Effect of various LED light on the growth and reproductive of in vitro-derived Indonesian chili pepper (Capsicum annum) Kopay and Laris varieties

Abstract

Red chili (Capsicum annuum), is one of the horticultural commodities that has a high demand. The production, however, is limited because of unsuitable climate and pest attack. Artificial light using LED light in indoor farming is a potential approach to solve the problem and for the production of metabolites for human health. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of various LED lights (white, red, blue, UV and combination red+blue) on two Indonesian chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) varieties Kopay and Laris derived from in vitro cultures and grown in the growth chamber and the greenhouse. Parameters observed were leaves number, plant height, number and weight of axillary buds, number of flower and number of young fruits. The results showed that Laris and Kopay under red and blue light significantly different on height character at 66 DAT. In Laris variety, the highest leaves number observed in plants under red light, while the highest young fruit number observed under blue light. Both red and blue lights grew taller than white light. In Kopay variety, combination red+blue light resulted in higher value in plant height, number of flowers has bloomed, number of axillary buds and weight of axillary buds at 37 DAT. The highest young fruit number observed in plants under white light. These results demonstrated that light wavelength through LED light affected plant growth and development. The findings are crucial for determining the best treatment for producing fruits containing health related-metabolites accumulated in chili peppers of each variety.