I've also run mixed spectrum and don't recommend that either. The spectrums don't blend by the time they reach the canopy and you end up with different types of growth (in a not-so-good way). Do your research, pick a kelvin temp and go for it.
HooHa. I run mixed spectrum and I wouldn't flower without added spectra and my plants aren't half baked. Last round using COBs, Illumitex and Hans panels was stellar, especially density. Adding spectrum changes everything. COBs are vanilla, high octane CFL growing at it's finest but to not experiment with spectrum is either laziness, conformity or ignorance IMVHO. You think they are hanging COBs in the grow rooms at UMiss or Perdue and calling it a day? Me thinks not.
LumiGrow Research, the research division of US-based horticultural LED lighting manufacturer LumiGrow, has released seven new scientific poster papers that reveal how crop morphology and productivity can be affected through the application of varied light spectra. LumiGrow research, conducted in partnership with commercial growers and universities, demonstrates breakthrough capabilities that adjustable-spectrum LED lighting now provides growers, says LumiGrow.
T
hree key findings from the research are:
Crop height, flowering and bushyness can be controlled through the application of varied spectra. This capability is particularly important in the flower industry, where these phenotypes are currently controlled by plant growth regulators (PGRs). A reduction in the use of PGR chemicals may be an unexpected benefit of spectrum control.
Light can be used to produce higher value food, says LumiGrow. Spectra have been shown to control flavour and nutritional value in every food tested including broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes and basil.
Adjustable-spectrum lighting has been shown to be superior to traditional, fixed-spectrum lighting in the production and longevity of flowers suitable for market.
This body of research supports the advancement of crop- and site-specific precision agriculture into greenhouses and other controlled environment agriculture environments says Lumigrow. Previous research primarily focused on optimising pesticides, nutrients and irrigation, it added.
LumiGrow is taking LED research from theoretical to practical use, as demonstrated by the success of our growers," said Melanie Yelton, director of Research at LumiGrow. Dr. Yelton leads research collaborations with scientists at the University of California, Davis; University of Guelph; and Harrow Research Centre, among other prominent institutions and agencies, along with numerous commercial greenhouse operators.
The poster research papers are:
Bush S, Maloof J & Yelton M. Analysis of Arabidopsis light-sensitive mutants grown under different ratios of LED and compared to fluorescent lighting. Poster session presented at American Society of Horticultural Science, 2015; New Orleans, Louisiana.
Byrtus J, Egan K & Yelton M. LEDs control growth and flowering in greenhouse-grown Zinnia marylandia. Poster session presented at ASA, CSSA, and SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2014; Long Beach, California.
Byrtus J & Yelton M. LED lighting can control plant growth, flavor and aroma in Ocimum basilicum (basil). Poster session presented at ASA, CSSA, and SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2014; Long Beach, California.
Byrtus J & Yelton M. Supplemental LED lighting increases winter tomato production in central North Carolina greenhouse Arabidopsis. Poster session presented at American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference, 2015; New Orleans, Louisiana.
Holley J, Yelton M & Heiner L. LED lighting and Phalaenopsis orchids, light wavelength effect on the flowering spike. Poster session presented at American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference, 2014; Orlando, Florida.
Llewellyn D, Vinson K & Zheng Y. LED superior to HPS for cut gerbera production. Poster session presented at American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference, 2014; Orlando, Florida.
Llewellyn D, Kong Y, Zheng Y & Yelton M. Optimum light level for snapdragon production with LEDs. Poster session presented at American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference, 2015; New Orleans, Louisiana.