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Harnessing the Power of UV Lights: A Game-Changer in Plant Growth and Protection

March 06 2024 – Danielle Daly

Harnessing the Power of UV Lights: A Game-Changer in Plant Growth and Protection
Harnessing the Power of UV Lights: A Game-Changer in Plant Growth and Protection

🚨 PM Studies: A Glimpse into the Future

In the realm of agriculture, the battle against powdery mildew (PM), bugs, and bacteria has long been a challenge for growers. However, a revolutionary solution is emerging on the horizon—UV lights. This technology is not only transforming outdoor cultivation but also revolutionizing indoor growing practices.

🍿 For Indoor Growers: A Game-Changing Innovation

Imagine a light capable of combating PM, reducing microbial presence (passing testing standards), mitigating pests, and simultaneously enhancing the overall quality of your plants. This isn't just a vision of the future; it's a reality unfolding before us. With the imminent launch of our 10-bar system equipped with three plant-enhancing channels, indoor growers are poised to experience a paradigm shift in cultivation practices. Alternatively, dive into our clearance sale offering UV lights for testing, with limited stock remaining.

Unlocking the Power of UV: Lessons from Research

Over the past few years, we've meticulously documented studies highlighting the efficacy of UV lights in battling PM and other pests, consistently yielding promising results. A pivotal discovery, first published by Cornell University, underscores the importance of utilizing UV during the night when PM's defense mechanisms are dormant. Our recommendation: integrate UV exposure 10 minutes to 1 hour before lights turn on, minimizing disruption to the photoperiod. For instance, when transitioning to the flowering stage, incorporate UV exposure for the initial 30 minutes, followed by the standard 12/12 light cycle. Notably, plants thrive under a 13/11 light cycle, a fact supported by our research findings.

Preventative Measures: Promoting Plant Health

Beyond its efficacy in combatting existing issues, UV technology offers a proactive approach to plant health management. Even in the absence of PM, the application of UV light fosters remarkable plant vitality. Whether attributed to the additional blue spectrum or the unseen elimination of microbes and PM, growers consistently report enhanced plant vigor. While quantifying this effect may pose challenges, empirical observations align with academic research, reinforcing the profound benefits of UV integration. It's essential to underscore that while UV lights may not entirely eliminate problems, they serve as a potent tool for reducing existing issues and preemptively safeguarding plant health.

Our goal is to design a lightweight system with clear spectrum goals that enhance plant quality, morphology, and growth.

In essence, as we continue to unlock the potential of UV technology, it's evident that its integration represents a pivotal stride towards sustainable and resilient agriculture. By harnessing the power of UV lights, growers can cultivate healthier plants, mitigate risks, and pave the way for a more bountiful harvest. Join us in embracing this transformative journey towards a greener, more productive future.

Harnessing the Power of UV Light for Healthier Plants

The use of UV light in horticulture has become an increasingly popular method to enhance plant quality and combat pests. Understanding the optimal ways and times to use UV light can make a significant difference in the health and productivity of your garden. Here's a detailed guide on how UV light can be a valuable tool in your cultivation toolkit.

When to Use: Last 2-3 Weeks of Flowering

During the final stages of flowering, specifically the last 2-3 weeks, UV light can be used to stress plants in a beneficial way. This stress triggers the plant's natural defense mechanisms, leading to increased production of terpenes and THC. These compounds not only improve the quality and potency of the plant but also enhance its aromatic profile.

Why Use UV Light at the End?

UV light can be damaging to plant cells, similar to how it affects human skin. If used too early or too intensely, it can reduce overall yield by harming the plants. However, during the last stages of flowering, after the bulking stage, the potential reduction in yield is outweighed by the significant increase in quality. This period allows the plants to fully develop their structures before being subjected to UV-induced stress.

Fighting Pests with UV Light

When to Use:

  • Powdery Mildew (PM): UV light is particularly effective against powdery mildew because the defensive mechanism of PM shuts down at night. To combat this, it is recommended to use UV light for 30 minutes immediately after lights out and again for 30 minutes just before lights on. This timing ensures that the UV treatment does not interfere with the plant's flowering cycle.

  • Mites and Thrips: For these pests, UV light must directly hit them to be effective. Although plants can indirectly fend off these pests by increasing their production of terpenes and flavonoids, which act as natural repellents, direct UV exposure is crucial for immediate pest control.

Important Considerations:

  • Safety: UV light can be harmful to humans and animals. Always use protective gear and ensure that the growing area is not accessible to people or pets during UV exposure.

  • Intensity and Duration: Overexposure to UV light can damage plants. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase based on the plant's response. Monitoring plant health and adjusting as necessary is key.

UV Light: A Tool, Not a Silver Bullet

While UV light is a powerful tool in horticulture, it's not a cure-all solution. It should be used in conjunction with other integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and quality enhancement techniques. Here are a few additional tips:

  • Combine with Other Methods: Use UV light alongside proper sanitation, biological controls, and other treatments for a comprehensive pest management plan.

  • Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check your plants for signs of stress or damage from UV exposure and adjust the intensity and duration accordingly.

  • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest research and best practices for using UV light in horticulture to continually improve your approach.

By understanding the correct application of UV light and integrating it thoughtfully into your gardening practices, you can enhance the quality of your plants and effectively manage pests, leading to healthier, more productive gardens.

Cornell 217 page study:

https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/bb26655a-79c5-4239-8b35-28aadf8469cf/content

Several of the fungicides tested in this study were effective in reducing hemp powdery mildew disease severity in both 2020 and 2021 (Figure 3.2). In both years, the conventional fungicide azoxystrobin was the most effective in reducing disease severity compared to the untreated control (p <0.05). Potassium silicate (Sil-MATRIX), BaD747 (Double Nickel) and the treatment alternating Bmj (LifeGard) and BaD747 (Double Nickel) also significantly reduced disease severity in both years (p<0.05). The was a reduction in disease in plots treated with Bmj (LifeGard) in both years numerically but was not statistically lower than the untreated control.

Simon Fraser Study from Canada

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347321566_Evaluation_of_disease_management_approaches_for_powdery_mildew_on_Cannabis_sativa_L_marijuana_plants/fulltext/6094cb31a6fdccaebd11f843/Evaluation-of-disease-management-approaches-for-powdery-mildew-on-Cannabis-sativa-L-marijuana-plants.pdf?origin=publication_detail&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uRG93bmxvYWQiLCJwcmV2aW91c1BhZ2UiOiJwdWJsaWNhdGlvbiJ9fQ

 

 

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