Photosynthetic spectral response curves of saffron leaves.

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an herb with outstanding medicinal functions and commercial value. Light is an important factor in plant growth, and the sensitivity of plant photosynthesis to light quality can be characterized by photosynthetic spectral response curves. This study aims to measure the spectral response curves of saffron leaves so as to provide theoretical guidance for a supplemental lighting spectrum to increase saffron production. The measurement results show the peaks of spectral response curves of saffron leaves are at 480 nm and 660 nm, which provides a reference for the peak wavelengths of supplemental lighting spectrum. Full-spectrum white light with low color temperature or red light mixed with a little blue light might be most beneficial for saffron biomass accumulation.