Effects of Light Conditions on the Leaf Growth and Steviol Glycoside Yields of Hydroponically Cultivated Stevia Across Growth Stages
Extracts of <i>Stevia rebaudiana</i> are rich in sweet-tasting steviol glycosides (SG), which are widely valued as natural sweeteners. This study investigated the effects of different light conditions on stevia growth and SG production across growth stages using a controlled hydroponic s...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
|
| Series: | Horticulturae |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/3/316 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Extracts of <i>Stevia rebaudiana</i> are rich in sweet-tasting steviol glycosides (SG), which are widely valued as natural sweeteners. This study investigated the effects of different light conditions on stevia growth and SG production across growth stages using a controlled hydroponic system. Four light conditions were introduced at a low photosynthetic photon flux density of 50 μmol·m<sup>−2</sup>·s<sup>−1</sup>. Stevia growth was divided into four stages, and leaf weight and SG yield were analyzed. Red light resulted in the highest leaf fresh weights at 23.53 g·plant<sup>−1</sup>, whereas green light resulted in the lowest at 17.15 g·plant<sup>−1</sup>, marking a difference of 37.2%. However, green light performed the highest total SG content (LSG) at 190.68 mg·g<sup>−1</sup> and total SG yield (YSG) at 39.24 g·m<sup>−2</sup>, compared to the lowest LSG under red light at 108.68 mg·g<sup>−1</sup> and YSG at 24.76 g·m<sup>−2</sup>, derived differences of 75.45% and 58.48%, respectively. These results suggest a trade-off between vegetative growth and SG synthesis. Red light is optimal for early-stage biomass accumulation, while green light and blue light treatments during the last two stages, respectively, may enhance overall SG production. Consequently, the results offered insights into commercial stevia cultivation and the production of SG. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2311-7524 |