Light Quality Treatments Research Articles

Effect of LED light quality on the phototaxis and locomotion behaviour ofHaliotis discus hannai

Abalones were reared in a laboratory to determine the percentage response rate, response time, average crawling speed and the time taken to recover an upright posture under nine light-emitting diode light quality treatments (red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, white and grey) and a dark environment. Animals were placed in the centre of an experimental device, and the tropism of each animal was continuously monitored by video. The highest percentage response rate (80% in dark adapted abalones, 60% in light adapted abalones) was observed in the dark environment, followed by red and orange light (27% and 30% in dark adapted abalones, respectively, 22% and 24% in light adapted abalones). Two induction materials (substrate and brown algae Laminaria japonica) were used to assess the effect of light quality on the tropism of abalones, with the highest percentage response rate (76% in the L. japonica treatment, 22% in the substrate treatment) also observed in the dark environment, followed by red and orange light (both 25% in the L. japonica treatment, and 26% and 32%, respectively, in the substrate treatment). The tropism order of the abalones under dark, red, orange and yellow light was as follows: dark > orange > red, yellow, but fewer abalones chose to stay in blue, green, cyan and purple light. The response time (about 700 s) in the dark environment was significantly longer than for the other light quality treatments. Compared with the average crawling speed in the other light quality treatments, abalones were relatively slower (about 3.8 mm s−1) in red and orange light, and the dark environment. The mean time required for the recovery of an upright posture in red light and the dark environment was longer than in the other light quality treatments, with the average recovery time reaching a maximum of 60 s in the dark environment. The results demonstrate the phototaxis and locomotion behaviour of abalones, as well as confirming the necessity of a dark, orange or red environment for their management and aquaculture.

DlRan3A is involved in hormone, light, and abiotic stress responses in embryogenic callus of Dimocarpus longan Lour.

Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran) GTPase plays an important role in nucleo-cytoplasmic transportation of proteins and RNA, mitotic spindle assembly, microtubule assembly and nuclear envelope (NE) assembly. We previously identified the full-length cDNAs and a DNA of DlRan3A from longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) somatic embryos and demonstrated its possible roles in cell activities during longan somatic embryogenesis (SE). However, thus far little is known of how Ran functions in the signaling pathways in plant embryos in response to changing environmental stimuli. To discover more biological roles of DlRan3A, we observed DlRan3A located in the nucleus and detected abundant accumulation of DlRan3As in globular and cotyledon embryos during longan SE, which suggested its involvement in auxin signal pathways in longan early SE. The transcript level of the DlRan3A gene were also determined in longan embryogenic callus (EC) in response to different levels of exogenous phytohormones (indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellin A3 (GA3), salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and ethephon (Eth)), salt, sucrose, prolonged culturing period and light quality treatments. IAA (1mg/L), GA3 (12mg/L), SA (75μm), MeJA (50 and 100μm), and Eth (50mg/L) modulate expression of DlRan3A to 1.3–1.4 folds, and the expression of DlRan3A was significantly affected by light quality, significantly induced to 2-fold by salt (10g/L), 2.7-fold by sucrose (90g/L) and was completely suppressed by prolonged cultivation (>40days). Deletion analysis suggested that both activation and repression regulatory elements co-exist in the DlRan3A promoter sequence and that the key cis-acting elements included ones in response to auxin, SA, MeJA, and stress. Promoter activities were induced to the highest level by IAA followed by SA, GA3 and MeJA, while suppressed by ABA and Eth. Together, these results showed DlRan3A close involvement in phytohormones, light, and abiotic stress responsiveness during longan SE.

