An in vivo study of the best light emitting diode (LED) systems for cut chrysanthemums

Abstract

Abstract The cut chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum ×morifolium Ramat.) is one of the most recognized cut flowers in the world. Light quality significantly affects the development and growth of plants. To conduct an in-depth investigation of the effects of light quality on the growth and development of cut chrysanthemums, seedlings of the cut chrysanthemum cultivar ‘Riqietaohong’ were cultured under four different light emitting diode (LED) systems: red (R), blue (B), red : blue = 2:1 (RB) and blue : red = 2:1 (BR). A fluorescent lamp was used for control group lighting. The Duncan multiple comparisons analysis showed that the B light promoted stem and leaf development of seedlings but inhibited photosynthesis. The R light stimulated their rooting but inhibited the accumulation of biomass. RB improved transpiration. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation system that combined the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method with the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method indicated that the photosynthesis index, transpiration index and biomass index were the most important indicators for the growth and development of cut chrysanthemums, and RB was the best LED system for cut chrysanthemums. The present study provides references for the lower energy consumption and industrial annual production of cut chrysanthemums.