Light and vegetable production

This book contains 6 different scientific articles and shows how the growth, yield and quality of indoor vegetable production can be influenced by light spectrum.

1. Chervil and Light

The first article shows that long hours of strong light increase tipburn in chervil. Different lamps also shape the plants differently: fluorescent light keeps plants compact with fewer problems, while high‑pressure sodium lamps make them tall and more prone to tipburn. Calcium levels were highest under fluorescent light.

2. Lettuce and Far‑Red Filter

The second article explains how a far‑red filter improves lettuce quality. Lettuce becomes lighter green, less bitter, and has more upright leaves. Tipburn decreases and calcium increases. The plants look healthier even though yield stays the same.

3. LEDs and Plant Nutrition

The third article reviews how LED colors influence plant growth and nutrition. Red and blue light are essential, while green and blue help seedlings. Certain red and UV wavelengths boost antioxidants and vitamins. Some colors help specific crops at specific stages, while UV should be avoided for cucumber transplants.

4. LED Technology Overview

The fourth article gives a broader overview of LED lighting in greenhouses. Red and blue light form the basic “recipe” for good growth, but even colors once thought unimportant — like green or yellow — can have meaningful effects. Different crops respond differently to each color.

5. Light Colors and Vegetable Quality

The fifth article summarizes which light colors improve yield, growth, sugars, pigments, and nutritional quality. Blue, green, and red are the most beneficial overall. In special cases, far‑red, orange, or UVA can also help. Future greenhouse lighting can be designed more precisely using these insights.

6. Cress and LEDs

The sixth article shows that LED lighting improves cress growth. Under LEDs, cress becomes shorter with wider leaves — a shape that helps nutrients move faster through the plant. Compared to natural light, LED‑grown cress looks stronger and healthier.