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In plant factories, plants are thriving: chlorophyll is actively engaged in photosynthesis, while carotenoids support it. Photosensins work to straighten the hypocotyl "hook" and regulate stem and leaf growth. These pigments play a crucial role in the overall development of plants.
It's well known that different plant species contain unique pigment compositions, each absorbing specific wavelengths of light. For example, chlorophyll primarily absorbs red and blue-violet light, while cryptochromes and photoreceptors respond mainly to blue light. This variation means that lighting companies must tailor their spectral ratios to match the specific needs of each plant type.
Different plant species have distinct spectral requirements. While a single spectrum may not be sufficient for all plants, the ratio of these spectra often follows a pattern. Zhu Ming, Marketing Director at Luminus China, suggests that for general plant growth and flowering, a basic ratio like 1:3:1 or 1:4:1 (450 nm: 660 nm: 730 nm) works well. For leafy greens such as lettuce, a simple 450 nm to 660 nm combination (1:4 or more) is usually enough. For flowering plants, he recommends adding white light to the spectrum.
Luo Tie, a R&D engineer at Yimeixinguang (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., adds that for precise optimization, smart grow lights with adjustable spectra are often used. These systems allow for accurate matching of light wavelengths.
In recent years, the discussion around plant lighting has grown increasingly intense, with many companies entering the market and introducing various types of plant growth lights. However, China’s LED plant lighting technology still faces challenges, including limited core technologies, difficulties in applying photobiological principles, and obstacles in the industrialization of LED light sources and intelligent control systems. High-precision spectral matching methods require further research and promotion.
Luo emphasizes that factors such as spectral matching, light intensity, and illumination duration all significantly impact plant growth. While light is just one of several essential elements—alongside temperature, water, and air—it remains the most critical component in terms of resolution.
Different parts of a plant have varying spectral needs. Senior engineer Zhang Qiang from Hongqiang Zhihui notes that besides considering plant species, it’s also important to account for the light requirements of different plant parts, such as roots, stems, and leaves.
A lack of blue light during plant growth can hinder root development. If blue light is missing, leafy plants may appear healthy on the surface but suffer from root underdevelopment, leading to a "malnourished" appearance. In some cases, the absence of blue light in the spectrum can be fatal for both roots and shoots.
When selecting the red light spectrum, rhizome plants should receive more red light and some infrared light. However, excessive infrared exposure can cause thinning of the roots.
LED packages are small and offer multiple wavelengths, making them ideal for plant lighting applications. They can be customized into various designs based on plant type, purpose, and growing conditions. Not only do they allow for flexible spectral ratios, but they also enable precise control of light intensity and total light output through the number of LEDs or electronic controls. Combined with high efficiency and long lifespan, these advantages make LEDs superior to traditional lighting solutions.
As more diverse plant species move into controlled environments, from vegetables and fruits to flowers and medicinal plants, the demand for tailored spectral solutions increases. This presents both challenges and opportunities for spectral research and development. Mastering core technologies and creating optimal light spectrums for different plants will be key for companies aiming to succeed in the competitive plant lighting industry.