9 September 2026
Bloemteknik proposes assessing lighting as a system of fixtures, controls and support. This article examines the stated Top Crop functions in the context of upgrading a Russian greenhouse. It distinguishes fixture replacement from new automation, sets out inputs for agronomists and engineers, and outlines specification and acceptance requirements. Russian examples help define the limits of comparison without replacing calculations for the actual greenhouse.
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9 September 2026
A study in the Journal of Experimental Agriculture International shows how LED red-to-blue light ratios affect pepper flowering. A 2R:1B spectrum under a 16-hour photoperiod accelerates the transition to 50% flowering, while a 1R:2B ratio under a 14-hour photoperiod promotes fruit bulking and increases fruit weight. We examine how to leverage spectral control in protected cultivation seedling compartments to precisely manage crop development and schedule harvest timing.
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3 September 2026
A study in ACS Omega evaluated the effects of monochromatic and combined LED light spectra on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings. Using randomized treatments with 10 plants per replicate, researchers tested 450, 530, and 660 nm wavelengths, white light, and a 50/50 red-blue mix. Monochromatic red light accelerated stem elongation, whereas 50/50 red-blue and white light promoted leaf blade expansion and the uptake of Zn, Cu, and Mn. Here is how greenhouse growers can adjust spectrums during winter light deficits.
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1 September 2026
A study of continuous lighting (24/0 photoperiod) at a fixed DLI of 16.9 mol/(m²·day) demonstrated up to 23% increase in lettuce fresh biomass and up to 18% improvement in energy use efficiency compared to an 18-hour photoperiod. Extending the photoperiod allows lowering operating PPFD, reducing installed grow light electrical capacity, and smoothing out peak loads on vertical farm HVAC systems.
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29 August 2026
A study on chrysanthemum flowering regulation provides experimental data for PPFD thresholds from 50 to 300 μmol/(m²·s), dark period duration, and vernalization regimes. Dropping PPFD below 100 μmol/(m²·s) delays floral bud initiation by 13–14 days and reduces marketable flower counts. Key photoperiod and PAR parameters help optimize year-round supplemental lighting design and prevent cut-flower production delays.
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28 August 2026
Research on the effect of green light fraction on hydroponic lettuce shows that partial replacement of red-blue radiation with green light alters photosynthetic architecture, biomass accumulation, and foliar biochemical composition. At a PPFD of 350 μmol/(m²·s), replacing 40% of the photon flux with green light increases fresh weight by 33.16% and reduces nitrate concentration by 16.31%. We examine the physiological mechanisms of green photon penetration into the canopy, the balance between sugars and antioxidants, and the limits of applicability in hydroponics.
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26 August 2026
Researchers from Wageningen University evaluated the response of 23 tomato genotypes to supplemental far-red radiation at 50 μmol/(m²·s). Yield gains ranged from zero to 175%, while 13 cultivars showed no statistically significant response. We examine why far-red light does not work on every hybrid, how seedling elongation predicts the ultimate economic impact, and what risks uncalibrated LED lighting designs pose to commercial tomato greenhouse operations.
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25 August 2026
Winter production of leafy greens in protected cultivation often faces reduced essential oil concentrations and diminished flavor. Research on LED supplemental lighting for sweet basil demonstrates how spectrum composition and photoperiod alter leaf biochemistry. Adding white light increases carbon assimilation by up to 90%, far-red boosts biomass accumulation by 59.3% and citral by 371%, while narrowband blue degrades aroma profile. We analyze research data and commercial greenhouse applications.
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