Do horticultural LEDs increase terpene production?
The real question is whether cultivation under horticultural LED promotes production of terpenes. Horticultural LED panels make it possible to diffuse a light spectrum favoring photosynthesis, in addition to impacting the photo-morphogenesis and to manage the photoperiod with a timer.
But does this affect the amount of terpenes produced by your plants?
What is a terpene?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds of plants that contribute to their odor and taste. These molecules are the main components of essential oils and are often used in food additives, perfumery or aromatherapy. Think of lavender, pine, citrus or mint. All these particular odors are the basis of the terpenes, respectively beta-pinene, limonene and linalool.
Terpenes mostly define the organoleptic profile of your plants. A plant without terpene or with a degraded terpene production will suffer from lower sensory quality.
Terpenes also have intrinsic effects (anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-pain), synergistic or modulatory effects of other molecules (Improvement of skin penetration by other molecules in cosmetics, To the neurotransmitter in phytopharmaceuticals).
Finally, what our grandmother used to say about her infusions is today scientifically verified!
Aromatic plants
Effect of horticultural LEDs on terpenes
Good light management will result in a normal terpene production. But can horticultural LEDs increase the odorant molecule production?
Very little scientific research has been done on this subject. One study sought to measure the CO2 and LED combined effects on the accumulation of terpenes in the roots of a chrysanthemum variety. The comparison was, however, made between two different light spectra, one red-blue 8: 2, and the other red-blue 6: 4. The conclusion was that the combination of 20% blue and 80% red favored the terpene production.
Horticulturists who have switched to LED system notice two things:
- Since the heat emitted by LEDs is lower than a conventional HPS system, the cultivation chamber temperature is lower as well. This contributes to a lesser degradation of terpenes which are very sensitive to heat, and are therefore more preserved under LED lighting.
Indeed, a terpene is a very volatile molecule. Some evaporates at room temperature.
- Horticultural LEDs make it possible to select the spectrum of light they diffuse. With fine adjustments and suitable for planting, plants flourish further and produce terpenes in the best conditions.
Science has not yet fully answered the question, there are still tracks to explore, but experience has spoken!
The Horticoled team can accompany you in all your project culture. From simple greenhouse cultivation, to automated multi-layer cultivation according to your farming goals and budgets.