FTL2 expression preceding bud set corresponds with timing of bud set in Norway spruce under different light quality treatments

Shoot elongation and bud set in temperate zone trees is under photoperiodic control, but light quality also plays a role with far-red (FR) light sustaining growth, and blue (B) affecting timing of bud set. This may suggest a role of B light receptors in addition to the photoperiod- and red (R)-FR-sensing phytochrome (phy) system. However, there is limited information on effect of light quality on genes thought to be involved in growth-dormancy cycling. In this study we have examined effect of light quality on expression of genes known to be affected by photoperiod as well as CRY and PHY genes, which were also characterised in this study. In contrast to growth-sustaining FR and reference LD treatment, bud-inducing R and B light and reference SD exposure resulted in accumulation of transcripts of PaFTL2, and reduction in PaCOL1, PaCOL2 and PaSOC1 before visible morphological changes associated with bud set. The light receptor transcripts (CRY1, CRY2, PHYN, PHYO, PHYP) also accumulated, but with the largest changes after growth cessation. Reduced or slightly delayed bud set under R compared to B light and SD, was in most cases reflected in changes in transcript levels. Of the studied genes, FTL2 expression preceding bud set correlated the most closely with timing of bud set in in the studied provenances under the different light quality treatments. These results demonstrate action of light quality and photoperiod through a common pathway in control of bud set in Norway spruce, with FTL2 as a key factor.

In Vitro Shoot Proliferation of Apple Rootstocks ‘B.9’, ‘G.30’, and ‘G.41’ Grown under Red and Blue Light

The influence of red and blue light wavelengths was tested to improve the initial in vitro multiplication of apple (Malus × domestica) rootstock cultivars Budagovsky 9 (B.9), Geneva 30 (G.30), and Geneva 41 (G.41). Single-node segments were established in semisolid Murashige and Skoog media and then transferred to proliferation media and cultured 40 days under white, red, or blue light irradiance. In a second experiment, G.30 was cultured under red, blue, or white light with and without gibberellic acid (GA3). The three rootstocks responded similarly under white light in terms of shoot number, length of the longest shoot, and the number of elongated shoots. Red light increased the number of shoots, length of the longest shoot, and the number of elongated shoots of B.9 and G.30 when compared with white or blue light. Red light increased the number of elongated B.9 and G.30 shoots to five per explant compared with one per explant under white light. In contrast, shoot growth of G.41 showed no difference under the three light quality treatments, and the number of elongated shoots per explant was less than one. When compared with an absence of GA3, a concentration of GA3 at 0.5 mg·L−1 promoted in vitro shoot growth of G.30 under red and blue light.

Growth Responses of Tomato Seedlings to Different Spectra of Supplemental Lighting

Seedlings of six tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars (‘Maxifort’, ‘Komeett’, ‘Success’, ‘Felicity’, ‘Sheva Sheva’, and ‘Liberty’) were grown monthly for 2-week treatment periods to determine photomorphogenic and developmental responses to different light-quality treatments from supplemental lighting (SL) across changing solar daily light integrals (DLIs). Seedlings were grown in a glass-glazed greenhouse at a midnorth latitude (lat. 40° N, long. 86° W) under one of five lighting treatments: natural solar light only (control), natural + SL from a 100-W high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamp, or natural + SL from arrays of red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) using 80% red + 20% blue, 95% red + 5% blue, or 100% red. Varying solar DLI occurred naturally for all treatments, whereas constant DLI of 5.1 mol·m−2·d−1 was provided for all SL treatments. Supplemental lighting increased hypocotyl diameter, epicotyl length, shoot dry weight, leaf number, and leaf expansion relative to the control, whereas hypocotyl elongation decreased when SL was applied. For all cultivars tested, the combination of red and blue in SL typically increased growth of tomato seedlings. These results indicate that blue light in SL has potential to increase overall seedling growth compared with blue-deficient LED SL treatments in overcast, variable-DLI climates.

Temperature affects the dormancy and germination of sympatric annual (Oryza meridionalis) and perennial (O. rufipogon) native Australian rices (Poaceae) and influences their emergence in introduced para grass (Urochloa mutica) swards

