Intelligent optical spectroscopy and illumination system for plant health monitoring and growth optimisation

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Our partner, Blue Mountain Biogenetics & Nanotechnologies Inc., is an Ontario-based company focused on the growth of Cannabis for medical purposes. Their business relies on controlling the quality and yield of their plants. Aside from nutrient supply, lighting is a key component in cannabis plant growth. Particular light wavelengths have been shown to determine the plant morphogenesis and are one of the key determinants in plant development as well as biochemistry. The objective of this proposed project are to use non-contact optical spectroscopy data to assess plant health, growth and biochemistry during the different stages of plant development, and to combine this with a smart specially designed LED-based illumination system that addresses all of the key spectral regions required by the cannabis plants, in a feedback loop system. The purpose of the feedback is to use the plant health data in real time to address and control plant nutrient supply and illumination to ensure optimum plant growth for medical use.The proposed closed loop system will provide a new adaptive or smart light source for plant growth, a new approach to plant growth, and a means to optimise plant growth for the benefit of our industrial partner. The project will also provide a unique training opportunity for HQP in an area that is interdisciplinary and has widespread potential benefits to Canada.