STUDYING THE EFFECT OF LIGHT QUALITY ON PHOTOSYNTHETIC EFFICIENCY AND YIELD IN GREENHOUSE GROWN CUCUMBER

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of light quality on photosynthetic efficiency and yield in greenhouse-grown cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.), with a focus on optimizing light conditions for enhanced crop productivity. The experiment utilized three distinct light treatments: red-blue light combinations, white light, and blue light only. Results revealed that cucumbers grown under red-blue light exhibited the highest growth performance, including increased plant height, larger leaf area, and enhanced photosynthetic rate. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements also indicated higher photosynthetic efficiency under red-blue light, confirming its positive impact on photosystem II activity. In terms of yield, the red-blue light combination significantly outperformed both white light and blue light treatments, producing the highest number and weight of fruits. Total biomass production followed a similar trend, with red-blue light resulting in the greatest biomass accumulation. The findings suggest that light quality, particularly the ratio of red to blue light, plays a crucial role in improving cucumber growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and yield in greenhouse environments. This research provides valuable insights into the optimization of light conditions for sustainable agricultural practices, offering practical applications for greenhouse farming systems aiming to increase crop productivity while maintaining energy efficiency. Future studies may explore the long-term effects of different light treatments on fruit quality and overall plant health.