EFFECTS OF LIGHT SPECTRAL QUALITY ON NUTRIENT UPTAKE BY TOMATO

Abstract

Young tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ’Duranto’) were grown in a controlled environment under three light sources. The plants were fertilized with nutrient solutions containing either 45 Ca, 86 Rb, 59 Fe or 54 Mn. Calcium uptake increased significantly under white deluxe and grow-lux lamps as compared to high-pressure sodium, while Rb uptake was higher under gro-lux lamps. No significant differences in uptake were obtained for Fe or Mn among light sources.Key words: Tomato, Isotope, Mineral uptake, Light quality