In a commercial greenhouse trial conducted in Ontario, Canada, two dynamic lighting strategies were put to the test against a broad-spectrum static LED system. Over a 22-week growing period, the verdict was clear: lighting that adapts to environmental and physiological conditions delivers more tomatoes.
The challenges
Grape tomatoes are high-value, but they're also high-maintenance. They require optimal photosynthetic efficiency, especially during the low-light months. Static LED systems often miss the mark – they can't respond to the crop's changing needs throughout the day as well as the growing season.
Sollum Technologies partnered with a commercial grower to trial a more intelligent approach to plant cultivation. This collaborative effort involves shifting the light spectrum in accordance with the crop's daily rhythm, as opposed to maintaining static lighting conditions. Additionally, they are exploring the impact of using blue supplemental morning lighting (B-SML) to assess how it influences plant response throughout the day. Both of these innovative strategies are being benchmarked against a traditional fixed-spectrum LED system to evaluate their effectiveness and potential benefits.
The crop used in the project was grape tomato, and the project lasted from October of 2024 until March of 2025 (22 weeks). The three lighting stages used were, in order, Sollum 1 (Broad + far-red spectrum ➡ midday red shift ➡ broad + far-red); Sollum 2 (B-SML ➡ broad + far-red); and Static spectrum LED lighting was used for control.
There was up to a 19.5% yield increase with Sollum's dynamic lighting while both Sollum strategies outperformed broad-spectrum static LEDs, with no other infrastructure changes. Crop uniformity and vigor also improved, with earlier harvest installation.
Why it worked
Midday spectral shift: Tomatoes are most photosynthetically active midday. By dialing up the red-light component when chlorophyll absorption peaks, Sollum helped the crop convert light into biomass more efficiently.
B-SML strategy: Applying a short burst of blue light at dawn "primes" the stomata, improving gas exchange and letting the plant hit peak photosynthesis sooner. Think of it as a physiological jump-start.
Real-time spectrum control: Unlike fixed systems, Sollum's SUNaaS® platform allows automatic spectrum shifts in real time throughout the day, giving growers the power to adapt continuously to plant needs, energy rates, and ambient light without having to intervene.
More than just yield
The trial focused not only on increasing production but also on enhancing efficiency by growing smarter. There were no modifications made to the HVAC or fertigation systems, allowing for seamless integration into existing operations. By implementing precise spectrum adjustments, the trial achieved a higher output per watt, optimizing the overall performance without the need for significant changes in the current setup.
This grower didn't make any changes to the existing system – just smarter lighting. This trial demonstrates the power of dynamic lighting, adjusting to the crop's needs rather than forcing the crop to adapt to static supplemental lighting. With Sollum's dynamic LEDs, growers give their crops the flexibility to adjust to changing conditions, ensuring optimal growth.
For more information:
Sollum Technologies
sollumtechnologies.com