Control plant growth with acoustically amplified light

The ParXtra-booster makes it possible to stimulate four crucial light frequencies for the growth of the plant. In order to control the plant growth, it is possible with the basic type PX16A to switch each of these four frequencies on or off. With other models that are not yet in production, even more frequencies can be stimulated. Roy Visser: "For the first time, it is possible to really control the plant. Our tests show for example, that we can speed up or slow down the growth of the plant."

According to the developers, the box is best positioned about three meters above the crop. It is also possible to place the device between the crops. The boxes are controlled via a climate computer. The connection is wired. Visser: "If a lamp does not work, you'll notice that. With the ParXtra booster you cannot see the vibrations and also we do not really believe in wireless connections in greenhouses."

The device uses about 3 watts of electricity and, depending on the type of crop, on average 200 boxes are hung per hectare. When it turns out that a grower, while maintaining the same production level, requires fewer lamps, the booster can also lead to a considerable energy saving. The grower who has reached its maximum lamp capacity, can increase the light and heat level with the booster and, according to ParXtra, still save up to 20 per cent on artificial light. The developers expect that even better results will be possible with other models.