Light spectrum ratios during cultivation affect antioxidant capacity and chilling tolerance of cold storage holy basils

Supplementary lighting during cultivation can influence plant quality and postharvest performance. This study examined the effects of different light spectrum ratios on the postharvest quality of green and red holy basils stored at 10 °C. Plants were cultivated under three lighting treatments: 1R: 3B, 2R: 1G: 2B, and white light (control). Both 1R: 3B and 2R: 1G: 2B treatments significantly reduced weight loss and chilling injury in both cultivars during cold storage. Improved postharvest quality was associated with reduced membrane damage and oxidative stress, as well as enhanced antioxidant activity. The 1R: 3B treatment increased catalase activity and ascorbic acid content, while 2R: 1G: 2B enhanced ascorbate peroxidase activity. Basil grown under 2R: 1G: 2B lighting maintained acceptable quality for up to 9 days of storage at 10 °C. Overall, these results demonstrate that optimizing light spectrum ratios during cultivation effectively enhances postharvest quality and chilling tolerance of holy basil under low-temperature storage. • Specific pre-harvest lighting condition enhanced postharvest quality of holy basils. • The 1R:3B and 2R:1G:2B conditions could improve antioxidant system of holy basils. • The 2R:1G:2B condition reduced EL, H 2 O 2 and MDA in holy basils. • The 2R:1G:2B showed chilling injury resistance and delayed senescence at 10 °C.