We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Root Architecture, Growth and Photon Yield of Cucumber Seedlings as Influenced by Daily Light Integral at Different Stages in the Closed Transplant Production System
Summary
This agricultural science study optimized light exposure conditions for growing cucumber seedlings in a controlled indoor production system to maximize growth while minimizing energy use. It is not related to microplastics or environmental contamination.
Optimizing light conditions for vegetable seedling production in a closed transplant production system is critical for plant growth and seedling production. Additionally, energy use efficiency should be considered by growers when managing the light environment. In the present study, cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Tianjiao No. 5) were grown under six different daily light integrals (DLIs) at 8.64, 11.52, 14.40, 17.28, 23.04, and 28.80 mol m−2 d−1 created by two levels of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 200 and 400 μmol m−2 s−1 combined with photoperiod of 12, 16 and 20 h d−1 provided by white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a closed transplant production system for 21 days. Results indicated that quadratic functions were observed between fresh and dry weights of cucumber seedlings and DLI at 6, 11, 16, and 21 days after sowing. Generally, higher DLI resulted in longer root length, bigger root volume and root surface area accompanied with shorter plant height and hypocotyl length; however, no significant differences were observed in root length, root volume, and root surface area as DLI increased from 14.40 to 28.80 mol m−2 d−1. Photon yield based on fresh and dry weights decreased with increasing DLI. In conclusion, increased DLI resulted in compact and vigorous morphology but reduced photon yield of cucumber seedlings produced in a closed transplant production system. In terms of plant growth and energy use efficiency, DLI at 14.40–23.04 mol m−2 d−1 was suggested for cucumber seedling production in the closed production system. Additionally, different control strategies should be applied at different growth stages of cucumber seedlings.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of microplastics and combined pollution of polystyrene and di-n-octyl phthalate on photosynthesis of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Researchers studied how different types of microplastics and a common plastic plasticizer affect photosynthesis in cucumber plants. They found that the combination of polystyrene microplastics and the plasticizer had the most severe impact, reducing chlorophyll production and damaging the photosynthetic machinery. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in agricultural soils, especially combined with chemical additives that leach from plastics, could meaningfully impair crop growth.
[Effects of Three Different Types of Microplastics on Cucumber Growth and Nitrogen Utilization].
Researchers conducted a greenhouse pot trial examining the effects of three different microplastic types on cucumber growth and nitrogen utilization, finding that MP presence in soil disrupts normal nitrogen uptake and plant development, with effects varying by polymer type.
Physiological response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) leaves to polystyrene nanoplastics pollution
Researchers exposed cucumber plants to polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes and found significant effects on photosynthesis, antioxidant systems, and sugar metabolism in the leaves. Smaller particles tended to reduce chlorophyll and photosynthetic activity, while larger particles triggered stronger oxidative stress responses. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in farmland soils could impair crop growth through multiple biochemical pathways.
The distribution and impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on cucumber plants
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes distribute within cucumber plants and affect root growth and fruit quality. They found that smaller particles accumulated more readily throughout the plant, moving from roots to leaves and fruit, and caused greater disruption to root physiology. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect both crop development and food quality.
Mitigating microplastic toxicity: How particle size and degrading bacteria influence Cucumis sativus L. seedlings
Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes affect cucumber seedlings and whether adding plastic-degrading bacteria could reduce the damage. Surprisingly, large microplastic particles actually increased plant height and leaf area, while adding degrading bacteria further improved plant growth and enhanced beneficial soil microbial communities. The study suggests that biological degradation strategies using specialized bacteria could help mitigate microplastic pollution in agricultural settings.