Enhancement of photosynthesis efficiency and yield of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) plants via LED systems
Helio Dos Santos Suzana Guiamba, Xiwen Zhang, Edyta Sierka, Kui Lin, Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Waleed M. Ali, Sobhi F. Lamlom, Hazem M. Kalaji, Arkadiusz Telesiński, Ahmed Fathy Yousef, Yong Xu
Abstract
Due to advances in the industrial development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), much research has been conducted in recent years to get a better understanding of how plants respond to these light sources. This study investigated the effects of different LED-based light regimes on strawberry plant development and performance. The photosynthetic pigment content, biochemical constituents, and growth characteristics of strawberry plants were investigated using a combination of different light intensities (150, 200, and 250 μmol m −2 s −1 ), qualities (red, green, and blue LEDs), and photoperiods (14/10 h, 16/8 h, and 12/12 h light/dark cycles) compared to the same treatment with white fluorescent light. Plant height, root length, shoot fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a , total chlorophyll/carotenoid content, and most plant yield parameters were highest when illuminated with LM7 [intensity (250 μmol m −2 s −1 ) + quality (70% red/30% blue LED light combination) + photoperiod (16/8 h light/dark cycles)]. The best results for the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry Y(II), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), and electron transport ratio (ETR) were obtained with LM8 illumination [intensity (250 μmol m −2 s −1 ) + quality (50% red/20% green/30% blue LED light combination) + photoperiod (12 h/12 h light/dark cycles)]. We conclude that strawberry plants require prolonged and high light intensities with a high red-light component for maximum performance and biomass production.