scholarly journals Effect of Supplementary Lighting Duration on Growth and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Grafted Watermelon Seedlings

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Wei ◽  
Mengzhao Wang ◽  
Byoung Ryong Jeong

Insufficient exposure to light in the winter may result in a longer production periods and lower quality of seedlings in greenhouses for plug growers. Supplementary artificial lighting to plug seedlings may be one solution to this problem. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the duration of the supplementary light on the growth and development of two watermelon cultivars, ‘Speed’ and ‘Sambok Honey’ grafted onto ‘RS-Dongjanggun’ bottle gourd rootstocks (Lagenaria siceraria Stanld). Seedlings were grown for 10 days in a glasshouse with an average daily natural light intensity of 340 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and daily supplementary lighting of 8, 12 or 16 h from mixed LEDs (W1R2B1, chip ratio of white:red:blue = 1:2:1) at a light intensity of 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD, a group without supplementary light was set as the control (CK). The culture environment in a glasshouse had 25/15 °C day/night temperatures, an 85 ± 5% relative humidity, and a natural photoperiod of 8 h. The results showed that all the growth and development parameters of seedlings grown with supplementary light were significantly greater than those without supplementary light (CK). The 12 and 16 h supplementary light resulted in greater growth and development parameters than the 8 h supplementary light did. The same trend was also found with the indexes that reflect the quality of the seedlings, such as the dry weight ratio of the shoot and root, total biomass, dry weight to height ratio of scions, and specific leaf weight. The 12 h and 16 h light supplements resulted in greater Dickson’s quality indexes compared to the 8 h supplementary light, and the 12 h supplementary light showed the greatest use efficiency of the supplementary light. 16 h of daily supplementary light significantly increased the H2O2 content and the antioxidant enzyme activities in seedlings compared to the other treatments. This indicated that 16 h of supplementary light led to certain stresses in watermelon seedlings. In conclusion, considering the energy consumption, 12 h of supplementary light was the most efficient in improving the quality of the two cultivars of grafted watermelon plug seedlings.

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Wei ◽  
Jin Zhao ◽  
Jiangtao Hu ◽  
Byoung Ryong Jeong

Lower quality and longer production periods of grafted seedlings, especially grafted plug seedlings of fruit vegetables, may result from insufficient amounts of light, particularly in rainy seasons and winter. Supplemental artificial lighting may be a feasible solution to such problems. This study was conducted to evaluate light intensity’s influence on the quality of grafted tomato seedlings, ‘Super Sunload’ and ‘Super Dotaerang’ were grafted onto the ‘B-Blocking’ rootstock. To improve their quality, grafted seedlings were moved to a glasshouse and grown for 10 days. The glasshouse had a combination of natural lighting from the sun and supplemental lighting from LEDs (W1R2B2) for 16 h/day. Light intensity of natural lighting was 490 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and that of supplemental lighting was 50, 100, or 150 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD. The culture environment had 30/25 °C day/night temperatures, 70% ± 5% relative humidity (RH), and a natural photoperiod of 14 h as well. Compared with quality of seedlings in supplemental lighting of 50 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD, that of seedlings in supplement lighting of 100 or 150 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD improved significantly. With increasing light intensity, diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight, which were used to measure shoot growth, greatly improved. Leaf area, leaf thickness, and root biomass were also greater. However, for quality of seedlings, no significant differences were discovered between supplement lighting of 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD and supplement lighting of 150 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD. Expressions of PsaA and PsbA (two photosynthetic genes) as well as the corresponding proteins increased significantly in supplement lightning of 100 and 150 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD, especially in 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD. Overall, considering quality and expressions of two photosynthetic genes and proteins, supplemental light of 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD (W1R2B1) would be the best choice to cultivate grafted tomato seedlings.


Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Wei ◽  
Jiangtao Hu ◽  
Chen Liu ◽  
Mengzhao Wang ◽  
Jin Zhao ◽  
...  

