FINKA, a tomato producer in San Juan, Mexico, recognized an opportunity to optimize their yields by closing a 3.5 kg/m² harvest gap. Despite the extensive expertise of the grower pinpointing inefficiencies and testing out different strategies in a live cropping season is akin to a dangerous guessing game. To uncover the most impactful adjustments, FINKA needed a structured approach to data-driven decision-making rather than relying on trial and error.
Partnering with SERA for a deep data dive
To get to the bottom of the issue, FINKA teamed up with SERA Intelligence. The goal? Uncover the hidden inefficiencies and pinpoint the strategic adjustments that could unlock Finka's full yield potential.
SERA used a macro-to-micro analytical approach, systematically dissecting FINKA's historical tomato cycle data.
Using Light Use Efficiency (LUE) as a key performance indicator, they broke the cycle into five distinct phases, zooming in on periods where yield dropped below expectations.
Photo right: FINKA San Antonio: Florin Munteanu, Darek Blajer and Cristian Anastasiu
Through this methodical deep dive, the team eliminated common assumptions and zeroed in on critical moments of plant stress that had been overlooked.
The Breakthrough: misalignments in climate strategy
One key finding stood out: FINKA's misting strategy and screening strategy were misaligned, leading to unnecessary plant stress. In low radiation periods, the greenhouse followed a strict Radiation-Temperature Ratio (RTR) strategy, which didn't account for humidity buildup. This created high internal humidity, reducing transpiration and plant activity. In high radiation periods, rapid increases in sunlight combined with a suboptimal misting and screening approach led to overheating and stomatal closure—limiting photosynthesis and reducing fruit weight.
From identification to action: fixing the gaps in real-time
SERA didn't just diagnose the issue—they are now working with FINKA to prevent these inefficiencies moving forward using a system of alerts monitoring the data.
A new trial is currently underway, where real-time metrics on plant stress, efficiency, and yield performance are being closely monitored. By making data-driven adjustments in misting, venting, and screening, FINKA can respond dynamically to climate variations and maximize production efficiency.
Data as the key to continuous improvement
FINKA's case underscores an important lesson for greenhouse growers: small inefficiencies, when compounded over an entire cycle, can create significant yield gaps. However, with structured data analysis, real-time monitoring, and targeted adjustments, these gaps can be closed.
By leveraging data for precision growing, FINKA is not only set to recover its missing 3.5 kg/m²—but also to establish a more resilient and high-performing growing strategy for future cycles.
For more information:
Sera.ag
Florin Munteanu - Co-founder & CRO
florin@SERA.ag 
+40722674911
www.SERA.ag
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