Suitable illumination intensity is essential for preserving the quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings during storage

Abstract

Continuous darkness decreases seedling quality during storage, whereas appropriate light quality and intensity can overcome these negative effects. In this study, we determined the light intensity, storage time (ST), and storage temperature suitable for cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) seedlings. We stored cucumber seedlings under four different photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs; 0, 15, 30, and 45 μmol·m-2·s-1) at 12°C, and examined how the morphological, physiological, and photosynthetic changes in seedlings during storage affected their ability to recover after transplanting. Our results indicated that at least 15 μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD was needed for cucumber seedlings stored in the dark for 2 or 4 d, and at least 30 μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD was needed when the ST was extended to 6 d. Overall, our results showed that cucumber seedlings require light-emitting diode (LED) illumination during storage to maintain their quality and recovery ability.