Effects of Green Light Deprivation and Red-to-Blue Ratio on Growth, Mineral Content, and Pigments in Salvia officinalis L. and Cannabis sativa L

Light spectral composition plays a central role in regulating plant growth, morphology, nutrient uptake, and pigment biosynthesis, particularly in controlled-environment agriculture. This study investigated the effects of targeted LED spectral modulation, focusing on green light deprivation and different red-to-blue (R:B) ratios at constant photon flux density, on morphological traits, mineral composition, and photosynthetic pigments in Salvia officinalis L. and Cannabis sativa L. grown under controlled conditions. Plants were cultivated under three LED treatments providing equal light intensity but differing in spectral composition. Morphological parameters, mineral nutrients, inorganic anions, and photosynthetic pigments were assessed at harvest. Total biomass production was not significantly affected by the light treatments in either species; however, clear species-specific responses were observed. In S. officinalis, higher R:B ratios promoted stem elongation without affecting leaf number or fresh weight, whereas in C. sativa, the higher R:B ratio significantly increased leaf number. Green light deprivation and red–blue enrichment generally enhanced mineral accumulation and nitrogen content, although the magnitude and direction of these effects varied between species. Photosynthetic pigment responses were more pronounced in hemp, with increased chlorophylls and carotenoids under green light deprivation, while salvia showed a selective increase in carotenoids under higher R:B ratios. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of species-specific LED spectral optimization to improve physiological performance and nutritional quality in indoor cultivation of medicinal plants.