The Impact of Blue and Red LED Lighting on Biomass Accumulation, Flavor Volatile Production, and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Genovese Basil

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The Impact of Blue and Red LED Lighting on Biomass Accumulation, Flavor Volatile Production, and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Genovese Basil University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Masters Theses Graduate School 5-2018 The Impact of Blue and Red LED Lighting on Biomass Accumulation, Flavor Volatile Production, and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Genovese Basil Hunter Albright Hammock University of Tennessee, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes Recommended Citation Hammock, Hunter Albright, "The Impact of Blue and Red LED Lighting on Biomass Accumulation, Flavor Volatile Production, and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Genovese Basil. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2018. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/5083 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by Hunter Albright Hammock entitled "The Impact of Blue and Red LED Lighting on Biomass Accumulation, Flavor Volatile Production, and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Genovese Basil." I have examined the final electronic copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, with a major in Plant Sciences. Carl E. Sams, Major Professor We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: Fred L. Allen, Dennis E. Deyton, Dean A. Kopsell Accepted for the Council: Dixie L. Thompson Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official studentecor r ds.) The Impact of Blue and Red LED Lighting on Biomass Accumulation, Flavor Volatile Production, and Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Genovese Basil A Thesis Presented for the Master of Science Degree The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hunter Albright Hammock May 2018 Acknowledgements First, I want to thank my major professor and committee chair Dr. Carl Sams for his advice and relentless support throughout this research project. He is a thoughtful and inspiring mentor that has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. A special thank you to my committee, which consisted of Dr. Dean Kopsell, Dr. Dennis Deyton, and Dr. Fred Allen. Each member served a vital role in this project and I am grateful for their contributions. A huge thank you to my mother and father, who have helped me become the person I am today. I am thankful for the love, emotional support, advice, and encouragement they have provided me over my lifetime, especially the last 2 years. I would not have completed this project without their help. To each of my grandparents and family members that provided love and support throughout my challenges and victories. Thanks to the Department of Plant Sciences, UTIA, CASNR, and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville for providing me the means to conduct this research project and investigate the fundamentals of plant/light interaction. Thanks to the National Society of Leadership and Success UTK Chapter for providing me with networking opportunities and leadership experience. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with such amazing student leaders and help improve the UTK campus. And thanks to all of our greenhouse and lab workers that made this project possible, including John Cummins, Jennifer Wheeler, Ronnie Moore, Jonathan Chase, Calvin Mitchell, and many more. ii Abstract The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in commercial greenhouse production is rapidly increasing due to technological advancements, increased spectral control, and improved energy efficiency. Research is needed to determine the value and efficacy of LEDs when compared to traditional lighting systems. The primary objective of this project was to establish the impact of narrow bandwidth blue(B)/red(R) LED lighting ratios on flavor volatiles in hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Genovese’) in comparison to non-supplemented natural light controls and traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting. Emphasis was placed on evaluating the efficacy of LED/HPS lighting sources and their impact on biomass, nutrient uptake, and flavor volatile concentrations in basil. Specific ratios of narrow-band B/R (447 nm/627 nm) LED light were used in addition to incremental daily light integrals (DLIs) to determine the impact of spectral quality and light intensity on primary and secondary metabolism of basil. Edible biomass and nutrient uptake were significantly impacted by supplemental lighting treatments and growing season. The 20B/80R LED treatment had the greatest total fresh biomass (FM) and dry biomass (DM) accumulation. Mineral analyses showed that both macro and micronutrient accumulations were impacted with supplemental lighting and across growing seasons. Many flavor volatiles varied across light treatments and showed a non-linear relationship with increasing B/R LED ratios, with the highest concentrations observed in LED ratios ranging from 20B/80R to 50B/50R. However, the concentrations of some compounds, such as methyl eugenol, were 3-4x higher in the control treatments, and decreased significantly for basil grown under supplemental lighting treatments. Every compound evaluated showed significant differences across lighting treatments and growing seasons. The results of this study show that supplemental narrow-wavelength light treatments from LED sources may be used to manipulate plant development and secondary iii metabolism. In addition, spectral quality and DLI have significant impacts on biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake, and flavor volatile composition in basil. The application of LED lighting to supplement natural DLI has great potential for improving overall flavor quality for high- value specialty herbs. iv Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2 References A .................................................................................................................................. 8 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................12 Basil Background ........................................................................................................................... 13 Plant/Light Interaction .................................................................................................................... 14 Fundamentals of Secondary Metabolites ........................................................................................ 18 Carotenoids and Chlorophyll Pigments ..................................................................................... 22 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) ....................................................................................... 25 Essential Oils .............................................................................................................................. 26 VOCs Found in Basil ................................................................................................................. 27 Volatile Extraction Techniques ...................................................................................................... 29 Hydrodistillation ........................................................................................................................ 31 Steam Distillation ....................................................................................................................... 32 Organic Solvent Extraction ........................................................................................................ 33 Specialty Extraction Methods .................................................................................................... 36 Impact of Secondary Metabolic Products on Human Health ......................................................... 37 Importance of Supplemental Greenhouse Lighting Systems ......................................................... 38 LED Uses in Horticulture ............................................................................................................... 39 Research Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 43 References B ................................................................................................................................... 46 CHAPTER 3: SUPPLEMENTARY BLUE AND RED NARROWBAND WAVELENGTHS IMPROVE BIOMASS YIELD AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN HYDROPONICALLY GROWN BASIL ....................................................................................................................................57 Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 58 v Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 59 Materials and Methods ................................................................................................................... 64 Cultural Techniques and Environmental
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