• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.260-268
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light quality using either monochromatic or combined LEDs on the growth and antioxidant accumulation of Agastache rugosa cultivated under hydroponics for 4 weeks. This experiment was performed in a controlled-environment room at $22{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ and $18{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ (day and night temperatures, respectively) and 50-70% relative humidity, with a provided photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of $180{\pm}5{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ and irradiated with either monochromatic (W10 and R10) or mixed LEDs (W2B1G1, R3B1, R2B1G1, and W2B1G1) with a differing ratio of each LED's PPFD and fluorescent lighting (FL: control) with a 16/8 h photoperiod. Fresh and dry weights were highest for plants grown under the W2B1G1 treatment. A. rugosa grown with R10 had the greatest plant height but the lowest SPAD among all treatments. The concentration of rosmarinic acid in plants grown under W2B1G1 was significantly higher than that of plants grown under other treatments. Tilianin content was significantly higher in R3B1 than in the other treatments. However, whole-plant rosmarinic acid and tilianin content was the highest under the W2B1G1 condition. To cultivate A. rugosa in a plant factory, mixed-LED light conditions with W2B1G1 is considered to be more advantageous for the growth and antioxidant accumulation of A. rugosa. It is though that the total whole-plant antioxidant content is more crucial for commercial use; the present study demonstrates the potential to achieve higher content of functional materials in plants through the selection of light quality.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.371-380
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• 2018

Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different nutrient solutions and various light qualities generated by LED on the growth and glucosinolates contents of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) grown under hydroponics for 3 weeks. The seeds of watercress were sown on crushed rockwool media and raised them for two weeks. They were transplanted in a semi-DFT (deep flow technique) hydroponics system. A controlled-environment room was maintained at $20{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ and $16{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ temperatures and $65{\pm}10%$ and $75{\pm}10%$ relative humidity (day and night, respectively), with a provided photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of $180{\pm}10{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ and a photoperiod of 16/8h. To find out the best kinds of nutrient solutions for growing watercress, Otsuka House 1A (OTS), Horticultural Experiment Station in Korea (HES), and Netherland's Proefstaion voor Bloemisterij en Gasgroente (PBG) were adapted with initial EC of $1.0-1.3dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ and pH of 6.2, irradiating PPFD with fluorescent lamps (Ex-1). Either monochromatic (W10 and R10) or mixed LEDs (R5B1, R3B1, R2B1G1, and W2B1G1) were irradiated with a differing ratio of each LED's PPFD to understanding light quality on the growth and glucosinolates contents of watercress (Ex-2). Although significant difference in the shoot growth of watercress was not found among three nutrient solutions treatments, but the root fresh weight increased by 13.7% and 55.1% in PBG and OTS compared to HES, respectively. OTS increased the gluconasturtiin content by 96% and 65% compared to PBG and HES. Compared with the white light (W10), the red light (R10) showed a 101.3% increase in the shoot length of watercress. Increasing blue light portion positively affected plant growth. The content of total glucosinolates in watercress was increased by 144.5% and 70% per unit dry weight in R3B1 treatment compared with R2B1G1 and W10 treatments, respectively. The growth and total glucosinolates contents of the watercress were highest under R3B1 among six light qualities.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.332-340
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• 2018

