The Emerson Effect and LED Grow Lights
If you are an indoor grower, you might have heard of the Emerson effect, a phenomenon that can boost the photosynthesis and yield of your plants. But what is it exactly and how can you use it to your advantage?
The Emerson effect, named after the American plant physiologist Robert Emerson, is the increase in the rate of photosynthesis when plants are exposed to light of two different wavelengths simultaneously. Specifically, light of 670 nm (far red) and 700 nm (red) can enhance the photosynthesis by activating two different pigment systems in the chloroplasts, called photosystem I and photosystem II.
Photosystem I and photosystem II work together to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy that can be used by the plant cells. However, they have different optimal wavelengths of light that they can absorb. Photosystem I absorbs light of 700 nm best, while photosystem II absorbs light of 670 nm best. When both wavelengths are present at the same time, both photosystems can work at their maximum efficiency, resulting in a higher rate of photosynthesis and more energy for the plant.
How can you use the Emerson effect for your indoor plants? One way is to use LED grow lights that have both red and far red LEDs in their spectrum. LED grow lights are ideal for indoor growing because they are energy-efficient, durable, and customizable. You can choose LED grow lights that have the optimal 8-band wavelength formulation that includes both red and far red LEDs, as well as other colors that are beneficial for plant growth, such as blue, green, orange, yellow, UV, and IR.
By growing with LED grow lights that have both red and far red LEDs in their spectrum, you can take advantage of the Emerson effect and increase the trichome formation and budding production of your plants. This will result in a higher yield and better quality of your harvest.
Another way to use the Emerson effect is to use a supplemental far red LED grow light for 10-15 minutes after your full spectrum lights are turned off. This will trigger a faster flowering response in your plants by mimicking the natural sunset. Plants use a pigment called phytochrome to sense the changes in light quality and duration throughout the day. Phytochrome has two forms: Pr and Pfr. Pr is sensitive to red light and Pfr is sensitive to far red light. When Pr absorbs red light, it converts to Pfr. When Pfr absorbs far red light, it converts back to Pr.
During the day, when both red and far red light is present, Pr and Pfr are in equilibrium. However, at dusk, when only far red light is present, Pfr converts back to Pr rapidly. This signals to the plant that the night is coming and it should start flowering. By using a supplemental far red LED grow light after your full spectrum lights are turned off, you can simulate this effect and induce flowering faster in your plants.
The Emerson effect is a powerful tool for indoor growers who want to optimize their plant growth and yield. By using LED grow lights that have both red and far red LEDs in their spectrum, or by using a supplemental far red LED grow light after your full spectrum lights are turned off, you can enhance the photosynthesis and flowering of your plants. LED grow lights are also energy-efficient, durable, and customizable, making them a great choice for indoor growing.
The Emerson effect, named after the American plant physiologist Robert Emerson, is the increase in the rate of photosynthesis when plants are exposed to light of two different wavelengths simultaneously. Specifically, light of 670 nm (far red) and 700 nm (red) can enhance the photosynthesis by activating two different pigment systems in the chloroplasts, called photosystem I and photosystem II.
Photosystem I and photosystem II work together to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy that can be used by the plant cells. However, they have different optimal wavelengths of light that they can absorb. Photosystem I absorbs light of 700 nm best, while photosystem II absorbs light of 670 nm best. When both wavelengths are present at the same time, both photosystems can work at their maximum efficiency, resulting in a higher rate of photosynthesis and more energy for the plant.
How can you use the Emerson effect for your indoor plants? One way is to use LED grow lights that have both red and far red LEDs in their spectrum. LED grow lights are ideal for indoor growing because they are energy-efficient, durable, and customizable. You can choose LED grow lights that have the optimal 8-band wavelength formulation that includes both red and far red LEDs, as well as other colors that are beneficial for plant growth, such as blue, green, orange, yellow, UV, and IR.
By growing with LED grow lights that have both red and far red LEDs in their spectrum, you can take advantage of the Emerson effect and increase the trichome formation and budding production of your plants. This will result in a higher yield and better quality of your harvest.
Another way to use the Emerson effect is to use a supplemental far red LED grow light for 10-15 minutes after your full spectrum lights are turned off. This will trigger a faster flowering response in your plants by mimicking the natural sunset. Plants use a pigment called phytochrome to sense the changes in light quality and duration throughout the day. Phytochrome has two forms: Pr and Pfr. Pr is sensitive to red light and Pfr is sensitive to far red light. When Pr absorbs red light, it converts to Pfr. When Pfr absorbs far red light, it converts back to Pr.
During the day, when both red and far red light is present, Pr and Pfr are in equilibrium. However, at dusk, when only far red light is present, Pfr converts back to Pr rapidly. This signals to the plant that the night is coming and it should start flowering. By using a supplemental far red LED grow light after your full spectrum lights are turned off, you can simulate this effect and induce flowering faster in your plants.
The Emerson effect is a powerful tool for indoor growers who want to optimize their plant growth and yield. By using LED grow lights that have both red and far red LEDs in their spectrum, or by using a supplemental far red LED grow light after your full spectrum lights are turned off, you can enhance the photosynthesis and flowering of your plants. LED grow lights are also energy-efficient, durable, and customizable, making them a great choice for indoor growing.