Disease attack of powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) is a major concern in organic strawberry production in tunnels or greenhouses production. We examined the impact of dark period interruption with light from blue and red LEDs on the occurrence of powdery mildew in organically grown strawberries, plant performance and on berry quality. Strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa cvs. Honeye and Faith) were grown in a climate chamber for two months in pots filled with peat based growing media certified for organic production. The plants were drip irrigated and fertilized with liquid organic fertilizers. They were exposed to a control treatment with 18 h light using white (polychromatic) LEDs and 6 h darkness or with treatments involving white LED treatment for 14 h, followed by darkness, interrupted after 2 h by 4 h of monochromatic blue or red LED exposure and additional 4 h of darkness. A three-factorial experiment including strawberry cultivars, light regimes and pathogen inoculation was performed using six replicates (pots) per cultivar and treatment. Light regime influenced the biomass of strawberry plants irrespective of cultivar, and dark period interruption with using red or blue LEDs promoted fresh biomass of the canopy and roots as compared to the control regime. Dark interruption using blue LEDs enhanced the accumulated berry yield, increased the antioxidant activities and reduced the disease incidence as compared to the control regime and the dark period interruption using red LEDs. Blue LED treatment favored the performance of the strawberry cultivars. The obtained results are of interest for organic strawberry production to be implemented in integrated control strategies for powdery mildew with potential to replace the use of pesticides and enhance product quality.

 
Khalil, S., Alsanius, B.W., Naznin, M.T. 2025, Dark interruption with red or blue LEDs mitigates powdery mildew and enhances bioactive compound accumulation in organically grown strawberries, Current Research in Biotechnology, Volume 10, 2025, 100313, ISSN 2590-2628

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Giant Reed
This fact sheet contains extensive information on Giant reed by discussing the features, possible actions, and benefits to controlling giant reed.
Johnson, W. and Strom, S. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-21
Photo of johnsongrass adult plant with purple feathery flowers on top
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Johnsongrass
Johnsongrass is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed.
Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Identification and Management of Mormon Crickets
Mormon crickets are flightless, grounddwelling insects native to the western United States. In large numbers, their feeding can contribute to soil erosion, poor water quality, nutrient depleted soils, and potentially cause damage to range and cropland ecosystems.
Johnson, W. and Macknet, D. 2006, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Economic Impacts from the Effects of Invasive Weeds on Outdoor Recreation: An Input-Output Model
This special publication contains information on the impacts of alien invasive weeds on the economics of outdoor recreation by using data of recreation of days per year in Nevada for several activities. Learn more about the invasive weeds through serval analyses and tables.
Eiswerth, M., Johnson, W., Agapoff, J., Darden, T., Harris, T. 2005, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-06
Identification and Management of Bull Thistle
This fact sheet contains information on Bull thistle by identifying the plant and understanding how to manage it by learning about the habitat, impact, and more.
Graham, J., Johnson. W., McAdoo, K. 2005, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-03