In order to achieve energy-efficient, all-electric cultivation systems, the use of LED lighting is crucial. The fact that the colors of LED lighting are adjustable offers new opportunities to control crop morphology and thus influence production. Growing young tomato and cucumber plants can be done well under different light colors, with the balance of blue and red light, in particular, determining the degree of elongation.
In order to make the step to climate-neutral and sustainable greenhouse horticulture, LED lighting is indispensable. In recent years, interest in LED lighting in greenhouse horticulture has increased significantly, partly due to the sharp increase in electricity prices. One of the biggest advantages is the higher energy efficiency (up to 3.9 µmol/J) compared to existing SON-T installations (approx. 1.9 µmol/J). Other advantages include the fact that LEDs can be quickly turned on and off, can be dimmed, and can emit light with the desired spectrum.
One of the big questions here is how to make optimal use of these advantages by using the right light spectrum for growing a crop in a stage-dependent manner. Plant health is a prerequisite for this. Therefore, in addition to the effects of LED light spectra on crop growth, it is also important to look at the effects on the occurrence of diseases and pests and on the effectiveness of biological control agents.