Articles
Optimizing growth and phytochemical traits of citrus basil under LED light combinations in controlled environments
Article number
1467_29
Pages
241 – 246
Language
English
Abstract
This study evaluated the morphological traits and pigment content of scented ornamental citrus basil (Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum) grown under four LED spectral treatments: white (W, control), white + red (WR), white + far-red (WFR), and white + red + FR (WRFR). Plants were cultivated hydroponically for four weeks under controlled conditions (100 µmol m‑2 s‑1 PPFD, 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod, 35-40% RH) to assess growth performance, root development, and pigment accumulation.
The result shows that the WRFR combination significantly enhanced plant growth, e.g., producing the tallest plants (27.0 cm), the largest leaf area (18.8 cm2), and the highest biomass (16.3 g FW, 1.7 g DW), indicating synergistic effects of R and FR light on stem elongation and leaf expansion.
Conversely, the WFR treatment promoted the leaf number (40) and longest roots (35.8 cm), suggesting a shift in resource allocation toward root and foliar development.
In terms of pigment content, WRFR light stimulated the highest flavonoid index (0.27). WFR light produced the highest nitrogen flavonoid index (1.2), possibly due to efficient nitrogen assimilation or dilution effects under slower growth.
The maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) peaked under W light (0.82), while the photosynthetic index (PI) was highest under WFR (1.38). These findings highlight the potential of customized LED spectra, particularly R and FR combinations, to enhance biomass and phytochemical content in citrus basil.
The result shows that the WRFR combination significantly enhanced plant growth, e.g., producing the tallest plants (27.0 cm), the largest leaf area (18.8 cm2), and the highest biomass (16.3 g FW, 1.7 g DW), indicating synergistic effects of R and FR light on stem elongation and leaf expansion.
Conversely, the WFR treatment promoted the leaf number (40) and longest roots (35.8 cm), suggesting a shift in resource allocation toward root and foliar development.
In terms of pigment content, WRFR light stimulated the highest flavonoid index (0.27). WFR light produced the highest nitrogen flavonoid index (1.2), possibly due to efficient nitrogen assimilation or dilution effects under slower growth.
The maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) peaked under W light (0.82), while the photosynthetic index (PI) was highest under WFR (1.38). These findings highlight the potential of customized LED spectra, particularly R and FR combinations, to enhance biomass and phytochemical content in citrus basil.
Authors
M.O.K. Azad, S.B.S. Lujayn
Keywords
artificial lighting, growth characteristics, ornamental herb, phytochemical enhancement
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