All plants have the same essential needs: light, water, nutrients and CO2.
Light is the original source of energy for plant photosynthesis and growth. When the plants are grown outside, they are exposed to the sun, which offer a broad spectrum of UV rays – from ultraviolet to visible and infrared wavelengths. During photosynthesis, plants process and convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organisms’ activities.
Although infrared light is not visible, it also assists in the process of photosynthesis, providing the plants a small amount of heat radiation that stimulates the growth. Ultraviolet rays also play important roles in the growth and development of a plant. [1] . Light sends “signals” to the plants to make leaf mass, produce stems and flowers. Other factors such as temperature, humidity, and airflow contribute to optimal growth of the plant.
UV Grow Lights For Plants
What happens when plants are grown indoors like nurseries, greenhouses and vertical farms? . Growing plants indoors require controlled temperature, light, humidity and gases and natural light is often augmented with artificial light.
UV Grow Lights For Plants And The Advantage Of Pulsed Xenon Light (PXL)
1. PXL is as close as you can get to natural light
There are different types of ultraviolet C devices on the market: LED- UVC, low pressure mercury (LPM) lamps and the more advanced pulsed xenon light (PXL).
PXL light has a clear advantage over other UVC devices because it mimics natural sunlight, having a broad spectrum of wavelengths- from ultraviolet to visible to infrared light. LPM and LED- UVC on the other hand contain either one wavelength or a narrow spectrum of light, mostly based on portions of UVC spectrum only.
2. PXL promotes plant growth and enhances their nutrient content
Plants and vegetables grown using PXL technology are more nutrient rich. One study looked at the influence on this light on mushrooms. They found that exposure to PXL light caused mushrooms to increase vitamin D production, and thus boosting their nutritional value. Furthermore, a few more studies revealed that this vitamin D boost was achieved within a very short time period of 1–2 s (3–6 pulses) [2]. How much vitamin D can provide mushrooms exposed to UV light? According to another study, one serving of UV-B pretreated sliced oyster mushroom covered the weekly demand of vitamin D of an adult. [3]
3. PXL helps farmers save water and harvest their produce faster
Using uv light in vertical farming can be cost effective and overall profitable for farmers. “Basically, inside the system, every day is a summer day without a cloud in the sky,” says Vandecruys, the CEO of a company that creates UVC devices for vertical farms.
By growing plants indoors, the environment is well controlled and promotes rapid growth of plants and vegetables which are also nutrient rich. [4]
4. PXL UV light disinfection – effectively kills plant microbes
Just like humans, plants can also get infections with various bacteria, viruses and fungi. The UVC portion of the PXL light effectively kills or inactivates a wide range of microbes. Exposure to pulsed xenon light can help farmers grow disease free plants. Ideally the UV light disinfection treatments should start at the beginning of a plant’s life to help the plant defend itself against diseases and pest attacks while using water and nutrients from soil more efficiently- without the need of genetic modification, use of chemicals or other unnatural treatments.[5]
Safety notes: The dose of ultraviolet radiation is essential. Too little will not create the expected benefits,while too much (especially UV-B and UV-C rays) can be harmful for both plants and humans. That’s why you need expert advice before buying or using PXL.
IZAK Scientific offers custom design pulsed xenon light devices for nurseries, green houses and vertical farms. Are you interested? Email us today
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6191502/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213178/
3.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24295670/
4 https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170405-how-vertical-farming-reinvents-agriculture
Tzachi Sabati
CEO, IZAK Scientific
Physicist specializing in photonics and quantum technologies, with deep expertise in quantum sensors and advanced optical systems. Leads the Advanced Quantum Lab course at the Technion, bridging academic excellence with industry innovation. At IZAK Scientific, provides cutting-edge photonics-based solutions, developing customized inspection and sensing systems for R&D and production. Passionate about advancing quantum sensing applications and integrating novel technologies to meet industry needs.
