LED light supplementation in the cultivation of two petunia varieties: physiological and productive aspects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2025v46n6p1767Keywords:
Petunia × hybrida, Light, Pigments, Photosynthesis, Growth.Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental lighting (SL) on two varieties of Petunia × hybrida (Miliflora – FlashForward White and Pendula – Plush Red) grown under natural light conditions. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used with two blue (B) and red (R) light combinations 15%B + 85%R and 85%B + 15%R as well as white light (W), all at an approximate intensity of 25 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, with daily supplemental lighting following the natural photoperiod of the Pelotas-RS region, Brazil, from sowing to full flowering. Evaluations included photosynthetic pigment indices, gas exchange, and biometric analyses. The two blue and red light combinations did not result in significant differences in pigment indices or net photosynthetic rate compared to natural light. However, the 85%B + 15%R and 100%W treatments promoted greater stem dry weight in the White variety and higher flower and floral bud dry weight in the Red variety. Additionally, white light (100%W) increased the number of open flowers per plant in the White variety. Nevertheless, all three supplemental light treatments performed similarly to natural light in terms of total plant growth (shoot and root biomass).
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