Plasma nitrogen fixation system with dual-loop enhancement for improved energy efficiency and its efficacy for lettuce cultivation

Plasma nitrogen fixation(PNF)has been emerging as a promising technology for greenhouse gasfree and renewable energy-based agriculture.Yet,most PNF studies seldom address practical application-specific issues.In this work,we present the development of a compact and automatic PNF system for on-site agricultural applications.The system utilized a gliding-arc discharge as the plasma source and employed a dual-loop design to generate NO_(x)from air and water under atmospheric conditions.Experimental results showed that the system with a dualloop design performs well in terms of energy costs and production rates.Optimal operational parameters for the system were determined through experimentation,resulting in an energy cost of 13.9 MJ mol^(-1)and an energy efficiency of 16 g kWh^(-1)for NO_(3)^(-)production,respectively.Moreover,the concentration of exhausted NO_(x)was below the emission standards.Soilless lettuce cultivation experiments demonstrated that NO_(x)^(-)produced by the PNF system could serve as liquid nitrate nitrogen fertilizer.Overall,our work demonstrates the potential of the developed PNF system for on-site application in the production of green-leaf vegetables.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Growth and Biomass Accumulation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) is gaining interest in agriculture because of their impact on many aspects of plant growth. The present study examines the effects of nTiO2 (5 nm and 10 nm) applied to seeds and the seedlings as a foliar application on various aspects of growth characteristics and biomass accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. Grand Rapids). Application of 10 nm nTiO2 to seeds through imbibition resulted in a significant reduction in shoot biomass accumulation while 5 nm nTiO2 did not affect the biomass accumulation in lettuce. The application of 10 nm nTiO2 reduced the fresh shoot biomass accumulation by about 18% compared to the control plants. Other growth characteristics such as shoot dry biomass, root fresh and dry biomass, plant height, and leaf area were not affected by the application of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. In addition, foliar application of these nanoparticles to the lettuce seedlings did not have a significant effect on most of the growth parameters examined, and the increasing concentration ranging from 5 nm/L to 400 mg/L did not produce a consistent response in lettuce. Thus, nTiO2 application to lettuce seeds had a notable negative impact on shoot growth while foliar application did not have a significant effect on many plant growth characteristics. However, foliar applications produced some symptoms of toxicity to the foliage in the form of necrotic or chlorotic patches on the leaves, which were more pronounced with increasing concentrations of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. However, these symptoms were apparent at a concentration as low as 50 mg/L of nTiO2. Thus, foliar application of nTiO2 may not have a significant impact on many of the growth characteristics in lettuce, but it can result in foliar toxicity.

Physiological and biochemical characteristics of boscalid resistant isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from asparagus lettuce

Laboratory mutants of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum(Lib)de Bary,resistant to boscalid,have been extensively characterized.However,the resistance situation in the lettuce field remains largely elusive.In this study,among the 172 S.sclerotiorum isolates collected from asparagus lettuce field in Jiangsu Province,China,132 isolates(76.74%)exhibited low-level resistance to boscalid(Bos^(LR)),with a discriminatory dose of 5μg mL-1.In comparison to the boscalid-sensitive(BosS)isolates,most Bos^(LR)isolates demonstrated a slightly superior biological fitness,as evidenced by data on mycelial growth,sclerotium production and pathogenicity.Moreover,most Bos^(LR)isolates showed comparable levels of oxalic acid(OA)accumulation,increased exopolysaccharide(EPS)content and reduced membrane permeability when compared to the BosS isolates.Nevertheless,their responses to distinct stress factors diverged significantly.Furthermore,the effectiveness of boscalid in controlling Bos^(LR)isolates on radish was diminished compared to its efficacy on BosS isolates.Genetic mutations were identified in the SDH genes of Bos^(LR)isolates,revealing the existence of three resistant genotypes:I(^(A11V)at SDHB,SDHB^(A11V)),II(^(Q38R)at SDHC,SDHC^(Q38R))and III(SDHB^(A11V)+SDHC^(Q38R)).Importantly,no cross-resistance was observed between boscalid and other fungicides such as thifluzamide,pydiflumetofen,fluazinam,or tebuconazole.Our molecular docking analysis indicated that the docking total score(DTS)of the type I resistant isolates(1.3993)was lower than that of the sensitive isolates(1.7499),implying a reduced affinity between SDHB and boscalid as a potential mechanism underlying the boscalid resistance in S.sclerotiorum.These findings contribute to an enhanced comprehension of boscalid’s mode of action and furnish valuable insights into the management of boscalid resistance.

