In Denmark, the average light levels in the winter months are not sufficient for growing tasty tomatoes like Piccolo. Therefore, it is necessary for the Piccolo's to receive additional lighting. When looking for ways to boost production during the winter months, Pedersen spent a lot of time reading up on LED lighting in horticulture. The company was finally advised to contact Philips in the Netherlands, who agreed to help out.
To start, three channels, each 50 meters long, were installed in a continuous line and outfitted with a combination of the existing HPS-lighting and the LED Inter Lighting modules. Both crops were then closely monitored. The lighting with LEDs started in week 8, and in week 10 the extra yield was already visible. “It was clears as day that the LED modules produced the desired effect,” says Pederson. “There were visual differences: a strong generative plant with a darker appearance. These results are in line with those of other projects that have been carried out by Philips.”
Pedersen is very pleased with the results so far. As the cooperation between Pedersen and Philips continues, expectation is that both companies and other growers will benefit from these hybrid systems in the near future.
Source: Philips