The Effect of Light Intensity on the Soluble Carbohydrate Level and Macronutrient Composition of Ilex opaca Ait.1

Abstract

Abstract Soluble leaf carbohydrates, macronutrient elements and growth responses to 3 levels of light were studied on field grown plants of Ilex opaca Ait. cv. Miss Helen. Soluble D-fructose, α-D-glucose, B-D-glucose and sucrose reached a maximum concentration expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of leaf tissue during the winter sampling periods, followed by a decline as bud-expansion approached. The maximum concentration of soluble D-galactose was found in newly matured leaf tissue. Soluble D-fructose, α-D-glucose, B-D-glucose and sucrose levels were not effected by the shade environments. The level of D-galactose increased under the shaded environment as compared to full sun plants. P and K levels in the leaf tissue were at high concentrations in newly matured leaf tissues, while Ca and Mg were at low levels. Both K and Mg levels were observed to be higher in leaf tissue from plants grown under the 92% shade conditions compared to full sun plants. Stem diameter was significantly reduced under the 92% shade conditions, while leaf size of plants grown under both 50% and 92% shade was significantly increased. Flower production was significantly reduced in plants grown under the 92% shade conditions.