Abstract
In protected cultivation, increasing the light level via supplementary lighting (SL) is critical to improve external quality, especially in periods with low light availability. Despite wide applications, the effect of light quality remains understated. In this study, the effect of SL quality and nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) on growth and flowering of three bromeliad species was investigated. Treatments included solar light, and this supplemented with R90B10 [90% red (R) and 10% blue (B)], R80B20 (80% R and 20% B), and R70B30 (70% R and 30% B). These were combined with an EC of 1 and 2 dS m-l. Irrespective of the light treatment, the higher EC promoted growth, inflorescence emergence, and development in Aechmea fasciata (Lindl.) Baker, whereas adverse effects were noted in Guzmania and Vriesea. The higher EC-induced negative effect in Guzmania and Vriesea was slightly alleviated by SL. With few notable exceptions, SL exerted limited effects on photosynthetic functionality. Depending on the species, SL improved external quality traits. In all species, SL increased root and inflorescence weight and stimulated biomass allocation to generative organs. It also accelerated inflorescence emergence and promoted inflorescence development. In this way, the time to commercial development stage was considerably shortened. These effects were more prominent at R80B20 and R70B30. Under those conditions, for instance, inflorescence emergence occurred 3–5 weeks earlier than in the control, depending on the species. In conclusion, SL with increased B proportion leads to shorter production period owing to faster emergence and improved development of the inflorescence and is recommended for commercial use.
Highlights
IntroductionBromeliads (Bromeliaceae) are widely cultivated as ornamental pot plants due to exuberant foliage, peculiar flower characteristics, the potential for year-round flowering, and sustaining bloom for long periods (weeks to months) under interior conditions [1,2,3]
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) are widely cultivated as ornamental pot plants due to exuberant foliage, peculiar flower characteristics, the potential for year-round flowering, and sustaining bloom for long periods under interior conditions [1,2,3].The most commercialized bromeliad species belong to the genera Aechmea, Guzmania, Neoregelia, Tillandsia, and Vriesea
This study indicates that both flower dry weight and fresh mass partitioning to the inflorescences were generally enhanced when the proportion of B light in the spectrum was increased (R80B20 and R70B30 as compared to R90B10; Tables 2–4 and Figure S1)
Summary
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) are widely cultivated as ornamental pot plants due to exuberant foliage, peculiar flower characteristics, the potential for year-round flowering, and sustaining bloom for long periods (weeks to months) under interior conditions [1,2,3]. The most commercialized bromeliad species belong to the genera Aechmea, Guzmania, Neoregelia, Tillandsia, and Vriesea. 60 and 15% of annual pot plant sales, respectively [4,5]. Long cultivation is required for the production of flowering bromeliad plants [8]. The phase between flower induction and anthesis lasts 68 and 114 d for Aechmea fasciata and Vriesea ‘splendens,’ respectively, with the total cultivation period being 14 and 12 months [9]
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