The importance of blue light in horticultural LEDs
As we saw before, the light spectrum diffused is important in the plants growth. Plants also benefit differently from each color composing the light spectrum. The most interesting colors for horticulture are red and blue, these are the colors that target the receptors, active pigments in photosynthesis. But what are the effects of blue light in horticultural LED ?
Plants under LED lightings
The role of cryptochromes in plant growth
Plants capture blue light through cryptochromes, pigments absorbing blue and acting as intermediaries in the growth of the plant depending on photoperiod and lighting.
When the plant is strongly exposed to blue light, this photoreceptor is blocking the production of auxins, a hormone directly responsible for the root growth and stems of the plant. Auxin also regulates the phenomenon of « apical dominance, » which means the fact that the central stem is larger than the lateral stem. Exposure to blue light will result in producing more lateral stems and a lower growth of the main stem. The plant is thus smaller and larger, a conclusion found by some studies on Seedlings.
The blue also impacts the stomata of plants, orifices which can be considered as the pores of the plant, most often found under the leaves. They function as the lungs of the plant by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen and water, thus controlling gas exchange and photosynthesis. The stomata open in the morning and close as the day progresses. Blue light increases the opening of the stomata, stimulates the plant metabolism and accelerates their growth.
The precautions to be observed in the contribution in blue light
It must be diffused in harmony with the red light. Although it is of crucial importance in its development, it is nevertheless necessary to carefully regulate its contribution. Indeed, too much intake of blue light could saturate the receptors of the plant and cause anomalies in its growth, side effects very often.
The recommended red / blue ratio is usually 5/1, but be aware that this will depend primarily on your growth objectives and the type of plants you want to grow. You can also discover the interest of blue light in the culture of Microalgae and Spirulina.
The Horticoled team can accompany you in all your project culture. From simple greenhouse cultivation, to automated multi-layer cultivation according to your farming goals and budgets.
