Changes in Growth and Anthocyanin Content of Brassica juncea L. affected by Light Intensity and Photoperiod in Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting

Abstract

Recently, several studies have been conducted on crop production in plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) to prepare for climate change. Light is an important factor in improving crop productivity in PFAL. This study investigated changes in the growth and anthocyanin content of Brassica juncea L. (red mustard) under various light conditions. The seeds were sown on a urethane sponge and germinated at 9 days in a PFAL. After that, red mustard was cultivated at light intensities (150 or 300 µmol·m-2·s-1), and photoperiods (8/16, 12/12, and 16/8 h, light/dark). The length, width, and area of leaves were significantly greatest at 300 µmol·m-2·s-1 with a photoperiod of 16/8. At the higher light intensity and photoperiod, shoots of red mustard showed a darker red color. The total anthocyanin content showed the highest value at the light intensity of 300 µmol·m-2·s-1 and a photoperiod of 16/8. It was possible to produce red mustard with excellent growth and high anthocyanin content in a PFAL at a light intensity of 300 µmol·m-2·s-1 with a photoperiod of 16/8.