2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) can be used as a greenhouse glazing material because it is translucent with various colors and produces electricity. Its light transmittance of about 30% and high transmittance of red light may be appropriate to grow shade plants such Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. This study was carried out to examine the effects of the light quantity and quality modified by a DSC on growth and development in P. ginseng. Two-year old plants were grown in four transparent poly carbonate chambers (L3.1 x W1.5 x H 1.2 m) maintained at 20±4℃, 45±10% RH. Two of them were covered with red DSCs and one of transparent chambers was covered with black shade cloths and its light transmittance was adjusted equally to DSC chambers. One of DSC chambers was supplemented with warm-white LEDs. Red DSC was relatively less transmitted blue and green light and more red light compared to black shading. Ginseng plants grown in DSC chambers had higher plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and Fv/Fm compared with transparent and shading chambers. In conclusion, red DSC may create a proper light condition for ginseng plants. The relationship between light quality and growth and physiological characteristics of ginseng plants was discussed.

Specified Source(s) of Funding:This work was supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea (No. 20163030013800).