Flowering initiation is regulated by complex pathways, with light serving as a key environmental cue. Plant responses to light depend on its quality, intensity, and duration and vary by species and genotype. Increasing interest in LED technology has enabled the use of specific light wavelengths with narrow bandwidths, allowing researchers to better study and manipulate how light quality influences plant growth and flowering.
Light direction also influences plant morphology and physiology by affecting phototropism, leaf orientation, and light interception, which in turn impacts photosynthesis. Although LED light direction has been shown to affect strawberry growth, the role of far-red (FR) light direction in photoperiod-sensitive June-bearing strawberries remains unstudied.
These studies showed that both the timing and direction of far-red light exposure significantly affect plant performance. In June-bearing strawberries, carefully timed applications of far-red light enhanced growth, improved fruit quality, and supported nutrient uptake. Meanwhile, experiments on light direction demonstrated that where far-red light is delivered-whether from above, below, or laterally-can strongly influence plant architecture and fruit development.
Together, the findings highlight that far-red light is not only a supplement to standard lighting but also a factor that must be precisely managed. Optimizing both the timing and direction of far-red exposure offers growers new strategies to improve fruit yield and quality while supporting efficient resource use in production systems.
The studies advance understanding of light management in strawberry cultivation and provide practical insights for growers seeking to refine controlled-environment practices.
Dr. Karimi is a Research Scientist in the Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Life Science, and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming. His research focuses on studies on the flower bud formation mechanisms of temperate fruit crops and physiological performance of temperate fruit crops under conditions of the central region of Afghanistan.
The full article can be read on the ASHS HortTechnology electronic Journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05621-25 and https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05725-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
