Modification of the Lighting Conditions to Increase Plant Productivity and Nutritional Value: New Solutions

The review summarizes the results of numerous studies aimed at optimizing plant production in closed systems (greenhouses with controlled climate and plant factories with artificial lighting (vertical farms)). The latest pre-harvest or end-of-production light treatments are considered. These include an increase in the lighting duration (up to continuous lighting), an increase in the light intensity, a change in the light quality (different ratios of red, blue, green light, the use of far-red light) or additional illumination with UV light (usually for several days). Unlike the lighting strategies used in the first part of the production cycle and aimed at optimizing the growth, development and biomass accumulation, their application is carried out in order to increase not only yield, but also the nutritional value of products, reduce nitrate content, as well as increase the energy efficiency of production. Some physiological and biochemical mechanisms that are involved in plant response to various light treatments are discussed, and the need to further study the molecular and genetic mechanisms that underlie these responses is emphasized, knowledge of which will accelerate the search and identification of the most effective agricultural practices that increase crop productivity and nutritional value.