Lighting (PFAL) in Urban Areas
Role of the Plant Factory With Artificial Lighting (PFAL) in Urban Areas
Chapter: Role of the Plant Factory With Artificial Lighting (PFAL) in Urban Areas (pp. 7-33)
Book: Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production,1st Edition
Elsvier 2015
Paperback ISBN: 9780128017753
eBook ISBN: 9780128018484
https://www.elsevier.com/books/plant-factory/kozai/978-0-12-801775-3Kozai, T. Niu, G.
Book Description
Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production provides information on a field that is helping to offset the threats that unusual weather and shortages of land and natural resources bring to the food supply.
As alternative options are needed to ensure adequate and efficient production of food, this book represents the only available resource to take a practical approach to the planning, design, and implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops. The PF systems described in this book are based on a plant production system with artificial (electric) lights and include case studies providing lessons learned and best practices from both industrial and crop specific programs.
With insights into the economics as well as the science of PF programs, this book is ideal for those in academic as well as industrial settings.
Click here for book webpage.