Phytotoxicity Assessment of Biofertilizer Produced from Bioreactor Composting Technology Using Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Seeds

Establishing reliable technological information on the safety of biofertilizers produced from a bioreactor composting technique is a must prior to its commercialization. A phytotoxicity study of biofertilizer made from the bioreactor composting technology at Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan, Philippines was conducted for fourteen (14) days using commercially available lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.). Standard phytotoxicity attributes such as hypocotyl length, radicle length, relative germination percentage, and relative radicle growth observed during the germination stage were evaluated. Results revealed no significant difference in the radicle lengths of the germinated lettuce seeds as affected by the varying levels of biofertilizer dilution at H(3) = 10.567, p = 0.061 > 0.05. On the other hand, the hypocotyl length of the lettuce showed significant differences in response to varying levels of biofertilizer dilution with Welch’s F(5, 5.163) = 8.175, p = 0.017 < 0.05. Also, the different levels of biofertilizer affected significantly the germination percentage of lettuce seeds F(5, 12) = 5.822, p = 0.006 < 0.05. All levels of biofertilizer treatments indicated a decrease in relative germination percentage. However, those seeds applied with 10% biofertilizer have the highest reduction of germination percentage, equivalent to 86.9% (RGP = 13.10%). All levels of biofertilizer showed an increase in radicle growth in contrast to the negative control plant except for the one given a 10% level of biofertilizer. Seeds that received 10% biofertilizer showed an extremely high reduction in radicle growth, equivalent to 72.22% (RRG = 27.78%). The study shows that applying low levels of the bioreactor-produced biofertilizer will observably reduce the measure of the germination characteristics of lettuce seeds, but not necessarily low enough to be considered phytotoxic. However, the application of at least 10% bioreactor-produced biofertilizer can presumptively lead to phytotoxicity.

The Role of Polyamine Oxidative Degradation in the Process of Lettuce Seed Germination

[Objective]The aim of this study was to understand the role of polyamine oxidative degradation in the process of lettuce seed germination. [Method]After lettuce seed soaking treatments with aminoguanidine （AG,a specific inhibitor of polyamine oxidases）,seed germination rate,activities of polyamine oxidase （PAO） and diamine oxidase （DAO）,change of endogenous polyamine and H2O2 content were determined. [Result]Compared with the control,AG treatment strongly inhibited the seed germination,which also had an extremely significant difference in seed germination rate after incubation for 12 h. During the seed germination,activities of PAO and DAO significantly changed,while their activities firstly increased and then decreased,then DAO and PAO reached peaks at 24 h and 48 h respectively. AG treatment was strongly inhibitory for activities of DAO and PAO,whose activities even disappeared after incubation with AG for 24 h and 36 h. During the seed germination,endogenous Put reduced sharply in the first 24 h,then reduced slowly in 24-60 h,while Spd decreased slowly in the early stage of germination,and then sharply declined after 48 h. However,Spm content was low but slightly increased,and the total polyamine gradually decreased. AG treatment could significantly increase endogenous polyamines,especially Put and Spd contents. During the seed germination,H2O2 content gradually increased,and had a peak from 36 to 48 h,then kept a high level at last. AG treatment could significantly reduce H2O2 content. [Conclusion]During the seed germination,the changes of endogenous polyamine and H2O2 content correspond with the changes of PAO and DAO activities,which indicate that there is an active polyamine metabolism of oxidative degradation during the lettuce seed germination.

Response of Over-summer Hydroponic Lettuce to Nutrient Solution Temperature Control

Temperature, as an important feature of hydroponic nutrient solution, is closely related to dissolved oxygen content of nutrient solution and growth status of plant roots. How to precisely adjust the temperature of nutrient solution is the key to obtain high quality and high yield of hydroponic vegetables over summer. With Lactuca sativa vat. crispa ＇Luosheng No.3＇ as the test material, the effect of chiller cooling technology on the temperature of nutrient solution, as well as on the yield and quality of Luosheng No.3, in over-summer hydroponic cultivation was studied. The results showed that the chiller cooling technology controlled the nutrient solution temperature in a reasonable range （（20 ± 1）℃） and promoted the growth and dry matter accumulation of Luosheng No.3, instead of affecting the quality. In short, the chiller cooling technology is applicable to the temperature regulation of nutrient solu- tion in hydroponics over summer.