The seed biology of two ecologically and genetically important sympatric wild rice species from northern Australia was compared – perennial Oryza rufipogon Griff. and annual Oryza meridionalis N.Q.Ng. The aim was to determine mechanisms of dormancy exhibited at seed shed and to identify factors that trigger or inhibit germination. This information was used to investigate the ecology of in situ Oryza populations in introduced para grass swards (Urochloa mutica (Forssk.) T.Q. Nguyen) and to understand interactions between the two sympatric Oryza species. Primary dormancy in the two species is similar, namely, non-deep physiological dormancy, determined by external maternal structures and broken by warm temperature treatments equivalent to dry season soil temperatures. Light quality, smoke water, gibberellic acid and nitric acid treatments had minor influences on germination. Changes to the soil profile and aboveground biomass structure due to swards of U. mutica significantly affected emergence of O. meridionalis. Thus the influence of soil temperature explains the results of previous field studies in which biomass or litter on the soil surface prevented germination. This has implications for biodiversity management on monsoonal floodplains of northern Australia, where introduced pasture species produce greater biomass than native grasslands, reduce soil temperatures and are displacing native rices. There were differences between the Oryza species – dormancy was more quickly broken in annual O. meridionalis, reflecting the reduced need for investment in seed bank persistence for annual species in annually inundated and climatically reliable wetlands.

Effect of light quality on Tabebuia rosea seed germination

Tabebuia rosea germination capacity and rate have been examined under light and dark conditions. However, seeds responses to light quality, in particular to short and mid-wavelengths, are not well known. We hypothesized that short wavelengths would have a positive effect on rosea germination. The effects of short, mid and long-wavelengths on germination capacity, rate (germination rate index, germination rate R50, a devised index of germination rate R50´ and peak value), mean daily germination and germination value were evaluated. Light quality had little effect on germination capacity; it was reduced only in darkness. Seeds under short and mid-wavelengths germinated faster (germination rate) than under any other light treatments. We concluded that althoughlt T. rosea seeds respond to all light quality treatments, the short and mid-wavelengths are the cue for increasing germination speed. For synchronizing germination, short and mid-wavelengths transmitted by red cellophane paper can be used as a pre-germinative treatment for restoration and silvicultural purposes.

Nitrogen dioxide accelerates flowering without changing the number of leaves at flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana

A negative correlation has consistently been reported between the change in flowering time and the change in leaf number at flowering in response to environmental stimuli, such as the application of exogenous compounds, cold temperature, day length and light quality treatments in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). However, we show here that the application of exogenous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) did not change the number of rosette leaves at flowering, but actually accelerated flowering in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, NO2 treatment was found to increase the rate of leaf appearance. Based on these results, reaching the maximum rosette leaf number earlier in response to NO2 treatment resulted in earlier flowering relative to controls.

Light quality regulates flowering in FvFT1/FvTFL1 dependent manner in the woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca.

Control of flowering in the perennial model, the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), involves distinct molecular mechanisms that result in contrasting photoperiodic flowering responses and growth cycles in different accessions. The F. vesca homolog of TERMINAL FLOWER1 (FvTFL1) functions as a key floral repressor that causes short-day (SD) requirement of flowering and seasonal flowering habit in the SD strawberry. In contrast, perpetual flowering F. vesca accessions lacking functional FvTFL1 show FLOWERING LOCUS T (FvFT1)-dependent early flowering specifically under long-days (LD). We show here that the end-of-day far-red (FR) and blue (B) light activate the expression of FvFT1 and the F. vesca homolog of SUPPRESSOR OF THE OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS (FvSOC1) in both SD and LD strawberries, whereas low expression levels are detected in red (R) and SD treatments. By using transgenic lines, we demonstrate that FvFT1 advances flowering under FR and B treatments compared to R and SD treatments in the LD strawberry, and that FvSOC1 is specifically needed for the B light response. In the SD strawberry, flowering responses to these light quality treatments are reversed due to up-regulation of the floral repressor FvTFL1 in parallel with FvFT1 and FvSOC1. Our data highlights the central role of FvFT1 in the light quality dependent flower induction in the LD strawberry and demonstrates that FvTFL1 reverses not only photoperiodic requirements but also light quality effects on flower induction in the SD strawberry.

