The effects of LED emission on biological organisms are well known. Current literature indicates a response of cellular metabolism to different emission spectra, especially infrared, combinations of red and blue, blue and green, and other spectra of LED emission. Research has been conducted on the effects of LED light on animal tissues, especially rats. LED emission is also being considered for the treatment of acne or psoriasis. Several papers have also reported on the influence of LED on the cognitive abilities of computer users.

An important issue for LED light in horticulture concerns its economic viability. As technology advances, LEDs are expected to become the light source with the highest conversion rate of electrical energy. LEDs could be used in greenhouses for lighting with selected wavelengths or for night breaks in the off-season production of long-day crops. The use of red LED light to promote photosynthesis is widely accepted for two main reasons. First, it points out that red wavelengths (600 to 700 nm) are efficiently absorbed by plant pigments; second, early LEDs were red, with the most efficient emission at 660 nm, close to an absorption peak of chlorophyll. They also saturated phytochrome and produced a high Pfr photostationary state in the absence of FR or dark reversion.

In this project, based on bilateral and trilateral collaboration, we explore new approaches for creating optimal growth conditions (using LED light and irrigation) of various crops in horticultural production. Current status – completed.