The positive function of selenium supplementation on reducing nitrate accumulation in hydroponic lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.)

High nitrate(NO3-) in vegetables, especially in leaf vegetables poses threaten to human health. Selenium(Se) is an important element for maintaining human health, and exogenous Se application during vegetable and crop production is an effective way to prevent Se deficiency in human bodies. Exogenous Se shows positive function on plant growth and nutrition uptake under abiotic and/or biotic stresses. However, the influence of exogenous Se on NO3-accumulation in hydroponic vegetables is still not clear. In the present study, hydroponic lettuce plants were subjected to six different concentrations(0, 0.1, 0.5, 5, 10 and 50 μmol L–1) of Se as Na2 Se O3. The effects of Se on NO3-content, plant growth, and photosynthetic capacity of lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.) were investigated. The results showed that exogenous Se positively decreased NO3-content and this effect was concentration-dependent. The lowest NO3-content was obtained under 0.5 μmol L–1 Se treatment. The application of Se enhanced photosynthetic capacity by increasing the photosynthesis rate(Pn), stomatal conductance(Cs) and the transpiration efficiency(Tr) of lettuce. The transportation and assimilation of NO3-and activities of nitrogen metabolism enzymes in lettuce were also analysed. The NO3-efflux in the lettuce roots was markedly increased, but the efflux of NO3-from the root to the shoot was decreased after treated with exogenous Se. Moreover, Se application stimulated NO3-assimilation by enhancing nitrate reductase(NR), nitrite reductase(Ni R), glutamine synthetase(GS) and glutamate synthase enzyme(GOGAT) activities. These results provide direct evidence that exogenous Se shows positive function on decreasing NO3-accumulation via regulating the transport and enhancing activities of nitrogen metabolism enzyme in lettuce. We suggested that 0.5 μmol L–1 Se can be used to reduce NO3-content and increase hydroponic lettuce yield.

Effect of Partial Replacement of Nitrate by Amino Acid and Urea on Nitrate Content of Non-heading Chinese Cabbage and Lettuce in Hydroponic Condition

In this paper, the authors studied the effect of different mixtures of glycine (Gly), isoleucine (Iso), proline (Pro), and urea solutions used as a partial (20%) replacment of nitrate in the nitrate content and quality of non-heading Chinese cabbage and lettuce in hydroponice. Five treatments were done 12 d before harvest. Compared to the control group, Gly had the best effect in reducing the nitrate content of both vegetable leaves and petioles; the mixture of Gly, Iso and Pro ranked second and urea the least. Treatments with amino acid could also increase soluble sugar and protein contents and enhance total-N in leaves significantly. In contrast, amino acid enhanced NRA in non-heading Chinese cabbage, while they decreased it slightly in lettuce. The results showed that amino acids and urea could reduce the nitrate content of both vegetables, but they had almost the same effect on non-heading Chinese cabbage. Moreover, amino acids were more effective than urea in lettuce. As a result, it was concluded that partial replacement of nitrate with amino acids not only reduced the nitrate content but also improved the quality of vegetables.

Effect of heat stress on the MDA, proline and soluble sugar content in leaf lettuce seedlings

High temperature stress on different varieties of lettuce seedlings in MDA, proline and soluble sugar content were studied. The results were as follows : With the stress temperature, varieties of leaf lettuce seedlings in the MDA, proline and soluble sugar content gradually increased;Different varieties had the most significant difference in 38/33℃(d/n). The increase of heat-resistant varieties on proline and soluble sugar content was quick and high, while its increase in MDA content was slow and small.

