Technological innovations for low-energy greenhouse floriculture production (INNOFLORENERG)
CSR 2023-2027 Liguria - SRG01
Goals
The project aims to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of floricultural businesses in Liguria. The innovations to be introduced during the trial focus on managing abiotic stress and increasing autumn-winter production through the use of LED lamps for supplemental lighting. Carefully selecting lamps based on the crop's specific needs makes it possible to reduce energy consumption during the most challenging period, when natural radiation entering the greenhouse becomes a limiting factor.
Finally, the introduction of automated irrigation based on plant water requirements significantly enhances production quality and works synergistically with supplemental lighting, while also reducing the cultivation's environmental impact by lowering water consumption and the quantity of nutrients lost through drainage.
The project
INNOFLORENERG: technological innovations for low-energy greenhouse floriculture production
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies: scientific partner of the project funded by the Liguria Region.
The Ligurian floriculture sector is becoming a genuine laboratory for sustainable innovation. The INNOFLORENERG project—funded by the Liguria Region and focused on technological innovations for low-energy greenhouse flower production—is launching a trial that integrates three key technologies for the first time: LED supplemental lighting tailored to crop needs, automated irrigation based on actual plant requirements, and advanced strategies to mitigate abiotic stress.
This combination paves the way for a new greenhouse production model capable of increasing yields during the autumn and winter months, reducing energy and water consumption, and improving plant quality, thereby contributing to the competitiveness and resilience of the Ligurian floriculture sector.
A strategic project for the region
INNOFLORENERG, a 27-month project commencing on July 1st, is funded under the Liguria Region’s SRG01 call for proposals, "Support for Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability." The project is coordinated by Florcoop Sanremo, with the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (link newsletter) serving as the scientific partner through its Institute of Plant Production, under the supervision of Professor Antonio Ferrante. Another project partner is the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Pisa.
The goal is clear: to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Ligurian floriculture businesses by introducing technological solutions that improve productivity and reduce the impact of greenhouse cultivation.
LED lighting: greater efficiency, lower energy consumption
During winter, the natural radiation entering the greenhouse becomes a limiting factor. The use of LED lamps, carefully selected based on the needs of the flower species, makes it possible to:
- increase production during the months with less light
- reduce energy consumption
- improve the quality of the final product
The Institute of Plant Production at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies contributes advanced skills in plant eco-physiology and precision instrumentation to determine the radiation needs of crops and select the most suitable lamps.
Among the technologies used:
- spectroradiometer , to measure the quality of light in the greenhouse and the absorption spectrum of the leaves
- gas exchange meter (CIRAS) , to determine the light saturation curve
- portable fluorimeter , to evaluate the efficiency of light use
Automated irrigation: less waste, more quality
The introduction of automated irrigation systems based on the actual water needs of plants allows for:
- reduce water consumption
- limit the dispersion of nutrients with drainage
- improve production quality and uniformity
- aumentare la resilienza agli stress idrici e termici
This innovation integrates seamlessly with supplemental lighting, creating a more efficient and sustainable growing system.
A replicable model for the floriculture of the future
INNOFLORENERG represents an important step towards a more competitive, sustainable and technologically advanced floriculture , capable of facing the challenges posed by climate and energy costs.
Thanks to the collaboration between the University of Pisa, the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, and local floriculture companies, the project aims to generate replicable and transferable solutions for businesses, contributing to the growth and resilience of a key sector for Liguria's economy and identity.