Articles
Survival rate and quality characteristics of grafted cucumber seedlings as influenced by lighting environment
Article number
1391_72
Pages
519 – 526
Language
English
Abstract
Lighting environment during the healing and acclimatization period is crucial for producing high-quality seedlings.
The study investigated the impact of different light intensities and qualities on grafted cucumber seedlings survival rate and qualitative characteristics.
Various light spectra, including green (G), white (W), red (R), blue (B), combinations of red and blue with ratios of 50:50 (RB 50:50) and 70:30 (RB 70:30), and a combination of red and far red with a ratio of 70:30 (RFR), were tested at intensities of 25, 50, 100, and 200 μmol m‑2 s‑1 over a 14-day period.
The maximum survival ratio was observed in seedlings under low light intensities (25 and 50 μmol m‑2 s‑1) except for W and B lights.
However, 200 μmol m‑2 s‑1 light intensity drastically reduced graft taking.
Light spectra with a high percentage of R light improved the survival rate, and increasing the light intensity in R-rich recipes enhanced the Dixon quality index of the grafted seedlings.
In contrast, 50 and 100 μmol m‑2 s‑1 of RB (50:50) and W light resulted in the highest seedling quality.
High light intensity (200 μmol m‑2 s‑1) reduced shoot length in grafted seedlings, and RFR caused a substantial increase in stem length compared to the other spectra.
B and RFR decreased root length, and RB (50:50) increased the root dry weight.
An increase in light intensity was associated with an increase in root dry weight.
Increasing the light intensity increased the shoots dry weight.
Stomatal opening increased by W and B lights under higher light intensities, while R light reduced the stomatal pore area.
The highest stomatal density was detected under 50 and 100 µmol m‑2 s‑1 of RB (50:50) light.
In conclusion, RB (50:50) lights with an intensity of 50 µmol m‑2 s‑1 were found to be the most suitable for promoting graft taking and ensuring high-quality of cucumber-grafted seedlings.
The study investigated the impact of different light intensities and qualities on grafted cucumber seedlings survival rate and qualitative characteristics.
Various light spectra, including green (G), white (W), red (R), blue (B), combinations of red and blue with ratios of 50:50 (RB 50:50) and 70:30 (RB 70:30), and a combination of red and far red with a ratio of 70:30 (RFR), were tested at intensities of 25, 50, 100, and 200 μmol m‑2 s‑1 over a 14-day period.
The maximum survival ratio was observed in seedlings under low light intensities (25 and 50 μmol m‑2 s‑1) except for W and B lights.
However, 200 μmol m‑2 s‑1 light intensity drastically reduced graft taking.
Light spectra with a high percentage of R light improved the survival rate, and increasing the light intensity in R-rich recipes enhanced the Dixon quality index of the grafted seedlings.
In contrast, 50 and 100 μmol m‑2 s‑1 of RB (50:50) and W light resulted in the highest seedling quality.
High light intensity (200 μmol m‑2 s‑1) reduced shoot length in grafted seedlings, and RFR caused a substantial increase in stem length compared to the other spectra.
B and RFR decreased root length, and RB (50:50) increased the root dry weight.
An increase in light intensity was associated with an increase in root dry weight.
Increasing the light intensity increased the shoots dry weight.
Stomatal opening increased by W and B lights under higher light intensities, while R light reduced the stomatal pore area.
The highest stomatal density was detected under 50 and 100 µmol m‑2 s‑1 of RB (50:50) light.
In conclusion, RB (50:50) lights with an intensity of 50 µmol m‑2 s‑1 were found to be the most suitable for promoting graft taking and ensuring high-quality of cucumber-grafted seedlings.
Authors
M. Mohammadian, F. Bekhradi, M. Lotfi, H. Rahafrouz, S. Esmaeili, S. Aliniaeifard
Keywords
seedling, controlled environment agriculture, healing, grafting, light intensity, light quality
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