Growth and Anthocyanins of Lettuce Grown under Red or Blue Light-emitting Diodes with Distinct Peak Wavelength

Growth and anthocyanins of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., ‘Mid-season’) grown under LED lamps with blue light in the range of 430-470 nm or with red light in the range of 630-670 nm were analyzed in this study. Cool-white fluorescent light was used as the control. Photosynthetic photon flux, photoperiod, air temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration in a closed plant production system were 201 ± 2 μmol・m -2 ・s -1 , 16/8 hours (day/night), 22/18°C, 70%, and 400 μmol・mol -1 , respectively. At 21 days after light quality treatment, growth characteristics and anthocyanins content of lettuce as affected by the peak wavelength of blue or red LED were significantly different. Among peak wavelengths treated in this stusy, R1 treatment (peak wavelength 634 nm) and R6 treatment (peak wavelength 659 nm) were effective for increasing leaf width, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, and photosynthetic rate of lettuce. B5 treatment (peak wavelength 450 nm) and B4 treatment (peak wavelength 446 nm) increased the anthocyanins concentration and chlorophyll content in lettuce leaves, respectively. Anthocyanins in lettuce leaves increased linearly with decreasing hue value of leaf color and with increasing SPAD value of lettuce leaves. From these results, it was concluded that the red LED with peak wavelengths of 634 nm and 659 nm and the blue LED with peak wavelengths of 450 nm can be used as potential light spectra for increasing the yield and anthocyanins accumulation of leafy vegetable. Additional key words: artificial lighting source, chlorophyll content, leaf color, photosynthetic rate, phytochemicals, plant factory *Corresponding author: yhkim@jbnu.ac.kr ※ Received 16 September 2013; Revised 9 December 2013; Accepted 5 February 2014. 본 연구는 농촌진흥청 공동연구사업(과제번호: PJ907043) 의 지원에 의해 이루어진 것임. C 2014 Korean Society for Horticultural Science 서 언 발광다이오드(light-emitting diodes, LED)는 소형으로서, 높은 신뢰성과 응답성을 지니고 있으며, 전력소모가 낮고, 수명이 길며, 광합성속도에 영향을 미치는 펄스 조사가 가 능한 점 등의 장점을 지니고 있다(Barta et al., 1992; Kim, 1999; Tennessen et al., 1995). 때문에 LED를 식물조직배양 (Eun et al., 2000), 과채류의 보광재배(An et al., 2011; Brown et al., 1995; Lee et al., 2012), 접목묘의 활착(Kim and Park, 2003), 식물공장 또는 폐쇄형 식물 생산시스템의 인공광원 (Johkan et al., 2010)으로 활용하기 위한 연구가 활발하게 이루어지고 있다.

The Operation of Two Decarboxylases, Transamination, and Partitioning of C4 Metabolic Processes between Mesophyll and Bundle Sheath Cells Allows Light Capture To Be Balanced for the Maize C4 Pathway

The C4 photosynthesis carbon-concentrating mechanism in maize (Zea mays) has two CO2 delivery pathways to the bundle sheath (BS; via malate or aspartate), and rates of phosphoglyceric acid reduction, starch synthesis, and phosphoenolpyruvate regeneration also vary between BS and mesophyll (M) cells. The theoretical partitioning of ATP supply between M and BS cells was derived for these metabolic activities from simulated profiles of light penetration across a leaf, with a potential 3-fold difference in the fraction of ATP produced in the BS relative to M (from 0.29 to 0.96). A steady-state metabolic model was tested using varying light quality to differentially stimulate M or BS photosystems. CO2 uptake, ATP production rate (JATP; derived with a low oxygen/chlorophyll fluorescence method), and carbon isotope discrimination were measured on plants under a low light intensity, which is considered to affect C4 operating efficiency. The light quality treatments did not change the empirical ATP cost of gross CO2 assimilation (JATP/GA). Using the metabolic model, measured JATP/GA was compared with the predicted ATP demand as metabolic functions were varied between M and BS. Transamination and the two decarboxylase systems (NADP-malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) were critical for matching ATP and reduced NADP demand in BS and M when light capture was varied under contrasting light qualities.

