Philips LED plant lighting develops a new growth light formula that increases the vitamin C content of arugula by 7 times

Eindhoven, the Netherlands - Philips Lighting (Amsterdam Stock Exchange: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting, recently announced that the company's Grow Wise Plant Research Center has produced a vitamin C-rich arugula with vitamin C content in US agriculture. Seven times the published value (15 mg / 100 g). Vitamin A-rich arugula is a plant that uses Philips LED growth formula (without natural light) in a research collaboration with the University of Wageningen and the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Produced in a factory environment.

The results of this trial show that functional ingredients such as arugula can be increased by simply changing the way the plant is grown. Retailers and growers can use Philips-specific implant formulations based on LED lighting technology to meet the growing demand for functional foods for health-conscious consumer groups. Since vitamin C content is closely related to the shelf life of vegetables, higher vitamin C levels when arugula is harvested can also help retailers extend the shelf life of green vegetables. In addition to vitamin C, other health-related compounds are also affected by growth formulations.

“The results of this test show that we can not only increase the yield of crops, but also influence the taste and growth characteristics of crops by changing the growth formula. Philips growth formula provides various parameters needed to grow crops, including light levels, spectra, light. Strong, uniformity of light, location of light and time of illumination, and climatic conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration and nutrition." Udo van Slooten, global general manager of Philips LED Plant Lighting, said, "This achievement confirms our presence at the GrowWise Center in Philips. Research has brought tangible benefits to growers and retailers to meet the specific needs of their consumer groups, such as taste, taste and flavor, to differentiate themselves."

Effect of light on nitrate levels

Arsenic cultivated under the LED lighting with the new Philips growth formula has very low nitrate levels and high yields. The lower the nitrate content, the higher the sugar content and the softer the taste. The leaf sugar index of LED lighting can reach 5~8, which makes the taster feel sweet. The nitrate content obtained in this test is much lower than the value specified by the EU, ranging from 7,000 to 6000 mg/kg. This low-nitrate arugula is good for retailers in Poland, Russia and Finland, meeting the growing demand for low-nitrate foods by consumers in these countries. With another growth formula, it is also possible to produce high-vitamin C and high nitrate content arugula to meet consumer demand, while other nutrient content is not affected.

The trial was carried out at the Philips GrowWise Centre in Eindhoven, the largest plant plant research facility of its kind, working with the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands on plant science and shelf life research and the Netherlands The University of Trihter collaborates on research in health food innovation. Arugula was cultivated under four lighting conditions, namely three different LED lighting combinations and one artificial light simulated sunlight and high pressure sodium lamp illumination. In addition, the effects of high blue and high far red light on the shelf life and nutrient content of harvested vegetables were also studied.

About Philips Lighting

Philips Lighting (Amsterdam Stock Exchange: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting products, systems and services, delivers business value innovations that deliver a rich user experience that helps improve lives. Serving the professional and consumer markets. Using the Internet of Things, we lead the industry to improve homes, buildings and cities. With sales of 7.1 billion euros in 2016, we have approximately 34,000 employees in more than 70 countries.