scholarly journals Specific Functions of Red, Far Red, and Blue Light in Flowering and Stem Extension of Long-day Plants

2001 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik S. Runkle ◽  
Royal D. Heins
Keyword(s):  
Blue Light ◽  
Flower Development ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Extension Growth ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Stem Extension ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Long Day Plants

For many long-day plants (LDP), adding far red light (FR, 700 to 800 nm) to red light (R, 600 to 700 nm) to extend the day or interrupt the night promotes extension growth and flowering. Blue light (B, 400 to 500 nm) independently inhibits extension growth, but its effect on flowering is not well described. Here, we determined how R-, FR-, or B-deficient (Rd, FRd, or Bd, respectively) photoperiods influenced stem extension and flowering in five LDP species: Campanula carpatica Jacq., Coreopsi ×grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet, Lobelia ×speciosa Sweet, Pisum sativum L., and Viola ×wittrockiana Gams. Plants were exposed to Rd, FRd, Bd, or normal (control) 16-hour photoperiods, each of which had a similar photosynthetic (400 to 700 nm) photon flux. Compared with that of the control, the Rd environment promoted extension growth in C. carpatica (by 65%), C. ×grandiflora (by 26%), P. sativum (by 23%), and V. ×wittrockiana (by 31%). The FRd environment suppressed extension growth in C. ×grandiflora (by 21%), P. sativum (by 17%), and V. ×wittrockiana (by 14%). Independent of the R: FR ratio, the Bd environment promoted stem extension (by 10% to 100%) in all species, but there was little or no effect on flowering percentage and time to flower. Extension growth was generally linearly related to the incident wide band (100 nm) R: FR ratio or estimated phytochrome photoequilibrium except when B light was specifically reduced. A high R: FR ratio (i.e., under the FRd filter) delayed flower initiation (but not development) in C. carpatica and C.×grandiflora and inhibited flower development (but not initiation) in V.×wittrockiana. Therefore, B light and the R: FR ratio independently regulate extension growth by varying magnitudes in LDP, and in some species, an FRd environment can suppress flower initiation or development.

scholarly journals Photocontrol of Flowering and Extension Growth in the Long-day Plant Pansy

2003 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik S. Runkle ◽  
Royal D. Heins
Keyword(s):  
Flower Development ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Reproductive Development ◽  
Extension Growth ◽  
Separate Experiment ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Minimal Extension ◽  
Short Day ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Light Duration

Plastics that selectively reduce the transmission of far-red light (FR, 700 to 800 nm) reduce extension growth of many floricultural crops. However, FR-deficient (FRd) environments delay flowering in some long-day plants (LDPs), including `Crystal Bowl Yellow' pansy (Viola ×wittrockiana Gams). Our objective was to determine if FR light could be added to an otherwise FRd environment to facilitate flowering with minimal extension growth. In one experiment, plants were grown under a 16-hour FRd photoperiod, and FR-rich light was added during portions of the day or night. For comparison, plants were also grown with a 9-hour photoperiod [short-day (SD) control] or under a neutral (N) filter with a 16-hour photoperiod (long day control). Flowering was promoted most (i.e., percent of plants that flowered increased and time to flower decreased) when FR-rich light was added during the entire 16-hour photoperiod, during the last 4 hours of the photoperiod, or during the first or second 4 hours after the end of the photoperiod. In a separate experiment, pansy was grown under an FRd or N filter with a 9-hour photoperiod plus 0, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 hours of night interruption (NI) lighting that delivered a red (R, 600 to 700 nm) to FR ratio of 0.56 (low), 1.28 (moderate), or 7.29 (high). Under the N filter, the minimum NI duration that increased percent flowering was 2 hours with a moderate or low R:FR and 4 hours with a high R:FR. Under the FRd filter, 2 or 4 hours of NI lighting with a moderate or low R:FR, respectively, was required to increase percent flowering, but a 4-hour NI with a high R:FR failed to promote flowering. Pansy appears to be day-neutral with respect to flower initiation and a quantitative LDP with respect to flower development. The promotion of reproductive development was related linearly to the promotion of extension growth. Therefore, it appears that in LDPs such as pansy, light duration and quality concomitantly promote extension growth and flowering, and cannot readily be separated with lighting strategies.

