Red Fluorescent Light Research Articles

Inducing antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in endophytic and endolichenic fungi by the use of light spectra treatments.

The influence of light exposure on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of nine fungal isolates [Pseudopestalotiopsis theae (EF13), Fusarium solani (EF5), Xylaria venustula (PH22), Fusarium proliferatum (CCH), Colletotrichum boninese (PL9), Colletotrichum boninese (PL1), Colletotrichum boninese (OL2), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (OL3) and Colletotrichum siamense (PL3)] were determined. The isolates were incubated in blue, red, green, yellow and white fluorescent light (12h photoperiod of alternating light/dark). It was observed that green light induced higher total phenolic content (TPC) (2.96 ± 0.16mg-30.71 ± 1.03mg GAE/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in most isolates (4.82 ± 0.04-53.55 ± 4.33mg GAE/g), whereas red light induced higher total flavonoid content (TFC) levels (1.14 ± 0.08-18.40 ± 1.12mg QE/g). The crude extracts from most fungal cultures exposed to green and red lights were also notably more potent against the tested pathogens, as larger zones of inhibition (ZOI) (9.00 ± 1.00-38.30 ± 2.90mm) and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.0196-1.25mg/mL) were achieved for antimicrobial effect. This study showed that light treatments are effective strategies in enhancing production of more potent antimicrobial compounds and valuable antioxidants from fungal isolates.

Reactive Oxygen Species Produced by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Cancer.

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and several anticancer therapies take advantage of the ability of reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells. Added to this is the ancient hypothesis that light alone can be used to kill cancer cells. 5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy (5-ALA-PDT) is a therapeutic option for a variety of cutaneous and internal malignancies. PDT uses a photosensitizer that, activated by light in the presence of molecule oxygen, forms ROS, which are responsible for the apoptotic activity of the malignant tissues. 5-ALA is usually used as an endogenous pro-photosensitizer because it is converted to Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which enters into the process of heme synthesis and contextually becomes a photosensitizer, radiating a red fluorescent light. In cancer cells, the lack of the ferrochelatase enzyme leads to an accumulation of PpIX and consequently to an increased production of ROS. PDT has the benefit of being administered before or after chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, without impairing the efficacy of these treatment techniques. Furthermore, sensitivity to PDT is unaffected by the negative effects of chemotherapy or radiation. This review focuses on the studies done so far on 5-ALA-PDT and its efficacy in the treatment of various cancer pathologies.

Influence of various types of light on growth and physicochemical composition of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) leaves

It is important to use light that has a positive effect on plants. For plant growers, achieving the lowest possible cost of shrub production is crucial. We investigated the influence of light (white and violet LEDs as well as fluorescent white and red light) on the rooting and growth of blueberry cuttings (V. corymbosum L.) 'Aurora' and 'Huron'. Blueberry cuttings (4 cm tall) were planted into boxes with peat, which were placed in a phytotron at 22 °C and illuminated for 16 hours a day. The plants died under the red fluorescent light source and, therefore, we discontinued its use. The other three light sources had a positive effect on plant growth and development. The light source had little effect on the content of macroelements in the leaves. Plants grown under white fluorescent and white LED light did not significantly differ in the height (22.0-25.8 cm), proline (4.67-7.23 μmol g-1), and polyphenol content (4987-5212 mg 100 g-1). In both cultivars, the violet LED light reduced plant growth and increased the content of polyphenols (6,448 mg 100 g-1) and proline (8.11-9.06 μmol g-1) in the leaves, which may indicate abiotic stress. 
 During the rooting of highbush blueberry cuttings, it is advisable to use white LED light. It has a positive economic impact on crop production due to low electricity consumption and it benefits the environment by eliminating mercury. The plant quality is similar to that of fluorescent white light.

