Signify and UBC trial advances year-round pepper yield
Signify and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are entering the fourth year of an LED lighting trial aimed at increasing year-round pepper production. By employing GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0 (TLF 2.0) with color control, the trial has set a goal of achieving over 40 kg per square meter of peppers for a full-year cycle, focusing on dynamic lighting, pruning strategies and variety selection.
The trial, initially launched in 2017 in the Netherlands and expanded to Canada in 2022, explores how dynamic light recipes impact crop growth. “With TLF 2.0 now integrated, we’re exploring how dynamic light recipes can optimize crop steering, improving yield and quality,” said Amos Bassi, plant specialist at Philips Horticulture LED Solutions.
Collaborators include seed providers Syngenta and RijkZwaan, BEVO Farms for plant propagation and Aranet for climate monitoring. Climate controls and substrates are supplied by Priva and Grodan. UBC Research Manager Melina Biron noted the trial has shown “significant improvement in the quality and yield” of selected varieties such as Gina, Ridona and Silverstone.
Final results will be published in 2025, offering growers a guide to maximizing pepper production with LED lighting.
Photo courtesy of Signify.
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