Supplemental lighting with artificial light sources is a practical method that enables normal growth and enhances the yield and quality of fruit vegetable in greenhouses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sulfur plasma lamp (SP) and high-pressure sodium lamp (HPS) as supplemental lighting sources on the growth and yield of paprika. For investigating the effectiveness of SP and HPS lamps on paprika, the effects of primary lighting on plant growth were compared in growth chambers and those of supplemental lighting were also compared in greenhouses. In the growth chamber, plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight were measured weekly at SP and HPS from 2 weeks after transplanting. In the greenhouse, no supplemental lighting (only sunlight) was considered as the control. The supplemental lights were turned on when outside radiation became below $100W{\cdot}m^{-2}$ from 07:00 to 21:00. From 3 weeks after supplemental lighting, the growth was measured weekly, while the number and weight of paprika fruits measured every two weeks. In the growth chamber, the growth of paprika at SP was better than at HPS due to the higher photosynthetic rate. In the greenhouse, the yield was higher under sunlight with either HPS or SP than sunlight only (control). No significant differences were observed in plant height, number of node, leaf length, and fresh and dry weights between SP and HPS. However, at harvest, the number of fruits rather than the weight of fruits were higher at SP due to the enhancement of fruiting numbers and photosynthesis. SP showed a light spectrum similar to sunlight, but higher PAR and photon flux sum of red and far-red wavelengths than HPS, which increased the photosynthesis and yield of paprika.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.419-427
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of two shading methods, shading agent spray on the glasshouse and internal shading screen treatment, on the growth and fruit quality of paprika (Capsicum annuum L. 'Cupra' and 'Coletti') in summer season cultivation. In the shading agent treatment, a commercial shading agent diluted with water at a ratio of 1 : 4 was sprayed on the roof of a glasshouse. In the internal shading screen treatment, a 10~20% shaded screen was used during the day time when the sun radiation was greater than $700W{\cdot}m^{-2}$. Compared to the unshaded control, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) decreased in the greenhouse in the shading agent (SA) and shading screen (SS) treatments by 20% and 30%, respectively. Lower air temperatures and higher relative humidities were observed in the SA than in both the control and the SS treatment. Time to reach the break point of humidity deficit $8g{\cdot}m^{-3}$ was 2 hours late in the SA than in both the control and the SS treatment. Compared to control, both the SA and the SS treatments showed lower instantaneous temperatures of leaf, fruit, and flower by $2^{\circ}C$, $5^{\circ}C$ and $3^{\circ}C$, respectively. There were no differences in number of branches, stem diameter, and leaf size among treatments although both shading treatments promoted plant height in both cultivars. Botrytis infection ratio declined with the SA treatment by 14.7% in 'Cupra' and 22.1% in 'Coletti' as compared to that in the control. Shading increased fruit size in both cultivars, whereas no differences were observed in the number of locules and thickness of fruit tissue among treatments. Shading treatment increased mean fruit weight by a range of 10 to 15 g per fruit, while it decreased soluble solids contents as compared to that in the control. Similar Hunter values were observed among treatments, while fruit firmness increased slightly in shading treatments. Compared to the control, shading treatments improved marketable fruits by 11.7~22.6% and increased the number of fruits per plant by 4~9.2 in both 'Cupra' and 'Coletti'. The results of this study indicate that shading agent application on the roof of glasshouse would be one of the most effective options to reduce heat stress imposed on the paprika crop in summer cultivation, resulting in improved crop growth and fruit yield.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 2015

BACKGROUND: For commercial production of greenhouse crops under shorter day length condition, supplementary radiation has been usually achieved by the artificial light source with higher electric consumption such as high-pressure sodium, metal halide, or incandescent lamps. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with several characteristics, however, have been considered as a novel light source for plant production. Effects of supplementary lighting provided by the artificial light sources on growth of Kale seedlings during shorter day length were discussed in this experiment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Kale seedlings were grown under greenhouse under the three wave lamps (3 W), sodium lamps (Na), and red LEDs (peak at 630 nm) during six months, and leaf growth was observed at intervals of about 30 days after light exposure for 6 hours per day at sunrise and sunset. Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of supplementary red LEDs on the plant canopy was maintained at 0.1 (RL), 0.6 (RM), and $1.2(RH){\mu}mol/m^2/s$ PPF. PPF in 3 W and Na treatments was measured at $12{\mu}mol/m^2/s$. Natural light (NL) was considered as a control. Leaf fresh weight of the seedlings was more than 100% increased under the 3 W, Na and RH treatment compared to natural light considering as a conventional condition. Sugar synthesis in Kale leaves was significantly promoted by the RM or RH treatment. Leaf yield per $3.3m^2$ exposed by red LEDs of $1.2{\mu}mol/m^2/s$ PPF was 9% and 16% greater than in 3W or Na with a higher PPF, respectively. CONCLUSION: Growth of the leafy Kale seedlings were significantly affected by the supplementary radiation provided by three wave lamp, sodium lamp, and red LEDs with different light intensities during the shorter day length under greenhouse conditions. From this study, it was suggested that the leaf growth and secondary metabolism of Kale seedlings can be controlled by supplementary radiation using red LEDs of $1.2{\mu}mol/m^2/s$ PPF as well as three wave or sodium lamps in the experiment.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2019

