24 January 2019

A bright future ahead – The Expansion of Artificial Lighting in Cucumber High-Wire Cultivation

Nunhems launches High-wire White paper no. 3

The only way is up

The use of artificial lighting in horticulture has grown extensively in recent years and is expanding in nearly all greenhouse crops, most notably for tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. The reasons for this are manifold: It enables growers to ensure year-round supply, it leads to an increase in production and high product quality, and it responds to the demand for “local for local” products and a diversity of products.

In this third edition of the series of high-wire white paper entitled “A Bright Future Ahead - The Expansion of Artificial Lighting in Cucumber High-Wire Cultivation,” experts at BASF discuss the reasons for and the consequences of the use of artificial lighting in cucumber cultivation. They look at the technology, the solutions for cultivation, and
the developments in various cultivation areas around the world.

The main questions which are addressed in the white paper are:

  • What is the reason for installing artificial lighting? What is the effect of artificial lighting? What issues does artificial lighting give rise to?
  • What do other crops use?
  • What is the current situation in the various cultivation areas around the world?
  • What are the recent developments in artificial lighting?


As global ambassador in high wire cucumber cultivation and market leader in The Netherlands, BASF shares under the brand name Nunhems their long-term experience and expert knowledge. Their special series of white papers, ‘The Only Way is Up’, gives practical insights for experienced high wire growers and newcomers. Consultants, traders and retailers can also find valuable information as well as tips and tricks.

WHITE PAPER 3

A bright future ahead

The Expansion of Artificial Lighting in Cucumber High-Wire Cultivation

In this third white paper we discuss the reasons for and the consequences of the use of artificial lighting in cucumber cultivation. We look at the technology, the solutions for cultivation, and the developments in various cultivation areas around the world. 

Artificial lighting enables growers to ensure year-round supply, it leads to an increase in production and high product quality, and it responds to the demand for “local for local” products and a diversity of products. 

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2017, our division generated sales of €5.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF gener-ated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com

Last Update24 January 2019