Effects of continuous spectrum LEDs used in indoor cultivation of two coniferous species Pinus sylvestris L. and Abies borisii-regis Mattf |
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| Authors: | Sonia Smirnakou Theoharis Ouzounis |
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| Institution: | 1. Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DEMETER”, Thessaloniki, Greece;2. Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), Nea Orestiada, Greece;3. Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | The effects of four different continuous spectrum LED light qualities on the growth characteristics of Pinus sylvestris L. (PS) and Abies borisii-regis Mattf. (AB) seedlings were studied. The seedlings were exposed for 35 days inside growth chambers to G2 (high in red and far-red), AP67 (high in blue and far-red), AP67-ARCH (high in green), and NS2 (high in blue including a small percentage in the UV area) LEDs, as well as fluorescent light (FL) as Control. Each species showed a unique light-adapted response. G2 treatment stimulated needle formation of PS seedlings, while AB seedlings were unaffected. Hypocotyl elongation was promoted by FL; however, LEDs resulted in compact plants with greater root development, especially under the AP67-ARCH and AP67 spectra for PS and AB, respectively. In PS, AP67-ARCH and G2 significantly increased dry weight, while AB was affected significantly by AP67 and NS2. Furthermore, root growth potential of both species was better after LED pre-cultivation than the FL. Therefore, the use of continuous spectrum LEDs can enhance desirable quality characteristics of seedlings, which may be advantageous in large scale seedling production for reforestation. |
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| Keywords: | Controlled environment light-emitting diode light response plant morphology root growth potential |
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