Pest and Mold Control in Indoor Grows by Cycling LED Light
Introduction
Maintaining a healthy and thriving horticultural indoor grow is a challenge. One of the significant obstacles is dealing with pests and mold that tend to infest the lower or middle parts of plants. In this blog article, we will explore an innovative and effective hybrid approach that utilizes the power of light to control pests and inhibit mold growth in vertical farming or indoor grow spaces.
Boulderlamp MoonWalker – The Science Behind
What sets MoonWalker apart from other LED grow lights is its innovative and patented cycling beam, which alternates between different light bars during the growth cycle. This unique feature combines a variety of color LEDs, including 405 nm, safe for human exposure, however, it can have lethal effects on pests and mold. The reference articles 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 scientifically support this. The effectiveness in indoor grows increases because the cycling beam works throughout the 12 or 18 daily hours of flowering or vegetative growth hours.
The Hybrid Approach
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The hybrid approach we’re discussing combines the benefits of sustained exposure to higher intensity light and intermittent pulsing. By using a cycling beam with a 5-second duration, for example, and pulsing at a 50% duty cycle (50% on and 50% off) with a period in the millisecond range, we create a dynamic and unpredictable environment that disrupts pests’ behavior and inhibits mold growth.
Advantages of the Hybrid Approach
Sustained Stress: The 5-second duration of the cycling beam ensures a prolonged exposure to higher intensity light. This sustained stress can deter pests and inhibit mold growth over time, reducing their ability to take root in your indoor grow.
PulsingDisruption: The intermittent pulsing introduces sudden changes in the light environment. This pulsing disrupts pests’ natural behavior and feeding patterns, making it difficult for them to find hiding spots. Moreover, the pulsing inhibits mold spore reproductive cycles, curbing their spread.
Reduced Adaptation: Alternating between continuous exposure and intermittent pulsing prevents pests from quickly adapting to the light patterns. The unpredictability keeps pests and molds off balance, increasing the effectiveness of the approach.
Energy Efficiency: The hybrid approach allows for periods of lower light intensity during the “off” phase, which conserves energy compared to constant high-intensity lighting.
Implementing the Hybrid Approach
To apply this hybrid approach effectively, we recommend the following steps:
Light Management: Set up a cycling beam that switches between continuous exposure and pulsing at a 50% duty cycle. Ensure the period of pulsing is in the millisecond range to optimize its effectiveness.
Monitoring and Adjustment: Regularly monitor the health of your plants and observe pest and mold activity. Adjust the cycling beam’s parameters as needed to strike the right balance between pest disruption and plant health.
Plant Sensitivity: Pay close attention to how your plants respond to the light cycles. Some plant species may be more sensitive to rapid light changes, so fine-tune the approach accordingly.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Remember that light control is just one element of a comprehensive IPM strategy. Combine the hybrid approach with proper sanitation, environmental control, and the introduction of natural predators or beneficial organisms.
Conclusion
Harnessing the power of light in indoor grows can be a game-changer for effective pest and mold control. The hybrid approach, using a cycling beam with a 5-second duration and pulsing at a 50% duty cycle in the millisecond range, offers the best of both worlds: sustained exposure to higher intensity light and intermittent pulsing disruption.
By continuously monitoring and adjusting the light parameters, along with integrating other IPM techniques, you can create an environment that keeps pests and mold at bay, ensuring your indoor grow thrives with healthy and vibrant plants.
It is important to remember that a successful indoor grow is a combination of careful planning, observation, and experimentation. Embrace the hybrid approach and take your indoor gardening to new heights!
1. https://www.jkiaebs.org/articles/article/RNYZ/ – An Analysis on the Effect of Mold Sterilization in Apartment Using 405 nm Visible Light LED.
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29920536/ – Toxic wavelength of blue light changes as insects grow.
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330698/ – Bactericidal Effects of 405 nm Light
Exposure Demonstrated by Inactivation of Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria, and Mycobacterium Species in Liquid Suspensions and on Exposed Surfaces.
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195670114001844 – 405 nm light technology for the inactivation of pathogens and its potential role for environmental disinfection and infection control.
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269414073_Lethal_effects_of_short-wavelength_visible_light_on_insects – Lethal effects of short-wavelength visible light on insects.
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