South Korean firm LG Innotek reported that it has ventured into the market of horticultural LEDs. The company has set up a full lineup of “horticulture LEDs,” the light sources that can make plants grow faster than under the sunlight. LG Innotek says that for the horticultural LED family it secured 30 types of LED packages optimized according to light wavelength and power consumption. In addition to visible light LEDs, the company also introduced horticulture UV (ultraviolet) LEDs.
LG Innotek intends to accelerate its market penetration based on its broad product lineup and unique technology. The company is expanding its promotions for lighting and module companies in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Various Wavelengths Produce Physiologic Responses Such as Flowering and Photosynthesis
The company developed the horticulture LEDs based on the variation of light wavelengths that produce the physiological responses such as photosynthesis and flowering. LG Innotek says its 380nm wavelength UV-A LED can enhance the phytochemical content of antioxidants such as anthocyanin and lutein. Also, the company’s 405nm wavelength LEDs that emit purple light can thicken the leaves of the plant and make the color sharper.
Smart greenhouses and plant factories can utilize LG Innotek’s horticulture LEDs to boost productivity, according to the company. Additionally, the company points out that 660nm wavelength LEDs that emit dark red light and 450nm wavelength LEDs that emit blue light can speed grow and reduce growth cycle periods through the promotion of photosynthesis regardless of environmental changes such as the weather.
The company points out that its horticulture LEDs are useful for eco-friendly organic farming. The 530nm LED light can suppress mold development. Also, a 615nm wavelength LED is known to drive away nasty pests.
Company to Offer LEDs Optimized for Lighting Location, Crop Type, and Required Functions
In particular, the company plans to provide horticulture LEDs that are optimized according to lighting location, crop type, and required functions. The diversity of the company’s 30 different horticultural LED lighting products with different wavelengths, outputs, and irradiation angles makes such optimization possible.
LG Innotek plans to launch an additional 730nm near infrared LED this year. The firm says that this product can increase the content of specific ingredients, such as sugar in crops and saponin in ginseng, and can be used to cultivate functional crops.
June O Song, the vice president of LG Innotek’s LED business unit, said, “LEDs are attracting attention as the most effective light source for cultivating crops with uniform quality.” He added, “With various product line-ups, we will provide the best horticulture LEDs that can satisfy the customers.”
