Lily under LED: the physiology of leaf problems

Project goal

In winter lily cultivation under LED lighting, leaf problems such as chlorosis and leaf burn frequently occur. These problems cause growers to resort to energy-intensive measures or to reapply SON-T. The goal of this research is to understand the physiological causes of these leaf problems and to develop tools for robust, energy-efficient LED lily cultivation.

Project description

The research consists of several greenhouse trials in which lighting, light intensity, and climate strategies are systematically varied. In the first trial, a comparison was made between SON-T and LED at the same light intensity. Based on new insights, a comparison between two LED intensities (low and high) was chosen for the second trial to isolate the effect of light intensity. In addition, physiological measurements are being performed, and sensors are being used to detect stress responses in the plant at an early stage. The results are periodically discussed with growers and advisors within the Research Advisory Committee (BCO).

The Delphy Improvement Centre is responsible for the trial design, execution, climate and cultivation strategy, data analysis, and knowledge translation into practice. The Delphy Improvement Centre serves as an independent research facility focusing on practice-oriented and applicable research. The research provides practical knowledge for lily growers, advisors, and chain partners working on the transition to energy-efficient cultivation systems. By better understanding where leaf problems arise, growers can use LED lighting more effectively without compromising quality.

Research period: October 2025 – September 2026

This project/research was developed within the framework of the “Greenhouse as Energy Source” program, the innovation and action program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, and Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands.