nouvelles de l'entreprise Advantages of UV LEDs in plant stimulation

The application of UVLED in plant breeding and growth research is mainly to "domesticate" or "stimulate" plants by precisely controlling specific wavelengths of ultraviolet rays (UV-A and UV-B) to make them produce higher medicinal value, stronger stress resistance or better color.

1. 1. Increase the production of medicinal compounds.

   To increase the content of secondary transformation products with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-cancer properties in plants, low-dose UV-B and UV-A irradiation is used at the end of the growth phase or at specific stages of the growth cycle of medicinal plants (such as Echinacea and Basil). Studies have shown that applying UV-B radiation to plant growth during the flowering phase can significantly increase the production of protective compounds. This is a natural protective mechanism of plants against high-energy stress, but this property has been exploited to enhance their medicinal value.

2. 2. Enhance Stress Resistance and Color Expression

   To make plants more tolerant to environmental stress or improve the color of ornamental plants, UV light can be used to stimulate the production of pigments such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. Applying UV-A radiation to lettuce and berry crops can significantly increase anthocyanin accumulation. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and the key pigment responsible for the deep red or purple color of many vegetables and fruits (such as red lettuce and blueberries). This improves both their nutritional value and their commercial appearance. In greenhouse environments, pre-treatment of plants with UV-B can thicken their cell walls and leaves, thereby enhancing their resistance to subsequent pests, diseases, and drought stress.

3. 3. Screening Tools in Precision Breeding. Rapidly identify superior varieties with specific resistance traits.

   In breeding trials, large numbers of seedlings are irradiated with standardized UV-B doses. When screening crop varieties for tolerance to high altitudes or high UV exposure, researchers use UV LED equipment to uniformly test thousands of mutant or hybrid seedlings under UV stress. Seedlings that continue to grow healthily after UV irradiation are identified as superior germplasm with high UV resistance, accelerating the breeding process.

Compared to traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) or fluorescent lamps, UV LEDs offer a key advantage in wavelength specificity and controllability:

• Wavelength Accuracy (Narrowband Spectrum):

  UV LEDs emit a very precise, narrowband UV light, which is crucial for plant research. Different photoreceptors in plants (such as the UV-B receptor UVR8) are sensitive only to specific wavelengths of UV light. This precise wavelength allows for targeted activation of specific biochemical pathways, avoiding the unwanted photoinhibition or photodamage that could result from other wavelengths.

• "Cold" Light Source with Controllable Intensity:

  LEDs generate less heat, allowing for close proximity, ensuring uniform and efficient UV light delivery to the plant canopy. Highly precise intensity adjustment and pulse control are possible, mimicking the transient variations in UV light observed in nature, enabling dose optimization and finding the "sweet spot" for maximum stimulation and minimal damage.

• Rhythm and Cycle Programming:

  LEDs can be turned on and off instantaneously, allowing researchers to apply short pulses of UV light (for example, just 15 minutes per day) to study the circadian effects of UV stimulation, a feat not possible with traditional lamps.

UV LEDs are shifting plant photobiology research from "broad-light stimulation" to "precision light formulation," offering unlimited possibilities for the future production of higher-value functional crops.