Effect of Root-Zone Temperature on Growth and Quality of Hydroponically Grown Red Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Red Wave)

Soil temperature influences crop growth and quality under field and greenhouse conditions;however, precise investigation using controlled cultivation systems is largely lacking. We investigated effects of root-zone temperatures on growth and components of hydroponically grown red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Red Wave) under a controlled cultivation system at 20&degC. Compared with ambient root-zone temperature exposure, a 7-day low temperature exposure reduced leaf area, stem size, fresh weight, and water content of lettuce. However, root-zone heating treatments produced no significant changes in growth parameters compared with ambient conditions. Leaves under low root-zone temperature contained higher anthocyanin, phenols, sugar, and nitrate concentrations than leaves under other temperatures. Root oxygen consumption declined with low temperature root exposure, but not with root heating. Leaves of plants under low rootzone temperature showed hydrogen peroxide production, accompanied by lipid peroxidation. Therefore, low temperature root treatment is suggested to induce oxidative stress responses in leaves, activating antioxidative secondary metabolic pathways.

Effects of ozone-treated domestic sludge on hydroponic lettuce growth and nutrition

Here, the ozone-treated domestic sludge was diluted up to four different multiples and utilized as a nutritional source for hydroponic lettuce growth. Additionally, lettuce was cultured using the modified Hoagland nutrient solution as a control. The effects of ozone-treated domestic sludge on lettuce growth and nutrition were studied. Results showed that the lettuce treated with modified Hoagland inorganic nutrient solution had increased leaf number, plant height, fresh weight and dry weight compared to those treated with the ozone-treated domestic sludge dilution （P〈0.05）. However, the lettuce cultivated with the 2-fold ozone-treated sludge dilution showed significantly higher （P〈0.05） contents of chlorophyll, soluble sugar and ascorbic acid （Vc） compared to that treated with modified Hoagland nutrient solution. And the nitrate concentration in the lettuce cultured with the 2-fold ozone-treated sludge dilution was 53.93% less than that cultured with the modified Hoagland nutrient solution, which was a significant improvement （P〈0.05）. This study suggested that the 2-fold ozone-treated sludge dilution is optimal for lettuce hydroponic nutrient requirements.

Comparative Study of Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol Concentrations in Hydroponic- and Soil-Grown Lettuces

Hydroponically-grown produce may be a way of helping to feed the world a variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of soil quality, space availability or climate. The objective of this study was to determine whether hydroponicallygrown lettuce contains as much ascorbic acid and tocopherol as soil-grown lettuce. We analyzed four varieties of lettuce, including: Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, Red Romaine Annapolis, and Butterleaf. The tocopherol content of hydroponically-grown Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, and Red Romaine Annapolis was 229%, 497% and 492% higher, respectively, compared to their soil-grown counterpart. The ascorbic acid content of hydroponically-grown Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, and Red Romaine Annapolis was 93%, 171% and 216% higher, respectively, compared to their soil-grown counterparts. Hydroponically grown lettuce varieties are significantly higher in both ascorbic acid and tocopherol content than their soil-grown counterparts, and hydroponic gardening is a viable option for producing nutritious fruits and vegetables.

The Influence of Biochar on Growth of Lettuce and Potato

Pot experiments were conducted in a glasshouse to determine the growth pattern of lettuce, true potato seedlings （TPS） and single node cuttings of TPS in response to biochar. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments （0, 10, 30, 50 and 100 t ha^-1） ofbiochar from greenwaste with 5 replications in lettuce, 10 in TPS and 5 in single node cuttings of TPS. The observations recorded on growth parameters showed that biochar had significant effect on growth of lettuce but no consistent effect on growth of TPS and single node cuttings. Among the biochar rates, 30 t ha^-1 had the greatest influence on overall growth of lettuce. The pH and electrical conductivity increased as the biochar rates increased in all experiments. These results provide an avenue for soil management system by using biochar as an amendment in horticultural crops. However, their verification in the field is important for specific recommendations.

Science Letters:Transient expression of chicken alpha interferon gene in lettuce

We investigated the possibility of producing chicken alpha interferon （ChlFN-α） in transgenic plants. The cDNA encoding ChlFN-α was introduced into lettuce （Lactuca sativa L.） plants by using an agro-infiltration transient expression system. The ChlFN-a gene was correctly transcribed and translated in the lettuce plants according to RT-PCR and ELISA assays. Recombinant protein exhibited antiviral activity in vitro by inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus （VSV） replication on chicken embryonic fibroblast （CEF）. The results demonstrate that biologically active avian cytokine with potential pharmaceutical applications could be expressed in transgenic lettuce plants and that it is possible to generate interferon protein in forage plants for preventing infectious diseases of poultry.