Supplementary lighting is commonly used in high-quality seedling production. In this study, grafted tomato seedlings were grown for 10 days in a glasshouse with 16-h daily supplementary lighting at 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD (Photosynthetic photon flux density) from either high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), far-red (FR), white LEDs (Light emitting diodes) (W), or mixed LEDs (W1R2B1, where the subscript numbers indicate the ratio of the LED chips) to determine which light sources improve the seedling quality. The control seedlings did not receive any supplementary light. Physiological parameters and the expression of genes related to photosynthesis were analyzed. The results showed that root length, biomass, number of leaves, chlorophyll (SPAD), scion dry weight to height ratio (WHR), and specific leaf weight (SLW) were the greatest for grafted seedlings grown in W1R2B1. The level of root ball formation was the greatest for seedlings grown in W1R2B1, followed by those grown in W, HPS, and MH. Seedlings grown in FR did not fare well, as they were very thin and weak. Moreover, the expression of two photosynthetic genes (PsaA and PsbA) was significantly increased by W1R2B1 and W, which suggests that the plastid or nuclear genes might be regulated. The overall results suggest that W1R2B1 was the most suitable light source to enhance the quality of grafted tomato seedlings. The results of this study could be used as a reference for seedling production in glasshouses, and may provide new insights in the research on lights affecting the development of plants.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-34
Author(s):  
Frank P. Henning ◽  
Timothy J. Smalley ◽  
Orville M. Lindstrom ◽  
John M. Ruter

We investigated the influences of fall fertilization and light intensity on photosynthesis and freeze resistance of Rhododendron ×kurume ‘Pink Pearl’, an evergreen azalea cultivar, grown outdoors in containers under nursery conditions. The study included two main-plot fall fertilization treatments: 1) 0.5 liter solution containing 75 mg·liter−1 N applied for 60 days from August 1 through September 29 and 2) 0.5 liter solution containing 125 mg·liter−1 N applied for 120 days from August 1 through November 28, and four subplot light intensity treatments 1) 100% ambient photon flux density (PPFD) from May 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005, 2) shade fabric rated to reduce PPFD by 50% from May 1 through September 30, 2004, followed by 100% PPFD from October 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005, 3) 100% PPFD from May 1 through September 30, 2004, followed by 50% PPFD from October 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005, and 4) 50% PPFD from May 1, 2004, through May 1, 2005. Fertilizer application and shade treatments did not interact in their effects on stem freeze resistance or the timing of anthesis. The high rate of extended fertigation (125 mg·liter−1 N applied August 1 through September 28) reduced freeze resistance of azalea stems and advanced anthesis by 4.9 days compared to plants that received moderate fertigation (75 mg·liter−1 N from August 1 through September 29). The high rate of extended fall fertigation failed to increase leaf or stem dry weight compared to plants that received the moderate rate of fertigation. Plants grown in 50% PPFD from May 1 through September 30 produced 163% more above ground dry weight compared to plants grown in 100% light during the same time period. The addition or removal of shade cloth beginning October 1 failed to enhance azalea stem freeze resistance compared to plants that were only exposed to 100 or 50% PPFD respectively. Shade treatments affected the chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (Fv · Fm−1) of leaves, but leaf fluorescence was unrelated to stem freeze resistance. Shade treatments affected azalea growth and photosynthetic stress, but shade neither interacted with fall fertilization to increase stem freeze resistance, nor had a biologically significant effect on stem freeze resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maral Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Sasan Aliniaeifard ◽  
Aida Shomali ◽  
Fardad Didaran

