Controlling the spectrum and intensity of artificial light offers an effective strategy to optimize crop productivity and nutritional quality in controlled-environment agriculture.
This study evaluated the combined effects of red–blue–white light (RBW), supplemented with far-red (RBW + FR), and RBW supplemented with both FR and UV-A (RBW + FR+UVA) at three photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs; 100, 50, and 25 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) on growth, photosynthetic traits, pigment composition, and antioxidant capacity of basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) and parsley ( Petroselinum crispum L). Across all light intensities, RBW + FR consistently enhanced vegetative growth in basil, increasing growth and biomass accumulation compared with RBW alone. In contrast, RBW + FR+UVA generally reduced growth but increased anthocyanin concentration, phenolic and flavonoid contents. Basil exhibited higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic performance index (PI), and stomatal conductance under RBW + FR, particularly at 25 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, indicating improved photosynthetic efficiency under low-light conditions. Parsley showed a weaker growth response to spectral treatments but demonstrated substantial increases in total phenolic content, flavonoids, and DPPH free-radical scavenging activity under RBW + FR+UVA, especially at reduced PPFDs. Overall, FR radiation primarily stimulated growth and photosynthetic performance, whereas UV-A acted as a biochemical elicitor, enhancing antioxidant capacity at the expense of biomass.
These species-specific responses highlight the importance of tailored spectral strategies to balance yield and nutritional quality in low-energy indoor farming systems.
Azad, Obyedul & Naznin, Tahera. (2026). Interactive Effects of Spectrum and Intensity of RBW, FR and UV-A on Growth, Photosynthetic Performance, and Antioxidant Properties of Basil and Parsley Grown in Indoor Vertical Farm. 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8663124/v1.
Source: Research Gate
