Effect of Red and Blue Light on Cucumber Seedlings Grown in a Plant Factory

Abstract

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been regarded as the best artificial source of light for a plant factory. However, the effect of light quality on seedling production in such environments requires further study. On the basis of the practical application of light on cucumber seedlings (Ansha Company) in plant factories, the present investigation tracked and recorded the specific effects of red and blue light on the growth of the seedlings by analyzing the photo-biological mechanism involved. The growth parameters, as well as the photosynthetic characteristics of cucumber seedlings, were measured at different variations of light quality. The results showed that when the proportion of red light in the light source was higher than blue light, the height of the seedlings, leaf size, stem diameter, Dixon Quality Index (DQI), relative chlorophyll content, and the net photosynthetic rate were higher than those of the experimental group with a relatively high proportion of blue light. In the case of R7B3 (70% red light and 30% blue light), the stem diameter, DQI, and net photosynthetic rate of seedlings were 14%, 57%, and 22% higher than the minimum value, respectively. The present study analyzed the influence of red and blue light on plant growth characteristics during actual production and provides standardization for it.

Integrated Analysis of Morphological, Physiological, Anatomical and Molecular Responses of Cassava Seedlings to Different Light Qualities

“…In our study, the stem elongation of two cassava varieties was inhibited by monochromatic BL but elevated by monochromatic RL compared to WL, whereas these changes were counteracted by the simultaneous irradiation of BL and RL (RBL), wherein the stem length of cassava seedlings was intermediate to the values of the monochromatic light-treated samples and close to that under WL (Figure 1). This result is consistent with findings in other plants, such as in tomato [27][28][29], soybean [30] and cucumber [31], where negative responses of plant radial growth to BL were reported. Moreover, in tomato [30], cucumber [31] and Mesona chinensis [32], positive responses of plant radial growth to RL were found.…”

“…This result is consistent with findings in other plants, such as in tomato [27][28][29], soybean [30] and cucumber [31], where negative responses of plant radial growth to BL were reported. Moreover, in tomato [30], cucumber [31] and Mesona chinensis [32], positive responses of plant radial growth to RL were found. However, there are also reports indicating the positive role of BL on plant growth; for instance, BL enhanced the shoot length and bud numbers of in vitro-cultured Cinchona officinalis [19] and promoted hypocotyl elongation of arugula [33].…”

Enhancing Productivity and Improving Nutritional Quality of Subtropical and Temperate Leafy Vegetables in Tropical Greenhouses and Indoor Farming Systems

“…canasta) [30] grown indoors under different combinations of LED spectral qualities. The optimal combination of RB-LED promoting the growth of vegetable crops has also been reported by other researchers in lettuce, [105,115], radish and spinach [105], cucumber [106,116], rapeseed rosette leaves [117], and sweet basil [118]. For certain crops such as Chinese broccoli [108], cucumber [106,116], sweet basil [118], and ice plants [29], the effective LED spectral quality increasing vegetable production is closely linked to the enhanced photosynthetic performance on a leaf area basis.…”

“…The optimal combination of RB-LED promoting the growth of vegetable crops has also been reported by other researchers in lettuce, [105,115], radish and spinach [105], cucumber [106,116], rapeseed rosette leaves [117], and sweet basil [118]. For certain crops such as Chinese broccoli [108], cucumber [106,116], sweet basil [118], and ice plants [29], the effective LED spectral quality increasing vegetable production is closely linked to the enhanced photosynthetic performance on a leaf area basis. Under optimal combinations of LED lighting, higher photosynthetic performance was achieved by a higher light-saturated photosynthetic CO 2 assimilation rate and stomatal conductance and greater concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and soluble and Rubisco proteins compared to plants grown under R-LED or B-LED alone or other ineffective combinations of R-and B-LED [30].…”

Laser-Induced Changes in the gene expression, Growth and Development of Gladiolus grandiflorus cv. "White Prosperity"

“…The obtained results were in agreement with other work done on mustard, cauli ower, and turnip plants, when they exposed to, He-Ne radiation, showed an increase in biomass, leaf count, and overall fresh weight (Dutta Gupta et al, 2019). (Jin et al, 2023). Authors asserted that cytokinin and GA, among other hormones and enzymes, engage in the growth, development, and reproduction of plants.…”