Influence of Monochromatic Light Irradiation as Pre-rooting Treatment on Rooting of Cuttings in Spray-type Chrysanthemums

The influences of monochromatic light irradiation as pre-rooting treatment on the rooting of cuttings in spray-type chrysanthemum cultivars ‘Sei Prince’ and ‘Remidas’ examined using light-emitting diodes. The unrooted cuttings were irradiated with red (660 nm), green (520 nm), and blue (450 nm) light and fluorescent light at around 60 mmol m-2 s-1 of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for 24 h continuously at 20℃ for 7 days. In ‘Remidas,’ the rooting percentages of cuttings were high above 85% irrespective of light wavelength. In ‘Sei Prince,’ red light irradiation promoted the rooting of cuttings compared to the other light irradiation. When the cuttings were irradiated with red light at 59.4, 37.4, and 12.4 mmol m-2 s-1 of PPFD, a decrease in rooting percentage was not observed even at a low PPFD in ‘Remidas.’ On the other hand, in ‘Sei Prince,’ the rooting percentage of cuttings decreased at the lowest PPFD. Thus, it was shown that monochromatic light irradiation for 7 d before rooting could promote the rooting of spray-type chrysanthemum cuttings, however, not only light wavelength but also light intensity that could promote rooting differed between two cultivars.

Docetaxel chemotherapy response in PC3 prostate cancer mouse model detected by rotating frame relaxations and water diffusion.

MRI is a common method of prostate cancer diagnosis. Several MRI-derived markers, including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) based on diffusion-weighted imaging, have been shown to provide values for prostate cancer detection and characterization. The hypothesis of the study was that docetaxel chemotherapy response could be picked up earlier with rotating frame relaxation times TRAFF2 and TRAFF4 than with the continuous wave T1ρ , adiabatic T1ρ , adiabatic T2ρ , T1 , T2 or water ADC. Human PC3 prostate cancer cells expressing a red fluorescent protein were implanted in 21 male mice. Docetaxel chemotherapy was given once a week starting 1 week after cell implantation for 10 randomly selected mice, while the rest served as a control group (n = 11). The MRI consisted of relaxation along a fictitious field (RAFF) in the second (RAFF2) and fourth (RAFF4) rotating frames, T1 and T2 , continuous wave T1ρ , adiabatic T1ρ and adiabatic T2ρ relaxation time measurements and water ADC. MRI was conducted at 7 T, once a week up to 4 weeks from cell implantation. The tumor volume was monitored using T2 -weighted MRI and optical imaging. The histology was evaluated after the last imaging time point. Significantly reduced RAFFn, T1ρ, T2ρ and conventional relaxation times 4 weeks after tumor implantation were observed in the treated tumors compared with the controls. The clearest short- and long-term responses were obtained with T1 , while no clear improvement in response to treatment was detected with novel methods compared with conventional methods or with RAFFn compared with all others. The tumor volume decreased after a two-week time point for the treated group and increased significantly in the control group, which was supported by increasing red fluorescent light emission in the control tumors. Decreased relaxation times were associated with successful chemotherapy outcomes. The results indicate altered relaxation mechanisms compared with higher dose chemotherapies previously published.

MTORC1 activation contributes to autophagy inhibition via its recruitment to lysosomes and consequent lysosomal dysfunction in cadmium-exposed rat proximal tubular cells

Autophagy dysregulation is implicated in cadmium (Cd)-induced nephrotoxicity. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a negative regulator of autophagy, but its role in Cd-induced autophagy inhibition and possible regulatory mechanisms remains poorly understood. In the present study, Cd exposure activated mTORC1 in primary rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells, and two mTORC1 inhibitors (rapamycin and torin 1) were separately utilized to inhibit Cd-induced mTORC1 activation. Data showed that Cd-inhibited autophagic flux was markedly restored by two mTORC1 inhibitors, respectively, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis of autophagy marker proteins and tandem red fluorescent protein-green fluorescent protein-microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (RFP-GFP-LC3) fluorescence microscopy assay. Importantly, Cd exposure triggered the recruitment of mTORC1 onto lysosome membrane assessed by immunofluorescence co-localization analysis, which was obviously inhibited by rapamycin or torin 1. Moreover, Cd-induced lysosomal alkalization, suppressed vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) protein levels and impaired lysosomal degradation capacity were markedly reversed by rapamycin or torin 1. In summary, these findings demonstrate that Cd recruits mTORC1 to lysosome membrane to induce its activation, which results in lysosomal dysfunction and resultant autophagy inhibition in rPT cells.

