Influence of Light spectrums on seedling emergence and growth of Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) cultivars

Abstract

This experiment was carried out at Horticulture Innovation Lab. BD, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka to study the effect of different LED light spectrums on seedling emergence, growth, and development of different Lisianthus cultivars. The study comprised of three different LED light spectrums: (i) White LED (W), (ii) Blue LED (B), (iii) Red LED (R), and four Lisianthus cultivars: (i) Arena Type 1 pure white (V1), (ii) Double III pure white (V2), (iii) Arena Type I Light pink (V3), (iv) Super Magic Type Blue (V4), following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Data on germination, vegetative growth, rosetting and survivability were taken. Among Lisianthus cultivars, Arena Type I Light Pink (V3) showed the highest survival percentage, Seedling height, Leaf number, leaf length and root number. However, results indicated that variety had not any significant influence on days needed to 80% germination and rosetting percentage. Different light spectrum showed a significant impact on all parameters. The least days (11.2) required for 80 % seed germination, had great impact against rosette seedlings (7.4 %), the highest seedling height (4.5 cm) and seedling survival percentages (91.9) recorded in red light spectrum at two pair leaves condition. Seedlings under White LEDs found more number of leaves (10.2) and roots number (12.2). These findings may be a source of valuable information for the development of sustainable techniques of seedling production from true seeds of Lisianthus.