LIGHT-STIMULATED LEAF GROWTH ON INTACT AND EXCISED BEAN PLANTS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) III. EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY

Abstract

The effect of light intensity on primary bean leaf unfolding and elongation was studied with intact and excised 10-day-old plants grown under red light. Continuous light of 40 μmol; m−2S−1 was enough to induce maximal leaf expansion both on intact and excised bean plants. Lower light intensities had a partial effect. The growth rate during the first 24 h in light was linearly related to light intensity up to 130 μmol; m−2S−1, although this light intensity was already supra-optimal for final leaf size. The minimal amount of light energy needed for full leaf expansion was about 15 mol photons m−2. The mode of light application, level of intensity, and irradiance duration were not critical when the total energy requirement was fulfilled. Under insufficient light applications for full leaf expansion, interrupted irradiance and longer low light intensity application induced leaf elongation more efficiently. Generally, the effect of different white light intensities on primary bean leaf expansion was the same on both intact and excised red-light-grown plants.