The genus Sempervivum plants are members of the Crassulaceae family that is widely distributed in Eurasia and North Africa. Various species in Sempervivum have shown the potential to be used as medicinal crops in several studies in the past. Nowadays, succulents under this genus have gained popularity as ornamental plants. To increase its ornamental value and determine proper cultivation practices, a basic investigation of indoor factors, especially on lighting conditions, is deemed necessary. This study aims to determine the effects of types of LED light qualities on the growth and leaf color of S. ‘Black Top’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘Black Top’) which could increase its market value. ‘Black Top’ were grown under three types of LED light qualities for indoor cultivation for 18 weeks. Results indicated that the tallest plants were grown under 3000 K white LED (peak 455, 600 nm) while the highest leaf length of plants was grown in purple LED (peak 450, 650 nm) treatments. Leaf width was not significantly affected by treatments. On the other hand, fresh weight was found to be highest under 6500 K white LED (peak 450, 545 nm), while dry weight was found that 3000 K white LED and 6500 K white LED had the same significance level. The highest chlorophyll content was taken from those grown under 6500 K white LED and the lowest in the purple LED, which suggests that balanced spectral distribution relatively produces increased chlorophyll content. In the analysis of CIELAB leaf color reading values, L* (color lightness) was found highest in the purple LED, which suggests that if the spectrum was biased to one wavelength, it would produce unfavorable leaf color quality of ‘Black Top.’ Based on these results, ‘Black Top’ are recommended to be grown under 3000 K and 6500 K white LED compared to purple LED to increase plant sizes and improve leaf color quality.
Lee, Jae Hwan & Nam, Sang Yong. (2023). Influence of Three Types of LED Light Quality on the Growth and Leaf Color of Sempervivum ‘Black Top.’ Journal of Agriculture & Life Science. 57. 39-47. 10.14397/jals.2023.57.2.39.
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