In their continuous pursuit of advancing indoor cultivation practices, Gavita present valuable insights from their recent cannabis research conducted at their R&D facility in Kelowna, Canada. Their study focuses on leveraging high light intensity to maximize cannabis bud yield, revealing exciting possibilities for cultivators.
Key Discoveries:
- Harnessing New LED Technology: Groundbreaking LED technology now allows cultivation at light intensities surpassing 1,000 PPFD, a significant advancement beyond the limitations of HPS lighting.
- Optimizing Growth with CO2 Injection: To fully unlock the potential of high light intensity, CO2 injection is crucial to maximize growth and yield.
- Internal R&D Success: Rigorous internal R&D trials with the Gavita RS 2400e fixture have demonstrated remarkable results: +50% bud yield increase compared to HPS, +25% compared to Gavita RS 1700e, and +17% compared to Gavita CT 1930e*.
- Beyond Yield Enhancement: Embracing canopy intensity levels exceeding 1,000 PPFD also contributes to faster crop cycles and more pronounced bud stacking.
- Balanced Approach is Key: While high light intensity offers immense potential, growers must consider the holistic system of inputs to prevent plant stress due to excessive light exposure.
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) Insights:
For cannabis growers using HPS fixtures, the standard approach targets a PPFD of 800-1,000 μmol m-2 s-1 at the canopy top. The emergence of advanced LED technology has expanded the possibilities, allowing higher PPFD levels. Emerging plant science research indicates that cannabis yield thrives when PPFD exceeds 1,000 μmol m-2 s-1 (Eaves et al., 2020, Rodriguez-Morrison, 2021).
Determining Optimal Light Levels:
The key lies in understanding photosynthesis. PPFD levels influence energy production and, subsequently, sugar conversion for growth. Careful calibration is essential to ensure PPFD remains within the plant's metabolic limits.
Real-world Results:
Our research translates into tangible benefits. Trials with different Gavita fixtures consistently showcased higher bud yield as PPFD levels increased (see Table Below).
Fixture PPFD at Max. Height (μmol m-2 s-1) Bud Yield (g per plant)
1000W DE HPS 728 +/- 59.2 51.0 +/- 2.30
CT 1930e 917 +/- 55.3 65.1 +/- 3.19
RS 1700e 1051 +/- 33.5 61.1 +/- 3.68
RS 2400e 1741 +/- 142.0 76.8 +/- 2.67
Unveiling Additional Benefits:
Apart from enhanced yield, high light intensity cultivation accelerates flowering progression, potentially shortening crop cycle times.
Optimize Your Growth:
In conclusion, Gavita R&D findings underscore the value of high light intensity cultivation, bolstered by CO2 injection. These insights have the potential to revolutionize cannabis cultivation, optimizing yield and crop cycles. Stay tuned for more as we continue to refine cultivation practices for this promising approach.
For more information and tailored insights for your cultivation setup, Contact Us at 1-877 777-0767 or by email at [email protected].
*Actual results may vary based on specific growing conditions.
References: Eaves J, Eaves S, Morphy C, Murray C (2020); Rodriguez-Morrison V, Llewellyn D, Zheng Y (2021)
