Far-Red Light

Far-Red Light, often referred to within the spectrum of light wavelengths, plays a crucial role in cannabis biology and cultivation. It is the band of light at the far end of the visible spectrum, just before infrared light, with wavelengths ranging from approximately 700 to 750 nanometers (nm).

In the natural environment, far-red light is a component of sunlight, particularly abundant during dawn and dusk, influencing various growth processes in plants, including cannabis.

Interaction with Phytochromes

For cannabis plants, far-red light is particularly significant as it interacts with phytochromes, proteins that act as light receptors. These receptors are responsible for regulating the plant’s photoperiodism, or biological response to the length of day and night.

Exposure to far-red light can lead to the stretching of cannabis plants, known as the shade avoidance response, as the plants attempt to outgrow and rise above any potential shade-causing barriers towards more intense light sources. This response is crucial for growers to understand as it can directly influence the structural development and flowering stages of the cannabis plant lifecycle.

How Does Farnesene Relate to Far-Red Light in Plants?

Farnesene is a natural compound found in plants and is involved in various biological processes. In response to far-red light, plants regulate their growth and development through the production of farnesene. Understanding this relationship can have implications for industrial applications in agriculture and plant growth.

Controlled Cultivation

In controlled cultivation environments, lighting systems that emit far-red wavelengths can be utilized to mimic natural light cycles and manipulate growth responses. Strategic use of far-red light can accelerate the flowering process, enabling faster crop cycles and potentially increased yields.

However, it is essential to balance far-red light with other wavelengths to maintain optimal plant health and development. Advanced LED grow lights often include far-red LEDs to provide a full spectrum and allow growers to fine-tune lighting regimens to the specific needs of their cannabis strains, thus maximizing the efficacy of the light’s impact on plant growth.