Control of Flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana by Light, Vernalisation and Gibberellins

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Bagnall

The late flowering mutants of the Landsberg erecta race of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. were responsive to both vernalisation treatment and the ratio of red: far-red light (660 : 730 nm) with regard to time to flower and the numbers of leaves formed prior to flowering. The most vernalisation-sensitive mutants, fca, fve, fy and fpa, were also the most sensitive with regard to changes in the red:far-red light ratio. These responsive mutants flowered up to 40% earlier under lighting that included a greater proportion of far-red (730 nm) light from incandescent lamps compared with plants under light at the same photon flux density (PFD) with a greater proportion of energy from fluorescent lamps. Conversely, the mutants that were only slightly responsive to vernalisation (co, gi and fe) were also least responsive to changes in red:far-red ratio. The correlation between responsiveness to vernalisation and responsiveness to changes in red: far-red for the 11 mutants and Landsberg was highly significant (r2 = 0.88). Time to flower and leaf number at flowering were also markedly affected by changes in PFD in the vernalisation-sensitive mutants. Halving the PFD approximately doubled time-to-flower and leaf number of fca, the most responsive of the late flowering mutants, whereas there were only slight changes in the flowering responses of the parent Landsberg. Thus, these single point late flowering mutants are responsive not only to vernalisation but also to changes in light quality and PFD. These responses imply that both daylength perception and photosynthesis have been affected by the mutations. Gibberellins (GAS) induced earlier flowering not only in the late flowering mutant fca, but also in Landsberg, when that race was grown in short days. Dosages of 5 μg plant-1 of GA3, GA5 and GA9 were equaIly effective in promoting flowering of 15-day-old fca plants with subsequent flowering 9-13 days earlier with 4-6 fewer leaves. Photoperiodic sensitivity to a single long day 15 days after sowing showed Landsberg flowering 6 days earlier and with 1.4 fewer leaves than plants continuously in short days.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Liu ◽  
Marc W. van Iersel

Red and blue light are traditionally believed to have a higher quantum yield of CO2 assimilation (QY, moles of CO2 assimilated per mole of photons) than green light, because green light is absorbed less efficiently. However, because of its lower absorptance, green light can penetrate deeper and excite chlorophyll deeper in leaves. We hypothesized that, at high photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), green light may achieve higher QY and net CO2 assimilation rate (An) than red or blue light, because of its more uniform absorption throughtout leaves. To test the interactive effects of PPFD and light spectrum on photosynthesis, we measured leaf An of “Green Tower” lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under red, blue, and green light, and combinations of those at PPFDs from 30 to 1,300 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. The electron transport rates (J) and the maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vc,max) at low (200 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1) and high PPFD (1,000 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1) were estimated from photosynthetic CO2 response curves. Both QYm,inc (maximum QY on incident PPFD basis) and J at low PPFD were higher under red light than under blue and green light. Factoring in light absorption, QYm,abs (the maximum QY on absorbed PPFD basis) under green and red light were both higher than under blue light, indicating that the low QYm,inc under green light was due to lower absorptance, while absorbed blue photons were used inherently least efficiently. At high PPFD, the QYinc [gross CO2 assimilation (Ag)/incident PPFD] and J under red and green light were similar, and higher than under blue light, confirming our hypothesis. Vc,max may not limit photosynthesis at a PPFD of 200 μmol m–2 s–1 and was largely unaffected by light spectrum at 1,000 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. Ag and J under different spectra were positively correlated, suggesting that the interactive effect between light spectrum and PPFD on photosynthesis was due to effects on J. No interaction between the three colors of light was detected. In summary, at low PPFD, green light had the lowest photosynthetic efficiency because of its low absorptance. Contrary, at high PPFD, QYinc under green light was among the highest, likely resulting from more uniform distribution of green light in leaves.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1996
Author(s):  
Yali Li ◽  
Jie Xiao ◽  
Jiangtao Hu ◽  
Byoung Ryong Jeong