The Effect of Supplemental Blue, Red and Far-Red Light on the Growth and the Nutritional Quality of Red and Green Leaf Lettuce

Spectral quality of radiation has a major impact on the growth, development and nutritional quality of crops. The effect of supplemental radiation (blue, red and far-red) on the growth and nutritional quality with regard to health-promoting phytochemical and micronutrient composition of two lettuce (Lactuca sativa) varieties (red leaf “New Red Fire” and green leaf “Two Star”) was studied. Supplemental radiation was provided by blue (450 nm), red (660 nm) or far-red (730 nm) LEDs against a background of white light (fluorescent lighting, PAR;270 μmol/m2/s) in a growth chamber study. All the supplemental radiation treatments increased dry shoot biomass in both varieties. However, supplemental far-red radiation increased both fresh and dry shoot biomass in both varieties. In addition, supplemental far-red radiation produced distinct morphological characteristics in lettuce plants. It produced the largest shoot biomass, bigger and taller plants, fewer leaves but with larger leaf area compared to the control, similar to the shade avoidance response. With regard to the accumulation of phytochemicals, supplemental blue radiation enhanced the total phenolic compound concentration in both varieties. In addition, supplemental blue radiation sharply increased the accumulation of several phenolic compounds in green leaf lettuce including chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, rutin, kaempferol, luteolin and apigenin. For example, the leaf concentration of rutin in green leaf lettuce increased by 20-fold under supplemental blue radiation. Similarly, supplemental red radiation increased the concentration of many of these phenolic compounds in red leaf lettuce. However, supplemental far-red radiation had an inhibitory effect on the accumulation of chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, rutin and kaempferol in red leaf lettuce. While supplemental radiation did not affect the accumulation of most of the micronutrients, it had a negative impact on the accumulation of some micronutrients, the response being variety dependent. The results show that supplementing white light with specific spectral quality has a major impact on the biomass accumulation, morphology and on the accumulation of many health-promoting phytochemicals and micronutrients in lettuce. While it had a large positive effect in enhancing the accumulation of several phytochemicals, it also suppressed the accumulation of some micronutrients.

Elevated Carbon Dioxide Level Suppresses Nutritional Quality of Lettuce and Spinach

Rising global CO2 levels are a major factor that impacts not only the environment but also many plant functions including growth, productivity and nutritional quality. The study examined the impact of elevated [CO2] on nutritional quality and growth characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Elevated [CO2] decreased the concentration of many important nutrients including nitrogen (protein), potassium and phosphorus in the edible parts of both lettuce and spinach. The nitrogen concentration in lettuce shoots was reduced by more than 30% at elevated [CO2] compared to the plants grown at ambient level of CO2. Similarly the concentration of a number of micronutrients including sulfur, zinc, copper and magnesium, was depressed in lettuce shoots. Although the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were higher in lettuce at elevated CO2, they were not affected in spinach. The photosynthetic activity was variable among the plant species while there was no increase in the carbon accumulation in these plants at elevated [CO2]. However, there was significant reduction in the leaf stomatal conductance in both lettuce and spinach in response to higher [CO2], which is likely affect both water loss from the leaves and their photosynthetic activity. The results indicate a broad adverse impact of rising [CO2] on the nutritional quality of commonly consumed leafy vegetables namely, lettuce and spinach.

Root Morphology, Plant Growth, Nitrate Accumulation and Nitrogen Metabolism of Temperate Lettuce Grown in the Tropics with Elevated Root-Zone CO2 at Different Root-Zone Temperatures

This paper investigated the effects of root-zone (RZ) CO2 concentration ([CO2]) on root morphology and growth, nitrate (NO3-) uptake and assimilation of lettuce plants at different root-zone temperatures (RZT). Elevated RZ [CO2] stimulated root development, root and shoot growth compared to ambient RZ [CO2]. The greatest increase in root growth was observed in plants grown under elevated RZ [CO2] of 50,000 ppm. However, RZ [CO2] of 10,000 ppm was sufficient to achieve the maximal leaf area and shoot productivity. Lettuce plants exhibited faster shoot and root growth at 20°C-RZT than at ambient (A)-RZT. However, under elevated RZ [CO2], the magnitude of increased growth was greater at A-RZT than at 20°C-RZT. Compared to RZ [CO2] of 360 ppm, elevated RZ [CO2] of 10,000 ppm increased NO3- accumulation and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in both leaves and roots. NO3- concentrations of leaf and root were higher at 20°C-RZT than at A-RZT in all plants. NRA was higher in root than in leaf especially under A-RZT. The total reduced nitrogen (TRN) concentration was significantly higher in plants grown under elevated RZ [CO2] of 10,000 ppm than under ambient RZ [CO2] of 360 ppm with greater concentration in 20°C-RZT plants than in A-RZT plants. These results imply that elevated RZ [CO2] significantly affected root morphology, root and shoot growth and N metabolism of temperate lettuce with greater impacts at A-RZT than at 20°C-RZT. These findings have practical significance to vegetable production by growing the vegetable crops at cool-RZT with elevated RZ [CO2] to enhance its productivity.

