Beyond the yield: light spectrum as a driver of phenotypic reorganization in greenhouse tomato production

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Aim. Supplemental lighting is an essential factor influencing crop’s productivity under greenhouse conditions. It plays a significant role not only in the yield enhancement but also for the biochemical and phenotypic reorganization of plants.
Materials and Methods. In this study, we evaluated the effect of LED lighting on the tomato plants grown under greenhouse conditions. A multivariate analysis approach was applied to assess how different light spectra reorganize tomato growth, yield, and biochemical quality.
Results. Distinct phenotypic strategies were observed. A red-dominant LED-spectrum demonstrated a stronger effect on fruit yield, increased leaf area, reduced fruit nitrate content, and enhanced nitrogen assimilation. In contrast, a balanced LED-spectrum increased fruit titratable acidity and pigment content.
Conclusion. A strong positive correlation was observed between canopy architecture, yield, pigment content, and nitrogen assimilation. The findings highlight the important role of supplemental lighting in goal-oriented tomato production under greenhouse conditions.