INNOFLORENERG Project with the Scientific Contribution of the Institute of Crop Science of Sant’Anna School. Innovative Technologies for More Sustainable Floriculture
The Institute of Crop Science of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is among the scientific partners of INNOFLORENERG – Technological Innovations for Energy-Efficient Greenhouse Floriculture Production, a project funded by the Liguria Region and coordinated by Florcoop Sanremo. The project aims to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of Ligurian floriculture enterprises by introducing technological solutions that improve productivity while reducing the environmental impact of greenhouse cultivation.
The project will run for 27 months, starting on July 1. Activities carried out by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies will be coordinated by Antonio Ferrante, Full Professor of Vegetable and Ornamental Crop Science. Other scientific partners include the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Pisa.
Through this project, an innovative experimental framework is being developed that, for the first time, integrates three key technologies: supplemental LED lighting tailored to crop requirements, automated irrigation based on the actual water needs of plants, and advanced strategies to mitigate abiotic stress.
This integrated approach 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 enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of Ligurian floriculture.
LED Lighting: Greater Efficiency, Lower Energy Consumption
During winter, natural radiation entering the greenhouse becomes a limiting factor for crop growth. The use of carefully selected LED lamps, tailored to the specific requirements of ornamental species, can increase production during periods of limited natural light, reduce energy consumption, and improve the quality of the final product.
The Institute of Crop Science of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies contributes advanced expertise in plant ecophysiology and precision instrumentation to determine crop light requirements and identify the most suitable lighting systems.
Technologies employed include a spectroradiometer, used to measure light quality within the greenhouse and leaf absorption spectra; a gas exchange measurement system (CIRAS), used to determine light saturation curves; and a portable fluorometer, used to assess light-use efficiency.
Automated Irrigation: Less Waste, Higher Quality
The introduction of automated irrigation systems based on the actual water requirements of plants makes it possible to reduce water consumption, limit nutrient losses through drainage, improve product quality and uniformity, and increase resilience to water and heat stress.
This innovation integrates seamlessly with supplemental lighting, creating a more efficient and sustainable cultivation system.
A Replicable Model for the Future of Floriculture
INNOFLORENERG represents an important step toward a more competitive, sustainable, and technologically advanced floriculture sector, capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change and rising energy costs.
Through the collaboration of the University of Pisa, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, and local floriculture companies, the project aims to develop replicable solutions that can be effectively transferred to the industry.
