(Press-News.org) Contact information: Michael W. Neff
mwneff@ashs.org
703-836-4606
American Society for Horticultural Science
Researchers test effects of LEDs on leaf lettuce
Mixture of blue and red lights recommended to enhance lettuce quality, yield
CHEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA--In the life cycle of plants, most developmental processes are dependent on light. Significant biological processes such as germination, shade avoidance, circadian rhythms, and flower induction are all affected by light. Recent advancements in the use of LED lighting in plant and vegetable production systems has researchers looking for insights into the effects of these artificial lights on the growth and yield of crops. Scientists from the Department of Horticultural Science at Chungbuk National University published a study in HortScience that sheds some light on the advantages and challenges of LEDs in lettuce cultivation.
The increased use of LEDs in environmentally controlled closed-type plant production systems allows crop production throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions. According to authors Ki-Ho Son and Myung-Min Oh, LEDs have some advantages over traditional lighting sources in plant cultivation. "LEDs have the advantages of high light-conversion efficiency with low radiant heat output, semipermanence, and small mass," they noted. "In addition, LEDs are available in a variety of narrow wavebands; hence, it is possible to optimize light quality to improve both crop yield and quality." They explained that blue and red LEDs are usually used for plant growth because chlorophyll a and b efficiently absorb wavelengths in the blue and red ranges.
The research design used red and green leaf lettuce subjected to six LED lighting treatments. The scientists examined growth characteristics including the fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, shoot-to-root ratio, total leaf area, and chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant capacity, phenolic concentration, and flavonoid concentration were also measured in the study. "The growth characteristic results for the two lettuce cultivars grown under various ratios of blue to red LEDs confirmed that red LED serves as a major light source that improves lettuce growth rate," the authors said.
The experiments confirmed that both blue and red LEDs have a positive effect on the accumulation of antioxidant phenolic compounds and lettuce growth, respectively. "Red light irradiation in the absence of blue light was effective at stimulating the biomass accumulation of lettuce plants; however, this lighting alone induced abnormal leaf shape and had a negative effect on polyphenolics and antioxidant levels," the scientists said. They recommended a mixture of blue and red LEDs to enhance lettuce crop quality and yield in closed-type plant production systems.
###
The complete study and abstract are available on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal web site: http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/48/8/988.abstract
Founded in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) is the largest organization dedicated to advancing all facets of horticultural research, education, and application. More information at ashs.org.
Researchers test effects of LEDs on leaf lettuce
Mixture of blue and red lights recommended to enhance lettuce quality, yield
2013-11-19
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Researchers develop technique to convert thermoelectric material into high performance electricity
2013-11-19
Researchers develop technique to convert thermoelectric material into high performance electricity
A team of Clemson University physicists consisting of nanomaterial scientists Apparao Rao and Ramakrishna Podila and thermoelectricians Terry Tritt, Jian He and Pooja Puneet ...
The fashion scout and the cop: Scanning the streets with similar methods for different targets
2013-11-19
The fashion scout and the cop: Scanning the streets with similar methods for different targets
University of Cincinnati research compares practices used by fashion industry casting directors to the New York City Police Department's controversial stop-and-frisk program.
New ...
Zinc sulfate, sugar alcohol zinc sprays improve apple quality
2013-11-19
Zinc sulfate, sugar alcohol zinc sprays improve apple quality
Study recommends continuing zinc application at critical stages on apple trees
SHANDONG PROVINCE, CHINA--Zinc is vital for the healthy growth and reproduction of all organisms. ...
Asteroids' close encounters with Mars
2013-11-19
Asteroids' close encounters with Mars
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- For nearly as long as astronomers have been able to observe asteroids, a question has gone unanswered: Why do the surfaces of most asteroids appear redder than meteorites — the remnants of asteroids ...
Researchers classify urban residential desert landscapes
2013-11-19
Researchers classify urban residential desert landscapes
Information helps residents and planners create landscape budgets, manage water resources
LAS CRUCES, NM--A new study contains valuable information for homeowners and horticulturalists ...
New bale unroller design deemed effective
2013-11-19
New bale unroller design deemed effective
Offset round-bale unroller makes mulching more efficient in organic mulch trials
LEXINGTON, KY--John Wilhoit and Timothy Coolong from the University of Kentucky have introduced a new technology that ...
First-ever survey of Do-It-Yourself Biology community challenges myths
2013-11-19
First-ever survey of Do-It-Yourself Biology community challenges myths
Poll finds 'DIYers' working at community labs on benign, educational experiments
WASHINGTON—As the Do-It-Yourself Biology ...
Study: Odds of rehospitalization of cognitively impaired varies by discharge destination
2013-11-19
Study: Odds of rehospitalization of cognitively impaired varies by discharge destination
INDIANAPOLIS -- Cognitively impaired older adults released from the hospital are less likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days if they go to a nursing home than if they return ...
Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth
2013-11-19
Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth
ANN ARBOR—The odds of preterm birth for women exposed to a commonly used class of chemicals known as phthalates are increased significantly, according to a new study from the University of Michigan School of Public ...
Non-specialist health workers play important role in improving mental health in developing countries
2013-11-19
Non-specialist health workers play important role in improving mental health in developing countries
New research shows benefits for people with depression, anxiety, dementia, maternal depression, post traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse
Non-specialist ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Thirty-year mystery of dissonance in the “ringing” of black holes explained
Less intensive works best for agricultural soil
Arctic rivers project receives “national champion” designation from frontiers foundation
Computational biology paves the way for new ALS tests
Study offers new hope for babies born with opioid withdrawal syndrome
UT, Volkswagen Group of America celebrate research partnership
New Medicare program could dramatically improve affordability for cancer drugs – if patients enroll
Are ‘zombie’ skin cells harmful or helpful? The answer may be in their shapes
University of Cincinnati Cancer Center presents research at AACR 2025
Head and neck, breast, lung and survivorship studies headline Dana-Farber research at AACR Annual Meeting 2025
AACR: Researchers share promising results from MD Anderson clinical trials
New research explains why our waistlines expand in middle age
Advancements in muon detection: Taishan Antineutrino Observatory's innovative top veto tracker
Chips off the old block
Microvascular decompression combined with nerve combing for atypical trigeminal neuralgia
Cutting the complexity from digital carpentry
Lung immune cell type “quietly” controls inflammation in COVID-19
Fiscal impact of expanded Medicare coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat obesity
State and sociodemographic trends in US cigarette smoking with future projections
Young adults drive historic decline in smoking
NFCR congratulates Dr. Robert C. Bast, Jr. on receiving the AACR-Daniel D. Von Hoff Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education and Training in Cancer Research
Chimpanzee stem cells offer new insights into early embryonic development
This injected protein-like polymer helps tissues heal after a heart attack
FlexTech inaugural issue launches, pioneering interdisciplinary innovation in flexible technology
In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity
Methyl eugenol: potential to inhibit oxidative stress, address related diseases, and its toxicological effects
A vascularized multilayer chip reveals shear stress-induced angiogenesis in diverse fluid conditions
AI helps unravel a cause of Alzheimer's disease and identify a therapeutic candidate
Coalition of Autism Scientists critiques US Department of Health and Human Services Autism Research Initiative
Structure dictates effectiveness, safety in nanomedicine
[Press-News.org] Researchers test effects of LEDs on leaf lettuceMixture of blue and red lights recommended to enhance lettuce quality, yield