scholarly journals Photosynthetic Physiology of Blue, Green, and Red Light: Light Intensity Effects and Underlying Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Liu ◽  
Marc W. van Iersel
Keyword(s):  
Blue Light ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Green Light ◽  
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Light Spectrum ◽  
Response Curves

Red and blue light are traditionally believed to have a higher quantum yield of CO2 assimilation (QY, moles of CO2 assimilated per mole of photons) than green light, because green light is absorbed less efficiently. However, because of its lower absorptance, green light can penetrate deeper and excite chlorophyll deeper in leaves. We hypothesized that, at high photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), green light may achieve higher QY and net CO2 assimilation rate (An) than red or blue light, because of its more uniform absorption throughtout leaves. To test the interactive effects of PPFD and light spectrum on photosynthesis, we measured leaf An of “Green Tower” lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under red, blue, and green light, and combinations of those at PPFDs from 30 to 1,300 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. The electron transport rates (J) and the maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vc,max) at low (200 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1) and high PPFD (1,000 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1) were estimated from photosynthetic CO2 response curves. Both QYm,inc (maximum QY on incident PPFD basis) and J at low PPFD were higher under red light than under blue and green light. Factoring in light absorption, QYm,abs (the maximum QY on absorbed PPFD basis) under green and red light were both higher than under blue light, indicating that the low QYm,inc under green light was due to lower absorptance, while absorbed blue photons were used inherently least efficiently. At high PPFD, the QYinc [gross CO2 assimilation (Ag)/incident PPFD] and J under red and green light were similar, and higher than under blue light, confirming our hypothesis. Vc,max may not limit photosynthesis at a PPFD of 200 μmol m–2 s–1 and was largely unaffected by light spectrum at 1,000 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. Ag and J under different spectra were positively correlated, suggesting that the interactive effect between light spectrum and PPFD on photosynthesis was due to effects on J. No interaction between the three colors of light was detected. In summary, at low PPFD, green light had the lowest photosynthetic efficiency because of its low absorptance. Contrary, at high PPFD, QYinc under green light was among the highest, likely resulting from more uniform distribution of green light in leaves.

scholarly journals Effects of photoperiod and light spectra on growth and pigment composition of the green macroalga Codium tomentosum

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rúben Marques ◽  
Sónia Cruz ◽  
Ricardo Calado ◽  
Ana Lillebø ◽  
Helena Abreu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Relative Growth Rate ◽  
Blue Light ◽  
Early Development ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Pigment Composition ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Light Spectra ◽  
Short Day ◽  
Long Day

Abstract Codium tomentosum is a marine green macroalga with multiple value-added applications that is being successfully used as an extractive species in sustainable integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems. Nonetheless, growth conditions of this species at an early development phase still require optimization. The present study addresses, under controlled laboratory conditions, the effects of photoperiod (long vs. short-day) and light spectra (white, blue, and red light) on growth and pigment composition of C. tomentosum. Relative growth rate was approximately 2× higher under long-day photoperiod (average of 39.2 and 20.1% week−1 for long and short-day, respectively). Concentrations per dry weight of major pigments such as chlorophyll a (Chla) and siphonoxanthin (Siph) were significantly higher under long-day photoperiod. Relative growth rates were higher under red light, intermediate under white light, and lower under blue light. These last results were rather surprising, as Siph-Chla/Chlb light harvesting complexes of Codium have increased absorption in the blue-green region of the light spectra. Changes in carbon allocation patterns caused by the spectral composition of light and overgrowth of green microalgae in blue light cultures could explain the differences recorded for relative growth rate. Long-day photoperiod and light sources with preferential emission at the red region of the light spectra were identified as optimal for growth of C. tomentosum at early development stages. These lighting conditions can reduce the time required to reach the necessary biomass before transfer to grow-out systems. Overall, these findings can shorten production time, increase macroalgal productivity, and enhance aquaculture revenues.

