Transforming the Future Dining Table with LED Technology: The Value of "Consistent Quality" — How LED Tomatoes Compete Without Rivaling Greenhouses

Transforming the Future Dining Table with LED Technology: The Value of "Consistent Quality" — How LED Tomatoes Compete Without Rivaling Greenhouses

2025年09月21日 13:11

The Era of "Tomatoes Grown in Factories" with LEDs—The Impact of "S-Curve Cultivation" for Urban, Space, and Disaster Scenarios

The news reported by Phys.org on September 19 took the concept of plant factories a step further. The research team led by Associate Professor Wataru Yamori from the University of Tokyo challenged the cultivation of large tomatoes and cherry tomatoes in a fully enclosed LED plant factory, demonstrating strengths in quality stability and nutritional value. This experiment broke through the conventional belief that "LEDs are mainly for leafy greens, and fruiting vegetables are difficult," using experimental data. The article also touches on the feasibility of food production in urban areas, deserts, and even space.Phys.org


What's New? Two Pillars of Achievement

① Stable Cultivation of Large Tomatoes (CF Momotaro Fight) in LED Factories

The paper published in HortScience compared large tomatoes in a fully enclosed LED environment and a greenhouse simultaneously. In the LED environment, temperature (average about 25.9±1.1℃) and light intensity (PPFD about 276 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) could be stably maintained, improving stem diameter, plant height, and SPAD value. However, the fruits were slightly smaller, with lower sugar content (°Brix), but the nutritional benefit of high vitamin C (ascorbic acid) was confirmed. The greenhouse excelled in fruit weight, sugar content, and yield, but it was difficult to avoid quality variations due to seasonal changes. The choice between stable supply and nutritional value or size and sweetness became clear, depending on actual demand.DOI


② "S-Curve Cultivation" of Cherry Tomatoes for "Faster and Better"

The other pillar is the S-curve multi-layer cultivation of cherry tomatoes. This method places LEDs on the sides of shelves and allows the stems to meander horizontally, spreading across multiple layers, equalizing light distribution within the canopy. The quality reached a level that exceeded the greenhouse in sugar content +15%, vitamin C +7%, and lycopene +7%, and the actual yield was boosted by advancing coloring and harvesting. The total yield is equivalent to that of a greenhouse, but the key point is the improvement in **"faster sales" = turnover rate**.University of Tokyo


The original paper in Frontiers in Horticulture also details how the S-curve method suppresses inter-layer variation in photosynthesis rates, achieving both quality improvement and management efficiency.DOI


"Where to Utilize?"—Urban, Polar Regions, and Space

The research team envisions a supply network resilient to climate extremes (heatwaves, droughts, floods), a short supply chain close to urban areas, and even experimental systems in skyscrapers, the Moon, and Mars. The stability of year-round and standardized quality is well-suited for dining, delicatessen, and processing applications, and the price outlook has room for improvement with renewable energy integration and scale effects.Phys.org

"How Did It Resonate?" Voices from SNS and the Community

 


  • Announcement from Researchers: Associate Professor Yamori shared the research results on X (formerly Twitter). The timeline is filled with expectations for **"local production for local consumption in cities" and "resilience in emergencies,"** along with realistic questions about electricity costs.X (formerly Twitter)

  • Reactions from the Horticulture Community (Reddit):

    • "Is it possible to grow fruiting vegetables with LED shop lights?" and skepticism about insufficient light are prevalent posts. The research highlights the need for a high-intensity and stable environment.Reddit

    • "Indoor tomatoes in basements or cold regions" and other practical knowledge of hobby cultivation are shared, indicating a wide base of "want-to-try" enthusiasts.Reddit

    • Interest in outdoor supplemental LED lighting continues in the general vegetable community, shaking the fixed notion of "LEDs are only for leafy greens.".Reddit
      Note: The above does not limit itself to direct replies to the research itself but summarizes the trend of reactions around the theme of LEDs × tomatoes.


Three Business Insights

  1. The New Standard Value of "Stability × Nutritional Value"
    Even in situations where greenhouses have the upper hand in Brix or size, differentiation is possible through the appeal of functionalities like vitamin C and lycopene. It is highly compatible with the processing and health-conscious categories.DOI

  2. The Business Impact of "Early Harvest × Turnover Rate"
    The S-curve is expected to improve cash flow by advancing coloring and maturity. It is effective for regular deliveries to food services.DOI

  3. Niche Demand in Disasters, Space, and Polar Regions
    The supply of high-value fresh produce in bases, ships, and remote areas becomes realistic. Business design should combine compact modules and renewable energy.Phys.org


Technical Notes: Key Points in Energy and Design

  • Light Environment: For fruiting vegetables, high PPFD is crucial. General residential LEDs tend to be insufficient. Combining side lighting is effective for canopy uniformity.DOI

  • Temperature, Humidity, and CO₂: Stable temperature conditions (around 25.9℃ in this study) and CO₂ application stabilize growth.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp

  • Multi-layer and Trellising Design: The S-curve balances shortening work lines and light reception efficiency. It has significant advantages in urban spaces where "height" rather than "width" is gained.DOI


Expansion of Related Research: Edamame Also "Factory-Made"

The same group has also reported on the stable production of edamame in artificial light factories. Yield and sugar/isoflavone improved, showing results that break seasonal dependence. This trend is spreading beyond fruiting vegetables.Nature


Summary

  • Large Tomatoes: Stable quality & high vitamin C, but size and sugar content favor greenhouses. Differentiation by use is key.DOI

  • Cherry Tomatoes (S-Curve): Improved sugar content, vitamin C, and lycopene + early maturity improve turnover rate. Strong in urban, space, and disaster supply.University of Tokyo+1##HTML_TAG

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