Photosynthesis is the engine for the plant's growth, and is highly dependent on light. The intensity of sunlight on a leaf can be very different from minute to minute. Earlier research (WUR) in tomato shows that with a rapid transition from little to a lot of light, it takes more than 10 minutes before the photosynthesis is at the level that is possible at that high intensity. This retardation is not constant, but is dependent on a couple of factors, such as light levels, CO2, temperature, and air humidity. Model calculations show that without retardation, photosynthesis could be at least 10% higher throughout the year.
The goal of this project is increasing the use of (sun)light by reducing retardation of photosynthesis, by intelligently turning on and off of LED lighting, in interactions with set points for CO2, temperature, and air humidity. This can highly increase photosynthesis during short periods of high light intensity. Energy can be saved by turning off the lights during and directly after the period of high light intensity: the light utilization is remarkably low during this time.
The three-year project consists of the following 4 work packages:
The three-year project consists of the following 4 work packages:
1. Screening of the various crops: retardation is determined for 5 crops. The tomato, cucumber, rose, chrysanthemum, and a pot plant are considered as choices, and for each crop multiple varieties are under consideration.
2. Retardation of photosynthesis in relation to climate factors: For one of the crops the retardation of photosynthesis will be determined under different climate circumstances, and a simulation model for retardation of photosynthesis will be made.
3. Sensor for retardation of photosynthesis: a methodology will be developed to use existing fluorescence sensors to monitor the retardation of photosynthesis. Also, the simulation model from work package 2 will be coupled to the sensor to determine the retardation continuously and to indicate how the efficiency of light utilization can be improved by adjusting lighting (and climate).
4. Testing of energy efficient lighting strategy: a standard lighting regime will be compared to a strategy that takes retardation of photosynthesis into account.
Philips is contributing €21,000 to this project. Wageningen University will enter this proposal at NWO/TTW (Dutch organisation for Scientific Research). 2 postdoctoral researchers and a HBO researcher will be appointed to this project. The total project amount adds up to tons. A decision by NWO is expected sometime during the summer.
Source: Kas als Energiebron