Photoperiods & the dark cycle

From: Nep (situla@spacestar.net)
Date: Mon Aug 03 1998 - 13:01:59 PDT


Date: Mon, 3 Aug 98 15:01:59 -0500
From: Nep <situla@spacestar.net>
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg2580$foo@default>
Subject: Photoperiods & the dark cycle


  Greetings:
    Many of you probably already know enough about photosynthesis, and
the two cycles involved in the reaction which, in effect, converts light
energy into glucose. However, for some people who do not know the
specific requirements of the cycle, it is important that they understand
that there are two, reciprocal cycles to photosynthesis. A light, and
dark cycle. Both cycles to their part in processing the glucose created
from the light energy. It is, in actuality, a team...thing.
  The more prominent, light cycle (daytime), is what necessitates you
shower your precious plants with light. The dark cycle (nighttime of the
equivalent) is one of the reasons why there is a limit to the photo
period which your lights are set (however, if you use our sun as a
light....) I could go into more depth, but there really is no reason. I
am only writing this because I have been growing concerned with the
growers whom I have seen set timers for 18-20 hour photo periods, or
abandon the timer all together and just leave the lights on 24 hours a
day.
  There are events which show that night-like darkness isn't essential
for decent plant growth. Take Alaska for example. During a part of the
year where Alaska is under a tremendously long day, the crops grown
there, like cabbage, experience explosive growth (I know this, I have a
relative in Fairbanks). I don't really feel like going in-depth about
such a topic, because that leads to too-many contradictions and such.
I'm not saying that no night-like darkness is bad for your plants, but I
believe it to be so. Do what you wish, really. But I do recommend you set
some limitation to the photo period, give the dark cycle time to work
it's magic, then go back to catering to the light cycle.
Trevor



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