Far-Red Light Converter for Phytochrome Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inducing flowering in short-day plants, such as Cannabis, require light deprivation systems that are time-consuming and inefficient, relying on 12 hours of darkness to convert inactive phytochrome (Pfr) to active phytochrome (Pr).
Innovation Solution
Exposing short-day plants to a flash of far-red light in the 730-780 nm wavelength range at sunset or before darkness, accelerating the conversion of Pfr to Pr, thereby simulating additional hours of darkness and promoting flowering without the need for light deprivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light deprivation systems are used to induce flowering in short-day plants, then flowering can be triggered, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive darkness periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light exposure from conventional red light (600-680 nm) to far-red light (730-780 nm). This parameter change enables rapid conversion of inactive Pfr to active Pr form of phytochrome, triggering flowering response in significantly reduced time compared to traditional light deprivation methods requiring 12 hours of darkness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies far-red light exposure as a preliminary action before the natural dark period to pre-convert Pfr to Pr. This preliminary conversion accelerates the flowering induction process, allowing plants to respond to shorter darkness periods or even eliminate the need for extended light deprivation
2Productivity
If 12 hours of darkness is used to convert Pfr to Pr, then flowering is triggered, but the process is inefficient and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of light deprivation (converting Pfr to Pr) and achieves it through a targeted far-red light pulse instead of complete darkness. This eliminates the need for complex light deprivation systems with black-out screens while maintaining the phytochrome conversion effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical light deprivation system (physical blocking of light) with an optical solution (far-red light exposure). This substitution simplifies the system complexity while achieving the same physiological effect of triggering flowering through phytochrome conversion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the time required for flowering in short-day plants, allowing them to flower more rapidly and increasing biomass production, while also enabling successful growth in northern latitudes and improving indoor cultivation productivity and profit by reducing the need for extensive light deprivation systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inactive form of phytochrome pigment (Pfr) is converted to an active form phytochrome pigment (Pr)
Data Source
AI summary
Activation of a far-red light device with a far-red light frequency that promotes the conversion of inactive Pfr to active Pr in short-day plants prior to a dark period.