Influence of Light Emitting Diodes on Brassica oleracea Growth, Metabolites, and Antioxidant Capacity

Tristan D. Sanders*, Nicole L Waterland, and Youyoun Moon

Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Presentation Category: Oral-Science & Technology (Oral Presentation #34)

Student’s Major: Biochemistry

The recent advancements in LED (light-emitting diode) technology have made it economically beneficial for indoor agriculture operations. The unique property of LEDs are the emission of narrow bandwidths of light and high-power use efficiency. Due to the emission of single bandwidths of light, it is necessary to combine multiple LEDs to increase crop yield and quality. LEDs emitting red and blue are often utilized to grow crops indoors since chlorophylls absorb them the most efficiently. However, it has been shown that other wavelengths of light can drastically influence the yield and physiology of crops. In this study the mineral uptake and secondary metabolites of kale (Brassica oleracea ‘scarlet’) were investigated. Kale was grown under seven LED treatments; red, blue, green, red+blue (RB), red+green (RG), blue+green (BG), red+blue+green (RBG) with a total photon flux density of 150umol/m2s with three replications. The ratio of each color in the combination groups resembled that of sunlight. The fresh and dry weights of kale grown under red LEDs were higher. Sole green light proved to be equally effective at accumulating fresh mass as other lights. Blue light led to a higher total phenolic content. Utilizing LEDs to manipulate the physiology of food crops has the potential to increase nutritional content, and the health of those who consume them.

Funding: West Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: Other, WVU Honors EXCEL Program