Abstract
The use of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights in microscale vegetable production is more and more widespread. In this context, the effect of light spectrum on photosynthesis, growth, shoot yield, pigment content, and nutritional status of einkorn seedlings (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum), germinated and grown in a nutrient solution, was investigated. Plants were subjected to six different LED light treatments, all having a photon flux density (PFD) of 200 μmol m−2 s−1. Two light treatments were monochromatic (red or blue), three dichromatic (blue and red in the proportion), and one of a wider spectrum (selected as a control). All the light treatments affected the morphological, biochemical, and nutritional status of einkorn seedlings. Overall, the dichromatic treatments were the most effective in stimulating biomass production, CO2 assimilation, and evapotranspiration, as well as contents in chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids, and additionally nitrogen, phosphorous, manganese, iron, and zinc. These results are of relevance for the beneficial effects of dichromatic LED treatments in maximizing einkorn shoot yield and nutritional values, and in limiting energy consumption in indoor cultivation.
Highlights
Over the last decade, there has been a sharp increase in indoor vegetable production as it offers many advantages when compared to conventional field vegetable cultivation
SEM: pooled standard error of the mean. ** and *** indicate that the values are significantly different for p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively; n.s. indicates that the values are not significantly different
SEM: pooled standard error of the mean. * and ** indicate that the values are significantly different for p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively; n.s. indicates that the values are not significantly different
Summary
There has been a sharp increase in indoor vegetable production as it offers many advantages when compared to conventional field vegetable cultivation This methodology is based on the growth of plants in soilless systems under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity, photoperiod, light intensity, and nutrient and water supply. This approach includes limited incidences of pest and disease attacks. Well-designed indoor systems (e.g., hydroponics) can minimize water and nutrient inputs, as well as the use of herbicides and pesticides [1]. Indoor systems are less exposed to threats related to climate change [3]
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