Three Ways a Programmable Spectrum Revolutionizes Growing
As the debate over spectrum continues, experts are turning to the latest advancement in crop steering: programmable spectrum LEDs. With the power to target development, control plant structure, influence cannabinoid and terpene content, and stay up to date with all the latest research, a programmable spectrum is the ultimate tool for expert cannabis cultivation. Revolution Microelectronics, the creators of the first programmable spectrum LEDs designed for cannabis cultivation, have compiled six reasons why they believe programmable spectrum is the way of the future.
1) Influencing Plant Architecture
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight and CO2 to grow. Just as crucial is photomorphogenesis; how plants use different wavelengths of light to understand and respond to their environment. Some common examples of photomorphogenesis are seen when plants lean toward light sources, change color or shape with the seasons, and know just when to flower so their seeds will germinate in the spring.
Plants gather information about their environment based on the spectrum of light around them, and cultivators can manipulate spectrum to inform the plant how to grow. For example, The Shade Avoidance response occurs when plants use the ratio of red to far red light they receive to tell they are in the shade, and stretch out as a result. This response is already being used by horticulturalists growing greens such as lettuce, where long leaves are the goal. For some plants, such as cannabis, a shorter, denser plant is more desirable. In this case, a spectrum heavier in blue should be used to inhibit elongation, shorten internal spacing and encourage branching. This is ideal for racking applications or rooms with limited height.
