Controlled Environment Agriculture

Sollum Technologies Reports Up to 19.5% Yield Increase in Ontario Grape Tomato Trial

Sollum Technologies has released results from a commercial greenhouse trial conducted in Ontario, Canada, focused on the use of dynamic LED lighting in grape tomato production.
Sollum’s dynamic LED lighting in action. Image provided by Sollum Technologies.

Key Takeaways

  • Sollum Technologies conducted a 22-week trial comparing dynamic LED lighting with static systems
  • Dynamic lighting strategies led to up to 19.5% higher yield in grape tomatoes
  • Trial took place in a commercial greenhouse in Ontario, with no changes to other infrastructure
  • Results suggest improved crop uniformity, vigor, and earlier harvest timing
  • The study highlights the potential role of real-time light spectrum control in specialty crop production

Sollum Technologies Evaluates Dynamic Lighting in Commercial Greenhouse

Sollum Technologies (Profile) has released results from a commercial greenhouse trial conducted in Ontario, Canada, focused on the use of dynamic LED lighting in grape tomato production. Over a 22-week period, two adaptive lighting strategies developed by Sollum were compared to a static broad-spectrum LED system, with yield outcomes and crop response evaluated across identical growing conditions.

According to the company, the trial showed that lighting tailored to crop physiology and environmental variation contributed to higher yields without requiring any other operational changes.


Trial Design and Objectives

Lighting Strategies Assessed

The trial tested three lighting approaches:

  • Sollum 1: Broad and far-red spectrum with a midday red-light shift
  • Sollum 2: Morning blue supplemental lighting followed by broad and far-red spectrum
  • Control: Static LED lighting with fixed spectrum throughout the day

All treatments were applied between October and March, a period typically marked by lower natural light availability. The dynamic strategies were managed through Sollum’s SUNaaS® platform, which enables automated, real-time spectrum adjustments.


Reported Outcomes

Yield and Plant Response

  • Yield: Both Sollum lighting strategies outperformed the control, with up to a 19.5% increase in yield
  • Crop Quality: The trial also observed improved crop uniformity and vigor, along with an earlier harvest
  • System Compatibility: No changes were made to HVAC, fertigation, or other infrastructure, indicating integration potential with existing greenhouse systems

The results suggest that dynamic light spectrum management, particularly the use of red light during midday and blue light at dawn, may enhance photosynthetic efficiency and plant performance.


Implications for Specialty Crop Production

The Ontario trial supports Sollum Technologies’ broader aim of offering dynamic lighting as a tool for greenhouse operators seeking to optimize output in varying climatic conditions. By adapting light delivery in real time, Sollum’s technology allows growers to respond to crop needs throughout the day, potentially improving yield per watt and reducing resource inputs.

According to Sollum, this approach offers flexibility to align light conditions with plant physiology, which may be especially beneficial during low-light seasons or in high-value crops like tomatoes.


Next Steps For Sollum Technologies

Sollum Technologies is expected to continue field evaluations in other crops and regions, building on findings from this and other commercial deployments. The Ontario trial contributes to ongoing discussions around how adaptive lighting systems can support greenhouse productivity without requiring large-scale operational changes.

Read the entire case study here.

administrator
As a dedicated journalist and entrepreneur, I helm iGrow News, a pioneering media platform focused on the evolving landscape of Agriculture Technology. With a deep-seated passion for uncovering the latest developments and trends within the agtech sector, my mission is to deliver insightful, unbiased news and analysis. Through iGrow News, I aim to empower industry professionals, enthusiasts, and the broader public with knowledge and understanding of technological advancements that shape modern agriculture. You can follow me on LinkedIn & Twitter.

5 Comments

Leave a Reply