Artificial Light Sources Influence Cherry Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cv. ‘CF Jelly’) Growth and Development

BACKGROUND: Selection an suitable light source is essential in the year-round production of horticultural crops in closed production systems such as plant factory with controlled environments. This study was investigated to confirm the effects of artificial light sources on growth of cherry tomato‘CF Jelly’( Lycopersicon esculentum var.) under high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS), metal-halide lamps (MH), and LEDs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Light intensity of the light sources was controlled at 220±30 µmol/m 2 /s with 12 hrs of photoperiod for a day. Flower development was significantly faster in HPS and MH treatments compared to the LEDs. There was no significant difference between the leaf number and leaf shape under the HPS and MH treatments. Reproductive growth of cherry tomato was significantly promoted by the LEDs treatment of blue plus red lights. Fruit yield per plant also increased under the LEDs compared to the others. CONCLUSION(S): Growth, flowering, and fruit setting of the cherry tomato were accomplished by the artificial lights under plant factory conditions. The HPS treatment showed negative effect on fruit quality in terms of blos-som-end rot incidence compared to the LEDs or MH treatment. Effect of the LEDs on promotion of fruit weight and yield was also proved. Additional research should be carried out for improving sugar metabolism or decreasing disease in the fruits under plant factory system using only artificial lights.