Researchers structured trials with anthuriums and bromeliads in separated greenhouses, each about 150 m² (1,615 square feet). The two greenhouses with Harmony light diffused screens had light treatments of 10 mol PAR/m² per day and 7.5 mol PAR/m² per day. Each was equipped with Svensson energy curtains, and misting systems provided relatively high humidity levels.
While anthuriums are typically ready for sale at 22 weeks, the potted plants in the diffused-light greenhouses were ready at 16 weeks. In addition, quality was significantly improved, with plants in the 10 mol greenhouse 25 percent heavier than typical. Production of the bromeliad varieties guzmania and vriesea were sped up, with plants ready up to a month earlier than normal.
“The results are clear: Allowing more light and applying the light-diffusing Harmony shading screen, together with an adapted climate strategy, results in 25 percent growth speedup and a higher quality of potted plants,” says Paul Arkesteijn, climate performance analyst of AB Ludvig Svensson.
For more information on this study, read the full Svensson article on the research or call 704-357-0457.