Key Takeaways
- Sollum and Delphy explored dynamic LED lighting strategies in cucumbers.
- Far-red (FR) light was shown to be essential during dark periods to maintain plant health.
- Cultivar-specific lighting responses were identified.
- Blue Supplemental Morning Lighting (B-SML) showed promise for improving daily plant readiness.
- Findings support Sollum’s mission to deliver adaptive and efficient lighting solutions.
Advancing Cucumber Cultivation with Sollum Dynamic Lighting
Collaboration with Delphy Improvement Centre
Sollum Technologies (Profile) partnered with the Delphy Improvement Centre to address challenges posed by cucumber production under LED lighting. The trial focused on optimizing light spectra through dynamic strategies to improve crop balance, reduce energy usage, and enhance yield.
Understanding the Challenges
LED lighting presents new dynamics for cucumber growers. Issues such as leaf curling, fruit abortion, and variety-specific sensitivities emerge when transitioning from traditional HPS lighting systems.
Trial Design and Lighting Strategies
Trial Specifications
- Location: Delphy Improvement Centre
- Crops: Long English Cucumber (Uptrace and Hi Lumiere)
- Photoperiod: 18 hours
- PPFD: 250–270 µmol/m²/s using Sollum’s SF-ONE™
- Duration: 13-week harvest period
Dynamic Far-Red Modulation
The trial began with 9% FR light, which was gradually reduced. A complete removal of FR during part of the trial led to visible plant stress — curling leaves and later, fruit abortion — demonstrating FR’s critical role during darker months.
Impact and Key Results Of The Study By Sollum & Delphy
Performance by Variety
Hi Lumiere demonstrated superior Light Use Efficiency (LUE), while Uptrace showed greater sensitivity to FR withdrawal. These outcomes emphasized the importance of tailoring lighting strategies to specific varieties.
Blue Supplemental Morning Lighting (B-SML)
In a separate test, B-SML was applied before the main photoperiod. While yield gains were not immediate, improvements in photosystem II efficiency and stomatal conductance suggested increased physiological readiness.
Conclusions and Future Outlook For Sollum
Reinforcing Sollum’s Role in Precision Horticulture
The trial confirmed the following:
- Far-red light is essential during low-light periods to prevent stress and imbalance.
- Variety-specific strategies are critical to optimizing crop outcomes.
- B-SML has potential as a supportive tool to enhance daily plant performance.
Continued Innovation with Delphy
Sollum Technologies remains committed to advancing research into dynamic LED solutions tailored for greenhouse crops. Building on positive results from cucumber and previous pepper trials, Sollum continues to develop crop-specific lighting strategies that improve efficiency and production outcomes.
Read the complete case studies here.
5 Comments