Signify and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are advancing the boundaries of agricultural innovation with their ongoing pepper production trial, which employs cutting-edge GreenPower LED toplighting force 2.0 (TLF 2.0) technology. The trial, which began in 2022, has shown remarkable progress in improving yield and quality through dynamic lighting recipes and is now entering its fourth year. With an ambitious goal of achieving over 40 kg/m² of peppers in a year-long cycle, the project focuses on optimising light conditions and exploring effective pruning strategies and variety selection.

Evolution of the Trial

The journey started in 2017 with initial trials in the Netherlands to assess the feasibility of LED lighting for pepper cultivation. Expanding globally, the 2022 UBC trial aimed for a stable winter yield of 34 kg/m². By 2024-2025, the focus has shifted to dynamic light recipes, leveraging TLF 2.0’s colour-control functionality to tailor lighting conditions to each growth stage. This innovative approach has demonstrated potential in boosting production and improving the quality of peppers.

Integrating Advanced Techniques

Optimal pepper growth depends on more than just light. The trial integrates various environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels, monitored using Aranet sensor technology. Collaborators like Syngenta and RijkZwaan provided optimised seeds, BEVO Farms managed plant propagation, and companies like Priva and Grodan contributed climate control and specialised substrates. The chosen varieties—Gina, Ridona, and Silverstone—were specifically selected for their compatibility with LED lighting.

Looking Ahead

As the trial progresses, it will culminate in 2025 with the release of a comprehensive whitepaper. This document will synthesise insights from global pepper trials, offering growers practical guidelines for optimising production using LED lighting. According to Melina Biron, UBC’s Research Manager, this collaboration has already shown significant improvements in yield and quality, paving the way for future advancements in pepper cultivation.

By combining innovation, global expertise, and advanced technology, Signify and UBC aim to revolutionise sustainable pepper production, demonstrating the transformative potential of dynamic LED lighting in agriculture.

Image source: Hortibiz Daily