Chromatic Crescendo: Night light colours boost Chrysanthemum growth and bloom
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jefa.2024.20.1.18Keywords:
Light spectra, LED, plant architecture, flowering, pigmentation, stomatal densityAbstract
This innovative study, conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, from 2018 to 2019, investigated the effects of coloured LED night breaks on Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. growth and flowering. Ten diverse cultivars were subjected to red, green, and blue light treatments from mid-August to late October, followed by natural day length exposure. Our findings reveal a nuanced interplay between light colour and genotype, significantly influencing plant architecture, flowering dynamics, and pigment production. Red light emerged as a maestro of stem elongation, producing the tallest plants (mean height 100.97 cm), while blue light conducted a powerful performance in stem thickening (mean diameter 7.81 mm) and stomatal development (up to 54.66 stomata per mm²). Green light accelerated flowering, with bud appearance as early as 55.79 days in ‘Thai Chin Queen’. Vase life peaked at 17.57 days under red light for ‘Snow Ball’, while flower size reached 19.24 cm in ‘Snow Ball’ under blue light. Anthocyanin content was highest (2.19 mg g-1) in ‘Thai Chin Queen’ under blue light, and carotenoids peaked (97.18 mg g-1) in ‘Pusa Centenary’ under blue light. This research unveils the potential for tailored light recipes in chrysanthemum cultivation, promising enhanced control over growth, flowering, and quality traits. Our results pave the way for innovative, sustainable practices in ornamental horticulture, offering a spectrum of possibilities for precision floriculture.
Downloads
References
Chen, X., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Zhao, W., Liu, C. and Zhang, Y. 2022. Influence of spectral composition on chrysanthemum physiology. Journal of Horticultural Science, 39: 123-135.
Fukui, H., Machin, J. and Scopes, N. 2011. Floral bud differentiation in ‘Iwa no Hakusen’ under LED illumination. Plant Physiology, 25: 567-578.
Gortzing, E. and Gillow, P. 1964. Historical and aesthetic value of chrysanthemums. Floral Review, 12: 45-57.
Kim, S., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Zhao, W., Liu, C. and Zhang, Y. 2023. Blue-spectrum light and floral induction in Petunia. Journal of Plant Biology, 42: 89-97.
2016. Carotenoid accumulation in Tagetes tenuifolia under LED illumination. Journal of Agricultural Science, 55: 234- 245.
Li, Q., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Zhao, W., Liu, C. and Zhang, Y. 2022. Interactions between red and far-red light ratios in chrysanthemum architecture. Photosynthesis Research, 30: 210-222.
Liu, C., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Zhao, W. and Zhang, Y. 2023. Impact of specific light spectra on anthocyanin production in chrysanthemums. Journal of Botany, 18: 76-84.
Machin, J. and Scopes, N. 1978. Role of red and far-red light in chrysanthemum phenology. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 8: 345-357.
Wang, L., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Zhao, W. and Liu, C. 2021. Applications of Chrysanthemum morifolium in horticulture and commercial industries. International Journal of Floral Research, 5: 98-107.
Wang, Y., Chen, X., Li, Q., Zhao, W., Liu, C. and Zhang, Y. 2024. LED light spectra and their effects on chrysanthemum growth. Journal of Applied Horticulture, 32: 45-53.
Zhang, Y., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Zhao, W. and Liu, C. 2023. Phytochrome-mediated responses to red light in ornamental species. Plant Cell Reports, 40: 176-188.
Zhao, W., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Liu, C. and Zhang, Y. 2024. Red to blue light ratio in ornamental species growth. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 45: 278-289.