Abstract Biomass partitioning is one of the pivotal determinants of crop growth management, which is influenced by environmental cues. Light and CO2 are the main drivers of photosynthesis and biomass production in plants. In this study, the effects of CO2 levels: ambient 400 ppm (a[CO2]) and elevated to 1,000 ppm (e[CO2]) and different light intensities (75, 150, 300, 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density – PPFD) were studied on the growth, yield, and biomass partitioning in chrysanthemum plants. The plants grown at higher light intensity had a higher dry weight (DW) of both the vegetative and floral organs. e[CO2] diminished the stimulating effect of more intensive light on the DW of vegetative organs, although it positively influenced inflorescence DW. The flowering time in plants grown at e[CO2] and light intensity of 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 occurred earlier than that of plants grown at a[CO2]. An increase in light intensity induced the allocation of biomass to inflorescence and e[CO2] enhanced the increasing effect of light on the partitioning of biomass toward the inflorescence. In both CO2 concentrations, the highest specific leaf area (SLA) was detected under the lowest light intensity, especially in plants grown at e[CO2]. In conclusion, elevated light intensity and CO2 direct the biomass toward inflorescence in chrysanthemum plants.


HortScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Xiaonan Shi ◽  
Ricardo Hernández ◽  
Mark Hoffmann

Commercial strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) plants propagate through the development of stolons (runners) with attached daughter plants. While it is known that temperature and photoperiod affect strawberry propagation, little knowledge exists on whether cultural methods may influence stolon and daughter plant development. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of three stolon removal treatments on the development of daughter plants in the ever-bearing strawberry ‘Albion’. Treatments included 1) stolon removal every 7 days, nine times total; 2) stolon removal every 21 days, three times total; and 3) one-time stolon removal after 63 days. Strawberry plants were grown in a controlled environment (26 °C, 507 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1 photosynthetic photon flux density, 14-hour photoperiod) in soilless media and fertilized with a customized nutrient solution. Mother plants in the 63-day treatment produced more daughter plants (102 per plant), than in the 21-day treatment (33 per plant) and the 7-day treatment (16 per plant). In the 63-day treatment, daughter plants and stolons accumulated to 86.6% of the total biomass, to 42.9% in the 7-day treatment and to 60.6% of total biomass in the 21-day treatment. Mother plant organs (including roots, crown, and leaves) had less dry weight in the 63-day treatment compared with the 7-day treatment and 21-day treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the daughter plants produced at the 63-day treatment had smaller crown diameters (0.65 cm) and less dry weight (0.51 g) and a higher number of fully expanded leaves (2.9) and visible roots (13.4) compared with the 21-day treatment and the 7-day treatment. The results of this study show daughter plant production of strawberry plants declines significantly with shorter stolon removal intervals, indicating the need to adjust stolon removal in strawberry nurseries for optimal daughter plant production.


1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 773-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. ANN CLARK ◽  
M. D. DEVINE

The growth and development of six plant species were measured under a standardized photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) supplied by fluorescent, metal halide, or high-pressure sodium lamps. Overall, plant growth and seed yield were in the order of high-pressure sodium > metal halide > fluorescent. Although the units tested were unable to supply a uniform, high flux density, acceptable plant growth was achieved under the compromise arrangements used.Key words: Fluorescent, metal halide, high pressure sodium, supplementary lighting


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 537
Author(s):  
Meifang Gao ◽  
Rui He ◽  
Rui Shi ◽  
Yiting Zhang ◽  
Shiwei Song ◽  
...  

To produce high-quality broccoli microgreens, suitable light intensity for growth and phytochemical contents of broccoli microgreens in an artificial light plant factory were studied. Broccoli microgreens were irradiated under different photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD): 30, 50, 70 and 90 μmol·m−2·s−1 with red: green: blue = 1:1:1 light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The broccoli microgreens grown under 50 μmol·m−2·s−1 had the highest fresh weight, dry weight, and moisture content, while the phytochemical contents were the lowest. With increasing light intensity, the chlorophyll content increased, whereas the carotenoid content decreased. The contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, free amino acid, flavonoid, vitamin C, and glucosinolates except for progoitrin in broccoli microgreens were higher under 70 μmol·m−2·s−1. Overall, 50 μmol·m−2·s−1 was the optimal light intensity for enhancement of growth of broccoli microgreens, while 70 μmol·m−2·s−1 was more feasible for improving the phytochemicals of broccoli microgreens in an artificial light plant factory.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuxia Ren ◽  
Ya Liu ◽  
Hai Jeong ◽  
Byoung Jeong