Elevation of secondary metabolites production through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination in protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Dendrobium hybrid orchid rich in phytochemicals with therapeutic effects

Gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds with anticancer properties in protocorm-like-body (PLB) cultures of a Dendrobium hybrid orchid (Dendrobium Enopi x Dendrobium Pink Lady). Pre-illumination of red fluorescent light lessened the stimulating effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on secondary metabolites production among in vitro PLB cultures, possibly due to habituation. The highest flavonoid content of 16.79 μmol/ g of fresh weight (FW) was achieved under blue-red (1:1) LED for PLBs pre-treated with white LED for more than 3 subculture cycles. Phenolics content significantly reduced as PLBs pre-cultured under red fluorescent light for 2 subculture cycles were exposed to LED illuminations, where far red LED resulted in the lowest total phenolic content (18.85 μmol/ g FW). High intensity green LED (16.9 μmol/s) enhanced the accumulation of phenolics while amino acids such as L-leucine, glycine and proline exhibited no significant stimulating effect for secondary metabolites production.

Effect of thidiazuron and monochromatic light on shoot development in vitro culture of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb et Zucc

Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc, a medicinal plant, contains many phenolic compounds such as resveratrol. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, HIV, and neuron protective properties. In this study, stem segments having an auxiliary bud were cultured in vitro on MS medium supplemented with TDZ at 0.1 mg/L for obtaining the highest number of shoots (8–9 shoots/cluster after eight weeks). The bud shoots were originated from the differentiation in the periphery of the lateral meristem. After eight weeks, the shoots cultured under the monochromatic light showed that the plant height, fresh and dry weight was higher than those grown under the fluorescent light at the same intensity of 50 µmol photon/m2/sec. Blue LED reduced the number of shoots/cluster, and respiration intensity of the inoculum compared to the red LED or fluorescent light conditions. However, after eight weeks, the total sugar and phenolic content in leaves and stems, as well as the resveratrol content of shoots under blue light, were always higher than under red LED or fluorescent light. Moreover, when samples were exposed under the one-week blue light condition at a double intensity (100 µmol photon/m2/sec), the shoot clusters growing under blue LED also had a remarkably high total phenolic content and significantly high resveratrol levels compared to the two other treatments. The roles of endogenous growth regulators in shoot clusters under different lighting conditions were also analyzed and discussed.

Transient expression of a green fluorescent protein in tobacco and maize chloroplast

Abstract Background Maize is one of the most important crops worldwide and has been a target of nuclear-based transformation biotechnology to improve it and satisfy the food demand of the ever-growing global population. However, the maize plastid transformation has not been accomplished due to the recalcitrant condition of the crop. Results In this study, we constructed two different vectors with homologous recombination sequences from maize (Zea mays var. LPC13) and grass (Bouteloua gracilis var. ex Steud) (pZmcpGFP and pBgcpGFP, respectively). Both vectors were designed to integrate into rrn23S/rrn16S from an inverted repeat region in the chloroplast genome. Moreover, the vector had the mgfp5 gene driven by Prrn, a leader sequence of the atpB gene and a terminator sequence from the rbcL gene. Also, constructs have an hph gene as a selection marker gene driven by Prrn, a leader sequence from rbcL gene and a terminator sequence from the rbcL gene. Explants of maize, tobacco and Escherichia coli cells were transformed with both vectors to evaluate the transitory expression–an exhibition of green and red fluorescent light under epifluorescence microscopy. These results showed that both vectors were expressed; the reporter gene in all three organisms confirmed the capacity of the vectors to express genes in the cell compartments. Conclusions This paper is the first report of transient expression of GFP in maize embryos and offers new information for genetically improving recalcitrant crops; it also opens new possibilities for the improvement in maize chloroplast transformation with these vectors. How to cite: Arevalo-Gallegos S, Varela-Rodriguez H, Lugo-Aguilar H, et al. Transient expression of a green fluorescent protein in tobacco and maize chloroplast. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.01.008

Bulb organogenesis of Tulipa tarda in vitro cultures in relation to light environment

