By Faridat Salifu
Tomatoes, one of the world’s most consumed crops, may soon be produced in ways that bypass the limitations of weather, sunlight, and soil.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have shown that large and cherry tomatoes can be cultivated under energy-efficient LED lighting in fully controlled environments.
The study, published in HortScience, expands the scope of artificial light plant factories, which until now were considered suitable mainly for leafy greens.
Associate Professor Wataru Yamori, who led the research, said the breakthrough demonstrates how plant factories can provide stable harvests despite climate extremes.
“Plant factories are resilient to droughts, floods and heat waves that increasingly disrupt traditional farming,” Yamori explained. “They can be built in deserts, cities, or one day even in space.”
Tomato production faces growing pressure as the crop requires high levels of light and water, making it vulnerable in regions hit by climate change.
Traditional greenhouses extend the growing season but remain reliant on natural sunlight, which limits consistency in areas with poor conditions.
Artificial light factories powered by LEDs provide an alternative by eliminating dependence on sunlight and reducing transport needs through local production.
In their trial, the researchers developed separate lighting setups for large-fruited and cherry tomato varieties, running the experiment for a full year.
Large tomatoes grown under overhead LEDs produced slightly lower yields than greenhouse crops but contained more vitamin C.
Cherry tomatoes exceeded expectations, delivering equal yields to greenhouse production but with better quality and earlier fruiting.
The results suggest that energy-efficient LEDs can transform tomatoes from a crop seen as unsuitable for plant factories into one that thrives in enclosed systems.
Food systems experts say this approach could help cities secure fresh produce while reducing carbon footprints associated with long-distance transport.
Urban farms and vertical farming projects are likely to be the first adopters, particularly in regions where land is scarce or weather is unpredictable.
The researchers noted that production costs remain high, but advances in renewable energy and wider adoption of LED technology could reduce expenses over time.
“LED-grown tomatoes offer consistency and nutrients year-round,” Yamori said. “With continued improvements, they may one day match or surpass greenhouse crops in taste.”
Beyond urban markets, scientists see opportunities for extending the method to extreme environments, including deserts and even experimental projects on the moon or Mars.
The development signals a broader shift in agricultural strategies, as researchers look to technology-driven systems to strengthen global food security.
