Over the past eighteen months, P.L. Light Systems has been running a series of lighting trials in partnership with JC Green, a southern Ontario-based indoor cannabis cultivator. The purpose of these ongoing trials is to gain an evidence-based understanding between cannabis cultivation, light intensity, and light spectrum.
The light environment
Cannabis is a plant adapted to the outdoors, with high irradiance levels and temperature. Light is one of the most important environmental factors that impact plant growth and development, as it exerts a wide range of effects on photosynthesis and plant photomorphogenesis. Light is essential for photosynthesis and provides energy for plants to convert CO2 and water into sugars and oxygen.
Elements of the light environment that affect plant growth and development are light quality, intensity, and duration. Understanding how these factors affect the growth of your crop can help influence many environmental decisions within your growing operation.
Trial objective
When it comes to making the right luminaire choice for your indoor grow, the decision can often be challenging. While many growers are familiar with the reliable and proven HPS luminaire, there's also the consideration of exploring alternatives like a hybrid LED-HPS system or a full LED system. The question arises: how do these systems stack up in terms of maximizing your indoor cultivation? Furthermore, delving into the realm of LEDs, another question is determining the ideal spectrum— how can you discern the most suitable spectrum for your specific needs? P.L. Light Systems has published the results of the first phase of a study, during which various strains of cannabis were subjected to different light treatments, including full HPS, a hybrid LED-HPS system, and full LED installations—using both P.L. Light Systems' RWMB (red white medium-blue) spectrum and a Daylight (white) spectrum. The objective was to draw comparisons and contrasts in plant performance. The insights derived from these results were then used to assess the impact of luminaire selection and spectrum on cannabis production, yield, and potency.
"P.L. Light Systems is very proud to have JC Green as a key research and innovation partner," stated Todd Phillips, president of P.L. Light Systems. "Their science-led approach to producing the highest possible quality of cannabis and their commitment to continually pushing the envelope in terms of research and innovation in their cultivation facility are the key reasons for their ongoing success at a time when so many other cannabis producers are struggling."
