Far-Red Revolution: Could Chlorophyll D/F Boost Indoor Crop Yields?

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews a new Nature Communications paper (Wang et al.) exploring the idea of adding chlorophyll d and f to crops so they can use far-red light (700–800 nm). The paper models up to a 26% increase in soybean photosynthesis and biomass if plants could absorb that spectral region.

The episode discusses implications for hydroponics and indoor growing — cheaper far‑red LEDs, potential energy savings, and new crop architectures — and explores possible uses like multi‑cropping under canopy plants. Dr. Sharp notes this would require genetic modification and frames the technology as a tool with pros and cons.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340278822_From_physics_to_fixtures_to_food_current_and_potential_LED_efficacy

 

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