Sole source LED lighting controls oat and barley growth
The report entitled ‘Growth and development of cereals in a controlled environment with sole source LED lighting’ demonstrates the potential to cultivate staple foods in a closed environment anywhere in the world.
The aim of the study was to see how cereals grow under different light conditions, with emphasis on the effects far red light has on the crops’ development and flowering. The study was conducted at the University of Gothenburg, in a temperature-controlled growth cabinet. Heliospectra’s adjustable LED lighting system the LX60 Series was used as the light source. The crops were grown under two different LED light treatments, and their growth and development was monitored during the growth cycle. Growth parameters evaluated during the study were: plant structure, developing time, flowering time, grain quality and yield.
“Both oat and barley are two crops, many don’t believe can flower in an enclosed environment with LED grow lights as sole source. Given the importance of these crops, we wanted to demonstrate that this is not the case, and at the same time study the spectrums impact on the crop’s development. Our results show that both crops flower and grow well under the right lighting conditions. Even our ongoing studies on wheat look promising,” explained Daniel Bankestad, research and development engineer at Heliospectra AB.
According to the UN, the world population will reach 9.1 billion by 2050, and food production will have to increase by 70% by this time. With this comes the challenge to produce more food for more people, and a more urbanized population, without exploiting more resources such as land and water.
“Our results show that both the oat and barley grow and flower under the lighting conditions studied, but far red light seems to be beneficial, especially for oat. The results we received in the oat unit where far red was included – such as the number of seeds per panicle and seeds per mini ear – is remarkably good, and highlight the potential of this technology, for example, for seed production in a controlled environment,” said Johanna Lethin at Gothenburg University.
“The results of this study are encouraging and demonstrate the potential of modern LED lighting. The ability to cultivate staple foods such as oat, barley and wheat efficiently in a controlled environment anywhere in the world not only minimizes the use of water but also gives farmers the opportunity to avoid growing in contaminated soil and water,” said Staffan Hillberg, CEO Heliospectra.
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