Far-red LED light treatment increased shoot height and diminished root capacity in kale

Isabel Weeks*, Tristan Sanders,Sven Verlinden, Nicole Waterland, and Youyoun Moon
Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Presentation No.: 37

Assigned Category (Presentation Format): Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (Poster Presentations)

Student’s Major: Biochemistry

The utilization of light-emitting diodes (LED) has gradually increased in the last decade, and LEDs have become one of the primary light sources in food production. However, there is very little information on how each spectrum affects crop production. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of far-red and near UV LED on plant growth, mineral uptake, and phytochemical biosynthesis in kale. The kale plants underwent four separate treatments in growth chambers for five weeks. LED modules generating individual spectrum (near UV, U; blue,B; green,G; red, R; and far-red, F) were used. There were four treatments: BGR, BGRF, UBGR, UBGRF. Exposure of the plants to near UV LED resulted in a higher fresh weight when compared to far red exposure. The opposite trend was observed in average plant height. Diminished root capacity was also observed in plants exposed to far-red. Nutrient content and antioxidant analyses using ICP and ORAC will allow us to understand the effect of far-red and near UV light spectra on mineral uptake and antioxidant biosynthesis.

Funding:

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: Other