Russian researchers presented an LED phytolamp with the function of selecting parameters for automatic processing of various types of plants, reports Press Service of the Ministry of Education and Science. With its help, it was possible to achieve an increase in lettuce yield by almost 60%. The work was carried out by employees of the St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University (SPbGETU) "LETI" subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.
“We have developed an LED phytolamp, for which it is possible to select parameters for automatic processing of various types of plants. For example, the wavelength and intensity of radiation, flux density have a huge impact on the growth and development of greenhouse plants. By varying the radiation regimes, as well as the types of illumination sources, it is possible to achieve the maximum disclosure of the genetic potential of agricultural crops and improve the necessary parameters of their development (germination, dry matter yield, taste characteristics, etc.),” says a postgraduate student of the Department of Photonics of St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” Maria Romanovich.
Phytolamps with tunable radiation modes were designed and created. Thanks to a user-friendly interface, the device allows you to fine-tune the lighting parameters of plants and perform additional illumination or complete replacement of the light source for a particular crop. In the future, special software will automate this process. The device also includes far red and ultraviolet LEDs, the radiation of which affects the color, aroma and taste of the grown crop. In addition, the developed phytoemitter is able to recognize the appearance of a person in the area of operation of the device and rearrange the lighting in such a way as to ensure safety for the eyes.
In addition, physicists from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" studied the effect of radiation in the short and long wavelength ranges of the spectrum on the growth and development of plants. Experiments on irradiation with light emitting diodes were carried out on samples of a widespread type of leaf lettuce. As a result, the optimal ratios of red and blue light depending on the stage of development were determined.
In the future, scientists plan to test the system directly in greenhouses. Research results published in one of the international scientific journals.