ABSTRACTHere organogenesis of tarda tulip (Tulipa tarda Stapf.) from callus explants is presented. The callus tissue was cultivated on MS media containing 3% or 6% sucrose and either no addition of BAP (6-benzyl-aminopurine) or supplemented with 0.5 μM BAP. The cultures were maintained under a 16 h photoperiod under white, red or blue fluorescent light, at 20 ± 2°C for 12 weeks. This study aimed to determine the most suitable light conditions and medium composition for seed-derived callus explants in order to obtain an efficient formation of adventitious bulbs. There were no differences between the spectra of light in differentiating adventitious bulbs. Explants cultured in darkness (control), on 0.5 µM BAP and 3% sucrose, formed the highest number of adventitious bulbs. The efficiency of adventitious organogenesis amounted to 36.6 bulbs per 1 g of callus tissue. The fresh weight of biomass, cultured in these conditions, increased within 12 weeks from 1 to 6.99 g. Supplementation with BAP of the medium containing 3% sucrose promoted the formation of bulbs, but in the case of the medium with 6% sucrose, BAP had an adverse influence under every type of light. The obtained results provide a useful protocol for the micropropagation of T. tarda, which can be used commercially for rapid and cost-effective production of the tulip.

Benzothiadiazole-based bolaamphiphiles: synthesis, self-assembly and white-light emissive properties

The first BTD-based D–A–D bolaamphiphiles featuring double walled square honeycomb LC phases, red fluorescent gels and white light emissive properties have been reported.

Virulence of Aerial Conidia of Beauveria bassiana Produced under LED Light to Ctenocephalides felis (Cat Flea).

Ctenocephalides felis is an ectoparasitic flea species commonly found on dogs and cats. The current study verified the in vitro virulence of conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana produced under different color LED light (red, blue, purple, green, yellow, and white) to adults of C. felis. The fungal isolates were cultivated on malt extract agar (MEA). Bioassay treatments used aerial conidia in test tubes. Adult fleas were obtained from a house cat in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. The experiments were composed of one control and eleven treatment groups. All of the treatments with B. bassiana conidia caused adult mortality after an exposure of 12 h. Among the conditions used in this study, B. bassiana cultured under red LED and fluorescent light were the most effective in causing mortality (100 %) in adult fleas after 36 h. The experimental results indicate that these aerial conidia of B. bassiana have promising potential for use in control of C. felis adult stages.

Blue Light Enhances Bacterial Clearance and Reduces Organ Injury During Sepsis.

The physiology of nearly all mammalian organisms are entrained by light and exhibit circadian rhythm. The data derived from animal studies show that light influences immunity, and these neurophysiologic pathways are maximally entrained by the blue spectrum. Here, we hypothesize that bright blue light reduces acute kidney injury by comparison with either bright red or standard, white fluorescent light in mice subjected to sepsis. To further translational relevance, we performed a pilot clinical trial of blue light therapy in human subjects with appendicitis. Laboratory animal research, pilot human feasibility trial. University basic science laboratory and tertiary care hospital. Male C57BL/6J mice, adult (> 17 yr) patients with acute appendicitis. Mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture and were randomly assigned to a 24-hour photoperiod of bright blue, bright red, or ambient white fluorescent light. Subjects with appendicitis were randomized to receive postoperatively standard care or standard care plus high-illuminance blue light. Exposure to bright blue light enhanced bacterial clearance from the peritoneum, reduced bacteremia and systemic inflammation, and attenuated the degree of acute kidney injury. The mechanism involved an elevation in cholinergic tone that augmented tissue expression of the nuclear orphan receptor REV-ERBα and occurred independent of alterations in melatonin or corticosterone concentrations. Clinically, exposure to blue light after appendectomy was feasible and reduced serum interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 concentrations. Modifying the spectrum of light may offer therapeutic utility in sepsis.

Luminosidade e imersão em água na aclimatização intermediária de Dendrobium phalaenopsis

