EFFECTS OF LIGHT AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES AND POWER ON WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) AND BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.) GROWTH

Abstract

Global population growth increases the need for efficient methods of maintaining a stable food supply. Light is one of the most important influences on plant growth and development. Artificial lighting elements used in agricultural applications have different effects on plants. This study analyzed the effects of metal halide (MH) lamps with a wavelength of 450 nm, at distances of 1, 1.5, and 2.5 m, on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth. Growing occurred in light magnification rooms without daylight, using 250, 400, and 600 W MH lamps as the only light source. Plants exposed to light for 13–14 h a day were harvested after 18 days. After harvest, the amount of electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and B, Cu, Mn, Zn, K, and Ca intake were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The data were analyzed with the SPSS 22 Statistical Package program. Wheat and barley grown at different light distances and intensities showed statistically significant changes in mineral element uptake and plant chlorophyll levels. This research contributes to the optimization of agricultural productivity and the understanding of the interaction between light quality and other environmental parameters.