In the world of greenhouse farming, even a task as routine as de-leafing cucumber plants holds the power to impact productivity and plant health. At Prism Farms in Leamington, Ontario, a commitment to innovation led to an ambitious collaboration with the University of Windsor to bring automation into one of the most labour-intensive parts of cucumber cultivation. By blending robotics with precision agriculture, Prism Farms is proving that even small changes—like removing a single leaf—can create ripple effects across an entire growing system.
Challenge:
Greenhouse cucumber production requires meticulous care, especially during de-leafing, a manual process that keeps plants healthy and maximizes yields. Labour shortages and rising labour costs have made this essential task increasingly difficult to sustain at scale.
Solution:
The team tested an autonomous robotic de-leafing system equipped with a mobile platform, intelligent vision, and a custom-designed end-effector. This technology enables precise and efficient removal of cucumber leaves without damaging the plants or interrupting greenhouse operations.
Impact:
The robotic system has the potential to drastically cut labour costs, improve crop health and consistency, and gather real-time data that can be used to refine growing practices. For Prism Farms, it’s a leap toward a smarter, more resilient future in sustainable food production.
This project was made possible by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, through the Niagara College-led Greenhouse Technology Network.
Visit Agriculture at UWindsor’s website to learn more about its resources and capabilities.
(Project #UW005)
