The Influence of Spectrum and Photosynthesis of LED Grow Lights

The right spectrum of LED grow lights for houseplants is a key to planting success or failure. Due to the lack of research knowledge in plant and lighting, many LED grow lights suppliers lack professional research and the ability to apply it to actual products.

In this article, we will analyze the spectrum and how plants respond to light, as well as how the spectrum affects plant growth.

Ⅰ. What is the spectrum of LED grow lights?

The spectrum is the range of wavelengths produced by a light source. In terms of spectrum, light refers to the visible wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that people can see from 380-740 nanometers (nm). UV(100-400 nm), far-infrared (700-850 nm), and infrared (700-106 nm) wavelengths are called radiation.

As growers, we are most interested in wavelengths associated with plants. The wavelengths of plant detection include ultraviolet (260–380 nm) and the visible part of the spectrum (380–740 nm), which includes PAR (400–700 nm) and far-infrared radiation (700–850 nm).

Greenhouse and indoor environments differ when considering the spectrum of horticultural applications. In an indoor environment, the spectrum of LED grow lights will account for a proportion of the total spectrum received by crops. In a greenhouse, it must be taken into account that plants are receiving a combination of growing light and the solar spectrum.

The amount of each band a crop receives in each way has a significant impact on growth.

Ⅱ. How do plants react to light from LED grow lights?

Plants use light for photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy. Photomorphogenesis refers to how plants respond to the spectrum and change their growth.

An example of photomorphogenesis is a plant bends toward a light source. Light also affects the developmental stages of plants, such as germination and flowering.

The light range of plants mainly used for photosynthesis is 400–700 nm. This range is called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which includes the red, blue and green bands. Morphologies of LED grow lights occur in a wide range of approximately 260-780 nm, including UV and far-infrared radiation.

Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are the main photosynthetic pigments of plants. It is important to note that chlorophyll absorbs red light (600-700 nm) and blue light (400-500 nm) the most, and green light (500-600 nm) the least. Also, photosynthesis is a more complex process than simple chlorophyll absorption and involves other chemicals whose interactions with the spectrum are still well understood.

ENLITE ENERGY INC is the leader in full-spectrum LED grow lights, it specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of commercial-grade LED grow lights for indoor agriculture and greenhouses. We focus on the development and manufacture of green energy products so that we can provide our solutions to the world to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable future. If you have any needs, please feel free to consult us.