In the second year of a three-year research program conducted in partnership with Light Cascade, the University of Pisa in Italy has confirmed the strong potential of long-life photoconversion films to significantly improve blackberry production. The findings reinforce the role of sunlight photoconversion technology as a practical tool for increasing yields while supporting more resilient and environmentally responsible production systems.
The trial was carried out from March to June 2023 at the University of Pisa using two-year-old Loch Ness blackberry plants. Four tunnels were installed, three covered with Light Cascade photoconversion films and one with a standard control film. Among the Light Cascade treatments, one film converted UV light to blue wavelengths, while two converted green light to red. Each tunnel contained six plants, and plant performance was monitored throughout the vegetative, flowering, and fruit-ripening stages. Fruit was harvested at the marketable stage, with sugar levels between 9 and 10 °Brix.
Results from the tunnels equipped with red photoconversion films showed clear agronomic benefits. Plants grown under these films produced 18 percent more biomass and recorded a 41 percent increase in photosynthetic activity by the end of flowering. Fruit yield more than doubled, with a 132 percent increase compared to the control, driven largely by a 99 percent increase in fruit number. Fruit quality was also enhanced, with sugar content rising by 19 percent, while key nutraceutical traits such as phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were maintained.
The authors note states that "These results validate the promising efficiency of the employment of red films in berry fruit growing settings to enhance the fruit production and photosynthetic performance of blackberry plants."
These findings of higher photosynthetic activity and yields as well as improved or maintained fruit quality are in line with the 34 previous conclusive trials conducted by Light Cascade across Europe, Morocco, and the USA on raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries
Looking ahead, the introduction of a new multi-year red film formulation planned for 2026 positions Light Cascade to offer berry growers a proven, eco-friendly technology capable of delivering substantial productivity gains without compromising fruit quality.
Source: Frederic Peilleron
