Abstract

MENDOZA-PAREDES, J.E et al. Effect of different blue:red light ratios on habanero pepper seedlings (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) growth. Biotecnia [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.1, pp.87-96.  Epub June 13, 2022. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v24i1.1475.

Habanero pepper is one of the most important horticultural species in the Yucatan peninsula, and the seedling production is the crucial initial part for successful fruit production. These could be grown under controlled environment with LED lighting and would allow them to be produced all year-round, free of pests and diseases. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of different blue(A):red(R) LED light ratios (A0%, A34.5%:R65.5%, A57.1%:R42.9%, A76%:R24%, A:100%) and a fluorescent control on plant growth and photosynthetic pigments concentration of habanero pepper seedlings ‘Mayan Ba’alché’ grown under controlled conditions. The results showed that control promoted leaf growth, through a greater leaf area, leaf area index, specific leaf area, leaf fresh weight and with a lower stomatal frequency and stem diameter, while A100 % treatment promoted stem growth, through greater plant height, internode distance and stem fresh weight. Treatments A34.5%:R65.5%, A57.1%:R42.9%, A76%:R24% induced a negative effect in seedling height, internode distance and stem fresh weight. The treatments had no effect on dry weight of aerial part or in photosynthetic pigments.

Keywords : LED light; fluorescent light; photosynthetic pigments concentration; controlled environment.