Use of LED lighting for the control of diseases in crops

Scientific research and technological breakthroughs provide increasingly detailed applications of light in cultivation. By playing with light, energy is saved, and both yield and resistance against disease increases. LED lighting has been in the spotlights in recent years. Not only does this technique make for energy-efficient, attractive lighting in the living room, there is also much interest in the use of LED in horticulture. Here too, LED is of interest because of energy saving, and as such can be an alternative to chemical growth inhibitors. A new application being explored is the use of (LED) lighting for the control of diseases in crops.

Mildew

A notorious plant disease is the fungus mildew. Several studies therefore focus on combating mildew with light. This can vary from the inhibition of growth using different forms of light and the killing of fungi with UV-light, to increasing the resistance of the plant with red light. Although none of these treatments could completely solve the problem individually, the results are encouraging enough to merit further investigation. Light recipes may in the future make a significant contribution to pest management using fewer chemicals.

Diffuse light and LED

Of course, the primary function of light is to make plants grow. Therefore, there is on-going research into the optimal quantity and quality of light, without too much energy consumption and associated cost increase. Important developments are the application of diffuse (matte) glass. Diffuse light is better distributed among the crops, making it reach a larger leaf surface with larger revenues as a result. Another development is a hybrid exposure system, in which LED exposure is combined with SON-T to bring light deeper into the crop.

Source: GroenKennisnet