Growth and morphological responses of gerbera seedlings to narrow-band lights with different light spectral combinations as sole-source lighting in a controlled environment

To optimize light-emitting diode (LED) spectral recipes for gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) seedling propagation, seed germination and morphology, biomass, flowering, storage quality were observed in four cultivars, ‘Midi Dark Purple’, ‘Majorette Red Eye’, ‘Maxi Pink’, White’, under six spectrum treatments: (1) FL, cool white fluorescent light; (2) RB, a photon flux ratio of 85% red 15% blue (RB-LED); (3) RB + UVB, RB-LED combined with 0.5 µmol m-2 s-1 ultraviolet-B; (4) UVA, 9.6 ultraviolet-A; (5) G, 60% red, blue, 25% green; (6) FR, 17.3 far-red. For all treatments, the photosynthetic density was 165 16-h photoperiod. Seedling growth morphology similar FL except wider canopy Eye’ RB. Each tri-chromatic light treatments (i.e., G or FR) showed effects as thicker Pink’ stems FR. Furthermore, index, an integrated evaluation quality, each cultivar. Given advantages LEDs, can potentially replace controlled-environment production, but lights tested this study appear to be unnecessary.