Lighting for greenhouse vegetable production--an overview

• Published in: Canadian journal of plant science 1989-10, Vol.69 (4), p.1309-1326
• Main Authors: Ehret, D.L, Jolliffe, P.A, Molnar, J.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; artificial light; Biological and medical sciences; carbon dioxide; crop yield; electromagnetic radiation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gas exchange; General agronomy. Plant production; greenhouse production; growth rate; light; light relations; photoperiod; Protected cultivation; Soilless cultures. Protected cultivation; solar radiation; supplementary light; vegetables
• ISSN: 0008-4220; 1918-1833
• DOI: 10.4141/cjps89-159

At temperate latitudes, growth of greenhouse vegetable crops is well correlated with seasonal shifts in irradiance, which constrains annual production schedules and productivity. Although supplemental lighting would appear to be a potentially useful means of extending seasonal limits, current use of supplemental lighting is largely restricted to propagation and transplant production. Information is scarce concerning the use of supplemental lighting during the main crop growth period. Yield data from trials with lettuce, cucumber, tomato and pepper grown under supplemental lighting are promising, but more information on product quality is needed. Adequate guidelines for the suitable timing, irradiance, spectral energy distribution and seasonal use of supplemental lighting are not yet in place for producing crops, and need to be developed in conjunction with other cultural factors. Supplemental lighting increases the effectiveness of greenhouse carbon dioxide enrichment, but may necessitate adjustments in nutrient and climate management in the greenhouse.Key words: Greenhouse, lighting, vegetables, season extension