Seedling Quality and Photosynthetic Characteristic of Vegetables Grown Under a Spectrum Conversion Film

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of spectrum conversion film on seedling quality and photosynthetic traits of leaf and fruit vegetables. Lettuce, Chinese cabbage, and cucumber seeds were sown in 50-cell plug trays filled with commercial seedling media and grown under a spectrum conversion film (SCF) and a poly-ethylene film as a control. The SCF decreased blue-green light and increased red light, and thereby increased the R/FR ratio and R/B ratio of solar spectrum, which was sufficient to affect the photosynthesis, growth, and morphogenesis of the seedlings. The photosynthetic rates of Chinese cabbage and cucumber were significantly increased under the SCF, and their maximum photosynthetic rates were 23% and 19%, respectively. However, the growth of lettuce was decreased under the SCF, and the plant height and leaf length became longer, resulting in a decrease in seedling quality. Although the morphology of Chinese cabbage grown under the SCF was not changed compared to the control, the leaf dry weight increased and its dwarf rate was 10%. The growth of cucumber under the SCF was similar to that of the control, but the plant height and petiole were significantly reduced, resulting in a high dwarf rate of 24%. It was concluded that the solar spectrum modified by the SCF increased the photosynthetic efficiency and improved the seedling quality of Chinese cabbage and cucumber. Additional key words : agriculture covering material, compactness, dwarf rate, light curve, light quality, specific leaf area *Corresponding author: [email protected] Received March 22, 2021; Revised April 7, 2021; Accepted April 12, 2021 Journal of Bio-Environment Control, Vol. 30, No. 2:110-117, April (2021) DOI https://doi.org/10.12791/KSBEC.2021.30.2.110 pISSN 1229-4675 eISSN 2765-3641