Voltiris completes successful strawberry agronomy trial at Proefcentrum Hoogstraten

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Cooler plants and larger berries later in the season

The trial was carried out across two 500 m² compartments—one equipped with 72 Voltiris modules and one reference—using everbearing strawberries through an exceptionally dark autumn. The modules filtered heat-causing NIR radiation while transmitting full PAR light, keeping plants up to 5°C cooler during sunny periods. This reduction in heat stress improved crop balance, slowed premature ripening, and allowed berries more time to size.

As a result, the Voltiris compartment achieved a 7-day delay in mid-harvest, flattening production peaks and shifting fruit volume into November—a period associated with higher berry prices. Production curves showed a more stable season with meaningful catch-up later in the year.

A validated solution backed by strong project results

The PCH trial clearly demonstrates the impact of reducing heat stress on strawberry production. By lowering plant temperatures while maintaining full PAR light, the Voltiris modules created a more balanced crop development throughout the season. This led to a 7-day delay in mid-harvest, shifting production into a period with structurally higher market prices.

The benefits were reflected directly in fruit size distribution. The Voltiris compartment produced significantly larger berries, with a 26% increase in the Large 2A category and a 25% reduction in small fruit. The overall production curve became more stable, and the improved class distribution resulted in higher value per kilogram and a 4% increase in total turnover.

The trial confirms that targeted heat reduction, without sacrificing light, can meaningfully improve strawberry size and profitability. At PCH, Voltiris showed that managing heat is not only a climate adaptation strategy, but a practical economic advantage for growers.