Development of a transformative UV-LED-based platform for horticultural applications

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BrezaWorks Inc (BW) is a Canadian company specializing in developing a self-contained indoor agricultural grow system, "The Airbox", targeting high-value crop producers, including Cannabis. In collaboration with researchers from Ryerson University, BW have developed an innovative UV-LED light fixture for Airbox vertical farming applications - particularly Cannabis - through NSERC-Engage grants and have begun to develop Cannabis-specific optimal growing protocols and parameters. The UV-LED fixture will be specifically used to grow Cannabis (and potentially other crops) at accelerated rates, with improved yields, disease resistance, and with increased levels of desired plant products in the BW-AirBox grow platform. One of the main problems of the current version of the developed Airbox UV-LED fixture is that it does not dissipate heat optimally, which leads to its failure. Furthermore, the structural components of the growing set-up, namely the grow towers and growing pots used to house the plants, are sensitive to UV light, resulting in premature degradation and increased replacement costs. In addition, while the novel use of UV-LED lighting is predicted to improve many aspects of Cannabis growth, little is known, scientifically, about its precise impacts on Cannabis growth and health. The ultimate goal of this CRD are therefore twofold, and have both mechanical and botanical aspects: 1) To redesign the UV-LED fixture to solve the existing thermal challenge and develop Airbox components that are compatible with UV lighting; and 2) To determine the impact of UV lighting on Cannabis growth and health, and use this information to develop optimal operating conditions and growing recipes for Cannabis production in the UV-Airbox. The outcomes of this project for BW will be a newly developed UV-LED fixture, grow towers, and grow pots, along with the knowledge of the specific impact of UV on Cannabis growth and cannabinoid production. This CRD will integrate both mechanical and botanical expertise to deliver a holistic solution that addresses both the machine and the plant. A total of 8 HQPs will benefit from this unique and multidisciplinary training environment.