We analyzed the effects of various LED light treatments (red 655 nm, blue 456 nm, white and mixed light) on growth pattern, gene expression and flavonoid contents in lettuce leaf. Plants treated with mixed light (red+blue+ white) showed better growth performance than those treated with single LED and fluorescent lamp (FL). Expression analysis of the eight genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in plants treated with LED light was examined. Results showed that red lettuce grown under mixed light showed high expression levels of LsC4H, LsF3H and LsDRF genes. Morever, the same treatment plants possessed higher content of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercetin contents than those in plants exposed to single light. However, the highest total anthocyanin content was identified in plants treated with red+blue light and the lowest content was identified in plants exposed to white fluorescent lamp and single LED light condition. Thus, this study indicates that the ratio of blue to red LEDs is important for the morphology, growth, and phenolic compounds with anthocyanin properties in the two lettuce cultivars tested.

Keywords: Anthocyanin, Flavonoids, LED, Lettuce, Plant factory