Why Do Greenhouses Filter Out Ultraviolet Light?

Light deprivation is a method used to prevent sunlight from entering drying rooms and greenhouses, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Greenhouses can be temporary or permanent, with permanent structures being more expensive and potentially causing bud rot and powdery mildew. Growing photoperiod cannabis plants requires darkness, and protecting crops from light pollution is crucial. By adapting the type of cover (UV block or UV), growers can control light exposure and trigger the flowering stage of their plants.

The Ceravision UV420 grow-light is a high output UV-B unit that has improved CBD and THC by up to 40% in trials alongside HPS units. Ultraviolet light can also help eliminate mold in greenhouses, and with an Ozone option, you can control contamination. Blackout screens and dehumidifiers can provide multiple benefits, including avoiding light pollution, maintaining low humidity, and saving energy.

Some greenhouses are made with the wrong glass, and UV-treated poly does filter UV rays but is merely more resistant to degradation. Plants need visible light spectrum, and when supplementing lighting, use blue/red lighting instead of ultraviolet lights. The more UV exposure a plant receives, the more THC it will produce.

Ultraviolet blocking covering materials can lead to a reduction in secondary plant compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Studies have shown that insect migration into greenhouses decreases when glazing materials contain UV-blocking compounds. UV radiation can induce increases in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis flowers, acting as a UV-absorbing sunscreen. Greenhouse gases allow certain frequencies to pass through but capture other frequencies. UVA light has been shown to increase secondary metabolite activity in many plants, including cannabis.

In conclusion, UV light transmission is traditionally considered negative for greenhouse growers due to its degrading effects on plants. By incorporating blackout screens and dehumidifiers, growers can protect their crops from light pollution and maximize their growth potential.

Why do greenhouses block UV light?

UV-resistant greenhouse plastic sheeting, also known as UV blocking, is essential for protecting crops from UV light. Its lifespan is extended by adding UV stabilizers during the manufacturing process, which can last up to four years. The light transmission rate for greenhouse plastic sheeting is crucial, with a good rate of 83-99. As the greenhouse cover ages and becomes cloudy with dust and smog, light transmission decreases. Greenhouse plastic sheeting can diffuse light, spreading it more evenly to the lower parts of the plant and preventing hot spots.

Light deprivation blacks out the greenhouse, preventing light transmission. This type of sheeting is ideal for greenhouses adhering to a specific light cycle or for dry rooms. UV block, while associated with light deprivation, blocks the UV spectrum, preventing plastic sheeting degradation. Overall, UV-resistant greenhouse plastic sheeting is essential for maintaining a healthy greenhouse environment.

Do you want to block UV rays in a greenhouse?

It is necessary for plants to receive UV light, therefore it is inadvisable to block 99% of it. It is recommended that the light level be maintained between 50 and 60 degrees. In a nursery located in the vicinity of Atlanta, Georgia, we cultivated primarily bedding plants and covered our greenhouse with shade cloth during the spring and autumn equinoxes. The quantity of light that was obstructed was presumably approximately 40 percent.

Why do cannabis plants need darkness?

Cannabis plants convert light, water, and CO2 into energy through photosynthesis, which occurs during daylight hours. However, cannabis plants require a period of darkness to use carbohydrate energy stores stored during the day. At night, these stores convert into sugars, driving plant growth. Darkness helps make photosynthesis more efficient by ensuring excess energy is used at night. Indoor growers need more precision than just light and dark periods, as the lighting schedule also tells plants when it’s time to produce leaves or develop flowers.

To replicate the seasonal shifts in the light schedule, indoor growers must carefully recreate the seasonal shifts in the outdoor environment, ensuring cannabis plants move from vegetative to flowering.

Is blocking UV bad for plants?

Window film can be a beneficial addition to your home, as it can help house plants adjust to new lighting conditions and potentially impact their growth and flowering. Optically clear window films, like UV Gard by Madico ®, Inc., filter out 99 of UV light but still transmit 80 of visible light, which is sufficient for house plants. Window films can also help plants that typically wilt before the end of a sunny day thrive by rejecting bright light and heat that can cause delicate flowers and leaves to burn or lose moisture.

