Supplemental LED Light Quality on the Morphogenesis and Glucosinolate Accumulation of Eruca sativa in Hydroponic Systems

Abstract

Light quality is a critical factor influencing plant morphogenesis and secondary metabolite accumulation in controlled environment agriculture. This study investigates the influence of supplemental LED light spectra on the growth characteristics and glucosinolate accumulation of Eruca sativa cultivated in hydroponic systems. A controlled experiment was conducted using different LED light qualities, including red, blue, and combined spectra, to evaluate their effects on plant morphology, biomass production, and phytochemical composition. The results demonstrated that light quality significantly affected plant architecture, with blue-enriched light promoting compact growth and higher leaf thickness, while red-dominant spectra enhanced stem elongation and overall biomass accumulation. Combined red–blue light treatments provided a balanced response, optimizing both vegetative growth and structural development. In addition, glucosinolate content varied with light quality, with blue and mixed spectra enhancing the accumulation of these bioactive compounds associated with nutritional and health benefits. The interaction between light quality and hydroponic nutrient availability further influenced plant physiological responses and metabolite synthesis. While analytical tools were employed to quantify growth and biochemical parameters, the primary focus remained on optimizing crop production and quality in soilless cultivation systems. The findings highlight the potential of tailored LED lighting strategies to enhance both yield and nutritional value of Eruca sativa in hydroponic environments. This study contributes to sustainable horticulture by providing practical insights into controlled environment management practices that improve resource-use efficiency, crop quality, and production consistency.