MAX
facts
hydroponic news, tips and trivia
Lettuce Carotenoids Affected by
UV Light in Greenhouse
Recent studies have found that by growing green
leaf lettuce in a greenhouse during the winter under
the proper ultraviolet light can boost their levels of
carotenoids, biological antioxidants that protect cells and
tissue from damage. When regularly consumed from
green leafy vegetables, carotenoids may help reduce the
risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.
Plants grown in the field express beneficial chemical
compounds, thought to be a means to protect
themselves from the effects of UV radiation. The role
of light exposure on these compounds was examined
on eight green and eight red leaf lettuce varieties. They
each received either supplemental ultraviolet-A (UV-A)
light, both UV-A and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light or no UV
(receiving only regular light).
The green leaf lettuce varieties carotenoid concentration
levels were greatly increased when supplemented with
UV-A plus UV-B, while the compounds in the red varieties
were slightly but significantly reduced.
(Source: www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090223.htm)
Flairform Grower’s Guide
Do you know the best way to clone your favorite plant?
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Flairform - Water treatment
specialists and horticultural
consultants since 1966.
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MAXIMUM YIELD USA - June 2009