Effects of different light-emitting diode qualities on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Spathiphyllum floribundum

Abstract

Spathiphyllum floribundum (Linden & André) N.E.Br. is an important indoor flower species. Thus, optimizing its growth by regulating the light quality under indoor low-light conditions may be critical for generating high-quality flowers. In this study, the effects of the following six light-quality treatments on peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in two S. floribundum cultivars (“Sweet Chico” and “Queen”) were analyzed: monochromatic light comprising 100% red (R, 657 nm) or 100% blue (B, 450 nm) light, a combination of R and B lights [80% R + 20% B (8:2), 70% R + 30% B (7:3), and 60% R + 40% B (6:4)], and white light. The light treatments were performed using light-emitting diodes. The light intensity and photoperiod were set to 45 ± 2 µmol·m−2·s−1 and 14 h·day−1, respectively. The results of this study revealed that an appropriate R:B light ratio may lead to increased pigment contents, thereby increasing the synthesis and accumulation of photosynthetic products, which will result in increased stress resistance and enhanced growth. These findings provide the basis for future investigations on the growth and production of S. floribundum and other indoor ornamental plants.