Articles
UV SUPPLEMENTATION FOR GROWTH REGULATION AND DISEASE CONTROL
Article number
711_45
Pages
333 – 338
Language
English
Abstract
The benefits of supplementary ultraviolet radiation (UVB: 280-320nm) in protected lettuce were investigated in controlled environment studies.
Exposure to UV-B prior to inoculation with a conidial suspension of Bremia lactucae (lettuce downy mildew) led to significant reduction in the subsequent sporulation of the pathogen.
In addition to disease control, UV treatments increased leaf thickness, reduced leaf area and increased leaf pigmentation in a red-leaved cultivar.
Such changes in leaf area and thickness are important quality factors that would be expected to improve plant performance after transplantation into the field.
The aim of further studies will be to test such findings in a commercial glasshouse environment.
Exposure to UV-B prior to inoculation with a conidial suspension of Bremia lactucae (lettuce downy mildew) led to significant reduction in the subsequent sporulation of the pathogen.
In addition to disease control, UV treatments increased leaf thickness, reduced leaf area and increased leaf pigmentation in a red-leaved cultivar.
Such changes in leaf area and thickness are important quality factors that would be expected to improve plant performance after transplantation into the field.
The aim of further studies will be to test such findings in a commercial glasshouse environment.
Authors
J.J. Wargent, A. Taylor, N.D. Paul
Keywords
ultraviolet radiation, spectral modification, downy mildew, plant biomass, crop quality
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