Plant Physiology Expert Joins Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer
Monday, October 21, 2013 - 06:30
in Biology & Nature
Light and plants expert Tessa Pocock, Ph.D., recently joined the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, leading the development of a new plant physiology lighting program. Light is a powerful regulator of plant physiology, affecting flavor and appearance, as well as nutritional and medicinal value. A specific wavelength and intensity of light could, for instance, increase the level of antioxidants in salad greens like red leaf lettuce, while a different wavelength and intensity could change the height of poinsettias, or perhaps, increase active compounds in medicinal plants--there are endless possibilities.