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DLI, or Daily Light Integral, is a measure of the amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received by a plant over a 24-hour period. It is expressed in units of moles per square meter per day (mol/m2/day). DLI is an important factor in determining the growth and development of plants, as it affects photosynthesis, respiration, and other physiological processes.
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The optimal DLI requirements of lettuce vary depending on the growth stage of the plant. Generally, lettuce requires a DLI of 12-15 mol/m2/day during the vegetative growth stage, and 15-20 mol/m2/day during the reproductive growth stage. Lettuce plants grown under low DLI conditions tend to be stunted, with reduced leaf size and lower yield.
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To achieve the optimal DLI requirements for lettuce, several factors must be taken into consideration. These include:
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Light intensity: Lettuce plants require high light intensity to achieve optimal growth. Ideally, they should be grown under full sunlight or artificial lighting with high intensity levels. Low light intensity can result in poor growth and development of lettuce plants.
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Photoperiod: Lettuce is a short-day plant, which means that it requires a certain number of hours of darkness to initiate flowering. For optimal growth and yield, lettuce plants should be grown under a photoperiod of 12-16 hours of light and 8-12 hours of darkness.
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Light quality: The quality of light can also affect the growth and development of lettuce plants. For example, blue light can promote vegetative growth, while red light can stimulate flowering and fruiting. Lettuce plants grown under a combination of blue and red light tend to have higher yields.
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Temperature: Lettuce is a cool-season crop and requires cool temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for lettuce is between 60-68°F (15-20°C) during the day and 45-55°F (7-13°C) at night. High temperatures can result in poor growth and development of lettuce plants.
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In conclusion, the DLI requirements of lettuce for optimal growth depend on several environmental factors, including light intensity, photoperiod, light quality, and temperature. By carefully managing these factors, growers can achieve high yields of high-quality lettuce that meets the demands of consumers
