Effect of Different PPFDs and Photoperiods on Growth and Yield of Everbearing Strawberry ‘Elan’ in Plant Factory with White LED Lighting

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of continuous lighting for efficient plant growth during the reproductive period of everbearing strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch. ‘Elan’) in a plant factory with white LED lighting. The plants were grown under different photoperiods (16 and 24 hours per day) and PPFDs (200, 300, 400, and 500 μmol m^-2 s^-1). The fruit yield was significantly lower at 200 μmol m^-2 s^-1 with either photoperiods and was significantly higher under 24 hours than 16 hours photoperiod. The rate of yield increase by intensifying PPFD was higher under 24 hours than under 16 hours photoperiod. The soluble solids and ascorbic acid content was significantly lower at 200 and 300 μmol m^-2 s^-1 with 16 hours photoperiod and 200 μmol m^-2 s^-1 with 24 hours photoperiod, but not different between the photoperiods. The anthocyanin content was significantly higher under 24 hours than under 16 hours photoperiod. The crop's productivity (g mol^-1) was higher under 24 hours than under 16 hours photoperiod and 300 μmol m^-2 s^-1 was higher than that of different PPFDs. These results indicate that continuous lighting at 300 μmol m^-2 s^-1 is more efficient for cultivating everbearing strawberry.