UBC, Signify test dynamic LED lighting for year-round pepper growing
UBC and Signify are testing LED lighting strategies to enable year-round greenhouse pepper production in Canada. The trial, running from 2021 to 2026, focuses on light spectrum, crop management and production feasibility.
Key takeaways
UBC and Signify are conducting a multi-year LED lighting trial for peppers.
The goal is to enable year-round greenhouse production in Canada.
Final results are expected in June 2026.
A multi-year trial led by the University of British Columbia and Signify is evaluating LED lighting strategies to support year-round greenhouse pepper production in Canada.
The research, which began in 2021, aims to develop a production protocol that allows growers to produce peppers during winter months, when low natural light has historically limited greenhouse output. The trial is scheduled to conclude in June 2026.
Early phases of the study focused on crop feasibility under LED lighting, including variety selection and light spectrum. The current phase is testing color-tunable lighting using Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.1, which allows growers to adjust light recipes across multiple channels.
Researchers are also evaluating far-red light, along with production factors such as pruning, pest and disease management, temperature and energy use.
Canada produced 175 million kilograms of greenhouse peppers in 2024, according to Statistics Canada, but about 25% of annual consumption is still imported, largely due to limited winter production.
“We are looking at all aspects of production in order to develop a comprehensive production protocol that growers can implement into their schedule,” said Melina Biron, greenhouse research manager at the University of British Columbia.
The project includes collaboration with industry partners providing financial and product support, and incorporates grower input, including return-on-investment analysis tied to winter production opportunities.
Findings from the trial are expected to be shared following its completion in 2026.
FAQ
Q: What is the goal of the UBC and Signify trial?
A: To develop a protocol for growing greenhouse peppers year-round using LED lighting.
Q: When will the trial be completed?
A: The trial is scheduled to conclude in June 2026.
Q: Why is winter pepper production limited in Canada?
A: Low natural light levels have historically limited greenhouse production during winter months.
Q: What technology is being tested?
A: The trial uses color-tunable Philips GreenPower LED toplighting with dynamic light control.
Q: What production factors are being studied?
A: Factors include light spectrum, variety selection, pruning, pest and disease management, temperature and energy use.
What this means
If successful, the protocol could help reduce reliance on imported peppers by extending domestic production into winter months.
Photo courtesy of Signify.