Selection of Supplemental Light Source for Greenhouse Cultivation of Pepper during Low Radiation Period through Growth and Economic Analysis

Abstract

To produce a high quality crop, light is an essential environmental factor in greenhouse cultivation. In the winter season, solar radiation is weak than other season. Therefore, using supplemental light during a low radiation period can increase the crop growth and yield. This study was conducted to select the economical supplemental light source for greenhouse cultivation in pepper during the low radiation period. The green pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Super Cheongyang') was transplanted on 5 September 2019. Supplemental lighting treatment was conducted from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020. RB LED (red and blue LED, red:blue = 7:3), W LED (white LED, R:G:B = 5:3:2), and HPS (high-pressure sodium lamp) were used as the supplemental light source. Non-treatment was used as the control. The plant height, SPAD, and number of nodes of pepper plants have no significant differences by supplemental light sources. However, the number of ramifications plants was the greatest in RB LED light source. Moreover, supplemental lighting increased photosynthesis of the pepper plant, and especially, the RB LED had the highest photosynthesis rate during supplemental lighting period. Also, the yield of pepper increased in the supplemental lighting treatment than in the control, and the RB LED had the greatest yield than other light sources. The electricity consumption was the highest in W LED and the lowest in HPS light. Through the economic analysis, the RB LED had high economic efficiency. In conclusion, these results suggest that using RB LED for supplemental light source during low radiation in pepper greenhouse increase the yield and economic feasibility.