RED x Philippe Martail
Philippe Martail is an experienced and innovative tomato grower from Finistère.
14 November 2023
Un producteur Finistérien expérimenté et novateur
Philippe Martail grows tomatoes on a 2.5-hectare plot within the Saveol cooperative. He produces small fruits such as Cerise and Cœur de pigeon, as well as old varieties of large fruit such as Reine de cœur. The farm is located in Guipavas, Finistère. This region has the advantage of temperate weather, with little variation in temperature. However, the region’s geographical location also means a lack of light during the winter months.
The recurring problem of shaded areas
This lack of light is exacerbated in the shaded chapels. These are located at the edge of the greenhouse and are deprived of some natural light by the conditioning buildings.
The shaded chapel is home to Cœurs de pigeon tomatoes, a very light-demanding variety. This was the problem Philippe Martail was seeking to solve in order to obtain the same fruit quality and yield throughout his greenhouse.
The need for a specialized solution for shaded chapels
Philippe had initially considered an HPS solution. But the heat generated by the lamps created a new problem, with temperature inequalities within the greenhouse. Added to this was the fact that sodium lamps consumed twice as much electricity, which finally discouraged the Breton producer.
Following a recommendation from a fellow grower, Philippe contacted RED Horticulture and met with the sales team, who recommended the specific solution for shaded chapels.
Two RED SENSE PAR sensors were installed in the greenhouse. The first in a reference zone in the middle of the greenhouse, and the second in the shaded area to calculate the light deficit. The MyRED application calculates the right compensation, which is applied by the RED T 600 luminaires.
Immediate benefits of the solution
The effects of artificial light on the crop are visible after just a few days. In particular, the color of the leaves was darker, and the plants were tighter and stopped wilting.
“I was quickly convinced because the benefits were visible just a few days after installation. If in the future I wish to modify my production objectives on this chapel, I can call on the RED agronomists to modify the light strategy.”
A problem common to many producers
RED Horticulture is well aware of the difficulties that growers encounter with shaded chapels, and has developed a specific offer that can be adapted to all crops and all types of greenhouse. The RED solution focuses on the light parameter to ensure maximum homogeneity throughout the greenhouse.
