Effect of blue light on red color development and anthocyanin accumulation of sweet cherries

Abstract

The red color of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) is important for their marketability. Anthocyanin synthesis in ‘Satohnishiki’ is highly dependent on light conditions, and ultraviolet (UV) light from 280 to 320 nm (UV-B) reportedly has a strong effect on anthocyanin synthesis in the cultivar ‘Satohnishiki’. The effect of visible light, such as blue light, on anthocyanin accumulation in sweet cherries has not yet been studied. This research examined the effect of blue light on exocarp color development and anthocyanin accumulation in ‘Satohnishiki’ and ‘Napoleon’ yellow flesh, blush sweet cherry cultivars. Using a light emitting diode, the effect of blue light on anthocyanin accumulation was compared with that of UV-B. The blue light of 450 nm induced anthocyanin accumulation and red color development in both cultivars, while its effect was lower than that of UV-B light. The efficiency of the blue light wavelength on anthocyanin accumulation in ‘Satohnishiki’ was examined with using 430 to 490 nm blue lights, and 450 nm was more effective than other blue lights. Blue light may play an important role in red color development in the fruits of both cultivars under a tree canopy.