If you’re concerned about the impact of window film on your indoor plants, consider moving them to a less sunlight-dependent area for a few days to see how they respond. Nurseries or local agricultural agencies can advise on the appropriate amount of light a plant should receive. Frosted window film is another option for homeowners seeking privacy or uniformity in a room, but it may also block too much light for house plants due to its ability to diffuse and soften sunlight.

Can I tan in a greenhouse?

Greenhouses provide an environment that is comparable to that of the sun in terms of ultraviolet radiation, thereby facilitating a tanning effect that is analogous to that achieved through exposure to sunlight. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost importance to utilize sunscreen and to avoid exposure to the sun’s most intense rays in order to prevent the occurrence of burns, as these rays have the potential to cause significant damage to the skin.

Is sunlight better for cannabis?

Marijuana plants require a balance of sunlight for growth and leaves. The ideal sunlight exposure is 6-8 hours daily, with a balance between light and shade. Different strains of marijuana have varying reactions to sunlight, so adaptability is key. Window direction and hemisphere also influence sunlight exposure. South-facing windows in the Northern Hemisphere provide the most intense light, while east-facing windows offer gentler morning light.

North-facing windows provide a consistent but softer glow, while west-facing windows provide afternoon sunlight, which can be too much during the peak of summer. Adaptability is key to cater to each strain’s unique solar appetite. Monitoring and adjusting care to cater to each strain’s unique needs is essential.

Does green block UV light?

Tinted glass, including amber and cobalt blue, can protect bottles from UV light, preventing unwanted damage. Green glass, while popular for beverages, offers less UV protection than amber or cobalt blue, which can cause discoloration or spoilage. Cobalt blue glass is ideal for light-sensitive products like essential oils, while amber glass blocks out UV rays, absorbing light wavelengths shorter than 450 nm. Amber glass is suitable for products sensitive to UV light, such as beer, spirits, or pharmaceuticals. Both tinted glass types offer unique benefits in protecting products from harmful UV rays.

Why do plants reject green light?

The waveband for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is 400 to 700 nm, with green light in the middle, with a wavelength between 500 and 600 nm. Green light is often considered unsuitable for plants due to its poor absorption by chlorophyll. However, in vitro measurements of chlorophyll absorption are often flawed due to the presence of other pigments that absorb light and can affect the absorption spectra of chlorophylls. Additionally, the solvent used for extraction can affect the absorption of chlorophylls, making it difficult to apply these findings to whole plants.

The green light myth is often based on the belief that plants reflect green light, which is true. However, most green light is absorbed, and only small percentages are reflected or transmitted. Unabsorbed green light can be reflected to nearby leaves or transmitted to leaves below. Overall, the green light myth is often exaggerated, as plants can absorb and transmit green light differently depending on the solvent used for extraction.

Do cannabis plants like UV light?

Ultraviolet light (UV) is a growing method that reduces pests’ impact, increases THC content, and accelerates growth without the need for expensive synthetic chemical fertilizers. It is composed of three sections: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. On a typical sunny day, an average plant receives about 95 UVA and 5 UVB light. However, UVC light does not occur in natural conditions. Plants have evolved under natural lighting conditions for millions of years, domesticated for thousands of years, and growing under artificial light conditions for about a century. The natural responses plants develop are no longer exposed to in modern growth operations, leading to a decline in quality and quantity.

What is the 72 hour dark period before harvest?

It is postulated that dark periods, which typically last between 24 and 72 hours, stimulate a stress response in plants, resulting in an increased resin content. Resin is a sticky substance containing cannabinoids and terpenes, which provides a final boost before harvest.

Can you absorb vitamin D in a greenhouse?

A conservatory greenhouse offers numerous benefits, including increased vitamin D production, stress reduction, and therapeutic benefits. Sunlight exposure is crucial for vitamin D production, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Gardening activities can also promote relaxation and mental health by fostering a meditative state and lowering blood pressure. The rhythmic nature of gardening can also lower muscle tension and improve mental health.

Additionally, a conservatory greenhouse strengthens our biophilic connection with nature, boosting creativity, productivity, and cognitive function. The presence of plants in our surroundings nourishes our innate need for connection with the natural world. Overall, a conservatory greenhouse provides a perfect environment for these benefits.