Dümmen Orange, Philips Working on LED Research for Roses
Dümmen Orange and Philips Lighting have signed an agreement to invest in knowledge about the effects of LED lighting on new red rose varieties and other plants. The contract was signed by both companies on April 29. This initial step will be followed by other projects.
At the rose breeding company in Kudelstaart one bay has now been fitted with a combination of HPS lamps (80 µmol/m²/s) and Philips GreenPower LED toplighting (80 µmol/m²/s), making a total of 160 µmol/m²/s .
The installation of the LEDs is the first visible step in the red Avalanche+ project. The primary focus in this breeding program is on the search for a new, special red rose. The first commercial cultivars are expected to appear on the market in 2017/2018. The first cultivar in this program is currently being lit with a hybrid lighting installation, along with other varieties.
The partnership between the two companies is a step toward giving rose cultivation a new boost, according to a press release.