Influence of End-of-day Red and Far-red Light on Potted Roses

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Abstract The effects of end-of-day red and far-red light on postharvest leaf chlorosis of potted roses were investigated. Rosa × hybrida L. ‘Meijikatar’ (Tradename: Orange Sunblaze) and ‘Confection’ plants were treated with 30 minutes of red light (600–700 nm) or far-red light (700–780 nm) at the end of each daily photoperiod throughout production. At harvest, plants were placed in storage for 5 days at 16°C (61°F). ‘Meijikatar’ plants treated with end-of-day far-red light had more leaf chlorosis than plants treated with end-of-day red light or those which served as controls. ‘Confection’ plants treated with end-of-day far-red light had more leaf chlorosis than plants treated with end-of-day red light. ‘Meijikatar’ plants were treated in the greenhouse at the end of each photoperiod with 1 hour of incandescent or fluorescent light, with control plants receiving natural greenhouse end-of-day light, and then placed into storage. Plants treated with end-of-day incandescent light were taller than plants treated-with end-of-day fluorescent light or controls. After simulated storage, plants treated with end-of-day incandescent light had the most etiolated shoots. Light treatments had no significant effect on the amount of leaf chlorosis 5 days after removal from simulated storage.