Oct 31, 2016

LumiGrow Releases Research on Light Spectra’s Influence

LumiGrow Research, the research division of horticultural LED lighting manufacturer LumiGrow, released four new scientific posters that show how light spectra can influence plant characteristics and commercial production.

Research, conducted in partnership with commercial growers and universities, demonstrates the breakthrough capabilities of adjustable-spectrum LED lighting.

Key findings from the research include:

1. LED light can be used to heal grafted tomatoes with equal efficiency to cool white fluorescent lighting in a sole source lighting scenario. (View webpage)Byrtus J, Collado C, Sheets G, Yelton M, and Hernández R. Light emitting diodes as an alternative to cool white fluorescents for healing of grafted tomato transplants. Poster session presented at ASHS, 2016; Atlanta, Georgia.
2. Plant compactness and stem elongation normally achieved with Plant Growth Regulators in mini-rose production can also be attained using light spectra. Low blue light environments resulted in taller plants, while high blue environments resulted in more compact plants with equivalent fresh weights in mini-rose trials. (View webpage.)Holley J, Malain S, Schuster R, Siboli L, and Yelton M. Effects of adjustments to spectral ratios of supplemental LED lighting on miniature rose growth and morphology. Poster session presented at ASHS, 2016; Atlanta, Georgia.
3. A light level of 135 µmol•m-2•s-1 was determined optimal for growing cut gerbera from Nov. thru February at high altitudes using LumiGrow Pro 325 LED greenhouse fixtures. Accelerated flower development, hardier stems, increased chlorophyll content, and increased leaf count were all achieved with supplemental light for cut gerbera. (View webpage.)Llewellyn D, Schiestel K., Yelton M, Zheng Y. Searching for an optimum supplemental LED intensity for winter production of cut gerbera at northern latitudes. Poster session presented at ASHS, 2016; Atlanta, Georgia.
4. In a comparison of LumiGrow LED lighting versus a hybrid mix of Double-ended HPS and LED lighting, seven of twelve cannabis strains produced higher THCA levels under LED light, with three additional strains performing comparable to DE-HPS and LED hybrid lighting schemes. Cannabis THC and terpene production can be altered by using high blue LED light in the final 3 days of flowering. (View webpage.)

Hopper D, Wheatley M, Yelton M. Light as a growth variable: Spectral ratio tuning of cannabis spp. for quality and vigor. Poster session presented at ASHS, 2016; Atlanta, Georgia.