Strawberry ($Fragaria{\times}ananassa$) is one of the most important and popular fruit crops in the world, and 'Sulhyang' is one of the principal cultivars cultivated in the Republic of Korea for the domestic market. The growth and flower induction in strawberry is the process which influences directly on fruit bearing and yield of this crop. In this study, effect of benzyladenine (BA), gibberellic acid ($GA_3$), and salicylic acid (SA) on growth and flower bud induction in strawberry 'Sulhyang' was investigated. The 3-week-old runner plants, grown in 21-cell propagation trays, were potted and cultivated in growth chambers with $25^{\circ}C/15^{\circ}C$ (day/night) temperatures, 70% relative humidity (RH), and light intensity of $300{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) provided by white light emitting diodes (LEDs). The runner plants were treated with one of three concentrations, 0 (control), 100, and $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of BA, $GA_3$, or SA solution. The chemicals were sprayed two times on leaves of runner plants at an interval of two weeks. After 9 weeks the results showed that the application of all chemicals caused reduction of root length and chlorophyll (SPAD) content as compared to the control. The lowest chlorophyll (SPAD) content was recorded in plants treated with $GA_3$. However, the treatment of $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ $GA_3$ promoted leaf area, leaf fresh weight, and plant fresh weight. The greatest flower induction (85%) and number of inflorescences (4.3 inflorescences per plant) were observed in the treatment of $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}\;SA$, followed by $100mg{\cdot}L^{-1}\;SA$. Overall, results suggest that foliar application of $GA_3$ solution could accelerate plant growth, while foliar application of SA solution could induce hastened flowering. Further studies may be needed to find out the relationship between $GA_3$ and SA solutions treated in a combination, and the molecular mechanism involved in those responses observed.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the graft-taking and growth of grafted cucumber seedlings as affected by light quality and blink cycle of LED modules. Four light quality treatments, namely blue, red, blue+red, white LED and four blink cycle levels of 5s/5s, 7s/3s, 9s/1s and control were provided to investigate the effect of lighting quality and blink cycle on the graft-taking and growth of grafted cucumber seedlings. Photoperiod for the control was 12/12 h. Photosynthetic photon flux, air temperature, and relative humidity for healing were maintained at $100{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$, $25^{\circ}C$, and 90%, respectively. There was no significant difference in graft-taking of grafted cucumber seedlings according to light quality except the blue LED with the blink cycle of 5s/5s. Regardless of the blink cycle, there was no significant difference in graft-taking of cucumber seedlings healed under red, blue+red, and white LED modules. These results implied that the effects of light quality and blink cycle on the graft-taking were not significant. Differences in the leaf length, leaf area, and fresh weight of cucumber seedlings healed blue or red LED with the blink cycle of 9s/1s were found to be significant. There was no significant effect of the blink cycle on the growth of cucumber seedlings healed under white LED modules. The prices of white LED are gradually falling due to increased demand. Considering the manufacturing unit price of white LED modules, the cost savings of 10-15% are expected as compared to the conventional blue/red LED modules. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of white LED modules will be economical as an artificial lighting sources for healing of grafted seedlings.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

This study was conducted to examine the changes of photosynthesis, growth, chlorophyll contents and functional material contents in light intensity and EC concentration of wild baby leaf vegetable, Indian lettuce (Lactuca indica L. cv. 'Sunhyang') in DFT hydroponics. The cultivation environment was 25±1℃ of temperature and 60±5% of relative humidity in growth system. At 14 days after sowing, combination effect of light intensity (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD 100, 250, 500 µmol·m-2·s-1) and EC level (EC 0.8, 1.4, 2.0 dS·m-1) of nutrient solution was determined at the baby leaf stage. The photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficiency of Indian lettuce increased as the light intensity increased. The photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency were highest in PPFD 500-EC 1.4 and PPFD 500-EC 2.0 treatment. The chlorophyll content decreased as the light intensity increased, but chlorophyll a/b ratio increased. Leaf water content and specific leaf area decreased as light intensity increased and a negative correlation (p < 0.001) was recognized. Plant height was the longest in PPFD 100-EC 0.8 and leaf number, fresh weight and dry weight were the highest in PPFD 500-EC 2.0. Anthocyanin and total phenolic compounds were the highest in PPFD 500-EC 1.4 and 2.0 treatment, and antioxidant scavenging ability (DPPH) was high in PPFD 250 and 500 treatments. Considering the growth and functional material contents, the proper light intensity and EC level for hydroponic cultivation of Indian lettuce is PPFD 500-EC 2.0, and PPFD 100 and 250, which are low light conditions, EC 0.8 is suitable for growth.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.226-233
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• 2023

High solar radiation in summer season causes excessive respiration of crops and reduces photosynthesis. In addition, the rainy season, which mainly occurs in summer, causes a low light condition inside the greenhouse. A low light condition can reduce crop growth and yield. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of shade and supplemental lighting on the growth and yield of cucumber during summer season. Cucumber grafted seedlings were transplanted in two plastic greenhouses on August 30, 2022. To reduce the light intensity inside the greenhouse, a 50% shading screen was installed in one greenhouse. Supplemental lighting was conducted from September 7, 2022 to October 20, 2022. HPS (high-pressure sodium lamp), W LED (white LED, red:green:blue = 5:3:2), and RB LED (combined red and blue LED, red:blue = 7:3) were used for supplemental lighting sources, and non-treated (nonsupplemental lighting) was as the control. The supplemental lighting was conducted before sunrise and after sunset for 2 hours with a photosynthetic photon flux density of 150 ± 20 µmol·m^-2·s^-1. The plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and SPAD value tended to increase in the shading group. RB LED increased stem diameter regardless of shading treatment. Fresh and dry weights of fruits were not significantly different in shading and supplemental lighting. Average fresh weight of fruits was not significantly different among supplemental lighting as the harvest date passed. In conclusion, in this study 50% shade treatment significantly improved the growth of cucumber during the summer season. In addition, the growth and fruit characteristics are better than the control without supplemental lighting. This study can be used as basic research data for applying supplemental lighting technology to cucumber cultivation.