How Various LED Wavelengths Affect Plant Growth of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
Neil Jatakia
Horticultural Sciences, Chino, The United States of America
ABSTRACT:
This study investigates the effects of different LED wavelength combinations and intensities on growth, yield, and phytochemical content of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in controlled environment agriculture. Using a randomized complete block design with four replications, basil plants were exposed to six LED wavelength combinations (UV-A, blue, red, UV-A+blue, UV-A+red, and blue+red) at two photosynthetic photon flux density levels (100 and 200 μmol·m−2·s−1). Results showed that blue+red and UV-A+blue combinations produced the highest plant growth parameters, with heights of 29.8 cm and 30.5 cm respectively, and fresh biomass yields of 95.3 g/plant and 92.5 g/plant. UV-A+red treatment yielded the highest chlorophyll content (53.6 SPAD units), while UV-A+blue treatment resulted in maximum total phenolic content (25.7 mg GAE/g DW). Lower PPFD values (100 μmol·m−2·s−1) enhanced phytochemical synthesis, while higher intensities (200 μmol·m−2·s−1) promoted biomass accumulation. These findings demonstrate that specific LED wavelength combinations can optimize basil production and phytochemical content in controlled environments, offering potential applications for sustainable urban agriculture and year-round crop production.
Published in: International Journal of Research in Interdisciplinary Studies (Volume 2, Issue 12, December 2024)
Page(s): 41-48
Date of Publication: 31/12/2024
Publisher: IJRIS
Cite as: Neil Jatakia, “How Various LED Wavelengths Affect Plant Growth of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum),” in International Journal of Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, vol. 2, no. 12, pp. 41-48, December 2024.