scholarly journals Photoperiod, Irradiance, and Temperature Influence Flowering of Hamelia patens (Texas Firebush)

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan M. Armitage
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Flower Development ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Temperature Influence ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Critical Photoperiod ◽  
Moderately High Temperature

Hamelia patens Jacq. (Texas firebush) is a long-day plant for flower initiation and flower development; however, flower development is more sensitive to photoperiod than is flower initiation. The critical photoperiod for flower development at 25C is between 12 and 16 hours. Flowering was delayed under low light conditions, and plant dry weight was heavier and flowering time was earlier for plants grown at a constant 25 or 30C than at 20C. A greenhouse environment with a 16-hour photoperiod and moderately high temperature (25C) would be appropriate for production of H. patens.

scholarly journals 263 Photoselective Films Influence Flowering of Photoperiodic Species

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 436E-436
Author(s):  
Teresa A. Cerny ◽  
Nihal C. Rajapakse ◽  
Ryu Oi
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Light Quality ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Plastic Films ◽  
Spectral Filters ◽  
Short Day ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Air Temperatures

Growth chambers constructed from photoselective plastic films were used to investigate the effects of light quality on height manipulation and flowering of photoperiodic plant species. Three types of treatment films were used; control, a far-red light intercepting film (YXE-10) and a red light intercepting film (SXE-4). The red (600-700 nm):far-red (700-800 nm) ratios and phytochrome photoequilibrium estimates for the control, YXE-10 and SXE-4 films were 1.0 and 0.71, 1.5 and 0.77, and 0.71 and 0.67, respectively. The photosynthetic photon flux was adjusted to uniformity among chambers using neutral density filters. Spectral filters did not effect minimum and maximum air temperatures. Experiments were conducted using quantitative long day (Antirrhinum majus and Petunia × hybrida), quantitative short day (Zinnia elegans and Dendranthema × grandiflorum) and day-neutral (Rosa × hydrida) plant species under natural short-day conditions. Plants produced under the YXE-10 filters were significantly shorter than the control plants, while plants produced under the SXE-4 films had similar or increased height compared to the control plants. However, both height response and flowering times varied with the crop species. Flowering time of Rosa × hybrida plants was uniform among all treatments. Flowering of quantitative long-day plants was delayed by at least 10 days under the YXE-10 film and was most responsive to the filtered light. Flowering of quantitative short-day plants was delayed by 2 days under the YXE-10. Days to flower for plants produced under the SXE-4 film were similar to the control plants for all species tested.

scholarly journals 569 Photoselective Filters Affect Flowering and Stem Extension In Viola ×wittrockiana and Pisum sativum

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 544D-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik S. Runkle ◽  
Royal D. Heins
Keyword(s):  
Pisum Sativum ◽  
Light Quality ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Plant Morphology ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Spectral Filters ◽  
Density Control ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Long Day Plants ◽  
Peduncle Length

For many plants, light quality has a pronounced effect on plant morphology; light with a low red (R, 600 to 700 nm) to far-red (FR, 700 to 800 nm) ratio promotes stem elongation and a high R: FR, or blue light (B, 400 to 500 nm), suppresses it. In addition, FR light is required for rapid flowering in some species, particularly for long-day plants. Our objective was to quantify how flexible spectral filters, which selectively reduce FR, B, or R, influence plant height and flowering of the quantitative long-day plants Pisum sativum L. `Utrillo' and Viola ×wittrockiana Gams. `Crystal Bowl Yellow'. Plants were grown at 20 °C with reduced FR, B, or R environments or with a neutral density control (C) filter. Calculated phytochrome photoequilebria were 0.78, 0.73, 0.71, or 0.46 for the altered FR, B, C, or R environments, respectively. All filter treatments transmitted a similar photosynthetic photon flux. Sixteen-hour photoperiods were created with natural daylight supplemented with high-pressure sodium lamps positioned above filters. Viola grown under the FR filter never reached 100% flowering within 8 weeks, and visible bud appearance was delayed by at least 17 days compared to all other filters. The R and B filters enhanced peduncle length by at least 25% compared to the C or FR filters. In Pisum, average internode length was 2.2, 2.9, 3.4, and 3.7 cm under the FR, C, B, and R filters, respectively, all statistically different. Fresh and dry shoot weights were similar under the C and FR filters but were at least 35% greater under the B filter and 35% lower under the R filter.

