Pepper LED Spectrum Control for Stable Fruit Set and Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluctuating yield pattern in sweet pepper cultivation due to the flushing pattern in the weekly number of new set fruits, resulting in large periodic fluctuations in fruit production, is challenging to manage with existing horticultural lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light generating device and control system that dynamically adjusts the red to far-red light ratio (R:FR) based on plant load parameters, using sensors to determine flowering rates, abortion rates, and fruit set rates, to maintain a consistent plant load and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional horticultural lighting systems are used, then plants receive sufficient light for growth, but yield fluctuates periodically due to flushing patterns in fruit set
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts the spectral composition (R:FR ratio) over time based on real-time plant load measurements. The control system modifies light parameters continuously to counteract natural flushing patterns, transforming a static lighting approach into a dynamic response system that adapts to plant developmental stages and fruit set variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by measuring plant load parameters (flowering rate, abortion rate, fruit set rate) and using this information to adjust the R:FR ratio. Sensors continuously monitor plant status and feed this data back to the control system, which then modifies lighting conditions to maintain target plant load levels and stabilize yield
2Productivity
If the R:FR ratio is adjusted to control fruit set, then yield consistency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: it provides both growth illumination and spectral control for fruit set management. The same LED arrays that deliver photosynthetically active radiation are also used to deliver specific R:FR ratios, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls plant development by changing spectral parameters (R:FR ratio) rather than relying on mechanical or chemical interventions. By adjusting light wavelength composition instead of physical plant manipulation or hormonal applications, the system simplifies the control mechanism while achieving precise fruit set management
3Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic spectral adjustment is implemented, then plant load stability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies spectral adjustment selectively rather than continuously modifying all light parameters. It targets specific R:FR ratios only when plant load deviations are detected, using partial spectral modification rather than complete spectral replacement, thereby reducing energy consumption compared to continuous full-spectrum adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system operates in periodic cycles, providing supplemental R:FR adjusted light during specific periods when fruit set control is needed, rather than continuous modification. The system activates spectral control during critical development windows and returns to standard lighting during less critical periods, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining plant load stability
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
The system stabilizes plant load and yield over time, ensuring more consistent fruit production and quality by strategically controlling the R:FR ratio, simplifying cultivation and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a light generating device configured to provide device light to the pepper plant, wherein the device light comprises one or more of red light and far red light
Implementation Method 2
Plants use the process of photosynthesis to convert light, CO2 and H2O into carbohydrates (sugars)
Implementation Method 3
photomorphogenesis refers to the change in form in response to the quality and quantity of radiation
Implementation Method 4
The phytochrome photo system includes two forms of phytochromes, Pr and Pfr, which have their sensitivity peaks in the red at 660 nm and in the far-red at 730 nm, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a system for cultivating a pepper plant, wherein the system comprises a light generating device and a control system, wherein the light generating device is configured to provide device light to the pepper plant, wherein the device light comprises one or more of red light and far red light, wherein the red light comprises one or more wavelengths in the range of 600-700 nm, and wherein the far red light comprises one or more wavelengths in the range of 700-800 nm.