Codonopsis lanceolata is widely used in traditional medicine and diets. However, there is no optimal protocol for the commercial production of C. lanceolata seedlings. This study was carried out to find the optimum supplementary light source for the production of C. lanceolata seedlings. Seedlings were grown for four weeks in a glasshouse with an average daily light intensity of 490 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) coming from the sun and a 16-h daily supplementary lighting at 120 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD from either high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), far-red (FR), white LED (LED-w), or mixed (white: red: blue = 1:2:1) LEDs (LED-mix). The results showed that the greatest total biomass, stem diameter, ratio of shoot weight to shoot length, root biomass, and ratio of root weight to shoot weight were found in seedlings grown under supplementary LED-mix. Meanwhile, the stomatal properties and soluble sugar contents were improved for seedlings in LED-mix. The contents of starch, total phenols, and flavonoids were the greatest for seedlings in LED-w and LED-mix. The expression of photosynthetic proteins and genes in seedlings was also enhanced by LED-mix. Overall, these results suggest that LED-mix is advantageous to the photosynthetic potential and the accumulation of biomass, carbohydrates and secondary metabolites in C. lanceolata.


Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 490
Author(s):  
Tengyue Zou ◽  
Chuanhui Huang ◽  
Pengfei Wu ◽  
Long Ge ◽  
Yong Xu

Artificial LED source provides the possibility to regulate the lighting environment in plant factorys that use limited space to plant, aiming at high throughput and good quality. However, different parameters of light intensity, quality, and photoperiod will influence the growth and accumulation of bio-compounds in plants. In order to find the optimal setting of LED light for spinach planting, four group experiments were designed using the orthogonal testing method. According to the experimental results, for growth indexes including fresh weight, dry weight, root length and so on, photoperiod is the most influential factor, light intensity is the second, and light quality is the least. The best light mode (R:B = 4:1, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) = 100 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 and 13/11 h) among all eight possible combinations in the range was also determined. Furthermore, for quality indexes, including the soluble sugar content, protein content and so on, a new scoring method was introduced to make a comprehensive score for evaluating. Then, the light combination (R:B = 4:1, PPFD = 150 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 and 9/15 h) in the range was found as the optimal scheme for spinach quality under those parameters. As there is trade-off between the optimal light parameters for growth and quality, it is necessary to achieve a balance between yield and quality of the plant during production. If farmers want to harvest spinach with larger leaf area and higher yield, they need to pay attention to the adjustment of the photoperiod and use a lower light intensity and a longer lighting time. If they do not mind the yield of the vegetable but want to improve the taste and nutrition of spinach products, they should pay more attention to the light intensity and use a higher light intensity and a shorter lighting time.


HortScience ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Kubatsch ◽  
Heiner Grüneberg ◽  
Christian Ulrichs

Schefflera arboricola was held in light- and temperature-controlled chambers for 6 months under three light intensities of 10 μmol·m–2·s–1, 20 μmol·m–2·s–1, and 80 μmol·m–2·s–1 measured as photon flux density (PFD). Plants also received three temperature regimes: 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C. Reduced light intensity significantly decreased fresh and dry weight and increased chlorophyll content, but did not affect leaf thickness and palisade and spongy mesophyll parenchyma. High temperatures reduced fresh weight and significantly increased chlorophyll content and leaf thickness. The authors conclude that reduced photosynthetic energy flow at low light intensities (10 μmol·m–2·s–1, 20 μmol·m–2·s–1) could not be buffered by a downregulation of energy-consuming processes. Therefore the life span and quality of S. arboricola is reduced at such PFD values, especially at higher temperatures. Plants lose their marketability within 6 months.


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