MIMedGrower
- 17,190
- 438
Yes respiration is constant. But during light out respiration rates increase by quite a significant amount. This allows the plant to convert the sugars produced by photosynthesis into we will just call it energy and move it throughout the plant to facilitate growth.
Now depending on light intensity under 24 hrs the plant may or may not be able to keep up. Under low light there is enough respiration and processing of the sugars into energy that the plant may keep up since production is slower.
Under high intensity the plant will not keep up and transition from photosynthesis to photorespiration as it becomes saturated so that it can process the sugars made. This results in a reduced amount of net photosynthesis and growth.
So depending on light intensity you may be able to run 24 hrs but I do not suggest it.
i have seen growers with amazing grows use 24 hours veg under 1000 watt metal halide and they can get clones big in a couple weeks that way. Just have to keep up with the plants.
I dont think cannabis moves sugars and processes at night the way you said.
They grow (stretch) at night while using up some starch but the real growth and development is during the day.
I prefer 18/6 for some reasons but none are that the plant actually needs it.