RESUMO: Dendrobium phalaenopsis é uma orquídea ornamental que apresenta boa porcentagem de germinação e desenvolvimento em meio assimbiótico. Entretanto, a sua aclimatização ex vitro ainda requer estudos, pois, muitas vezes ocasiona a desidratação das plantas, prejudicando seu crescimento e desenvolvimento. Objetivou-se com este trabalho, estudar o efeito conjunto do período de imersão de plantas D. phalaenopsis em água destilada e de duas condições de luminosidade em sua aclimatização intermediária. Plantas foram dividas em conjuntos de 40, sendo submetidos à imersão em água por 0; 12; 24; 36; 48; 60; 72 ou 84 horas. Após cada período de imersão as plantas foram transplantadas para recipientes contendo o substrato de plantio e posteriormente alocadas em sala de crescimento para a aclimatização intermediária por 30 dias, sendo que, um conjunto de 20 plantas de cada período (incluindo o controle) permaneceu sob luz fluorescente branca (18,9 µmol/m2/s) e as outras 20 plantas, permaneceram sob luz fluorescente branca + luz fluorescente vermelha (14,85 µmol/m2/s). Na sequência, foram submetidas à aclimatização definitiva em viveiro telado (162,0 µmol/m2/s) por 10 meses. À medida que o tempo de imersão aumentou houve decréscimo nas relações de massa fresca e comprimento de pseudobulbos e no número de raízes das plantas cultivadas sob luz branca + luz vermelha, enquanto que as plantas cultivadas sob luz branca não apresentaram resposta diferenciada em relação ao tempo de imersão. A imersão em água destilada independentemente da condição de luminosidade não é recomendada para D. phalaenopsis.

Effect of Different Light Qualities on Growth, Pigment Content, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in the Red Alga Pyropia haitanensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta).

Spectral light changes evoke different morphogenetic and photosynthetic responses that can vary among different algae species. The aim of this study is to investigate the photosynthetic characteristics of the red macroalgae grown under different spectrum environments. In this study, Pyropia haitanensis were cultured under blue, red, and green LED and fluorescent tubes light. The growth rate, photopigment composition, chlorophyll fluorescence, and antioxidative enzymes activities in different light spectrums were investigated. The results revealed that growth rate was significantly higher in the thalli grown under blue, green, and fluorescent tubes light. Contents of Chl a and phycobiliprotein in red light were lower among all the growth conditions. Furthermore, a striking increase in SOD and CAT activity was observed in red light treatment along with the NPQ increase. The results revealed that the photosynthetic efficiency and increased growth rate of P. haitanensis benefitted from light spectrums such as blue, green, and fluorescent tubes light by pigment composition and photochemical efficiency manipulation, whereas red light has disadvantageous effects. Accordingly, the results for improving quality and the economic yield of algae species in some extent and the combination of different wavelengths could allow better economic resource exploitation.

LUMINOSITY AND WATER IMMERSION IN THE INTERMEDIATE ACCLIMATIZATION FOR Dendrobium phalaenopsis Deang Suree

Dendrobium phalaenopsis Deang Suree has good germination and development in asymbiotic culture medium, however his ex vitro adaptation still requires studies, because it causes dehydration of plants, delay their growth and development. The objective of this work was to study the combined effect of the immersion time in distilled water plant and two luminosity conditions in the treatment of intermediate acclimatization to D. phalaenopsis . Plants were divided into sets of 40, being subjected to immersion for 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 or 84 hours. After each immersion period the plants were transferred for containers containing the substrate planting and later allocated in growth room for intermediate acclimatization for 30 days. A set of 20 plants from each period of immersion and from the control remained under white fluorescent light (18.9 µmol m -2 s -1 ) and the other 20 plants remained under white fluorescent light + red fluorescent light (14.85 µmol m -2 s -1 ). After this period, the plants were subjected to acclimatization in greenhouse for 10 months. While immersion time increased the increments of fresh weight, pseudobulbs number and the roots number of plants grown under white light + red light decreased, while plants grown under white light did not show response with respect to immersion time. Absence of immersion in distilled water independently of luminosity condition is beneficial to plants of D. phalaenopsis Deang Suree.

