Temperature Optimization in CEA Cannabis Production

Lighting and heating remain high-cost energy considerations in controlled environment agriculture, whether for food or medicinal plant production, yet how these parameters affect highly valued phytochemical profiles in Cannabis sativa inflorescence and subsequent cannabis products remains largely unexplored in industrial settings. This information could prove useful for licensed producers of cannabis or indoor food producers in Canada alike, where alterations to environmental control during plant growth might greatly reduce operational costs while boosting crop quality. Research objectives comprise determining how differences in daytime cultivation temperature affect plant growth/development parameters and cannabinoid profiles (THC and CBD). The effect of cultivation day temperature on photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomata conductance in cannabis plants will be investigated using the LICOR 6800. Additionally, energy consumption between HPS and LED lights during the cannabis flowering stage will be compared and modeled using historic kW usage and environmental control data. By collaborating with Cielo Verde Inc. as they shift from conventional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting to light- emitting diodes (LEDs) in their indoor production facility, our research will permit real-time analyses of environmental control effects on crop yield and quality, while assessing energy consumption in an indoor production facility for medicinal plants.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Lefsrud

Student:

Partner:

Cielo Verde

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: