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Horticulturae
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Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment...
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Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Protected Culture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 5123

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Awais Ali

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Texas A&M Agrilife Research and Extension, Texas A&M University, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, TX, USA
Interests: artificial lights; LED; plant physiology; microgreens; UV-B; CEA; vertical farming; crop quality
Dr. Giulia Franzoni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria, 2, 20133 Milano, MI, Italy
Interests: agricultural crops; biostimulants; vegetable crops; sustainable agriculture; horticulture; postharvest physiology; crop quality; abiotic stress; ornamental plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Milon Chowdhury

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Business, Engineering, and Technology, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Interests: smart farming; hydroponics; nutrient dynamics; sensor fusion; irrigation; artificial intelligence; agricultural machinery; precision agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The special issue “Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)”, will feature original research articles, review papers and mini reviews exploring efficient artificial lighting in the greenhouses and vertical farms. Tailored lighting solutions have become increasingly important as CEA systems have proven vital for enhancing yields, optimizing resource utilization, and facilitating year-round production. LEDs present a compelling alternative to traditional lighting due to their energy efficiency, longevity, adjustable spectra, and low heat output, granting unprecedented control over the light environment.

This issue will explore cutting-edge research, in optimizing LED lighting for horticulture. It will investigate how various light spectra (red, blue, green, far-red, UVs) and their combinations affect plant physiology, including photosynthesis, development, secondary metabolites, flowering, and fruiting. Likewise, articles will examine dynamic light management strategies, adapting intensity and spectra based on plant stage and environmental factors. The integration of LED systems with other CEA technologies, such as climate and nutrient control, to create synergistic effects for enhanced growth and resource efficiency will be addressed. Furthermore, the economic viability and sustainability of LED solutions in CEA, considering costs, energy savings, and lifecycle, will be considered.

Additionally, this special issue aims to provide a comprehensive view of the latest advancements in LED lighting for controlled environments, highlighting innovative approaches and best practices for researchers, growers, and technology providers aiming to revolutionize crop production, potentially but not limited in conjunction with biostimulants to further enhance plant performance under optimized light conditions.

Dr. Awais Ali
Dr. Giulia Franzoni
Dr. Milon Chowdhury
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • LED lighting
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
  • plant physiology
  • photosynthesis
  • biostimulants
  • photoperiod
  • vertical farming
  • greenhouse lighting
  • nutrient management
  • energy efficiency and consumption

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1327 KB  
Article
Spectral Quality and Infrared Radiation from Supplemental Lighting Shape the Physiology and Phytochemical Profile of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L.)
by Awais Ali, Viviana Cavallaro, Piero Santoro, Jacopo Mori and Giacomo Cocetta
Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040457 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 687
Abstract
The transition from High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) to energy-efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) supplemental lighting alters the plant thermal environment in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This study evaluated how three practical supplemental lighting regimes, HPS, LED, and LED supplemented with infrared radiation (LED + IR), [...] Read more.
The transition from High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) to energy-efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) supplemental lighting alters the plant thermal environment in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This study evaluated how three practical supplemental lighting regimes, HPS, LED, and LED supplemented with infrared radiation (LED + IR), influence the physiology, growth, and phytochemical profile of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). We assessed biomass production, photosynthetic performance, oxidative stress markers (TBARS), and the concentration of primary and secondary metabolites. The LED treatment was superior for biomass production, yielding significant fresh mass while maintaining the lowest leaf nitrate content. Conversely, the addition of IR significantly increased leaf temperature, which suppressed growth but acted as a potent “bio-stress” agent, significantly increasing the total phenolic index. This biofortification, however, significantly decreased photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and led to the highest accumulation of undesirable nitrates. Our findings reveal a clear growth-defense trade-off, demonstrating that while LED lighting is optimal for maximizing yield and food safety, the targeted application of IR radiation is an effective strategy for enhancing the nutraceutical value of leafy greens, requiring careful management to mitigate negative impacts on growth and quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))
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15 pages, 2764 KB  
Article
Effects of Different LED Light Qualities and L-Glutamic Acid Application on Growth and Quality of Red Japanese Mustard Spinach (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) Under Plant Factory Conditions
by Yu Jin Kang, Joo Hwan Lee, Yong Beom Kwon, Ah Young Shin, Jeong Eun Sim, In-Lee Choi, Hyuk Sung Yoon, Yongduk Kim, Jidong Kim, Si-Hong Kim, Kiduk Park and Ho-Min Kang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040411 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 509
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of four LED light qualities, red+blue+far-red (WRS-LED), blue+red (BR-LED), blue (B-LED), and red (R-LED), and exogenous L-glutamic acid at 10 ppm on the growth and quality of red mustard spinach (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) cultivated in [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of four LED light qualities, red+blue+far-red (WRS-LED), blue+red (BR-LED), blue (B-LED), and red (R-LED), and exogenous L-glutamic acid at 10 ppm on the growth and quality of red mustard spinach (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) cultivated in a plant factory using a recirculating deep-flow hydroponic system. Plants were exposed to four LED light quality treatments at 180 ± 10 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD for 28 days after transplanting. L-glutamic acid at 10 ppm was applied once to the recirculating nutrient solution 15 days after transplanting, resulting in 13 days of exposure prior to final harvest on day 28. All growth and quality parameters were measured at the final harvest after 28 days of cultivation. WRS-LED promoted the greatest biomass production. Additionally, vitamin C content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and total phenolic content were highest under BR-LED and B-LED conditions. Notably, under B-LED, L-glutamic acid treatment increased total phenolic content to approximately twice that of the control. Leaf redness, expressed as Hunter a* values, was observed exclusively under BR-LED. Principal component analysis revealed that LED light quality was the primary determinant of treatment responses, with growth-related traits associated with WRS-LED and R-LED, and quality-related traits with B-LED and BR-LED. Overall, BR-LED combined with L-glutamic acid represents the most suitable treatment for red mustard spinach cultivation in plant factories, achieving a favorable balance between growth and nutritional quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))
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17 pages, 3723 KB  
Article
Growth and Quality Responses of Ligularia stenocephala to Different LED Light Spectra in a Plant Factory
by Min Ji Kim, Yong Beom Kwon, Da Young Lee, Joo Hwan Lee, Soon Jae Lee, Si-Hong Kim, Hyuk Sung Yoon, In-Lee Choi, Yongduk Kim, Jidong Kim and Ho-Min Kang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030353 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Light quality is a crucial factor influencing plant growth and physiological quality in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). This study examined how different LED light spectra affect the growth and internal quality of Ligularia stenocephala cultivated in a plant factory. The plants were grown under [...] Read more.
Light quality is a crucial factor influencing plant growth and physiological quality in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). This study examined how different LED light spectra affect the growth and internal quality of Ligularia stenocephala cultivated in a plant factory. The plants were grown under five types of LED light: monochromatic red, monochromatic blue, a combination of blue and red, white LEDs, and quantum dot (QD) LEDs. We evaluated various growth parameters, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll indices, and antioxidant capacity. Monochromatic red LEDs promoted rapid early growth and stem elongation but led to lower chlorophyll accumulation and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, monochromatic blue LEDs increased chlorophyll content, leaf thickness, dry matter accumulation, and antioxidant capacity, although they limited leaf expansion and shoot biomass. Composite-spectrum LEDs displayed distinct trade-offs between growth and quality parameters. QD LEDs maximized shoot biomass accumulation while maintaining moderate internal quality, whereas Blue+Red LEDs provided a balanced combination of significant biomass and enhanced phytochemical content. Principal component analysis indicated a fundamental trade-off between quality-related (PC1: 57.6%) and growth-related (PC2: 22.7%) parameters, showing that no single LED spectrum could optimize all cultivation factors simultaneously. Therefore, LED selection should align strategically with specific cultivation goals: use QD LEDs for volume-based production, Blue+Red LEDs for balanced premium markets, and blue LEDs for specialty functional vegetables. These findings underscore the importance of context-dependent lighting optimization strategies in plant factory systems and offer a framework for selecting the most effective LED spectra to enhance crop performance in CEA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))
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30 pages, 11589 KB  
Article
Quantification of Light, Photoperiod, Temperature, and Water Stress Symptoms Using Image Features for Smart Vegetable Seedling Production
by Samsuzzaman, Sumaiya Islam, Md Razob Ali, Pabel Kanti Dey, Emmanuel Bicamumakuba, Md Nasim Reza and Sun-Ok Chung
Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111340 - 7 Nov 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1545
Abstract
Environmental factors like light, photoperiod, temperature, and water are vital for crop growth, and even slight deviations from their optimal ranges can cause seedling stress and reduce yield. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify seedling stress symptoms using image features analysis under varying [...] Read more.
Environmental factors like light, photoperiod, temperature, and water are vital for crop growth, and even slight deviations from their optimal ranges can cause seedling stress and reduce yield. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify seedling stress symptoms using image features analysis under varying light, photoperiod, temperature, and water conditions. Seedlings were grown under controlled low, normal, and high environmental conditions. Light intensity at 50 µmol m−2 s−1 (low), 250 µmol m−2 s−1 (normal), and 450 µmol m−2 s−1 (high), photoperiod cycles, 8/16 h (day/night) (low), 10/14 h (day/night) (normal), and 16/8 h (day/night) (high) day/night, temperature at 20 °C (low), 25 °C (normal), and 30 °C (high), and water availability at 1 L per day (optimal), 1 L every two days (moderate stress), and 1 L every three days (severe stress) were applied for 15 days. Commercial low-cost RGB, thermal, and depth sensors were used to collect data every day. A total of 1080 RGB images, which were pre-processed with histogram equalization and filters (Median and Gaussian), were used for noise reduction to minimize illumination effects. Morphological, color, and texture features were then analyzed using ANOVA (p < 0.05) to assess treatment effects. The result shows that the maximum canopy area for tomato was 115,226 pixels, while lettuce’s maximum plant height was 9.28 cm. However, 450 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity caused increased surface roughness, indicating stress-induced morphological alteration. The analysis of Combined Stress Index (CSI) values indicated that the highest stress levels were 50% for pepper, 55% for tomato, 62% for cucumber, 55% for watermelon, 50% for lettuce, and 50% for pak choi. The findings showed that image-based stress detection enables precise environmental control and improves early-stage crop management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))
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17 pages, 1261 KB  
Article
Optimizing Target Metabolites Production in Coleus blumei Indoor Cultivation: Combined Effects of LED Light and Salinity Stress
by Bianca Sambuco, Alberto Barbaresi, Alessandro Quadri, Mattia Trenta, Patrizia Tassinari, Laura Mercolini, Michele Protti and Daniele Torreggiani
Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101205 - 6 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Light quality is a recognized driver of plant growth and secondary metabolism in Coleus blumei, a valuable source of rosmarinic acid (RA) and quercetin (QU), whereas its combination with salinity stress represents a potential strategy that still requires further investigation. We evaluated [...] Read more.
Light quality is a recognized driver of plant growth and secondary metabolism in Coleus blumei, a valuable source of rosmarinic acid (RA) and quercetin (QU), whereas its combination with salinity stress represents a potential strategy that still requires further investigation. We evaluated four LED spectra, red–blue (RB) (6:1, control), blue (B), red (R), and RB + Far-Red, under both control (0 mM NaCl) and moderate salt stress (120 mM NaCl), measuring biomass (dry weight) and RA/QU in leaves and roots after three (T1) and five weeks (T2). Blue light produced the greatest root biomass, while the leaf dry weight under B did not differ significantly from RB or RBfr. RA peaked at T2 under B in leaves and under R in roots; QU was maximal under B in leaves and under RB in roots. Extending exposure from T1 to T2 markedly increased both metabolites’ yield. Salinity had little effect on biomass, increased the total QU yield, and did not enhance the total RA yield. These results indicate that targeted LED regimes and longer exposure can raise the yields of bioactive compounds, and that combining specific spectra with moderate salinity is an effective strategy for selectively increasing quercetin accumulation in indoor-grown C. blumei. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized LED Lighting for Enhanced Crop Performance in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))
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