Blue spectral quality contributes to yield and ascorbic acid content in Micro Tom tomato under sole-source lighting

Abstract

There is an intricate relationship between the spectral composition of light, plant photosynthetic performance and biomass accumulation. The interaction between plants and the ambient light environment is not only crop-specific but also crucial for maximized yield and nutritional quality. The emergence of LED technology introduced a unique avenue for manipulating the light spectrum, offering new and continued possibilities for optimizing growth conditions. With a focus on tomato cultivation under sole-source lighting, we have investigated the impact of blue spectral quality (waveband composition) on growth and nutritional value of dwarf tomato. Notably, our study revealed that distinct wavebands of blue light (400 nm, 420 nm and 450 nm) can influence the net photosynthetic rate despite unaltered photochemical efficiency. Our research uncovered a correlation whereby shorter wavelengths of blue light increased leaf area, while longer blue wavelengths contributed to greater harvest indices. In addition, we identified a specific blue peak wavelength, 450 nm, that significantly affected chlorophyll composition in leaves and ascorbate levels in fruits. Through these findings, we call attention to the notion that blue spectral quality has a role in shaping both yield and nutritional attributes of dwarf tomato, such as Micro Tom, under sole-source lighting. Overall, our research provides valuable insight into the nuanced interplay between light spectrum, plant physiology, and horticultural outcome.