Light source and CO2 concentration affect growth and anthocyanin content of lettuce under controlled environment

The effect of light source and CO2 concentration on the growth and anthocyanin content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. 'Seonhong Jeokchukmyeon') grown in growth chambers was examined. The plant was grown under 140 mu mol center dot m(-2)center dot s(-1) PPF provided by either cool white fluorescent lamps (F, the control), white (W) light emitting diodes (LEDs), or a 8:1:1 mixture of red, blue and white (RBW) LEDs. Carbon dioxide concentration of the atmosphere was maintained at either 350, 700, or 1,000 mu mol center dot mol(-1). The RBW treatment promoted vegetative growth of the shoot and root. Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was not significantly affected by the light source and CO2 concentration. Total anthocyanin content of the plant supplied with 1,000 mol center dot mol(-1) CO2 was the greatest in the F treatment. Photosynthetic rate significantly increased with the increasing CO2 concentration. These results suggested that the RBW which provided a wider spectrum of PAR and the highest CO2 concentration provided the most the suitable environment condition for vegetative growth of lettuce among the tested light sources. To obtain plants with even higher quality, especially having greater content of anthocyanin, however, more considerations on supplemental light source including white LED are necessary in terms of optimum intensity, photoperiod, and optimum ratios of mixing with other LEDs.