Testing the potential of LEDs to enhance growth and quality characteristics of Salvia fruticosa

Abstract

The effect of light-emitting diodes (LED) with broad radiation spectra on developmental, physiological, and phytochemical characteristics of Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa L.) seedlings was assessed. Fluorescent (FL – control) tubes and four LED lights [AP67 (moderate blue, red and far-red), L20AP67 (moderate blue, red and far-red, high green), AP673L (moderate blue, high red) and NS1 (high blue and green, low red, high red : far-red, 1% ultraviolet)] were used in a growth chamber. Seedlings grown under FL, L20AP67 and AP673L exhibited the best morphological and developmental characteristics. FL led to inferior root biomass formation compared to all LEDs. AP67 promoted greater root-to-shoot dry weight ratio and dry-to-fresh overground and root weight ratios, but induced the least morphological and developmental characteristics. NS1 performed well regarding the root biomass production. Total phenolic content and the root growth capacity were not significantly affected. The present study demonstrates that L20AP67 and AP673L LEDs performed equally to FL light regarding the developmental characteristics. AP67 and NS1 may have the potential to be used for compact seedling production.