University of Bari 3

ITA | ENG

Project
“Applying LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and the uptake concentration principle to improve greenhouse tomato production” investigates the use of the novel luminescent semiconductor technology (LED) and an algorithm able to optimize nutrient solution management to enhance off-season production, quality and environmental sustainability of tomatoes grown in closed-cycle hydroponic systems. The aim is to broaden the knowledge of the use of LEDs in winter and of nutrient solution management based on nutrient uptake concentration in a farm that produces tomatoes under conditions typical of southern Italian environments. Thanks also to the process innovations resulting from research carried out in the Netherlands, the project intends to develop an experimental strategic plan for the improvement of production in terms of early season yield, quantity and quality of produce.

Financial Resources
The project was funded by the NOP Research and Innovation 2014-2020 under the action “Innovative Industrial Doctorates”, Cycle XXXIII - Academic Year 2017-2018. For the implementation of this initiative, the University of Bari, which received 96.735,76 euro in funding, established a 3-year doctoral scholarship in “Biodiversity, Agriculture and Environment” at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science.

Impact
The project falls within the Agrifood specialization area, also intersecting the Energy, Smart Factory and Health areas. The findings will provide the basic knowledge and theoretical-practical experience to operate effectively in soilless farming systems and protected environments, aiming at optimizing resources and product quality. Collaboration with leading Italian and international research centres in the field of soilless cultivation will enable the development of analytical skills and other skills that are highly sought after by farms aiming to enhance off-season production, increase financial and environmental sustainability of production processes and add value to production. The results may then be used to increase water use efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of greenhouse farming. Thanks to these skills, the PhD graduate will be able to work both in research or in companies specializing in the emerging sector of protected crops grown in soilless systems.
The project includes a 12-month placement at Azienda Agricola F.lli Lapietra s.s., a company based in Apulia that in the last three years has been selected as one of the world’s best tomato growers, and a 10-month placement at the Department of Plant Sciences – Subdivision Horticulture & Product Physiology, University Of Wageningen, the Netherlands, at the forefront of research on the light spectrum and its influence on plant growth and quality.

Further Information:

Oscargreen a Lapietra per la tecnologia a LED (in Italian)
(from italiafruit.net, 19 October 2021)

L’Azienda Lapietra conquista il premio “Oscargreen 2021 Puglia” (in Italian)
(from freshplaza.it, 19 October 2021)

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08/11/2021