Reducing post-harvest crop waste by synchronising circadian clocks with validamycin A

Overview

This solution addresses post-harvest crop waste by applying Validamycin A to synchronise and strengthen circadian rhythms in harvested crops. Storage conditions typically dampen plant circadian clocks, leaving produce more vulnerable to disease and spoilage. The treatment works by inhibiting the trehalase enzyme, which increases trehalose pools and phenocopies the effect of sucrose on the plant clock through the trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) pathway. The result is improved circadian control in the absence of light, leading to better disease resistance and reduced waste across a range of crop species.

Technical specifications

• Mechanism of action: Validamycin A inhibits trehalase, the enzyme that converts trehalose into glucose. Elevated trehalose levels increase T6P, which regulates the plant clock via a metabolic dawn pathway independent of light.
• Circadian effect: The treatment restarts and synchronises circadian rhythms in dark-stored vegetative tissue and seeds, mirroring the regulatory effect of exogenous sucrose under low light.
• Pathway validation: Reverse genetics in Arabidopsis thaliana confirmed the effect requires functional trehalose-6-phosphate synthase and operates through the same pathway as sucrose signalling.
• Cross-species applicability: Non-invasive imaging demonstrated circadian resetting in multiple plant species following extended darkness.
• Delivery methods under evaluation: Spraying and fog-based delivery are being compared to identify the most effective application for post-harvest settings.
• Treatment timing: Optimal application windows within typical post-harvest workflows are being determined.

Technology readiness level

The mechanism has been validated in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, with demonstrated effects on circadian clock speed, dark-induced resetting, and pathway specificity. The next stage involves transitioning to agriculturally relevant crops using a fully equipped circadian darkroom and imaging suite, supported by significant institutional investment. Planned validation includes assessing treatment effects on post-harvest crops, comparing delivery mechanisms (spray versus fog), optimising treatment timing, and measuring long-term health and yield loss reduction outcomes.