The Effect of Shortened Light/Dark Cycles on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Value of Pea Shoots

Vertical farming shows great potential as a solution to address food security challenges and promote sustainable agriculture. This solution should be considered as part of a broader range of strategies to create a more resilient and sustainable food system. The aim of the work was to study the effects of shortened light/dark cycles (8/4 h, 4/4 h and 4/2 h) on the external appearance and internal quality of pea (Lathyrus oleraceus Lam.) shoots used as ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetable. Conventional photoperiod 12/12 h was used as a control treatment. Shortened light/dark cycles increased robustness index, water use efficiency, flavonoid, proline, protein and soluble sugars content. The effects were most pronounced in plants treated by L/D cycles 8/4 h and 4/4 h. Photosynthetic activity, water and chlorophyll content were unaffected by shortened light/dark cycles. Hydrogen peroxide content was higher in plants grown under shortened light/dark cycles. Obtained results have shown that plant responses to abnormal shortened light/dark cycles do not necessarily depend on daily light integral.