LEDを用いた赤色光と青色光照射下で栽培されたニチニチソウの成長とアルカロイド収量

The aim of this study was to clarify optimal light quality conditions for maximizing the production of vindoline (VDL) and catharanthine (CAT) by Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. in an enclosed artificial lighting plant factory. Both VDL and CAT are biosynthetic precursors of vinblastine (VBL), an anti-neoplastic agent. Since VDL and CAT occur at very low concentrations in C. roseus, the potential for increasing their production by manipulating lighting conditions is considered very important. In the first part of the experiment, we sought to identify which of the three horticultural cultivars tested (i.e. Kermesia, Dealbata and Titan) contained the highest concentrations of VDL and CAT. The Titan cultivar contained the highest CAT concentrations and had the highest seed germination rate. In the second part of the experiment, Titan was cultured hydroponically in an environmental room under a 16L/8D photoperiod and a total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 150 μmol m s using four different lighting treatments; red light alone (R), blue light alone (B), a mixture of red and blue light (RB, R/B light PPFD ratio was 2:1), and white light from a fluorescent lamp (FL, control). A marked increase in plant growth parameters was observed in the R treatment, but no significant changes were observed in the VDL and CAT concentrations of whole leaves among the other light quality treatments. Although there were no significant differences in VDL and CAT yields, plants in the R treatment showed the highest mean concentrations of VDL and CAT among all treatments. In conclusion, irradiation with red light alone could be used to improve biomass production and yields of VDL and CAT in C. roseus, increasing the potential application of this plant species to the production of anti-cancer agents.

Light Quality and the Critical Period for Weed Control in Soybean

The critical period for weed control (CPWC) is an integral component of integrated weed management strategies. Several studies have defined the CPWC in soybean under varying agronomic conditions, yet none have described the mechanisms involved in crop yield losses caused by weed competition. We hypothesized that under nonresource-limiting conditions, morphological changes resulting from the expression of shade avoidance could be used to define a period of developmental sensitivity to low red-to-far-red ratio (R : FR) that would overlap with the defined CPWC in soybean. Two experiments (a sequential harvest and a weed addition/removal series) were conducted in 2008 and 2009 under controlled environmental conditions to address this hypothesis. Two light-quality treatments were used: (1) high R : FR ratio (i.e., weed-free), and (2) low R : FR ratio (i.e., weedy). The low R : FR ratio treatment induced shade avoidance responses in soybean, which included increases in height, internode length, and the shoot : root ratio, as well as a reduction in biomass accumulation and leaf number. Using the morphological changes in biomass and leaf number observed in the weed addition/removal series, a period of developmental sensitivity to low R : FR was defined between the first trifoliate (V1) and third trifoliate (V3) stages of soybean development. This period was found to be very similar to the CPWC previously defined by field studies of soybean–weed competition.

Effect of end-of-day far-red light from a movable LED fixture on squash rootstock hypocotyl elongation

Effects of end-of-day far-red (EOD-FR) light on hypocotyl elongation of a commercial cucurbit rootstock were investigated using movable and stationary light fixtures, since adequate hypocotyl length is required in vegetable grafting. Seedlings of an interspecific squash ‘Tetsukabuto’ (Cucurbita maxima x Cucurbita moschata) were grown in greenhouse and subject to daily EOD-FR light treatments with various application methods. The response of seedling hypocotyl length was well described using a Michaelis–Menten-type saturation curve over the range of 0–8.8mmolm−2d−1 FR light doses, as we previously reported for tomato rootstocks. Using a near saturating dose of 4.0mmolm−2d−1 FR light, efficacy of a movable FR light fixture for EOD-FR light treatment was compared with that of a stationary FR light fixture. The movable light fixture was a 120-cm metal bar equipped with FR light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the application was tested at two different traveling speeds (0.78 and 3.13mms−1) with one and four repeated applications per day, respectively, to reach the same target FR light dose (4.0mmolm−2d−1). Regardless of traveling speed, the extent of hypocotyl elongation under the moving FR LED fixture was statistically the same as that under stationary LED fixture and was 55–69% greater than non-treated control, suggesting that EOD-FR light applications can be designed flexibly. As far as we are aware, this is the first paper demonstrating the effect of EOD light quality treatment using moving light fixtures.

