Key Takeaways:
- Signify has partnered with Genson Group to install a full LED lighting system aimed at supporting continuous strawberry cultivation.
- The lighting setup includes customized light recipes, including far-red and white light, to support plant development and visibility.
- Climate control is managed through Philips GrowWise and Ridder systems, which adjust light intensity based on natural sunlight.
- The LED system alters the greenhouse climate strategy by emitting less heat compared to traditional HPS lighting.
- Genson Group reports improvements in energy efficiency and growing conditions since implementing the system.
Signify and Genson Group Collaborate on LED Lighting for Controlled Environment Strawberry Production
Signify, a lighting technology company, has announced the installation of a full LED lighting system at the greenhouses of Genson Group, a producer of strawberries in the Netherlands. The new lighting system is part of Genson’s effort to enable year-round production and improve energy efficiency in its operations.
The solution includes Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0 fixtures and is managed via the Philips GrowWise control system, integrated with Ridder climate control. These platforms work together to adjust lighting levels automatically based on external sunlight, reducing light output during bright conditions and increasing it during cloud cover.
Signify’s Customized Light Recipes for Crop and Workplace Requirements
Focus on Far-Red and White Light
The LED system features crop-specific light recipes, including far-red light, which is used during the winter months to promote cluster stretching in strawberry plants. Genson also implemented a recipe that includes a proportion of white light to support worker visibility and assist in evaluating fruit quality and ripeness.
“Strawberries prefer a slightly cooler climate than tomatoes, for example,” said Neeltje van Vaalen, Crop Specialist at Genson. “It’s a new way of farming—experimenting to find what works.”
Impact on Greenhouse Climate Management
Lower Heat Output Compared to HPS Lighting
One notable difference between LED and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting is heat generation. LED systems emit less heat, which changes how growers manage temperature and humidity. In response, Genson introduced fans to control humidity levels more precisely and support plant health under the new lighting configuration.
“We’ve had to adapt by using fans to manage humidity levels,” van Vaalen added.
The new system also aligns with Genson’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiency while maintaining production quality across different seasons.
