Using real-time plant sensing, Gardin detected when orchid photosynthesis declined due to CAM malate depletion, enabling growers to dim supplemental lighting once plants could no longer efficiently use additional light.
The results show potential energy savings of up to €21,000 per hectare per year, while maintaining crop performance.
The independent trial, conducted with Plant Lighting B.V., demonstrated that the timing of malate depletion varies daily with cultivar, temperature, and light source, meaning conventional DLI-based lighting strategies can unintentionally continue after productive photosynthesis has stopped.
“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.”
– Dr Sander Hogewoning, Director of Plant Lighting B.V.
This case highlights how real-time plant feedback can help orchid growers optimise supplemental lighting and reduce energy costs. Gardin’s fully autonomous, remote sensors continuously monitor a crop’s photosynthetic performance, enabling growers to make confident decisions at scale.
Read the full scientific case study: https://www.gardin.ag/casestudies/plant-lighting-orchid-case-study
Interested in how plant sensing could optimise lighting in your orchid production?
Visit www.gardin.ag/contact to speak with the Gardin team.
