18 October 2026
Researchers at Wageningen University and Research have determined the efficiency limits of far-red spectrum in supplemental lighting for tomatoes. In a 20-week trial, increasing the FR/(R + FR) fraction raised yields of Foundation and Trevine hybrids linearly up to 0.40, reaching a maximum gain of +16%. At fractions of 0.44 and 0.49, yield gains diminished and electricity use efficiency declined. An analysis of the methodology, energy balance, and transfer limitations for greenhouse growers.
More: Far-Red Spectrum Optimum in Tomato Lighting: Efficiency Limits
18 October 2026
Dutch planting material producer Iribov is moving the acclimatization and hardening-off process of microcloned plants from conventional greenhouses to enclosed multi-tier climate chambers. According to the company, a controlled climate and multi-layer environment accelerate hardening off, improve plant quality, and reduce wastage. We review the operational parameters, economic payback conditions for indoor chambers, and engineering aspects of integrating such solutions in commercial propagation.
More: Hardening Off Microclones: Moving Acclimatization to Climate Chambers
16 October 2026
Analysis of the project by retailer Coop Norway and Avisomo deploying a vertical lettuce farm inside a central distribution center. We examine the claimed 50% savings on supply chain margins, demand dynamics for Reindyrka Crispi lettuce, and test data showing up to 99 days of storage. We compare the sunlight-free cultivation model with commercial greenhouse complexes and outline practical takeaways for farm managers and protected cultivation designers.
More: Vertical Lettuce Farms in Distribution Centers: Norwegian Retail Case and Adoption Risks
14 October 2026
An analysis of the strategic shift in protected cultivation: why fully indoor city farms are giving way to hybrid solutions featuring multilayer seedling compartments inside conventional greenhouses. High capital expenditure and soaring electricity costs led to the bankruptcy of standalone vertical complexes. Greenhouse executives and chief engineers explore the rationale for combining multilayer LED cultivation with natural sunlight, alongside key engineering constraints during facility retrofits.
More: Integrating Vertical Farms with Greenhouses: Revising the Economic Model
10 October 2026
A review of the scientific analysis by the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM on the use of intra-canopy LED lighting on high-wire crops. The article examines data on the impact of interlighting on the assimilation activity of lower leaves, radiation distribution in the canopy, and the productivity of tomato and cucumber when combined with top lighting. Specific documented gains in crop yield and energy efficiency are presented, alongside key engineering constraints on heat dissipation and module placement.
More: LED Interlighting for Tomato and Cucumber: Canopy Effects and Yield
3 October 2026
A study in Horticulturae showed that a red-white LED spectrum most effectively compensates for light deficiency in the lower tier of multi-tier hydroponic strawberries. Supplemental lighting increased lower-tier DLI by 6.5 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ and boosted yield up to 359.1 g per plant compared to 102.4 g in the unlit control, preserving fruit firmness and soluble solids. We analyze spectral settings, fruit marketable quality impacts, and engineering takeaways for multi-tier greenhouse design.
More: Red-White LED Spectrum for Strawberry Lower Tier in Multi-Tier Greenhouses
3 October 2026
Storing leafy greens in the dark rapidly leads to pigment degradation and reduced antioxidant value. Researchers evaluated the impact of narrow-band green light on the biochemical composition of lettuce in cold storage at 5 °C. The experiment showed that low-intensity light peaking at 500 and 530 nm activates defense mechanisms, slows down chlorophyll a degradation, and stimulates flavonoid and anthocyanin accumulation. We examine lighting parameters, physiological crop responses, and operational constraints.
More: Green Spectrum in Cold Storage: How Lighting Inhibits Lettuce Degradation
2 October 2026
Analysis of Sollum Technologies VP statements on dynamic LED greenhouse lighting. Less than 10% of US floriculture growers use dynamic lighting due to high CapEx combined with strict payback requirements: under 5 years across the industry and up to 18 months for vegetables and strawberries. An analysis of growing control complexity driven by sensor and AI integration, alongside an evaluation of automation costs for industrial greenhouse complexes.
More: Dynamic Spectrum in Commercial Greenhouses: ROI Barriers and Automation Complexity
