AgTech specialist Light Science Technologies (LST) has successfully completed its tomato trial with Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) to investigate lower energy technology solutions for vine crops.

Using LST's nurturGROW interlight and nurturGROW high power top light, the five-month project trialled three different light combinations to see which produced the most yield for the least energy, while finding the optimum balance between energy and yield. The first regime consisted of interlighting only, the second regime top lighting and interlighting and the third was top lighting only.

The results showed that supplementary light increases crop yield by up to 12.1% even when used in summer months and that top lighting only is the most energy efficient lighting regime with 38.2% more fruit per kWh. The trial also revealed that interlighting only was the top performing light regime.

During the trial period, 7,880 tomatoes were grown, collectively weighing 615.31kg and with 7449.15kWh total energy used.

Assessments carried out during the trial included plant size and height on a weekly basis after transplanting; daily light usage (in hours); weekly energy usage for each regime and plant/foliage colour on a weekly basis. Harvest records were also logged, based on harvesting fruit when ripe at a maximum of twice per week.

As input costs soar due to rising fuel and energy costs, there is a consensus that growing more local produce and using less energy can be achieved through more productive light positioning. The UK imports 400,000 tonnes of tomatoes and spends £921m on the fruit annually.*

The project was carried out in conjunction with CHAP at the Stockbridge Technology Centre (STC), at their Advanced Glasshouse facility in Selby, North Yorkshire.

The facility enables new plant protection products and integrated crop protection programmes to be robustly assessed in field, glasshouse and hydroponic systems. This provides benefits to food producers by offering more reliable trial conditions for their products, especially for biopesticides, with consequent benefits to the crop production sector in the form of increased product availability.

Andy Williams, Marketing Director at LST said: "The collaboration with CHAP is part of our overall strategy to work with leading agronomists and experienced growers to determine two key factors: whether the UK can increase its food security by growing more locally and do so in an energy efficient manner, at a time when energy costs are rising to record levels."

"The trial has shown the tangible gains and benefits of using an energy efficient grow light on vine crops, with further energy saved as the luminaire turns off when not needed. nurturGROW also reduces light wastage with its recyclable and reusable design, making it more sustainable. This all adds up to a win-win for growers and consumers, as the UK experiences ongoing food shortages and crippling costs. Some of this can be kerbed by reducing transportation costs associated with imported produce, as well as lowering carbon footprint, which once again highlights the urgent need to address a broken food system through a more sustainable method of farming to ensure our food security."

CHAP's Technical Liaison Officer, Lucy Plowman, said: "CHAP was pleased to facilitate this work at our advanced glasshouse facility alongside partner STC, to contribute towards valuable research that will optimise tomato production.

"Lighting has a huge impact on the success of glasshouse-grown crops, particularly in a grower's ability to extend the production season for vine crops such as tomatoes. But, recent price hikes in energy costs means it is critical to ensure it is efficient as well as effective.

"The research undertaken by LST will help growers to strike this balance, as well as address environmental concerns associated with both energy waste and produce imports."

*Source: British Tomato Association: Total Fresh Tomatoes consumption data, Kantar, Worldpanel FMCG


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About Light Science Technologies Ltd
Light Science Technologies Ltd delivers lighting, science and research-proven plant monitoring technology and software in partnership with world-leading university research teams. We work across multiple indoor applications including vertical farming, greenhouses and poly tunnels across different plant species, delivering the right solution no matter what environment. Our integrated technology solution for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) applications for next-generation scalable farming helps customers grow more with less. For further information, visit: www.lightsciencetech.com.

About Light Science Technologies Holdings plc
Light Science Technologies Holdings Plc brings together market-leading controlled environment agriculture technology (Light Science Technologies Ltd) and quality led UK based electronic manufacturing (UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions Ltd) to help our customers grow more with less. We specialise in creating and manufacturing bespoke solutions for global clients across agriculture, electronics, audio, automotive, AI technology and pest control industries.

CHAP (Crop Health and Protection)
CHAP, a UK Agri-Tech Centre funded by Innovate UK, brings together leading scientists, farmers, advisors, innovators and businesses to understand industry challenges, drive research and innovation and develop and trial solutions that transform crop systems. We work with partners to translate and promote these solutions for market adoption and improved crop productivity. Our mandate is to increase crop productivity for future generations through the uptake of new technologies.
Find out more at www.chap-solutions.co.uk.