An Analysis of Strawberry Photobiology and Fruit Flavonoids in Controlled Environments

Abstract

A wide range of plants have benefited from rapid technological advancements in controlled environment (CE) plant production. Because of their excellent economic and nutritional benefits, strawberries have been a popular crop for CE production in recent years. Growers may control strawberry growth and development by supplying particular light spectra thanks to the extensive usage of light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the produce sector. Strawberry secondary metabolism may be influenced by varying light intensity and spectral composition, which has a significant effect on fruit quality and antioxidant qualities. While the effect of visible light on secondary metabolite profiles in other greenhouse crops has been well established, further research into the impact of various light spectra on strawberry plants, ranging from UV radiation to visible light, is needed. Growers will be able to optimize production and quickly react to changing customer tastes as a result of this. This article presents a comparison of how light spectrum affects strawberry photobiology and secondary metabolism, as well as a collection of research examining the effect of light characteristics on strawberry fruit flavonoids. The impacts of UV and visible light pre-harvest and post-harvest light treatments are examined. Future study and consequences for researchers and farmers of LED lighting setups in strawberry fruit production are addressed.