Growth and anthocyanin content of lettuce as affected by artificial light source and photoperiod in a closed-type plant production system

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effect of artificial light source and photoperiod on the growth of leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) 'Seonhong Jeokchukmyeon' in a closed-type plant production system. Seedlings were grown under 3 light sources, fluorescent lamp (FL, Philips Co. Ltd., the Netherlands), WL #1 (Hepas Co. Ltd., Korea), and WL #2 (FC Poibe Co., Ltd., Korea), each with 3 photoperiods, 12/12, 18/6, and 24/0 (Light/Dark). An irradiance spectrum analysis showed that FL has various peaks in the 400-700 nm range, while WL #1 and WL #2 have only one monochromatic peak at 450 and 550 nm, respectively. The greatest plant height, fresh and dry weights were obtained in the 24/0 (Light/Dark) photoperiod. The 24/0 (Light/Dark) photoperiod treatment promoted vegetative growth of the leaf area. Length of the longest root, number of leaves, fresh weight, and total anthocyanin contents were greater in FL than in either WL #1 or #2. The greatest chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was found in the 12/12 (Light/Dark) photoperiod with FL treatment. The energy use efficiency of the LED increased by about 35-46% as compared to FL. Results suggest a possibility of LED being used as a substitute light source for fluorescent lamp for lettuce cultivation in a plant factory system.