Maximum Yield USA 2012 March | Page 32

MAX FACTS hydroponic news, tips and trivia ‘Green Truck’ Movement Gains Momentum Tomatoes Branch Out Food trucks are all the rage in cities across North America right now, but there’s a new kind of truck out there—and it’s green. The ‘Green Truck’ phenomenon started in Los Angeles with one truck selling food made with nothing but organic, locally-grown produce harvested within 160 kilometers. The idea proved very popular and today the company operates five trucks: three in Los Angeles, one in San Diego and one in New York. Green Trucks run on bio-diesel fuel and leftover vegetable oil from their own cookers. All utensils, plates and packaging are either recyclable or biodegradable and the food is prepared in a solar-powered commissary. (Source: voanews.com) Scientists working at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that tomato plant yields can be increased by manipulating a molecular timer or so-called ‘maturation clock’ that signals plants to create more branches—and ultimately more fruit. The trick is to learn how to manipulate the clock just enough to cause a modest increase in branching, said team leader CSHL assistant professor Zach Lippman, who added that uncontrolled branching would result in plants “not having the resources to set…flowers into fruits.” (Source: sciencedaily.com) 30 Maximum Yield USA | March 2012