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Influence of light intensity and supplemental UV on biomass production, morphology and specialized metabolites of medicinal cannabis

About two years ago, Dutch Lighting Innovations introduced the DLI CRI Series UV 150W grow-light, except it's not a growlight. It's a supplemental full-spectrum light source aimed at increasing Terpene and Cannabinoid levels in cannabis production. "We already know UV has positive effects on the Cannabis plant, but not exactly to what extent," the team explains. "Many customers who were early adopters of the technology came back with fantastic results, but there has yet to be much science on the topic." This is why DLI commissioned the University of Wageningen to do a trial.

The Solar Noon lamp used in the UV fixture is a specially developed full-spectrum UV lamp that emits around 280m (UV-C) but only emits a few photons at these short wavelengths. It only emits around 0.3% UV-B, but it outputs about 25% of its energy in UV-A. Since it's a full-spectrum light source, it also adds some visible wavelengths and a bit of far-red.

"We received some outstanding results through COAs obtained by our customers, comparing the UV-grown product with the original production without UV," the team continues. "On average, they see an increase of around 20-35% Terpenes and around 10-15% increase in Cannabinoids; across the board, the overall ratio in the terpene and cannabinoid profiles seem to stay much the same. We wanted to verify this ourselves and help science, too, so we commissioned the study."

The trial was conducted in a controlled environment at the research lab in Wageningen, using eight identical square meter set-ups. Two distinct light levels (1000 and 1500 micromol/m2/s) were employed, along with the UV/no UV variable. This experimental design, with each treatment option having a double in the experiment, ensured the reliability of the results. The University conducted light measurements to maintain equal treatments, and plant samples were taken periodically for analysis and data collection.

"From the market, we've seen and heard quite a bit of variability in results, strain-dependent or otherwise. This study has been on only one cultivar, Original Blitz. In the end, the University's findings are in line with the results we hear from customers. At harvest, there are somewhere between 20-35% more terpenes and 10-15% more cannabinoids."

More benefits have been noticed other than just increasing the secondary metabolites; cell walls become stronger from the UV treatment, reducing pest and mold risks. It shouldn't be surprising; plants have evolved outdoors for millions of years with UV. When it comes to grow rooms, these are ideal representations of the outdoor environment. It's always a nice warm sunny day. UV is the only part from that nice day that generally cannot be found in a grow room. "That's why we made the DLI CRI Series UV 150W to perfect the climate, increase plant health and quality, and increase ROI for our customers."

Click here to download the full whitepaper from Wageningen University.

For more information:
Dutch Lighting Innovations
The Netherlands
+31 (0)492 264309
[email protected]
dutchlightinginnovations.com

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