Lage intensiteit LED belichting in zomerbloemen en trekheesters : praktijkonderzoek naar effect van stuurlicht op vroegheid en kwaliteit

For many cut flowers production and quality are enhanced by adding artificial assimilation light during periods of low light. For many seasonal flowers, the use of high intensity assimilation light is unprofitable or requires too high investment. Therefore the effect of day length extension with low intensity LED light (Philips production modules 94% red / 6% blue) was tested. In stock (Matthiola incana) the use of low intensity LED lighting accelerated harvest date by 10 to 20 days as light intensity increased from 5 to 20 μmol.m-2.s-1 measured at plant level. In snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) the effect was less pronounced and visible only from 10 μmol.m-2.s-1. In Trachelium caeruleum the effect was even less and only visible at 20 μmol.m-2.s-1 in two of the three varieties used. The use of LED lighting during the daytime on the short day plant Ranunculus asiaticus had no effect on the time of harvest. In most crops leaf colour improved and leaf colour became darker as light intensity increased. The leaf colour of snowball (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’) also improved under red, blue, and 94% red/6% blue LED lights and under Retrofit lamps when compared to no artificial light. Moreover, leaves and stem below the inflorescence remained more compact and quality improved under red, blue, and red/blue light. Far-red LED light gave the opposite effect with lighter leaf colour, increased stem elongation and smaller and more pointed leaves.