Author: Fadi Al-Daoud

December, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Summary

Leamington-Kingsville and Vineland received approximately 1/3 less light in December than November.

The average DLI for the month of ­­­­­December, 2025 for Leamington/Kingsville was 10 moles/m2/day. The maximum DLI was 18.1 recorded on December 4th, and the minimum DLI was 2 recorded on December 26th.

The average DLI for the month of ­­­­­December, 2025 for Vineland was 7.9 moles/m2/day. The maximum DLI was 14.7 recorded on December 5th, and the minimum DLI was 1.8 recorded on December 26th.

Listen to the monthly DLI radio report (below) that airs on the second Tuesday of every month on Country 92.9 during the agriculture show at noon.

Background

We mounted a daily light integral (DLI) meter on the border of Leamington and Kingsville, Ontario, in 2024, and another DLI meter at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in Vineland, Ontario, in 2025 to give greenhouse producers in those areas access to readily available light data.

Continue reading “December, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data” →

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You and Your Bumblebees!

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

The Importance of Monitoring Natural UV Light Levels in Your Greenhouse

Authors: Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud1, Sharon Kitur1, and Dr. Caroline Strang2

1 Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), Harrow, Ontario

2 Department of Biology, Western University, London, Ontario

Summary

Most Ontario greenhouse producers monitor light levels outside and inside their greenhouses to optimize their growing conditions for maximum yield. This article discusses how ultraviolet (UV) light levels inside greenhouses are affected by greenhouse coverings, and how this may impact bumblebees used for pollination of many greenhouse fruit and vegetable crops. It demonstrates how monitoring natural UV light levels inside greenhouses can benefit producers and allow them to make more informed decisions about their production practices.

Continue reading “What You Can’t See Can Hurt You and Your Bumblebees!” →

November, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Background

We mounted a daily light integral (DLI) meter on the border of Leamington and Kingsville, Ontario, in 2024, and another DLI meter at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in Vineland, Ontario, in 2025 to give greenhouse producers in those areas access to readily available light data.

Continue reading “November, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data” →

New XLerate Energy Program from IESO

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is pleased to announce the official launch of XLerate.

This redesigned program replaces the previous Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (IEEP) and is part of the IESO’s ongoing commitment to support Ontario’s industrial (greenhouse and all agriculture are considered industrial), municipal, institutional, and healthcare sectors in achieving large-scale, impactful energy efficiency improvements.

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October, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Background

We mounted a daily light integral (DLI) meter on the border of Leamington and Kingsville, Ontario, in 2024, and another DLI meter at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in Vineland, Ontario, in 2025 to give greenhouse producers in those areas access to readily available light data.

Continue reading “October, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data” →

September, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Background

We mounted a daily light integral (DLI) meter on the border of Leamington and Kingsville, Ontario, in 2024, and another DLI meter at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) in Vineland, Ontario, in 2025 to give greenhouse producers in those areas access to readily available light data.

Continue reading “September, 2025 DLI and PPFD Data” →

Excellence in Ag Award Nominations Open Until September 12, 2025

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

Do you know someone making an impact in Ontario’s agri-food sector? Nominations are now open for the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards! These awards recognize the individuals and organizations that are driving excellence, sustainability and long-term competitiveness in Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry.  

Continue reading “Excellence in Ag Award Nominations Open Until September 12, 2025” →