Effect of different supplemental lighting sources on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) growth

Abstract

Low solar radiation condition in spring and winter in Korea reduces the photosynthesis of cucumber. A continuous low light intensity condition can be a problem in greenhouse cultivation due to the reduced growth of crops and fruit yield. To solve this problem, supplemental lighting technology can be used. Supplemental lighting is a technique that adjusts the photoperiod and amount of light to complement an insufficient amount of sunlight. The effect of supplemental lighting is different by light sources, light intensity, light quality, and photoperiod. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different supplemental lighting sources on the growth and fruit yield of cucumbers. Cucumber seedlings were transplanted on a hydroponic system in the Venlo-type greenhouse. The light sources used in the experiment were a high-pressure sodium lamp (HPS), white LED (W LED), and combined red and blue LED (RB LED, red:blue = 5:5). Non-treated (non-supplemental lighting) was set as the control. Supplemental lighting was conducted for 4 h after sunrise with a photosynthetic photon flux density of 150±10 μmol m-2 s-1. The results of this research can be used as the basic research data for improving the growth and yield of cucumbers in low solar radiation conditions. © 2025 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.