Purdue study examines LEDs on greenhouse-grown vegetables

Purdue University Professor Cary A. Mitchell is working with graduate student Celina Gomez on a study which could impact how growers view supplemental lighting for the growth of greenhouse-grown vegetables.  The study examines the impact of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the propagation and production of greenhouse-grown vegetables. They are utilizing steadyGROWpro soilless media and no longer have algae issues they experienced with their original substrate. 

One study involves evaluating LEDs as an alternative lighting source for the propagation of greenhouse-grown tomatoes testing six cultivars.

A second extensive study involves looking at comparing growth, yield and fruit biomass production per kW-h of energy consumed.  It will measure fruit quality for two tomato cultivars grown with no supplemental lighting, under overhead HPS lamps or with intracanopy LED (95% red and 5% blue) supplemental lighting.