Tomatoes are light-loving plants, and light is crucial for their growth, flowering, and fruiting, whether grown in a greenhouse or commercially. Different environments may require different light management. For example, a home garden might rely on natural light, while a greenhouse might use supplemental lighting. Therefore, I need to cover both natural and artificial light sources.

Common Misconceptions about Light Management

1. Spectral Simplification: Using only white LEDs can lead to internode elongation.

→ Ensure a blue-to-red light ratio of at least 3:5.

2. Light Overload: Continuous exposure >1200 μmol/L can cause photoinhibition.

→ Adopt an intermittent high-intensity light strategy (2 hours of high light followed by 1 hour of low light).

3. Photoperiod Disruption: 24 hours of continuous light reduces sugar accumulation.

→ Maintaining a minimum dark period of 4 hours promotes biotransformation.

Cutting-Edge Technology: A 2025 Dutch greenhouse trial showed that using Dynamic Light Spectrum (DLC) technology increased tomato yield by 27%. The technology includes:

Adding 30 minutes of UV-B (280-315 nm) exposure during the early morning hours improves disease resistance.

Switching to a high red light ratio in the afternoon promotes the accumulation of photosynthetic assimilates.

Providing 15-minute far-red light pulses after sunset accelerates photomorphogenesis.