Shade Avoidance in Soybean Reduces Branching and Increases Plant-to-Plant Variability in Biomass and Yield Per Plant

Recent studies have suggested that soybeans express shade avoidance in response to low red : far-red (R : FR) light reflected from neighboring plants and that this response may determine the onset and outcome of crop–weed competition. We tested the hypothesis that the low R : FR ratio would trigger characteristic shade avoidance responses in soybean and that the subsequent phenotype would experience reproductive costs under non–resource-limiting conditions. Soybeans were grown in a fertigation system in field trials conducted in 2007 and 2008 under two light quality treatments: (1) high R : FR ratio (i.e., weed-free) i.e., upward reflected light from a baked clay medium (Turface MVP®), or (2) low R : FR ratio (i.e., weedy) of upward reflected light, from commercial turfgrass. Results of this study indicated that a reduction in the R : FR ratio of light reflected from the surface of turfgrass increased soybean internode elongation, reduced branching, and decreased yield per plant. Shade avoidance also increased the plant-to-plant variability in biomass and yield per plant. Per plant yield losses were, however, more closely associated with reductions in biomass accumulation than population variability as the expression of a shade avoidance response did not influence harvest index. While these results suggest that weed induced shade avoidance decreases soybean per plant yield by reducing branching, it is possible the productivity of a soybean stand as a whole may be buffered against these reduction by a similar, but opposite, expression of plasticity in branching.

Effects of supplemental light quality on growth and phytochemicals of baby leaf lettuce

Using UV-A, blue (B), green (G), red (R), and far-red (FR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), we investigated the effects of different supplemental light qualities on phytochemicals and growth of ‘Red Cross’ baby leaf lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) grown at a high planting density under white fluorescent lamps as the main light source inside a growth chamber. Photon flux added by supplemental LEDs for UV-A, B, G, R and FR were 18, 130, 130, 130 and 160 μmol m −2 s −1, respectively. Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF, 400–700 nm), photoperiod, and air temperature (day/night) was 300 μmol m −2 s −1, 16 h, and 25 °C/20 °C in all treatments including white light control. After 12 days of light quality treatment (22 days after germination), phytochemical concentration and growth of lettuce plants were significant affected by light treatments. Anthocyanins concentration increased by 11% and 31% with supplemental UV-A and B, respectively, carotenoids concentration increased by 12% with supplemental B, phenolics concentration increased by 6% with supplemental R while supplemental FR decreased anthocyanins, carotenoids and chlorophyll concentration by 40%, 11% and 14%, respectively, compared to those in the white light control. The fresh weight, dry weight, stem length, leaf length and leaf width significantly increased by 28%, 15%, 14%, 44% and 15%, respectively, with supplemental FR light compare to white light, presumably due to enhanced light interception by enlarged leaf area under supplemental FR light. Although the mechanisms of changes in phytochemicals under different supplemental light quality are not well known, the results demonstrated that supplemental light quality could be strategically used to enhance nutritional value and growth of baby leaf lettuce grown under white light.

DNase and RNase Responses of Petunia × hybrida During Transition to Flowering as Affected by Light Treatments

The responses of DNase and RNase isoforms and their specific activities following transition to flowering (1 to 6 weeks) were examined in Petunia × hybrida under different light conditions. Petunia × hybrida plants formed flower buds at the 4th week in the case of high light and at the 6th week in the far-red light treatment, while no flower bud formation was observed upon red light and control light treatments. The DNase and RNase activities decreased from the 1st to the 6th week during transition to flowering. Native-PAGE analysis revealed the appearance of one DNase (D1) and seven RNase (R1 - R7) isoforms in all light treatments. It is assumed that the progress of the flowering could be related to the disappearance or reduction of D1 DNase band intensity and disappearance of R1, R2 and R7 RNase isoforms. Consequently, these isoforms could be used as potent biochemical markers of flower bud formation under light intensity as well as light quality treatments.

Petunia × hybrida during transition to flowering as affected by light intensity and quality treatments