Phytochrome contributes to blue-light-mediated stem elongation and flower initiation in mature Arabidopsis thaliana plants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Kong ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Arabidopsis Thaliana ◽  
Blue Light ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Growth Trait ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Shade Avoidance ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Avoidance Responses

To examine whether phytochromes contribute to blue-light-mediated stem elongation, plant phenotypic responses were investigated in wild type Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0), and its quintuple phytochrome (phyA phyB phyC phyD phyE) mutant plants under the following light treatments: (1) R, a pure red light from 660-nm LED; (2) B, a pure blue light from 455-nm LED; (3) BR, a impure blue light from LED combination of 94% B and 6% R; and (4) BRF, another impure blue light from LED combination of BR and 6 µmol m−2 s−1 of FR (735 nm). A photosynthetic photon flux density of ≈100 μmol m−2 s−1 was provided for all the light treatments. The calculated phytochrome photoequilibrium was 0.89, 0.50, 0.69, and 0.60 for R, B, BR, and BRF, respectively, indicating a higher phytochrome activity under R and BR than B and BRF. After 18 days of light treatment, B or BRF increased main stem length in wild-type plants compared with R, but BR had an inhibition effect similar to R. Also, B and BRF relative to R or BR induced earlier flowering and reduced leaf size in wild type plants, showing typical shade-avoidance responses. In phytochrome-deficient mutant plants, the above shade-avoidance responses were inhibited under B or BRF. However, hypocotyl length, a growth trait characterizing the de-etiolation stage, was reduced under B, BR and BRF vs. R regardless of phytochrome absence. These findings suggest that for mature Arabidopsis plants, phytochrome plays a role in blue-light-mediated stem elongation and the associated shade-avoidance responses.

Application of Photoperiodic Manipulation in Vegetative Specialty Floral Crop Propagation and Flowering

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 554d-554
Author(s):  
Millie S. Williams ◽  
Terri Woods Starman
Keyword(s):  
Flowering Time ◽  
Flower Development ◽  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Stock Plant ◽  
Flower Number ◽  
Open Flower ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Photoperiodic Responses

Photoperiod requirements are important for optimum flower development, decreasing production time, year-round flowering, and/or for increasing vegetative growth necessary in stock plant production. The photoperiodic responses were determined for 24 vegetatively propagated specialty floral crops. Each plant species was grown at 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-h photoperiods. Photoperiods were provided by 8 h of sunlight, then pulling black cloth and providing daylength extension with incandescent bulbs. Data collected included time to flower, flower number, and vegetative characteristics. Evolvulus nuttallianus `Blue Daze', Heliotropium arborescens `Fragrant Delight', and Orthosiphon stamineus `Lavender' were facultative short-day plants with respect to flowering. Time to flower increased as photoperiod increased. Duranta repens `Blue', Verbena hybrid `Tapien Lavender', and Verbena peruviana `Trailing Katie' were facultative long day plants with respect to flowering. Days to visible bud and first open flower decreased as photoperiod increased. Argeranthemum frutescens `Sugar Baby', Scaevola aemula `Fancy Fan Falls', and Portulaca hybrid `Apricot' had increased flower number as photoperiod increased from 8- to 16-h, although time to first flower initiation was not affected. Abutilon hybrid `Apricot', Duranta repens `Blue', Evolvulus nuttallianus `Blue Daze', Lotus berthelotii `Parrot's Beak', Lysimachia nummularia `Aurea Creeping Golden', Rhodanthe anthemoides `Milkyway', and Scaevola aemula `Fancy Fan Falls' had increased vegetative growth as photoperiod increased. All other species studied were day-neutral with regard to flowering and vegetative parameters.

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