Interaction of Light Quality and EC of Nutrition Solution on Seedling Quality, Growth, and Physiology of Cucumber Seedlings

Optimizing light and nutrient circumstances has a key role in seedling quality and yield performance of cucumber seedling. The combined effects of light quality {blue (B), white [W; 41 % B, 39 % intermediate, and 20 % red (R)], RB [red (80 %) and blue (20%)], and R} and nutrient solution EC (1, 1.7, and 3 dS m-1) on the growth and physiological responses of cucumber seedlings (as a model plant) were studied. Growth, biomass distribution, water status, seedling quality, yield, and concentration of photosynthetic pigments, protein, proline, and elements (K, P) were evaluated. The results showed that the effects of light quality on cucumber were dependent on nutrient solution EC. RB treatment at EC 1.7 irrigation had the highest value of seedling quality parameters and utmost amount of osmolytes, elements and pigments, showing adequate water performance. Moreover, in contrast to the conventional seedling production, yield and biomass production increased by 70% and 92%, respectively, in the transplanting phase, which was due to better element uptake, higher biomass distribution, and low vegetative growth in the seedling production phase. These results can contribute to seedling production of vegetables as an efficient protocol for yield productivity. Together, our findings show that when determining the ideal light spectrum for cucumber seedling growth, the nutrient solution EC should be considered.