Petunia × hybrida was grown under high (H), medium (M) and low (L) light intensity [photoperiod; 16 h d−1, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD); 360, 120 and 40 μmol m−2 s−1, respectively] as well as under end-of-day (EOD) red (R) and far-red (FR) light quality treatments [photoperiod; 14.5 h d−1, PPFD; 30 μmol m−2 s−1 EOD; 15 min, Control (C) light; without EOD light treatment]. Shoot growth, leaf anatomical and photosynthetic responses as well as the responses of peroxidase (POD) isoforms and their specific activities following transition to flowering (1–6 weeks) were evaluated. Flower bud formation of Petunia × hybrida was achieved at the end of the 4th week for H light treatment and on the end of the 6th week for FR light treatment. No flower bud formation was noticed in the C and R light treatments. H and M light treatments induced lower chlorophyll (Chla, Chlb, Chla+b) concentrations in comparison to L light. On the other hand R and FR light chlorophyll content were similar to C light. Photosynthetic parameters [CO2 assimilation rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) values] were higher in the H light treated plants in comparison to M and L light treated plants. A, E and gs values of R and FR light were similar to C light plants. Leaf anatomy revealed that total leaf thickness, thickness of the contained tissues (epidermis, palisade and spongy parenchyma) and relative volume percentages of the leaf histological components were differently affected within the light intensity and the light quality treatments. POD specific activities increased from the 1st to the 6th week during transition to flowering. Native-PAGE analysis revealed the appearance of four anionic POD (A1–A4) isoforms in all light treatments. On the basis of the leaf anatomical, photosynthetic and plant morphological responses, the production of high quality Petunia × hybrida plants with optimal flowering times could be achieved through the control of both light intensity and light quality. The appearance of A1 and A2 anionic POD isoforms could be also used for successful scheduling under light treatments.

Growth and pigment composition in the red alga Halymenia floresii cultured under different light qualities

Halymenia floresii is an edible species consumed in some Asian markets. In the Yucatan peninsula coast of Mexico, H. floresii dominates rocky substrata between 3 and 40 m where it grows up to 50 cm high. After analyzing the seasonal pattern of pigment content on H. floresii, we evaluate if and how the spectral composition of light affects growth and pigment dynamics under laboratory cultivation. Unialgal cultures were exposed to white, blue, red and green light in a 3-week experiment. Green light resulted in the highest algal growth rates. Synthesis of chlorophyll a, α-carotene and lutein, but not of β-carotene, was induced by white or green light. Phycocyanin synthesis was stimulated by blue light and phycoerythrin synthesis by blue or red light. Light quality treatments may be used to manipulate pigment composition in Halymenia floresii cultures.

Uncoupling light quality from light irradiance effects in Helianthus annuus shoots: putative roles for plant hormones in leaf and internode growth

An attempt has been made to uncouple the effects of the two primary components of shade light, a reduced red to far-red (R/FR) ratio and low photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), on the elongation of the youngest internode of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seedlings. Maximal internode growth (length and biomass) was induced by a shade light having a reduced R/FR ratio (0.85) under the low PAR of 157 micromol m(-2) s(-1). Reducing the R/FR ratio under normal PAR (421 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) gave similar growth trends, albeit with a reduced magnitude of the response. Leaf area growth showed a rather different pattern, with maximal growth occurring at the higher (normal) PAR of 421 micromol m(-2) s(-1)), but with variable effects being seen with changes in light quality. Reducing the R/FR ratio (by enrichment with FR) gave significant increases in gibberellin A(1) (GA(1)) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents in both internodes and leaves. By contrast, a lower PAR irradiance had no significant effect on GA(1) and IAA levels in internodes or leaves, but did increase the levels of other GAs, including two precursors of GA(1). Interestingly, both leaf and internode hormone content (GAs, IAA) are positively and significantly correlated with growth of the internode, as are leaf levels of abscisic acid (ABA). However, changes in these three hormones bear little relationship to leaf growth. By implication, then, the leaf may be the major source of GAs and IAA, at least, for the rapidly elongating internode. Several other hormones were also assessed in leaves for plants grown under varying R/FR ratios and PARs. Leaf ethylene production was not influenced by changes in R/FR ratio, but was significantly reduced under the normal (higher) PAR, the irradiance treatment which increased leaf growth. Levels of the growth-active free base and riboside cytokinins were significantly increased in leaves under a reduced R/FR ratio, but only at the higher (normal) PAR irradiance; other light quality treatments evoked no significant changes. Taken in toto, these results indicate that both components of shade light can influence the levels of a wide range of endogenous hormones in internodes and leaves while evoking increased internode elongation and biomass accumulation. However, it is light quality changes (FR enrichment) which are most closely tied to increased hormone content, and especially with increased GA and IAA levels. Finally, the increases seen in internode and leaf GA content with a reduced R/FR ratio are consistent with FR enrichment inducing an overall increase in sunflower seedling GA biosynthesis.