As greenhouse professionals gather today at the OHCEAC Conference at The Ohio State University, Philips Horticulture LED Solutions is playing a key role as an official sponsor, focusing on the importance of collaboration between science, academia, and the commercial horticulture sector.
Ahead of the event, Philips Senior Plant Specialist Amos Bassi shares what growers and researchers can expect from the company's presence, along with his own focus on one of the industry's most dynamic and challenging areas: LED lighting in propagation.
"Propagation under LED is both technically complex and critically important for the success of the full crop cycle. This is where the foundation is set, and lighting choices here can have long-term impacts on crop quality and efficiency."
Joining Amos at the conference is fellow Plant Specialist Michelle Montgomery. Together, they aim to engage with researchers and industry professionals to exchange ideas, understand current challenges, and explore potential collaborations.
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From curiosity to core technology
Reflecting on the industry's evolution, Amos notes how LED lighting has transformed from an emerging technology into an essential component of modern greenhouse operations.
"When I started in this space, LEDs were more of a novelty. Now they're a must-have. But what hasn't changed is the importance of science and people, as sharing knowledge to help growers succeed."
Philips Horticulture LED Solutions has been focusing on research, partnerships, and practical fieldwork, and the company has helped shape how LED lighting is integrated across all stages of crop production, especially in propagation.
Addressing real-world questions
As LED technology matures, Amos sees a shift in the types of questions growers are asking.
"The conversation isn't about whether LEDs work, it's about how to make them work best in your specific setup."
At the conference, Amos plans to focus on common grower concerns such as how to adapt propagation protocols under LED lighting, selecting the most effective light spectrum for different crops, managing the impact of lighting on climate, crop scheduling, and performance, and exploring full or partial indoor propagation strategies.
These are not just theoretical questions. They're part of the daily dialogue Amos and his colleagues have with growers around the world, supported by data and research from Philips' GrowWise Research Center in Eindhoven.
"At GrowWise, we simulate greenhouse and vertical farm conditions to study crop responses under controlled environments. This allows us to provide evidence-based recommendations that growers can implement with confidence."
Helping growers navigate the LED transition
For many, propagation is the entry point into full-LED systems, but transitioning from traditional lighting comes with questions and risks. Amos emphasizes the importance of viewing LED not as a standalone product, but as a key crop input that must be integrated with other environmental controls.
"Propagation is where uniformity, root quality, and timing are determined. Getting the lighting right at this stage is essential. And that means understanding not just the light itself, but how it interacts with irrigation, temperature, and scheduling."
Through ongoing support, Philips aims to help growers optimize lighting strategies based on their specific crops, goals, and infrastructure, whether it's in a retrofit scenario or a new build.
Building a collaborative future
Amos believes the next chapter in LED innovation will be shaped by stronger collaboration between academia, technology providers, and growers.
"There's so much value in events like OHCEAC. They give us a space to connect with researchers, hear what's happening in the lab, and make sure that our solutions are aligned with what growers actually need in practice."
For Amos, it's this connection between science and applied horticulture that continues to drive his passion.
"Technology evolves, but the real power comes from shared knowledge. That's what helps growers adapt, innovate, and thrive."
Explore the GrowWise Research Center
For more information:
Signify
Amos Bassi
amos.bassi@signify.com
www.philips.com/horti