Molecular mechanism of emodin on inhibiting autophagy induced by HBSS in renal tubular cells

To explore the regulative effects and possible mechanisms of emodin on autophagy induced by starvation in rat's renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E). Firstly, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) was used to induce starvation and the protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) I/II, an autophagic marker of mammalian congener, was detected by Western blot with or without the treatment of emodin. Secondly, the changes of red fluorescent protein-microtubule associated protein light chain3 (RFP-LC3) fluorescent particles, treated by HBSS (1 mL) and bafilomycin A1 (10 nmol x L(-1)) with or without emodin, were observed through fluorescence microscopy in NRK-52E cells transient transfected by RFP-LC3 plasmid. With the intervention of mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (100 nmol x L(-1)) , the effect of blocking mTOR signaling pathway on autophagic inhibition of emodin was observed. Finally, the effect of mTOR signaling pathway on autophagic inhibition of emodin was further evaluated through the over-expression of endogenous mTOR inhibitory protein DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein-(DEPTOR). HBSS hunger could induce high protein expression of LC3 II in NRK-52E cells, and the intervention of emodin could reverse the unregulated protein expression of LC3 II induced by HBSS. The number of RFP-LC3 fluorescent particles was increased after the co-treatment of HBSS and bafilomycin A1, and this increase was inhibited by emodin. After the co-treatment of rapamycin, emodin and HBSS, the LC3 II protein expression restored in NRK-52E cells, compared with the treatment of HBSS. Over-expression of DEPTOR could also block the inhibitive effect of emodin on LC3 II protein expression. Emodin could inhibit HBSS-induced LC3 II protein expression and the activation of autophagy in NRK-52E cells, and the effect of blocking autophagy may be mediated through mTOR signaling pathway.

Induction, Growth and Paclitaxel Content of Needle-and Petiole-Derived Calli in Himalayan Yew (Taxus Wallichiana Zucc.) Under Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract To achieve a better understanding of accumulation of paclitaxel and related taxanes in Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana Zucc.) callus mass, induction and growth of calli from needles and petioles under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and production of paclitaxel and baccatin were investigated. Calli were induced from needles and petioles on Gamborg's B5 medium supplemented with 1 mg·l-1 kinetin and 4 mg·l-1 2,4-D under different com-binations of blue and red LEDs. Calli were further cultured in that medium under the same lighting conditions. Callus induction from needles and petioles and growth was better under blue LEDs than under red LEDs and fluorescent light. The combinations of blue and red LEDs produced variable results. The paclitaxel content of these calli was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The paclitaxel content of calli derived from needles was 0.00628% and the 10-DAB (10-Deacetylbaccatin III) content was 0.00366%. The paclitaxel content of calli derived from petioles was 0.00412%, and no 10-DAB was detected.

Light in intermediate acclimatization of in vitro germinated seedlings of Dendrobium phalaenopsis Deang Suree

The success in micropropagation of Dendrobium phalaenopsis Deang Suree is high, but when transplanted into the greenhouse, their survival is minimal. To increase survival in production in the present study it was evaluated the effect of intermediate acclimatization for 30 days in a grow room utilizing the following luminosity conditions: 1- white fluorescent light (B) (18.9µmol m-2 s-1); 2- white fluorescent light + red fluorescent light (GRO-LUX(r)) (BV) (14.85µmol m-2 s-1); 3- red fluorescent light (GRO-LUX(r)) (V) (9.45µmol m-2 s-1) and the control plants were accommodated directly in a greenhouse (162.0µmol m-2 s-1). After this the leaves were characterized anatomically and the plants transferred to the control greenhouse. It was evaluated survival percentage and final number of roots, and calculated the relations between the final and initial values of fresh weight, number of leaves, length and diameter of the largest pseudo bulb, number of pseudo bulbs and longest root length. Only plants submitted to red light, were statistically better than the control in relation to the survival percentage and in relation to fresh weight, while the control showed a higher number of roots that plants acclimatized in this luminosity conditions. Intermediate acclimatization, using red light or red + white light, is recommended for D. phalaenopsis Deang Suree.

Increased mycelial biomass production by Lentinula edodes intermittently illuminated by green light emitting diodes.

Fungi possess a range of light receptors to regulate metabolism and differentiation. To study the effect of light on Lentinula edodes (the shiitake mushroom), mycelial cultures were exposed to blue, green, and red fluorescent lights and light-emitting diodes, as well as green laser light. Biomass production, morphology, and pigment production were evaluated. Exposure to green light at intervals of 1min/d at 0.4W/m(2) stimulated biomass production by 50-100%, depending on the light source. Light intensities in excess of 1.8W/m(2) or illumination longer than 30min/d did not affect biomass production. Carotenoid production and morphology remained unaltered during increased biomass production. These observations provide a cornerstone to the study of photoreception by this important fungus.