Terpene production: The best kept secret of LED lighting!

Terpenes are the talk of the town these days, and for good reason. These little flavonoids not only create flavors and smells but also contribute to the differentiating sensations and effects experienced when consuming various cannabis strains. If you’re a grower and trying to stand out—it’s all about the terps!

If you didn’t know, LEDs are doing more than hitting yield numbers. They can be the key to unlocking enhanced terpene profiles far beyond the potential of any HPS lighting technology. The reason is simple—LEDs give growers infinitely more control over their plant environment. “LEDs are changing the way cultivation companies operate. As growers become more sophisticated, they can dispel anecdotal beliefs by using data and the granular control of microclimates around plants. It just isn’t possible with HPS lighting,” says Travis Merchant of Indica Consulting. “The potential for those growers using LEDs is quite expansive and quickly bringing to light the fact that the plants want to do more.”

Knowing that genetics play a huge role in plant terpene profiles, growers are discovering LED technology allows them to push boundaries and open the genetic potential of strains in ways never before seen. Ben Higgins, Chief Research Scientist of Kis Organics, repeatedly studied the effects of various LEDs and HPS lighting fixtures on different cultivars. He saw one glaring fact: Cannabis flower properly grown under LED lighting tested significantly higher in terpenes compared to HPS every time, as much as 35% with certain cultivars.

While photons are an important component of overall production, there are numerous other factors that contribute to the development of terpenes. Using subcanopy light (SCL) spectrums, research from the University of Guelph shows “… both Red-Blue and Red-Green-Blue (RGB) SCL treatments significantly increased yield more than the control treatment, RGB SCL had the greatest impact on modifying terpene content, and Red-Blue produced a more homogenous bud cannabinoid and terpene profile throughout the canopy.”

The team at BIOS Lighting has been studying LED effects on the physiology of both cannabis plants and food crops to better understand the genetic potential for growth. Simultaneously, BIOS has developed science-based LED lighting technology that is changing the way growers think. Understanding these nuances is the goal of the BIOS science team, which features former NASA scientists—and growers are taking notice.

If you want to understand more about how BIOS LED technology may benefit your specific cultivation facility, reach out by scanning the QR code below. BIOS can connect you to cannabis lighting and rebate experts who will work to understand your goals, guide you in overcoming challenges in your operation, and help your plants thrive in any environment!