Following the success of the first LED lighting optimization trial at Duijvestijn Tomaten in Pijnacker, Duijvestijn, Ledgnd and Gavita International are launching a second research phase to be conducted over the coming year.
Duijvestijn, Ledgnd and Gavita International continue collaboration on LED lighting optimization
Oude Meer, 29 October 2025 – Following the success of the first LED optimization trial
bij Duijvestijn Tomaten in Pijnacker, Duijvestijn, Ledgnd and Gavita International are
launching a second research phase to be conducted over the coming year. The results of the initial trial were presented to an exclusive international audience during
GreenTech in June. The new trial officially started in early October.
From lighting to plant balance
“LED is not a plug-and-play solution,” emphasizes Kees Weerheim, Senior Plant
Physiologist at Ledgnd. “It requires different cultivation decisions; you are not just
changing the lighting, but the entire microclimate.”
During the first trial, Duijvestijn examined how the crop responded to that shift.
Measurements of plant feedback, such as fluorescence and transpiration, were linked to
climate settings, revealing where performance gains or limitations occurred.
“In our data platform MyLedgnd, we observed that two days with the same Daily Light
Integral (DLI) could show up to 50% difference in photosynthesis, purely due to a different
ventilation strategy,” Weerheim continues. “The data revealed irregularities days before
they became visible to the naked eye. The MyScore graph even showed that a small
adjustment in the RTR strategy led to higher assimilate consumption but lower production.
Plants can fall out of balance faster than you think. Only by continuously measuring plant
feedback can you truly optimize.”
New trial with clear objectives
Kim Oosterom, Project Manager at Duijvestijn, adds: “In this second trial we aim to further
improve Light Use Efficiency (LUE). We are investigating how lighting strategies, pipe
heating and air circulation affect crop activity and head temperature, crucial factors for
growth rate and plant balance. We will also examine how to optimize dehumidification
during the winter period. Two varieties will be continuously monitored throughout the
trial.”
From data to action
According to Maarten van Bemmel, Co-founder of Ledgnd, this collaboration
demonstrates the real-world power of data: “This project has been running for nearly three
years and shows how effectively a grower, lighting supplier and data platform can work
together. It all began with a sharp question from Gavita International: What does our
lighting actually do in tomatoes at Duijvestijn?
By collecting data from plants and the microclimate using cameras and sensors, and
integrating everything into MyLedgnd, we translate data directly into concrete cultivation
actions. That’s from data to practice. Thanks to Duijvestijn’s pioneering spirit as an early
adopter, we are showing how data makes an impact where it truly matters: inside the
greenhouse.”
Sustainable growth through knowledge sharing
Talitha Timmerman, Global Sales Director Gavita International “Efficiency and a hands-on
approach are the key to our collaboration.” Duijvestijn is a leading and sustainable tomato
grower and our first Agrolux Wega Full LED customer. We are proud of that. Tomatoes are
our largest illuminated crop worldwide, so further research into optimization will
contribute directly to sustainable growth. “With the inspiring team of Ledgnd, we are now
taking the step towards a data-driven approach in which knowledge sharing is just as
important as innovation.”
About the collaboration
The partnership between Duijvestijn Tomaten, Ledgnd and Gavita International focuses on
refining lighting strategies using plant feedback and climate data. By continuously
monitoring both plant and environmental parameters, the parties aim to achieve maximum
energy efficiency, crop balance and production results; marking another step forward in
sustainable greenhouse cultivation.
For more information
Gavita International B.V.
Rosa Di Lisa – communications@gavitainternationa.com
