Far-red light to steer greenhouse production

Far-red light, via phytochrome signaling, activates several plant reactions such as flowering and the shade-avoidance response. It is also shown that fruit production and quality of tomato and cucumber can be stimulated by supplementing far-red light in greenhouses. However, the right application strategy and the mode of action, how far-red light via phytochrome signaling stimulates fruit production remains unknown. In collaboration with the Experimental Research Stations of Sint-Katelijne Waver (PSKW), Hoogstraten (PCH) and Roeselare (Inagro), we engage in a new LA-project to implement far-red LED technology in greenhouse production and understand how plants translate far-red light into enhanced crop production.