Key Takeaways
- Gardin’s chlorophyll fluorescence sensors detect real-time drops in orchid photosynthesis linked to malate depletion.
- Dimming supplemental lighting by 50% after malate depletion can generate savings of up to €21,000 per hectare per year.
- Independent trials showed malate depletion timing varies by temperature, cultivar, and light source.
- Gardin provides non-invasive monitoring across 10 m² for crop-representative measurements in commercial greenhouses.
- The system enables growers to optimize CO₂ dosing, lighting, and climate based on plant demand.
Gardin Supports Orchid Growers With Real-Time CAM Monitoring
Gardin has presented findings demonstrating how its sensor technology can help reduce supplemental lighting costs in commercial orchid production by detecting real-time changes in photosynthetic performance.
Many orchid varieties use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a photosynthetic pathway in which CO₂ is absorbed at night and stored as malate. During daylight hours, plants rely on these stored reserves for photosynthesis. Once malate is depleted, photosynthesis declines sharply. The timing of this transition can vary daily depending on environmental conditions, making it difficult for growers to adjust lighting and CO₂ inputs precisely.
Gardin’s non-invasive chlorophyll fluorescence sensors measure photosynthetic efficiency in real time, identifying malate depletion, CO₂ limitation, and light stress. The autonomous system monitors approximately 10 m² per sensor zone, enabling growers to make data-driven adjustments at commercial scale.
Dr. Sander Hogewoning, Director of Plant Lighting B.V., said: “I see strong potential for Gardin’s use in commercial orchid cultivation, phenotyping plant research, and genetic breeding. The sensor could reliably detect the transition of CAM-phase III into IV. Moreover, it was able to rapidly detect the malate depletion across multiple cultivars simultaneously and repeatedly at varying temperatures.”
Independent Trial Validates Detection Accuracy According To Gardin
In an independent research trial conducted at Plant Lighting, Gardin monitored two orchid cultivars under both solar-simulating lamps and LED lighting. Testing was conducted at 29°C (growth phase) and 21°C (chilling phase) using a 15-hour day-length lighting regime.
Results showed that Gardin consistently detected declines in photosynthetic efficiency, with timing varying between 7 and 9 hours of lights-on depending on temperature, cultivar, and light source. The largest declines were observed under LED lighting. Detection performance was reported to be comparable to a research-grade reference instrument.
Energy Optimization Potential in Commercial Greenhouses
While many growers manage lighting based on daily light integral (DLI) targets, DLI strategies do not account for day-to-day shifts in CAM physiology. According to the case study, continued high-intensity lighting after malate depletion can result in unnecessary energy use.
Assuming up to two hours per day of 50% dimming after malate depletion detection during peak winter (16 weeks), energy savings could reach approximately 8.4 kWh per square meter. Additional savings during spring and autumn shoulder seasons could add roughly 2.1 kWh per square meter.
At an energy price of €0.20 per kWh, total annual savings could reach up to €21,000 per hectare.
Gardin stated that real-time monitoring of CAM malate depletion complements existing DLI strategies by aligning lighting more closely with actual plant demand, enabling more precise energy management in orchid production systems.
1 Comment