UAF talk explores new greenhouse tech for winter crops
Laura Weingartner
907-474-609
Jan. 7, 2026
Meriam Karlsson displays bell peppers she grew with inter-canopy lighting in a UAF research greenhouse. Placing LEDs within plant canopies has increased yields in certain varieties.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher will share her work on applying new technologies in greenhouses to extend the growing season in northern environments.
The presentation by Meriam Karlsson, professor of horticulture with the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, is part of the series “Circumpolar Connections: A Dialogue on Arctic Food Systems.”
Using greenhouses and other controlled environments for growing food in the winter in Alaska has its challenges. Karlsson will share her research on using LEDs in innovative ways to maximize food production and will provide examples of businesses in Alaska and Sweden that grow food year-round. She seeks to open a conversation about increasing Alaska’s access to local food.
This seminar will be on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Elvey Building Globe Room and will also be streamed on Zoom. Register to attend at https://bit.ly/CircumpolarConnections.
The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension hosts the monthly Circumpolar Connections seminar series. Short presentations are followed by open discussions to encourage audience participation and interdisciplinary connections. More information about the series is available on the website, https://www.uaf.edu/afes/outreach/circumpolar-connections.php.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.
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