July 19, 2010, Columbus, OH – In recent years there has been quite a bit of hype regarding LED technology and its eventual impact on artificial lighting in the horticulture industry.

And in most cases, that is all that it was … hype!

Hort Americas believes this may finally be changing. In 2010 and 2011, it anticipates there will be studies, data and products released from different sources that will start to make LEDs viable for different segments within the horticultural industry.

Philips introduced its approach to LEDs in the North American horticulture industry during this year's OFA Short Course.

The future of LEDs in horticulture is going to involve increased knowledge and optimal lighting “recipes.”

With a lighting recipe as a starting point, every crop will be approached differently and optimized using all variables in the greenhouse such irrigation, nutrition and environmental manipulation (CO2, temperature, humidity, etc.).

Currently these recipes are either under development or have been developed for the following areas:

• Research.

• Storage and transport.

• Tissue culture.

• Propagation.

• Multi-layer production (vertical farming).

• Greenhouse inter-lighting.

Philips has spent many hours working on gerberas, chyrsanthemums, kalanchoes, greenhouse strawberries and greenhouse tomatoes. Test results showed faster growth, better quality, higher yield and decreased temperatures, as well as energy savings depending on the application.

Philips has a vast amount of knowledge with regards to horticultural lighting; this includes traditional lighting methods as well. It is currently working with growers, breeders and other partners to provide the optimum lighting solutions as measured by improved performance and ultimately by lower costs.

For more information, visit the Hort Americas website at http://www.hortamericas.com.