How Grow Lighting Impacts Terpene and Flavor Profiles

Proper lighting plays a critical role in shaping terpene production and flavor profiles, two key factors that determine the quality, potency, and overall market value of the final product.

Article from | Iluminar Lighting

05/08/25, 05:32 AM | Indoor & Vertical Farming, Lighting | Grow Lights, LED

When it comes to cultivating high-quality crops, especially cannabis, the influence of lighting extends far beyond growth rates and yields. Proper lighting plays a critical role in shaping terpene production and flavor profiles, two key factors that determine the quality, potency, and overall market value of the final product. Leveraging advanced grow lighting technologies like ILUMINAR Lighting's iLogic™ FS Plus 1030W and iLogic™ MS Plus 1050W can make a significant difference in these outcomes.

The Science Behind Lighting and Terpene Production

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced in plants that contribute to their flavor, aroma, and therapeutic properties. In cannabis, for instance, terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene are prized for their effects and intricate profiles. The production of these terpenes is influenced by light intensity, spectrum, and exposure duration.

Research shows that different wavelengths of light trigger various plant responses, including secondary metabolite production, which includes terpenes. Blue and UV light, in particular, are known to enhance terpene biosynthesis, while red and far-red light promote overall growth and flowering.

Full-Spectrum Lighting for Superior Terpenes

Full-spectrum LED grow lights, such as the iLogic FS Plus 1030W and iLogic MS Plus 1050W, replicate the qualities of natural sunlight to deliver balanced light across all growth stages. These fixtures go beyond standard full-spectrum lighting by incorporating UV (ultraviolet) and FR (far-red) diodes, which are key to enhancing terpene profiles.

The iLogic MS Plus 1050W, for instance, offers customizable spectrum control, allowing growers to toggle between full spectrum, UV, and far-red settings. This capability ensures plants receive the precise light they need to maximize terpene production during critical phases like flowering.

The Role of UV and Far-Red Light

UV light stimulates the production of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, as a natural response to stress. This controlled stress prompts plants to produce higher levels of protective compounds, resulting in richer, more complex terpene profiles. On the other hand, far-red light influences the flowering cycle and biomass production, ensuring robust growth while complementing the terpene-enhancing effects of UV light.

The iLogic MS Plus 1050W integrates 192 UV and 192 FR diodes, making it a powerhouse for growers seeking to enhance terpene quality without sacrificing yields.

Grow Lighting Impacts Terpene and Flavor Profiles

Precision Control for Flavor Optimization

Flavor profiles are often tied to the timing and intensity of light exposure. Both the iLogic FS Plus 1030W and MS Plus 1050W feature 0–100% dimming capabilities, allowing growers to fine-tune light intensity to match the needs of different crop stages. By adjusting light settings, growers can influence terpene development and flavor outcomes with greater precision.

Heat Management and Terpene Retention

Heat is another factor that impacts terpene quality. High temperatures can degrade volatile terpenes, diminishing flavor and aroma. ILUMINAR Lighting fixtures, designed with advanced aluminum heatsinks and low heat output, help maintain a stable environment that protects terpene integrity while delivering optimal light.

Why Lighting Matters for Premium Quality

Lighting isn’t just about growth—it's about creating the perfect conditions for plants to express their full potential. Growers looking to produce cannabis with bold flavors and complex terpene profiles can benefit immensely from leveraging advanced lighting systems like those offered by ILUMINAR Lighting. The combination of full-spectrum light, UV and far-red capabilities, and precise control ensures the best possible results in both quality and quantity.

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AgriTechTomorrow

05/08/25, 05:32 AM | Indoor & Vertical Farming, Lighting | Grow Lights, LED

Comments (0)

This post does not have any comments. Be the first to leave a comment below.

igus® - Free heavy-duty plastic bearings sample box

The iglide® heavy-duty sample box provides a selection of five unique iglide bearings, each suitable for use in heavy-duty equipment due to their self-lubricating, dirt-resistant properties. Each bearing material boasts unique benefits and is best suited for different application conditions, though each can withstand surface pressures of at least 11,603 psi at 68°F.

More Products

Feature Your Product