However, many overlook an important factor — UV light. You might not know, but UV light plays a vital role in your plants' healthy growth.
Let’s explore why UV light is so important for plants.
Why Do Plants Need UV Light?
UVA (320-400 nm): UVA boosts photosynthesis in plants. For example, it helps tomato leaves produce sugar faster, promoting fruit growth.UVB(280-320 nm): UVB stimulates plants to produce more antioxidants and secondary metabolites (such as cannabinoids or anthocyanins), which enhance disease resistance.
UVC(100-280 nm): UVC is mostly absorbed by Earth's atmosphere and has little direct impact on plants.
So, let’s focus on UVA and UVB.
Benefits of UV Light
1.Improves Plant Quality
A study by C. Jenkins and his team in _Frontiers in Plant Science_ found that under UVB light, cannabis produces secondary metabolites faster.
This boosts THC and CBD levels, leading to bigger buds, richer effects, and enhanced flavor.
On the other hand, crops like tomatoes and strawberries focus more on flavor. UV light helps enhance their aroma and taste.
2.Boosts Disease Resistance
UV light helps plants fight pathogens and pests.
UVB exposure triggers plants' defense mechanisms. Once exposed to UV light, plants immediately produce protective proteins that inhibit bacterial and fungal invasions.
Research by Y. Takahashi's team showed that cucumbers produce more defense proteins under UV light, improving their resistance to fungal infections.
3.Enhances Yield and Structure
UV lamp not only improves quality but also optimizes yield and structure.
Studies show UV-B reduces internode length in grapes, resulting in better yield and appearance. The fruits become denser, with thicker skins and higher harvest weight.
Without UV light, grape plants appear weak, and their fruit density is lower.
How to Provide UV Light Safely?
UV light offers many benefits, but excessive exposure can harm plants.
Just as human skin gets sunburned from too much sunlight, plant leaves and stems can get scorched by strong UV rays.
When using UV light, monitor the duration and distance from the plants.
1.Choose the Right Lamp
Many UV grow lights are available, focusing on UVA and UVB spectra. These lights meet plants' UV needs.
Avoid using UV-C sterilization or beauty lamps, as they can harm plants.
2.Control Exposure Time
Most plants need only 2-4 hours of UV light per day for growth.
Exposing plants too long can cause strong light reactions, like leaf burn.
A timer helps control exposure and prevent accidental overexposure.
3.Maintain Proper Lamp Distance
Keep the lamp 30-50 cm from the plants.Too close may concentrate UV light and harm the plants. Too far may reduce effectiveness.
Adjust the lamp height and position based on plant type and growth stage.
Recommended UV Light
TheOneGrow offers 60W and 120W UV lights, compatible with 640W , 800W, 1000W,1200W and 1600W led grow lights.
1. Professional Spectrum: 365nm UV + 730nm IR spectrum, designed for flowering stages.
2. Improves Flavor and Quality: Increases terpene content, enhances flavor, and boosts THC by 20-25%.
3. Flexible Use: Can be combined with LED grow lights.
Conclusion
When growing cannabis or other plants, don’t underestimate the role of UV light alongside water, nutrients, regular lighting, ventilation, and temperature and humidity control. UV light can further enhance cannabis quality and flavor.
Remember to maintain the right distance and exposure time when using UV lamps.