Signify and UBC advance year-round pepper cultivation under LED lighting

Signify and the University of British Columbia (UBC) have entered the fifth year of a joint research programme aimed at enabling year-round greenhouse production of bell peppers using LED lighting. The collaboration, which began in 2021, seeks to establish a comprehensive production protocol tailored to Canadian growing conditions.

Initial research phases focused on demonstrating the feasibility of pepper cultivation under LED lighting by selecting suitable plant genetics and optimizing light spectra. In the current phase, the trial is exploring the use of colour-tunable LED systems to support continuous production throughout the year.

The project addresses a structural gap in the Canadian market. Although domestic greenhouse production reached approximately 175 million kilograms of peppers in 2024, a significant share of winter demand is still met through imports. Limited natural light during the winter months has traditionally restricted local production.

For the 2025–2026 trial, researchers are using Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force (TLF) 2.1 systems. These allow dynamic adjustment of light spectra across multiple channels, enabling precise control of lighting conditions. Particular attention is being given to the role of far-red light, which has shown potential benefits in previous studies.

Beyond lighting, the research also covers a broad range of production parameters, including variety selection, pruning strategies, pest and disease management, temperature control, and energy efficiency. The aim is to develop an integrated cultivation protocol that can be implemented by commercial growers.

According to the project partners, industry collaboration is a key component of the research. Several companies are contributing technical expertise, funding, and materials, while local growers are involved in evaluating practical applications and economic feasibility, including return-on-investment considerations.

The trial is scheduled to conclude in June 2026. The findings are expected to provide a basis for expanding winter greenhouse pepper production in Canada and reducing reliance on imports.