Tomatoes can contain extra vitamin C, providing they get extra exposure from Led lights. This according to research by Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture in collaboration with Philips. The collaboration will continue in the joint facility for research into the application of LED lighting in horticulture (IDC LED), which will be opened today, May 16 in Bleiswijk.
Wageningen UR investigated different tomato varieties and different light intensities. In addition, the researchers used special LED modules, which could be placed around the vines. Those tomatoes are usually in the shade, because they grow between the leaves, well below the top of the plant. Thanks to the LEDs the tomatoes received a little bit of extra sunshine.
The tomatoes that responded most strongly, were the ones to receive additional Led exposure. Some varieties actually contained twice as much vitamin C as the unexposed tomatoes. The multiplying of the vitamin C content could be achieved with an extra dose of light, which amounts to about a quarter of the natural light intensity on a sunny day.
Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture has conducted the research in the context of the project "Health from the Greenhouse," financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture has cooperated in the investigation with Philips, which is active in the field of LED lighting innovations in horticulture.
Source: WUR