The optimal photoperiod and light quality for runner induction in strawberries ‘Sulhyang’ and ‘Maehyang’ were investigated. Two experiments were carried out in a semi-closed walk-in growth chamber with 25/15 °C day/night temperatures and a light intensity of 250 μmol·m–2·s–1photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) provided from white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In the first experiment, plants were treated with a photoperiod of either 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22 h In the second experiment, a total of 4 h of night interruption (NI) light at an intensity of 70 μmol·m–2·s–1PPFD provided from either red, blue, green, white, or far-red LED in addition to 11 h short day (SD). The results showed that both ‘Sulhyang’ and ‘Maehyang’ produced runners when a photoperiod was longer than 16 h, and the number of runners induced positively correlated with the length of photoperiod. However, the plant growth, contents of chlorophyll, sugar and starch, and Fv/Fo decreased in a 22 h photoperiod. All qualities of the NI light, especially red light, significantly increased the number of runners and daughter plants induced per plant as compared with those in the SD treatment in both cultivars. In a conclusion, a photoperiod between 16 and 20 h and NI light, especially red NI light, can be used for quality runner induction in both ‘Sulhyang’ and ‘Maehyang’.


2018 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1321-1330
Author(s):  
Jaimin S. Patel ◽  
Leora Radetsky ◽  
Mark S. Rea

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is primarily used for culinary purposes, but it is also used in the fragrance and medicinal industries. In the last few years, global sweet basil production has been significantly impacted by downy mildew caused by Peronospora belbahrii Thines. Nighttime exposure to red light has been shown to inhibit sporulation of P. belbahrii. The objective of this study was to determine if nighttime exposure to red light from light-emitting diodes (λmax = 625 nm) could increase plant growth (plant height and leaf size) and yield (number and weight of leaves) in basil plants. In two sets of greenhouse experiments, red light was applied at a photosynthetic photon flux density of 60 μmol m−2 s−1 during the otherwise dark night for 10 h (from 2000 to 0600). The results demonstrate that exposure to red light at night can increase the number of basil leaves per plant, plant height, leaf size (length and width), and leaf fresh and dry weight compared with plants in darkness at night. The addition of incremental red light at night has the potential to be cost-effective for fresh organic basil production in controlled environments.


Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Hitz ◽  
Jens Hartung ◽  
Simone Graeff-Hönninger ◽  
Sebastian Munz

In soybean production, the shade avoidance response can affect yield negatively in both mono- and inter-cropping systems due to increased heterogeneity of the crop and lodging. This is mainly regulated by photoreceptors responding to the ratio between red and far-red light (R:FR) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). In this study, three soybean cultivars were grown under different R:FR and PPFD in a light emitting diode (LED) climate chamber to disentangle the effect of each on morphology and dry matter. Results showed that plant organs were influenced differently and indicated an interaction with the increase in assimilates at high PPFD. Internode elongation was mainly influenced by low PPFD with an additive effect from low R:FR, whereas petiole elongation responded strongly under low R:FR. Hence, petiole elongation can be seen as the main response to the threat of shade (high PPFD and low R:FR) and both petiole and internode elongation as a response to true shade (low PPFD and low R:FR). Interactions between cultivar and light treatment were found for internode length and diameter and leaf mass ratio, which may be unique properties for specific cropping systems.


2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grete Waaseth ◽  
Roar Moe ◽  
Royal D. Heins ◽  
Svein O. Grimstad

Varying photothermal ratios (PTR) were supplied to Salvia ×superba Stapf `Blaukönigin' during pre-inductive vegetative development with the exception of a short germination period under uniform conditions. In addition, both unvernalized plants and plants receiving a saturating vernalization treatment of 6 weeks at 5 °C were given two photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) levels (50 or 200 μmol·m-2·s-1) during subsequent inductive 16-hour long days. There were no effects of PTR treatments during vegetative development on subsequent flowering. However, the higher PPF level during inductive long days significantly accelerated floral evocation in unvernalized plants, lowering the leaf number at flowering. The effect was practically negligent after the vernalization requirement was saturated. In a second experiment, varying periods (4, 7, 10, and 14 days or until anthesis) at a PPF of 200 μmol·m-2·s-1 during 20-hour days were given at the beginning of a long-day treatment, either with or without preceding vernalization treatment. Flowering percentage increased considerably as the period at 200 μmol·m-2·s-1 was extended compared with plants grown at a lower PPF of 50 μmol·m-2·s-1. However, the leaf number on flowering plants was not affected, except in unvernalized plants receiving the highest PPF continuously until anthesis, where leaf number was reduced by almost 50%. We propose that the PPF-dependent flowering is facilitated either by the rate of ongoing assimilation or rapid mobilization of stored carbohydrates at the time of evocation. Abortion of floral primordia under the lower PPF (50 μmol·m-2·s-1) irrespective of vernalization treatment indicates that the assimilate requirement for flower bud development is independent of the mechanism for floral evocation.


Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Zheng ◽  
Peidian Gan ◽  
Fang Ji ◽  
Dongxian He ◽  
Po Yang

This study was conducted to compare the effects of broad spectrum during the whole seedling period and photon flux density (PFD) in the healing stage on the growth and energy use efficiency of grafted tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplants in a plant factory. Fluorescent lights, white LED lights, and white plus red LED lights were applied at the growth processes of grafted tomato transplants from germination of rootstock and scion to post-grafting. Three levels of PFD (50, 100, 150 μmol m−2 s−1) were set in the healing stage under each kind of light quality. The results indicated that the growth and quality of grafted tomato transplants under different broad spectrums were influenced by the ratio of red to blue light (R/B ratio) and the ratio of red to far-red light (R/FR ratio). A higher R/B ratio was beneficial to total dry matter accumulation, but excessive red light had a negative effect on the root to shoot ratio and the seedling quality index. The higher blue light and R/FR ratio suppressed stem extension synergistically. The LED lights had good abilities to promote plant compactness and leaf thickness in comparison with fluorescent lights. The plant compactness and leaf thickness increased with the increase in daily light integral in the healing stage within a range from 2.5 to 7.5 mol m−2 d−1 (PFD, 50 to 150 μmol m−2 s−1). Compared to fluorescent lights, the LED lights showed more than 110% electrical energy saving for lighting during the whole seedling period. Higher PFD in the healing stage did not significantly increase the consumption of electric power for lighting. White plus red LED lights with an R/B ratio of 1.2 and R/FR ratio of 16 were suggested to replace fluorescent lights for grafted tomato transplants production considering the high quality of transplants and electrical energy saving, and PFD in the healing stage was recommended to be set to 150 μmol m−2 s−1.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2483
Author(s):  
Alain Fortineau ◽  
Didier Combes ◽  
Céline Richard-Molard ◽  
Ela Frak ◽  
Alexandra Jullien

Plasticity of plant architecture is a promising lever to increase crop resilience to biotic and abiotic damage. Among the main drivers of its regulation are the spectral signals which occur via photomorphogenesis processes. In particular, branching, one of the yield components, is responsive to photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and to red to far-red ratio (R:FR), both signals whose effects are tricky to decorrelate in the field. Here, we developed a device consisting of far-red light emitting diode (LED) rings. It can reduce the R:FR ratio to 0.14 in the vicinity of an organ without changing the PPFD in outdoor high irradiance fluctuating conditions, which is a breakthrough as LEDs have been mostly used in non-fluctuant controlled conditions at low irradiance over short periods of time. Applied at the base of rapeseed stems during the whole bolting-reproductive phase, LightCue induced an expected significant inhibitory effect on two basal targeted axillary buds and a strong unexpected stimulatory effect on the overall plant aerial architecture. It increased shoot/root ratio while not modifying the carbon balance. LightCue therefore represents a promising device for progress in the understanding of light signal regulation in the field.


HortScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Jishi ◽  
Ryo Matsuda ◽  
Kazuhiro Fujiwara

Cos lettuce was grown under different spectral photon flux density distribution (SPFD) change patterns with blue- and/or red light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation with a 24-hour cycle. Twelve treatments were designed with a combination of four relative SPFD (RSPFD) change patterns and three photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) levels. The RSPFD change patterns were as follows: BR/BR, simultaneous blue- and red-light irradiation (BR) for 24 h; R/BR, red-light monochromatic irradiation (R) for 12 h followed by 12 hours of BR; B/BR, blue-light monochromatic irradiation (B) for 12 hours followed by 12 hours of BR; and B/R, 12 hours of B followed by 12 hours of R. Each RSPFD change pattern was conducted at three daily average photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDave) of 50, 100, and 200 µmol·m−2·s−1. The RSPFD change patterns that included B (B/BR and B/R) resulted in elongated leaves. A low ratio of active phytochrome to total phytochrome under B was considered the reason for leaf elongation. Shoot dry weight was significantly greater under the RSPFD change patterns that included B when the PPFDave was 200 µmol·m−2·s−1. The leaf elongation caused by B would have increased the amount of light received and thereby promoted growth. However, excessive leaf elongation caused the plants to fall, and growth was not promoted under the RSPFD change patterns that included B when the PPFDave was 50 µmol·m−2·s−1. Thus, 12-hour B promoted growth under conditions in which leaf elongation leads to increases in the amount of light received.


Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (21) ◽  
pp. 4763-4770 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.J. Soppe ◽  
L. Bentsink ◽  
M. Koornneef

The transition to flowering is a crucial moment in a plant's life cycle of which the mechanism has only been partly revealed. In a screen for early flowering, after mutagenesis of the late-flowering fwa mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, the early flowering in short days (efs) mutant was identified. Under long-day light conditions, the recessive monogenic efs mutant flowers at the same time as wild type but, under short-day conditions, the mutant flowers much earlier. In addition to its early-flowering phenotype, efs has several pleiotropic effects such as a reduction in plant size, fertility and apical dominance. Double mutant analysis with several late-flowering mutants from the autonomous promotion (fca and fve) and the photoperiod promotion (co, fwa and gi) pathways of flowering showed that efs reduces the flowering time of all these mutants. However, efs is completely epistatic to fca and fve but additive to co, fwa and gi, indicating that EFS is an inhibitor of flowering specifically involved in the autonomous promotion pathway. A vernalisation treatment does not further reduce the flowering time of the efs mutant, suggesting that vernalisation promotes flowering through EFS. By comparing the length of the juvenile and adult phases of vegetative growth for wild-type, efs and the double mutant plants, it is apparent that efs mainly reduces the length of the adult phase.


1986 ◽  
Vol 227 (1248) ◽  
pp. 381-393 ◽  

The influence of light quality on the growth and chlorophyll and phycobiliprotein composition of eight strains of planktonic blue-green algae has been investigated. Growth rate in chromatic (red, green, blue) light (12 μE m -2 s -1 ) (1 μE = 6 × 10 17 photons) is a general function of the light absorption capacity of the cell. In all strains examined growth rate is enhanced in red light, and in Oscillatoria redekei and Gloeotrichia echinulata CC1 it exceeds the maximum growth rate possible in white light of a higher photon flux density under otherwise similar experimental conditions. In green light the growth rate of six phycocyanin-rich strains is approximately 60–75% of that in white light (12 μE m -2 s -1 ), but growth rate is enhanced in O. agardhii 7821 and G. echinulata CC1, which synthesize the green-light-absorbing phycobiliprotein, phycoerythrin. With the exception of these two phycoerythrin-producing strains, incubation in blue light results in a pronounced reduction in growth rate, which in the majority of strains is associated with a specific decline in cell chlorophyll concentrations. In all strains cell chlorophyll and phycobiliprotein content is similar in both white and green light. Associated with the enhancement of growth rate in red light there is a general decline in cell pigment concentrations. An increase in the cell chlorophyll: phycobiliprotein ratio also occurs in a number of strains in red light. This qualitative variation in pigmentation occurs where growth rate is at or near its maximum rate and in Gloeotrichia echinulata CC1 is the result of a specific reduction in the rate of phycoerythrin synthesis. In contrast to other blue-green algae capable of chromatic adaptation, the modulation of phycoerythrin synthesis in this strain is influenced considerably by the photon flux density of red light.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document