Words and images by @SuperFunker.
Part 1, PAR
Photosynthesis is the photochemical process by which plants and other organisms use light to synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water. The spectral range of light that induces photosynthesis is called Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). PAR is defined as visible light that is measured from 400 to 700 nanometers (nm) and includes violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red light. Of these colors, violet to blue (400 to 500 nm) is associated with vegetating growth and orange to red (600 to 700 nm) is associated with flowering growth.
Although researchers are still working to fully understand plant absorption spectra, the Horticulture Industry has developed a general understanding of wavelengths that are critical for vigorous terrestrial growth:
- As is indicated by the absorption signature of Chlorophyll a and b, plants primarily absorb photons in the vegetating and flowering range of light.
- Carotenoids (Lutein, beta-Carotene, Lycopene, etc) are ancillary receptors that typically produce yellow and orange pigments in plants.
- Flavoproteins control plant functions like phototropism, stomata activity and circadian rhythm.
- Anthocyanin develops purple, blue and red pigments among some species and strains.
- Phytochrome Pr & Pfr control plant functions like flowering, germination and circadian rhythm.
Consumer Interpretation of PAR
If you're shopping for a full-spectrum grow light that can take your crop from seedling/clone to full maturity, there are a few general details you may want to consider:
- Horticulture light vendors should offer spectral images of their products. If a grow light company does not display genuine spectra or they provide clumsy cartoons, assume they are not truly serious about their grow light business.
- Ideally, a grow light should detail the PAR spectrum with a logical explanation of photosynthetic coverage. For example, the Zenith Bud Cultivator spectrum is complemented by a precise overlay of critical absorption spectra.
- The most effective full-spectrum grow lights are those that devote more energy to flowering than to vegetating. More orange and red light will cause stretching and promote the development of larger flowers.
- Absorption peaks need not be covered by a light in order to effectively grow plants. Rather, the adaptability of plants is such that they merely require solid coverage of their various photoreceptors. As is detailed by the Zenith Bud Cultivator graph, the strong vegetating signature effectively covers Chlorophyll a, b, Carotenoids and Flavoproteins.
- Although far-red (700 to 750 nm) is not part of the PAR spectrum, far-red significantly increases the rate of photosynthesis by inducing the Emerson Enhancement Effect.
- Whether HID or LED, white light is important, because it widens overall PAR coverage. This expanded bandwidth typically includes green and yellow light which improves canopy penetration, increases quantum yield and stimulates unique photoreceptors like Anthocyanin.
Words and images by @SuperFunker.
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