January 8, 2023
Multiple Trials of XTi PAWS on Different Lettuce Varieties 2018 – 2023
Internal XTi Trials
Conclusion: Exposure of multiple varieties of lettuce to XTi’s pulsed alternating wavelength system (PAWS) generally resulted in improved efficiencies (gram of edible plant/kWh), leaf counts, and edible plant weights.
Study Objective:
- To evaluate the effect of XTi PAWS on production of multiple lettuce varieties.
Background:
- Previous XTi pilot plant trials had shown a significant increase in plant growth under XTi lighting.
- Lettuce trials were designed to evaluate edible plant growth and electrical efficiencies.
Methods:
- The studies were conducted at XTi’s research facility in northern Colorado.
- 4 ft x 4 ft grow tents were utilized for different XTi lighting “recipes”, as well as control lighting.
- T5 lights were generally used for control, but some trials included competitor LED lighting products.
- XTi lights were generally on 18-24 hours/day. The control tents were lit for 12-18 hours/day.
- Multiple seeds were planted in each pot and duplicate plants were pulled after germination.
- Trials were done utilizing either drip, ebb and flow, or nutrient film technique watering systems.
- Miracle Gro potting mix or Jiffy peat pellets were used as media, with or without additional fertilization depending on the trial protocol.
Results:
- XTi recipes generally showed significantly higher efficiencies (gram of edible plant/kWh of power used), higher leaf counts, and higher edible plant weights than control plants.
- Plants under XTi lighting generally showed overall faster growth than control plants.
- Photoperiod and light intensity did vary the results, but XTi lighting consistently outperformed control plants.
- Different XTi recipes showed varying abilities to affect plant size, phenotype, coloration, leaf length, leaf width, overall plant height, and taste.
- Not every XTi “recipe” was successful, some “recipes” performed poorly compared to control lighting.
Discussion:
- XTi lighting can significantly increase growth and edible plant material when used to grow lettuce.
- Plants grow faster under XTi lighting than under control lighting.
- XTi recipes can be used to maximize desirable plant qualities based on “recipe.”
- These trials showed that “dark” periods are not necessary to successfully grow lettuce in an indoor setting.