Key Takeaways:
- Signify and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are entering the fourth year of a pepper production trial, with a target of over 40 kg/m² in yield for a year-round cycle.
- The trial utilizes GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0 (TLF 2.0) with color control functionality, focusing on dynamic lighting techniques.
- Collaborators include Syngenta, RijkZwaan, BEVO Farms, Priva, and Grodan, providing expertise in seeds, climate control, and substrates.
- The research integrates findings from global trials, with results to be detailed in a whitepaper in 2025.
Focus on Dynamic Lighting and Crop Strategies
The research began in 2017 with trials in the Netherlands, aiming to explore the feasibility of LED lighting in pepper cultivation. Since expanding to Canada in 2022, the trials at UBC have pursued increasing annual pepper yields with a consistent production level in colder months. The research continues this year with a refined focus on achieving a target yield of 40 kg/m² by fine-tuning dynamic light recipes and improving pruning strategies and variety selection.
The TLF 2.0 LED system is being tested for its capacity to adjust lighting conditions throughout plant growth stages. According to Amos Bassi, Plant Specialist at Signify’s Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, “With TLF 2.0 now integrated, we’re exploring how dynamic light recipes can impact crop steering, focusing on the potential benefits to yield and quality.”
Examining Key Growth Parameters
The trial incorporates a variety of controlled parameters in addition to lighting. Seed suppliers Syngenta and Rijk Zwaan have provided pepper varieties that may be particularly responsive to LED lighting, such as Gina, Ridona, and Silverstone. Other industry partners, including BEVO Farms, Priva, and Grodan, contribute propagation, climate control, and substrates to support the plants’ growth environments.
“Through our collaborative effort with industry experts, we have created a trial environment that aims to evaluate quality and yield improvements in selected pepper varieties,” commented Melina Biron, Research Manager – Plant Care Services at UBC.
Synthesizing Global Insights
As the research progresses into its final phase, findings from related trials conducted globally will be consolidated to provide a broader perspective on LED lighting’s role in controlled-environment agriculture. The insights will be compiled into a comprehensive whitepaper scheduled for release in 2025, intended as a guide for optimizing pepper production using LED technology.
Signify Latest News
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Provides Advanced LED Lighting to Boost Efficiency at Great Lakes Greenhouses (2024/09/04)
Signify, a global lighting & horticulture leader, has partnered with Great Lakes Greenhouses, North America’s largest hydroponic cucumber grower, shipper, and packer, to improve their cucumber production through advanced lighting technology. The partnership includes the installation of Philips GreenPower LED toplighting compact and linear fixtures, coupled with the Philips GrowWise Control Systems (GWCS). These technologies are designed to improve energy efficiency and provide precise control over the growing environment. The collaboration began in 2021 and has evolved to include additional supplemental lighting solutions that support crop health while maximizing efficiency. The Philips GrowWise Control Systems (GWCS) offer significant flexibility in managing lighting systems, allowing for custom light recipes that influence plant characteristics, driving energy efficiency and enhancing crop quality and productivity. The partnership also includes ongoing support from Philips Horticulture’s team, including plant specialists and application engineers.
Signify Launches Philips GreenPower LED Toplighting Force 2.0 (2024/06/07)
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting & horticulture LED, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation, the Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0 (TLF 2.0). This new system is set to revolutionize horticultural grow lighting by providing more light, dynamic color control, high energy efficiency, and optimal light uniformity, making it an ideal choice for professional growers aiming to enhance crop yield and quality while managing their energy consumption.
Sustainable Growth and Innovation Drive in 2023 (2024/02/28)
In 2023, Signify continued to emphasize the importance of climate action through its Brighter Lives, Better World sustainability program. The program resulted in significant achievements, such as a landmark carbon reduction and a transition to 100% renewable electricity. Signify was also recognized for its sustainability efforts with top ratings from S&P and EcoVadis, and inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the seventh consecutive year. Signify’s dedication to innovation is evident in its expanding intellectual property portfolio and significant investments in research and development. The company’s advancements in energy-efficient lighting and 3D printing technologies highlight its commitment to leading the industry in sustainable and innovative solutions. Additionally, Signify made improvements to customer satisfaction and embraced digitalization to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. The company also prioritized inclusivity and leadership development, creating a workplace environment that fosters growth and innovation. As Signify looks toward the future, its commitment to sustainability, customer satisfaction, and innovation remains unwavering, promising a brighter, more sustainable world.
Q4 2023 Highlights Mixed Performance (2024/01/26)
In 2023, Signify, a global lighting leader & horticulture LED leader, reported a mixed financial performance with its connected light points reaching 124 million, indicating progress in its Brighter Lives, Better World 2025 commitments despite a 10.8% nominal sales decline and an 8.3% drop in Comparable Sales Growth. LED-based sales increased to 85% of total sales, maintaining an adjusted EBITA margin of 10.0% and a net income decrease to EUR 215 million, while generating strong free cash flow of EUR 586 million, amidst specific segment challenges including a nominal sales decrease in the fourth quarter, impacted by negative currency effects and softness in indoor professional and horticulture lighting, yet showing an improvement in the Adjusted EBITA margin due to gross margin recovery.
Read more here.
Q3 2023 Performance in Horticulture & Indoor Ag Segment (2023/10/27)
Signify’s Digital Solutions segment reported a CSG of -4.3% in Q3 2023, with strength in professional systems and services but softness in indoor professional and horticulture lighting areas. The adjusted EBITA margin for the segment increased to 11.7%, driven by gross margin expansion. The company faces market risks such as geopolitical tensions and component shortages, which could impact the horticulture and indoor farming segment. Signify confirmed its overall guidance for 2023, expecting an adjusted EBITA margin of 9.5-10.5% and free cash flow generation at the higher end of the 6-8% range.