Time-course transcriptome landscape of achene development in lettuce

Lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.),which belongs to the large Asteraceae(Compositae)family,breeds by sexual reproduction and produces seeds.Actually,lettuce seeds are achenes,which are defined as fruits.However,few studies have described the morphological characteristics of the lettuce achenes,and genes essential for achene development are largely unknown in lettuce.To investigate the gene activity during achene development and determine the possible mechanisms that influence achene development in lettuce,we performed a time-course transcriptome analysis of lettuce achenes.A total of 27,390 expressed genes were detected at the five achene development stages.We investigated the gene expression patterns during achene development and identified the enriched biological processes at the corresponding stages.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses revealed a variety of transcriptomic similarities and differences at different achene development stages.Further,transcription factors and phytohormones were found to play important roles during achene development.Finally,we proposed a working model to illustrate the gene expression modules and possible molecular mechanisms underlying achene development.Our time-course transcriptome data also provide a foundation for future functional studies to reveal the genetic control of achene development in lettuce.

The effect of artificial solar spectrum on growth of cucumber and lettuce under controlled environment

Light-emitting diodes(LEDs)have been widely applied in the controlled environment agriculture,which are characterized by relatively narrow-band spectra and energetical efficiency.Most recently,the spectrum of Sunlike LEDs has been engineered and it closely resembles solar spectrum in the range of photosynthetic active radiation(PAR,400–700 nm).To investigate how plant growth responses to the spectrum of Sunlike LEDs,cucumber and lettuce plants were cultivated and their responses were compared with the conventional white LEDs as well as composite of red and blue LEDs(RB,R/B ratio was 9:1).We observed that although Sunlike LEDs resulted in a longer stem in cucumber,dry weight and leaf area were similar as those under RB LEDs,and significantly higher than those under white LEDs.Moreover,cucumber leaves grown under Sunlike and white LEDs showed higher photosynthetic capacity than those grown under RB LEDs.For lettuce,plants grown under Sunlike LEDs showed larger leaf area and higher dry weight than the other two treatments.However,the leaf photosynthetic capacity of lettuce grown under Sunlike LEDs was the lowest.In this context,the spectrum induced plant functions are species-dependent.Furthermore,the three types of LEDs show distinct light spectra and they are different in many aspects.Therefore,it is difficult to attribute the different plant responses to certain specific light spectra.We conclude that plants grown under Sunlike LEDs exhibit larger leaf area,which may be due to some specific spectrum distributions(such as more far-red radiation),and consequently are favorable for light interception and therefore result in greater production.

Response of Lettuce to the Coupling Electrical Conductivity and Circulation Rate of the Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics

The coupling effect of nutrient solution EC （electrical conductivity） levels and CR （circulation rate） on the morphology and quality, in hydroponically grown lettuce was assessed. Lettuce was grown at 5 treatments fi＇om High EC ＆ Low CR to Low EC ＆ High CR. The environmental parameters were controlled in a 20 m^2 plant factory during the hydroponic cultivation with the following values： irradiated by blue and red light-emitting diode lighting with PPFD （photosynthetic photon flux density） value of 150 mol·m^-2·s^-1 for 16 hours per day; Temperature was maintained at 22.0 ℃ during the photoperiod and 16.0 ℃ in dark cycle. The results demonstrate that growing lettuce can be adopted using nutrient solution with lower EC levels and higher CR. The results also indicate that the effect of bi-directional coupled EC and CR resulted in expansion of root length but reducing the root biomass. Nitrate content was significantly reduced.