May 16, 2017
Research
OBJECTIVE: Test light quality and spectra on microgreen mustard.
Heliospectra PlantLab light studies are designed to determine the effect of different wavelengths and spectra composition.
Using light strategies to create desired crop quality, flavor profiles and plant characteristics provide growers with value-add solutions for their businesses.
- Place and duration: Heliospectra PlantLab
- Species: Microgreen Mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivar “Red frills”
- Lamps: Heliospectra Lightbar
- PAR Intensity: Varied between 200 and 180 µmol/m2/s
- Photoperiod: 18 hours
METHOD: Two spectra were tested using the Heliospectra Lightbar, a combination of blue (450nm), red (660nm) and white LEDs (5700K), and a light intensity of 200 µmol/m2/s1. The second spectrum had an additional far-red (735nm) and a light intensity of 180 µmol/m2/s1.
RESULTS: Far-red (FR) influences the height of the plant resulting in elongated stems and larger size of leaves. This was visible in the mustard grown with far-red which was taller than the plants grown without FR.
The plants grown without FR displayed darker leaf color. Another observation was that the plants without far-red had a stronger spicy taste.
