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Effects of Different Light Spectra and Intensities on Stomatal Function in Lettuce and Basil Cover

Effects of Different Light Spectra and Intensities on Stomatal Function in Lettuce and Basil

Open Access
|Jun 2025

Abstract

Light quality and intensity markedly influence stomatal activity, a crucial physiological process regulating gas exchange and water loss in higher plants. Stomata dynamically open and close in response to environmental signals, facilitating carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthesis while modulating transpirational water loss. Although red and blue light are well-established regulators of stomatal function, the effect of green light on this process remains comparatively underexplored. In this study, the effects of multiple light wavelengths (430 nm, 530 nm, 560 nm, and 630 nm) and intensities (50, 75, 100, and 400 µmol·m−2·s−1) on stomatal responses in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) were systematically evaluated. The results showed that green light (530 nm and 560 nm) effectively maintained stomatal closure at lower intensities, thereby minimizing water loss and preserving tissue freshness during postharvest storage. These findings highlight the potential application of green light to optimize postharvest handling by reducing transpiration and improving shelf life of leafy crops. This evidence provides a foundation for targeted light management strategies aimed at improving the commercial quality and marketability of horticultural produce.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johr-2025-0002 | Journal eISSN: 2353-3978 | Journal ISSN: 2300-5009
Language: English
Page range: 95 - 106
Submitted on: Oct 1, 2024
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Accepted on: Feb 1, 2025
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Published on: Jun 30, 2025
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

© 2025 Shafieh Salehinia, Fardad Didaran, Sasan Aliniaeifard, Sarah Macpherson, Valérie Orsat, Mark Lefsrud, published by National Institute of Horticultural Research
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.