Red, Blue or Mix: Choice of Optimal Light Qualities for Enhanced Plant Growth and Development through in silico Analysis

Abstract

In smart greenhouse farming, the impact of light qualities on plant growth and development is crucial but lacks systematic identification of optimal combinations. This study addresses this gap by analysing various light properties’ effects (photoperiod, intensity, ratio, light-dark order) on Arabidopsis thaliana growth using days-to-flower (DTF) and hypocotyl length as proxies to measure plant growth and development. After establishing suitable ranges through comprehensive literature review, these properties were varied within those ranges. Compared to white light, a 16-hour cycle of blue light reduces DTF and hypocotyl length by 12% and 3%, respectively. Interestingly, similar results can be achieved using a shorter photoperiod of 14-hour light (composed of 8 hours of a mixture of 66.7 µmol/m2s−1 red and 800 µmol/m2s−1 blue lights (i.e., blue: red ratio of 12:1) followed by 6 hours of monochromatic red light and 10-hour dark. These findings offer potential for efficient growth light recipes in smart greenhouse farming, optimising productivity while minimising energy consumption.